BTGmoderatorLU wrote:Source: Princeton Review

If the area of a number is defined as the difference between that number's greatest and least prime factors, what is the area of 100?

A. 0
B. 2
C. 3
D. 5
E. 9

The OA is C

This question begs us to find the prime factorization of 100
100 = (2)(2)(5)(5)
So, 5 is the GREATEST prime factor of 100
And 2 is the LEAST prime factor of 100

Area of a number = (the number's GREATEST prime factor) - (the number's LEAST prime factor)
Area of 100 = 5 - 2
= 3
Answer: C

Cheers,
Brent

BTGmoderatorLU wrote:Source: Princeton Review

If the area of a number is defined as the difference between that number's greatest and least prime factors, what is the area of 100?

A. 0
B. 2
C. 3
D. 5
E. 9

The OA is C

The greatest prime factor of 100 is 5, and the least is 2. Thus, the area of 100 is 5 - 2 = 3.

Answer: C

Hi All,

We're told that the "area" of a number is defined as the DIFFERENCE between that number's greatest and least PRIME factors. We're asked for the "area" of 100. This is an example of a Symbolism question (although there is no physical symbol given here); in these types of prompts, a "made-up" Symbol (or meaning) is created, we're explained how the Symbol "works" and then we're asked to perform some calculation with the Symbol. These prompts usually involve basic Arithmetic or Algebra, so they're usually not too difficult. This prompt involves Prime Factorization - which is really just division.

100 = (10)(10) = (2)(5)(2)(5)

Thus, the largest prime factor of 100 is 5 and the smallest prime factor is 2. The difference is 5 - 2 = 3

Final Answer: C

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich