(xⁿ - 1) will be divisibly by (x + 1) only when n is even.

(49¹⁵ - 1) = {(7²)¹⁵ - 1} = (7³⁰ - 1), which is divisible by (7 +1), i.e., 8.

Clearly, (2272 - 875) = 1397, is exactly divisible by N.

Now, 1397 = 11 x 127

The required 3-digit number is 127, the sum of whose digits is 10.

Prime numbers less than 50 are:
2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47

Their number is 15

987 = 3 x 7 x 47

So, the required number must be divisible by each one of 3, 7, 47

553681 (Sum of digits = 28, not divisible by 3)

555181 (Sum of digits = 25, not divisible by 3)

555681 is divisible by 3, 7, 47.

On dividing, we get

 75) 8485 (113
     75
     ---
      98
      75
      ----
       235
       225
       ---
        10
       ---
 
 Required number = (8485 - 10) // Because 10 < (75 - 10)
                 = 8475.