If \(x\) and \(y\) are positive integers, what is the value of \(xy?\)
(1) The greatest common factor of \(x\) and \(y\) is \(10.\)
(2) The least common multiple of \(x\) and \(y\) is \(180.\)
Answer: C
Source: GMAT Prep
If \(x\) and \(y\) are positive integers, what is the value of \(xy?\)
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Global Stats
Target question: What is the value of xy?
Statement 1: The greatest common factor of x and y is 10
case a: x=10 and y=10. Here, xy=100
case b: x=10 and y=20. Here, xy=200
Since we cannot answer the target question with certainty, statement 1 is NOT SUFFICIENT
Statement 2: The least common multiple of x and y is 180
case a: x=1 and y=180. Here, xy=180
case b: x=2 and y=180. Here, xy=360
Since we cannot answer the target question with certainty, statement 2 is NOT SUFFICIENT
Statements 1 & 2
There's a nice rule that says:
If x and y are positive integers, then (GCF of x and y)(LCM of x and y)=xy
(aside: whenever a question mentions the LCM and the GCF, be sure to consider the above rule)
Statement 1 says the GCF of x and y is 10
Statement 2 says the LCM of x and y is 180
So, from our handy rule, xy = (10)(180) = 1800
Since we can now answer the target question with certainty, the combined statements are SUFFICIENT
So, the answer is C
Cheers,
Brent