Q is a set of four distinct prime numbers. If the sum of the integers in Q is even and the number x is a member of Q, then what is the least value that x can be?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
E. 7
The OA is the option B.
Why is B the correct option? Can't it be the option A? Experts, I would appreciate your help here. Thanks in advanced.
Q is a set of four distinct prime numbers. If the sum . . .
This topic has expert replies
GMAT/MBA Expert
- Brent@GMATPrepNow
- GMAT Instructor
- Posts: 16207
- Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pm
- Location: Vancouver, BC
- Thanked: 5254 times
- Followed by:1268 members
- GMAT Score:770
We need to minimize the four distinct prime numbers.M7MBA wrote:Q is a set of four distinct prime numbers. If the sum of the integers in Q is even and the number x is a member of Q, then what is the least value that x can be?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
E. 7
We're told that the SUM of the four numbers is EVEN.
This means ALL FOUR prime numbers must be odd
ASIDE: We know this because there is only one even prime number (2). Since the four numbers are distinct, there can be, AT MOST, one 2. However, if there were one 2 (and three other odd primes), the sum of the four numbers would be ODD). So, we can conclude that the number 2 is NOT in the set of values.
So, the SMALLEST set of values is: {3, 5, 7, 11}
The number x is a member of Q, then what is the least value that x can be?
Answer: 3 (B)
GMAT/MBA Expert
- Scott@TargetTestPrep
- GMAT Instructor
- Posts: 7243
- Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2015 10:56 am
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Thanked: 43 times
- Followed by:29 members
Since the sum of the integers is even, we must have 4 odd prime numbers. Thus, the least value of x is 3.M7MBA wrote:Q is a set of four distinct prime numbers. If the sum of the integers in Q is even and the number x is a member of Q, then what is the least value that x can be?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
E. 7
Answer: B
Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder and CEO
[email protected]
See why Target Test Prep is rated 5 out of 5 stars on BEAT the GMAT. Read our reviews