If x is an integer and y=3x+2, which of the following CANNOT

This topic has expert replies
User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 400
Joined: Mon Dec 10, 2007 1:35 pm
Location: London, UK
Thanked: 19 times
GMAT Score:680
If x is an integer and y=3x+2, which of the following CANNOT be a divisor of y?

A) 4
B) 5
C) 6
D) 7
E) 8

Please show your thinking in arriving to the answer.

Thanks.

Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:46 am

by mujaqaq » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:24 am
The answer is 6...just plug in multiples of the answer choices. when u plug in 6,12,18,24,30,36 as values for y we do not get x as an integer hence answer is 6.

Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:21 am

by BILL » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:31 am
If y=3x+2...we know that y is not divisible by 3 because 3x will always be divisible by 3. So if you add +2, the resulting number will be 5,8,11, etc, never divisible by 3. Since we know that if a number is not divisible by 3 then its not divisible by 6, thats your answer

User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 400
Joined: Mon Dec 10, 2007 1:35 pm
Location: London, UK
Thanked: 19 times
GMAT Score:680

by II » Sun Aug 24, 2008 2:49 pm
BILL wrote:If y=3x+2...we know that y is not divisible by 3 because 3x will always be divisible by 3. So if you add +2, the resulting number will be 5,8,11, etc, never divisible by 3. Since we know that if a number is not divisible by 3 then its not divisible by 6, thats your answer
Hi Bill .. thanks ... this was also my thinking and also the explanation in the OG guide. Was interested to see if people used alternative approaches in arriving to the answer on this one.

Thanks.

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 1462
Joined: Thu Apr 09, 2015 9:34 am
Location: New York, NY
Thanked: 39 times
Followed by:22 members

by Jeff@TargetTestPrep » Wed Dec 13, 2017 12:02 pm
II wrote:If x is an integer and y=3x+2, which of the following CANNOT be a divisor of y?

A) 4
B) 5
C) 6
D) 7
E) 8
We are given the following:

y = 3x + 2

y - 2 = 3x

(y - 2)/3 = x

In order for y - 2 to be divisible by 3, y must be 2 greater than a multiple of 3. Since y is 2 greater than a multiple of 3, y cannot actually be a multiple of 3. Thus, 6 CANNOT be a divisor of y.

Answer: C

Jeffrey Miller
Head of GMAT Instruction
[email protected]

Image

See why Target Test Prep is rated 5 out of 5 stars on BEAT the GMAT. Read our reviews

Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Oct 15, 2014 9:25 am

by Farjin » Sun Jul 08, 2018 6:43 am
If x is an integer and y=3x+2, which of the following CANNOT be a divisor of y?

A) 4
B) 5
C) 6
D) 7
E) 8

Hello, every one I have some doubt about that question.
My analysis Y= DIVIDEND, X = DIVISOR, 3= QUOTiENT AND 2= REMAINDER.

so question asked which option cannot be the X? because x is the divisor of y. so how multiple of 3 can be answered? y=3*6+2. y=18 so 18/6 in which quotient 3 and remainder also 2. so how option c answer? would anyone like to explain, please.

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 15539
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pm
Location: New York, NY
Thanked: 13060 times
Followed by:1906 members
GMAT Score:790

by GMATGuruNY » Sun Jul 08, 2018 2:41 pm
Farjin wrote:If x is an integer and y=3x+2, which of the following CANNOT be a divisor of y?

A) 4
B) 5
C) 6
D) 7
E) 8
Rule:
MULTIPLE OF K + MULTIPLE OF K = MULTIPLE OF K
MUTIPLE OF K + NON-MULTIPLE OF K = NON-MULTIPLE OF K

y = 3x + 2 = MULTIPLE OF 3 + NON-MULTIPLE OF 3 = NON-MULTIPLE OF 3.
Since y is not a multiple of 3, it cannot be a multiple of 6.

The correct answer is C.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.

As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.

For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3

Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Oct 15, 2014 9:25 am

answer

by Farjin » Mon Jul 09, 2018 12:57 am
GMATGuruNY wrote:
Farjin wrote:If x is an integer and y=3x+2, which of the following CANNOT be a divisor of y?

A) 4
B) 5
C) 6
D) 7
E) 8
Rule:
MULTIPLE OF K + MULTIPLE OF K = MULTIPLE OF K
MULTIPLE OF K + NON-MULTIPLE OF K = NON-MULTIPLE OF K

y = 3x + 2 = MULTIPLE OF 3 + NON-MULTIPLE OF 3 = NON-MULTIPLE OF 3.
Since y is not a multiple of 3, it cannot be a multiple of 6.

The correct answer is C.