BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

which is NOT an integer? HELP!

Expert replies
by gmatpup » Thu Nov 10, 2011 6:46 am
If x, y, and z are positive integers such that x is a factor of y, and x is a multiple of z, which of the following is NOT necessarily an integer?

A. x + z / z

B. y + z / x

C. x + y / z

D. xy / z

E. yz / x


Answer is B
Join the discussion
Source: — Problem Solving |

by rijul007 » Thu Nov 10, 2011 7:22 am
Acc to the ques,

y/x => Integer
x/z => Integer
Hence, y/z => Integer

A. x+z/z = x +1 =>Integer

B. y+z/x = Not an integer

C. x+y/z = Integer

D. xy/z = Integer

E. yz/x = Not necessarily an Intger

Option B
Join the discussion

by GmatMathPro » Thu Nov 10, 2011 7:23 am
The fastest way to do this is probably plugging in numbers. Let y=8, x=4, z=2. All of the choices will work out to integers except for B which will give you (8+2)/4=5/2. This will work as long as you are not unfortunate enough to choose numbers where x=z. A more mathematical argument follows:

If x is a factor of y, then y is a multiple of x. Also, x is a multiple of z. So, y=nx for some positive integer n, and x=zm for some positive integer m. Finally because y is a multiple of x and x is a multiple of z, then y must be a multiple of z, so y=zj for some positive integer j, specifically j=mn.

A.(x+z)/z = (zm+z)/z = m+1 which is always an integer. In words, the sum of two multiples of z is always divisible by z.

B. (y+z)/x = (nx+z)/x = nx/x+z/x = n+z/x =n+1/m. This would be an integer only if m=1. If we are trying to divide a sum by x, and one of the things we are adding is divisible by x, the whole sum will be divisible by x if and only if the other thing is ALSO divisible by x. We know that y is divisible by x because y=nx. However, x is a multiple of z, so the only way z could be divisible by x is if z=x. This is possible but certainly not necessarily true.

C. (x+y)/z = (zm+zj)/z = m+j which is an integer. Again, the sum of two multiples of z is always divisible by z.

D. xy/z = (zm*zj)/z = zmj which is always an integer. In words, the product of a multiple of z and any other integer will always be divisible by z.

E. yz/x= nx*z/x = nz which is always an integer. In words, the product of a multiple of x and any other integer will always be divisible by x.
Pete Ackley
GMAT Math Pro
Free Online Tutoring Trial
Join the discussion