If x must be divisible by both 4 and 10, then...

This topic has expert replies
Source: — Problem Solving |

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 » Wed Nov 01, 2017 11:02 am
LUANDATO wrote:If x must be divisible by both 4 and 10, then x must also be divisible by which of the following numbers?

A. 8
B. 20
C. 40
D. 50
E. 80
Let x = the least common multiple of 4 and 10 = 20.
Since x=20 is not divisible by 8, 40, 50, or 80, eliminate A, C, D and E.

The correct answer is B.
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

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 555
Joined: Wed Oct 04, 2017 4:18 pm
Thanked: 180 times
Followed by:12 members

by EconomistGMATTutor » Fri Nov 03, 2017 3:15 pm
If x must be divisible by both 4 and 10, then x must also be divisible by which of the following numbers?

A. 8
B. 20
C. 40
D. 50
E. 80

The OA is B.

I don't understand this PS question. Please, can any expert assist me with it? Thanks.
Hi LUANDATO,
Let's take a look at your question.

The number that is divisible by both 4 and 10 must the least common multiple of both.
Let's first find LCM of 4 and 10.

Multiples of 4 = 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, ...
Multiples of 10 = 10, 20, 30, 40, ...
LCM = 20

Now 20 is divisible by both 4 and 10.
We need to check that which of the given options is divisible by 20.

OPTION A:
8 is not divisible by 20. So Option A is not correct.

OPTION B:
20 is divisible by 20.
Therefore, Option B is correct.

Hope it helps.
I am available if you'd like any follow up.
GMAT Prep From The Economist
We offer 70+ point score improvement money back guarantee.
Our average student improves 98 points.

Image

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 8083
Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2015 10:56 am
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Thanked: 43 times
Followed by:29 members

by Scott@TargetTestPrep » Thu Oct 31, 2019 5:24 pm
BTGmoderatorLU wrote:If x must be divisible by both 4 and 10, then x must also be divisible by which of the following numbers?

A. 8
B. 20
C. 40
D. 50
E. 80

The OA is B.

I don't understand this PS question. Please, can any expert assist me with it? Thanks.
If a number is divisible by a and b, then it's also divisible by the LCM of a and b. Therefore, since the LCM of 4 and 10 is 20, then x must be divisible by 20.

Answer: B

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder and CEO
[email protected]

Image

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

ImageImage