If P is a prime number greater than 3, find the remainder when P^2 + 16 is divided by 12. Pick:
A) 5	B) 1	C) 0	D) 8	E) 7

Rationale: every prime number greater than 3 can be written 6 n + 1 or 6 n - 1 . if p = 6 n + 1 , then p ^ 2 + 16 = 36 n ^ 2 + 12 n + 1 + 16 = 36 n ^ 2 + 12 n + 12 + 5 if p = 6 n - 1 , then p ^ 2 + 16 = 36 n ^ 2 - 12 n + 1 + 16 = 36 n ^ 2 - 12 n + 12 + 5 when divided by 12 , it must leave a remainder of 5 . the answer is a .
Answer: A