prernamalhotra wrote:If integer k is equal to the sum of all even multiples of 15 between 295 and 615, what is the greatest prime factor of k?
1)5
2)7
3)11
4)13
5)17
NOTE: I doubt that the GMAT would use the term "even multiples."
Yes, this term MAY BE intuitively apparent, but I believe the GMAT test-makers would provide additional text to avoid any ambiguity. Presumably
even multiples of 15 are: 30, 60, 90, etc.
In other words, we're looking for
multiples of 30
So, k = 300 + 330 + 360 + ... + 570 + 600
Let's examine some terms in this series. . . .
300 = 30(
10)
330 = 30(
11)
360 = 30(
12)
390 = 30(
13)
.
.
.
570 = 30(
19)
600 = 30(
20)
So k = 30(
10 + 11 + 12 + ... + 19 + 20)
------------------------------------------------------
Now, let's examine this sum:
10 + 11 + 12 + ... + 19 + 20
Since 20 - 10 + 1 = 11, we know there are
11 numbers to add together.
Aside: A nice rule says: the number of integers from x to y inclusive equals y - x + 1
Since these red numbers are equally spaced (consecutive integers), their sum = (# of values)(average of first and last values)
= [
11][(10+20)/2]
= [
11][15]
=
(11)(15)
-------------------------------------------------
So, k = 30(
10 + 11 + 12 + ... + 19 + 20)
= 30
(11)(15)
= (2)(3)(5)
(11)(3)(5)
We can see that
11 is the greatest prime factor of k
Answer:
C
Cheers,
Brent
