Problem Solving

BTGmoderatorDC wrote:If n is the smallest integer such that 432 times n is the square of an integer, what is the value of n?

(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 6
(D) 12
(E) 24

OA B

Source: Magoosh

IMPORTANT CONCEPT: The prime factorization of a perfect square (the square of an integer) will have an even number of each prime

For example: 400 is a perfect square.
400 = 2x2x2x2x5x5. Here, we have four 2's and two 5's
This should make sense, because the even numbers allow us to split the primes into two EQUAL groups to demonstrate that the number is a square.
For example: 400 = 2x2x2x2x5x5 = (2x2x5)(2x2x5) = (2x2x5)²

Likewise, 576 is a perfect square.
576 = 2x2x2x2x2x2x3x3 = (2x2x2x3)(2x2x2x3) = (2x2x2x3)²

------NOW ONTO THE QUESTION!!------------------------

Give: 432n is a perfect square

Let's find the prime factorization of 432
We get: 432 = (2)(2)(2)(2)(3)(3)(3)
So, the prime factorization of 432 has four 2's and three 3's
We already have an EVEN number of 2's. So, if we add one more 3 to the prime factorization, we'll have an EVEN number of 3's

So, if n = 3, then 432n = (2)(2)(2)(2)(3)(3)(3)(3)
Since 432n has an EVEN number of each prime, 432n must be a perfect square.

Answer: B

Cheers,
Brent