(a/b)/c
In the expression above, a, b, and c are different numbers and each is one of the numbers 3, 4, or 7. What is the least possible value of the expression?
(A) 21/4
(B) 3/28
(C) 4/21
(D) 7/12
(E) 3/7
Source: www.GMATinsight.com
Answer: Option B
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[b][m][fraction](a/b)/c [/fraction][/m][/b] In the expressio
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If I could read this correctly, then you ask for the least possible value of (a/b)/c.GMATinsight wrote:(a/b)/c
In the expression above, a, b, and c are different numbers and each is one of the numbers 3, 4, or 7. What is the least possible value of the expression?
(A) 21/4
(B) 3/28
(C) 4/21
(D) 7/12
(E) 3/7
Source: www.GMATinsight.com
Answer: Option B
(a/b)/c = (a/b)*(1/c) = a/(bc)
Since the given numbers are all positive and greater than 1, to get the least value of a/(bc), we must have the least value for the numerator and the greater value for the denominator.
Thus, a must be 3 and b and c each must be one between 4 and 7.
Thus, a/(bc) = 3/(4*7) = 3/28 (Least possible value)
The correct answer: B
Hope this helps!
-Jay
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Brent@GMATPrepNow
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(a/b)/c = (a/b)/(c/1)GMATinsight wrote:(a/b)/c
In the expression above, a, b, and c are different numbers and each is one of the numbers 3, 4, or 7. What is the least possible value of the expression?
(A) 21/4
(B) 3/28
(C) 4/21
(D) 7/12
(E) 3/7
Source: www.GMATinsight.com
Answer: Option B
= (a/b)(1/c)
= a/(bc)
So, we want to minimize the value of a/(bc)
To do so, we must MINIMIZE the numerator (a) and MAXIMIZE the denominator (bc)
So, let a = 3, and let b = 4 and c = 7
So, (a/b)/c = a/(bc) = 3/(4 x 7)
= 3/28
Answer: B
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(a/b)/c =>
a/(b * c)
Since we're restricted to positive integers, we want a to be as small as possible and b*c to be as large as possible. This is easily done by making a the smallest option (3) and b and c the other options (4 and 7), leaving us with 3 / (4*7), or 3/28.
a/(b * c)
Since we're restricted to positive integers, we want a to be as small as possible and b*c to be as large as possible. This is easily done by making a the smallest option (3) and b and c the other options (4 and 7), leaving us with 3 / (4*7), or 3/28.
