so you have answer 12^2?eyelikecheese wrote:Just by using the numbers in the answer choice.
Say X is 12
12^2=144, which is divisible by 12.
12^3 is also divisible by 12 and 12^2
Although I initially thought it was 6^3
Anyone else?
p^2 = 12 * K = 2^2 * 3^1 * KNight reader wrote:If p is a positive integer and p^2 is divisible by 12, then the largest positive integer that must divide p^3 is
(A) 2^3
(B) 2^6
(C) 3^3
(D) 6^3
(E) 12^2
you mentioned p^3eyelikecheese wrote:Yes. I assume the other logical answer would be 6^3. This is correct in that it fits with the conditions of the stem. BUT it is not the largest integer that can divide p^3
and the number must be indeed raised to the cubic poweryeseyelikecheese wrote:I initially had 6^3, but I guess I overthought the question because I noticed the 12^2 right under there and figured there was a way to make it happen.
Is the reason 12^2 cannot be the answer is that "12^3 has larger numbers that can be divided into it, whereas in 6^3, the largest number that will divide is 6^3?
Night reader wrote:If p is a positive integer and p^2 is divisible by 12, then the largest positive integer that must divide p^3 is
(A) 2^3
(B) 2^6
(C) 3^3
(D) 6^3
(E) 12^2
