The sexagenary cycle combines 10 heavenly stems with 12 earthly branches. After how many years does a given pairing repeat?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. 60 years
- Step 1: The least common multiple of 10 and 12 is 60. Step 2. So the same stem and branch pair repeats after 60 years. Answer: 60 years. Why not the others: 22 is the sum, 120 is the product and 12 is only the branch cycle.
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