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Integer Positive

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by vinay1983 » Sun Oct 06, 2013 8:32 am
If k and x are positive integers and x is divisible by 6, which of the following CANNOT be the value of x ?

A.24k√3
B.24√k
C.24√3k
D.24√6k
E.72√k
Last edited by vinay1983 on Sun Oct 06, 2013 9:13 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Source: — Problem Solving |

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Sun Oct 06, 2013 8:35 am
vinay1983 wrote:If k and x are positive integers and x is divisible by 6, which of the following CANNOT be the value of ?

A.24k√3
B.24√k
C.24√3k
D.24√6k
E.72√k
It looks like you're missing part of the question.

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by GMATGuruNY » Sun Oct 06, 2013 11:04 am
I believe the problem should read as follows:
If k and x are positive integers and x is divisible by 6, which of the following CANNOT be the value of √(288kx)?

A.24k√3
B.24√k
C.24√3k
D.24√6k
E.72√k
√(288kx) = √(2*144*kx) = 12√(2kx).
Set the answer choices equal to 12√(2kx).
The correct answer choice will yield an equation that is NOT viable.

Answer choice A:
24k√3 = 12√(2kx)

2k√3 = √(2kx)

[2k√3]² = [√(2kx)]²

4 * k² * 3 = 2kx

6k = x.
This works.
If k=1, then x=6, satisfying the constraint that x must be divisible by 6.
Eliminate A.

Answer choice B:
24√k = 12√(2kx)

2√k = √(2kx)

[2√k]² = [√(2kx)]²

4k = 2kx

2 = x.
Doesn't work: x must be a multiple of 6.

The correct answer is B.
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