If m, p, and t are distinct positive prime numbers, then (m^3)(p)(t) has how many different positive factors greater

[BTGmoderatorDC]

If m, p, and t are distinct positive prime numbers, then (m^3)(p)(t) has how many different positive factors greater than 1?

a. 8
b. 9
c. 12
d. 15
e. 27


OA D

Source: GMAT Prep

[Scott@TargetTestPrep]

If m, p, and t are distinct positive prime numbers, then (m^3)(p)(t) has how many different positive factors greater than 1?

a. 8
b. 9
c. 12
d. 15
e. 27


OA D

Source: GMAT Prep

To determine the total number of factors of a number, we can add 1 to the exponent of each distinct prime factor and multiply together the resulting numbers.

Thus, (m^3)(p)(t) = (m^3)(p^1)(t^1) has (3 + 1)(1 + 1)(1 + 1) = 4 x 2 x 2 = 16 total factors. Since 1 is one of those 16 factors, there are actually 15 different positive factors greater than 1.

Answer: D