If \(x, n\), and \(y\)are all positive integers, is \(x^n\)

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by Jay@ManhattanReview » Fri Oct 04, 2019 9:57 pm
AAPL wrote:Manhattan Prep

If \(x, n\), and \(y\) are all positive integers, is \(x^n\) divisible by \(y\)?

1) \(x\) is divisible by \(y^n\).
2) \(x^y\) is divisible by \(y\).

OA A
Let's take each statement one by one.

1) \(x\) is divisible by \(y^n\).

Say x = p*y^n, where p = positive integer

Thus, x^n = (p*y^n)^n = [p^n]*[y^(n^2)]

We see that [p^n]*[y^(n^2)] is divisible by y. Sufficient.

2) \(x^y\) is divisible by \(y\).

Say x^y = p*y where p = positive integer

Thus, x = [p^1/y]*[y^1/y]

Thus, x^n = [p^1/y]^n*[y^1/y]^n = [p^n/y]*[y^n/y]

[p^n/y]*[y^n/y] is divisible by y if n is a factor of y, else not. No unique answer. Insufficient.

The correct answer: A

Hope this helps!

-Jay
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