Integer Positive

This topic has expert replies
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 643
Joined: Wed Aug 14, 2013 4:27 am
Thanked: 48 times
Followed by:7 members

Integer Positive

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.
You can, for example never foretell what any one man will do, but you can say with precision what an average number will be up to!
Source: — Problem Solving |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
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

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.

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
Image

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 » 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.
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