Simple divisibility problem

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Simple divisibility problem

by jkandas » Sat Feb 13, 2010 6:21 pm
OG 11 PS #37.

If a positive integer n is divisible by both 5 an 7, then n must also be divisible by which of the following?

I. 12
II. 35
III. 70

(A) None (B) I only (C) II only (D) I and II (E) II and III

I understand the OG explanation (Since 5 and 7 are prime numbers, if n is divisible by both, then n must also be divisible by 35...and they look for numbers that will be factor of 35). However, I have been referring to MGMAT guide and they have a different concept. I solved it following the below method...following MGMAT number properties...where did I understand it wrong?

To check divisibility, first step prime factorization.

12 -> 2, 2, 3
35 -> 5, 7
70 -> 2, 5, 7

n is divisible by 5 and 7...so the other number should have 5 and 7 in them...then they could also be factors of n. So, from this concept, 35 and 70 could be factors (I chose E, but the OA is C).

When I read OG explanation, I understand it....but it conflicts with the above concept. Need some help understanding the basics here!

Thanks in advance.
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by Stuart@KaplanGMAT » Sat Feb 13, 2010 6:49 pm
jkandas wrote:OG 11 PS #37.

If a positive integer n is divisible by both 5 an 7, then n must also be divisible by which of the following?

I. 12
II. 35
III. 70

(A) None (B) I only (C) II only (D) I and II (E) II and III

I understand the OG explanation (Since 5 and 7 are prime numbers, if n is divisible by both, then n must also be divisible by 35...and they look for numbers that will be factor of 35). However, I have been referring to MGMAT guide and they have a different concept. I solved it following the below method...following MGMAT number properties...where did I understand it wrong?

To check divisibility, first step prime factorization.

12 -> 2, 2, 3
35 -> 5, 7
70 -> 2, 5, 7

n is divisible by 5 and 7...so the other number should have 5 and 7 in them...then they could also be factors of n. So, from this concept, 35 and 70 could be factors (I chose E, but the OA is C).

When I read OG explanation, I understand it....but it conflicts with the above concept. Need some help understanding the basics here!

Thanks in advance.
You're a bit backwards in applying "divisibility" to this question.

You did correctly determine that 70 is divisible by 35, since 70 numbers both 5 and 7 among its primes.

However, the question asks "n must be divisible by which of the following?"; in your analysis of the 3 choices, you've focused on whether those numbers are divisible by 35.

Since the question asks which MUST be a factor of n, and since n could simply be 5*7 = 35, only 35 fits the bill.

As an aside, this isn't a data sufficiency question!
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by jkandas » Sat Feb 13, 2010 6:59 pm
Sorry...I was too focused in understanding this and forgot that its a PS question!

So, if the question stem says "n COULD be divisible by which of the following"...will I get to choose 70? I guess I am still a little confused! :(

Basically I am looking for an extended explanation of choosing factors based on prime factorization of numbers...

Thanks for your time!

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by Stuart@KaplanGMAT » Sat Feb 13, 2010 7:03 pm
jkandas wrote:Sorry...I was too focused in understanding this and forgot that its a PS question!

So, if the question stem says "n COULD be divisible by which of the following"...will I get to choose 70? I guess I am still a little confused! :(

Basically I am looking for an extended explanation of choosing factors based on prime factorization of numbers...

Thanks for your time!
Hi,

if the question said "n could be divisible by which of the following", and all we knew about n is that it's a multiple of both 5 and 7, then the answer would be "every number you can think of".

If the question were "which of the following COULD be a MULTIPLE of n?", then 35 and 70 would both be correct choices.
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