Real numbers vs integers

[gmatmillenium]

if x,y,z are said to be real numbers and xyz=21 is given, can we assume the #s to be 1,3 and 7?.....as real numbers, they can also be 3.5, 2, 3

some one please clarify

[tpr-becky]

real numbers are any number that is not imaginary. so any decimal, fraction, integer whole number is a real number. The GMAT only deals with real numbers. but in your above question even with integers it is also possible for x, y and z to equal 1, 1, and 21 so you would need a definition of distinct positive integers to ensure you know the values of 1,3 and 7 but then you still woudn't know which variable was which number.

[gmatmillenium]

real numbers are any number that is not imaginary. so any decimal, fraction, integer whole number is a real number. The GMAT only deals with real numbers. but in your above question even with integers it is also possible for x, y and z to equal 1, 1, and 21 so you would need a definition of distinct positive integers to ensure you know the values of 1,3 and 7 but then you still woudn't know which variable was which number.

Becky....yes if the #s are integers, they can be either 1,1,21 or 1,3,7...however if they are only given as real #s (without specifying integers), cant they also be 2,3.5 and 3?

[tpr-becky]

yes, they can be that and any other combination of real numbers