Find all School-related info fast with the new School-Specific MBA Forum

 It is currently 28 Jul 2016, 04:33

### GMAT Club Daily Prep

#### Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

# Events & Promotions

###### Events & Promotions in June
Open Detailed Calendar

# If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 72, then

Author Message
TAGS:

### Hide Tags

Intern
Joined: 27 Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 28 [5] , given: 1

If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 72, then [#permalink]

### Show Tags

31 Mar 2012, 02:36
5
KUDOS
26
This post was
BOOKMARKED
00:00

Difficulty:

45% (medium)

Question Stats:

59% (01:49) correct 41% (01:05) wrong based on 628 sessions

### HideShow timer Statistics

If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 72, then the largest positive integer that must divide n is

A. 6
B. 12
C. 24
D. 36
E. 48

Can anyone explain it in very simple manner ?
[Reveal] Spoiler: OA
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 34094
Followers: 6097

Kudos [?]: 76710 [11] , given: 9981

Re: OG 10 : PS 700 level Question [#permalink]

### Show Tags

31 Mar 2012, 02:47
11
KUDOS
Expert's post
12
This post was
BOOKMARKED
If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 72, then the largest positive integer that must divide n is
A. 6
B. 12
C. 24
D. 36
E. 48

The largest positive integer that must divide $$n$$, means for the least value of $$n$$ which satisfies the given statement in the question. The lowest square of an integer, which is multiple of $$72$$ is $$144$$ --> $$n^2=144=12^2=72*2$$ --> $$n_{min}=12$$. Largest factor of $$12$$ is $$12$$.

OR:

Given: $$72k=n^2$$, where $$k$$ is an integer $$\geq1$$ (as $$n$$ is positive).

$$72k=n^2$$ --> $$n=6\sqrt{2k}$$, as $$n$$ is an integer $$\sqrt{2k}$$, also must be an integer. The lowest value of $$k$$, for which $$\sqrt{2k}$$ is an integer is when $$k=2$$ --> $$\sqrt{2k}=\sqrt{4}=2$$ --> $$n=6\sqrt{2k}=6*2=12$$

Similar problem:
division-factor-88388.html#p666722

Hope it's helps.
_________________
Intern
Joined: 27 Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 28 [0], given: 1

Re: If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 72, then [#permalink]

### Show Tags

17 Apr 2012, 09:40
Great ! thanks mate !
Manager
Joined: 09 Jul 2010
Posts: 127
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 13 [0], given: 2

Quantitative Review 2nd Edition Ques [#permalink]

### Show Tags

21 Apr 2012, 14:04
Hi All

169. If n is a positive integer and n2 is divisible by 72, then
the largest positive integerthat must divide n is
(A) 6
(8) 12
(C) 24
(0) 36
(E) 48

If we are looking for largest positive integer that must divide n, why can it not be 48.

because if n2 = 72 * 32 then n will be 48 , so does this not mean n is divisible by 48.

Thanks
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 34094
Followers: 6097

Kudos [?]: 76710 [0], given: 9981

Re: Quantitative Review 2nd Edition Ques [#permalink]

### Show Tags

21 Apr 2012, 14:14
Expert's post
1
This post was
BOOKMARKED
Merging similar topics.

raviram80 wrote:
Hi All

169. If n is a positive integer and n2 is divisible by 72, then the largest positive integer that must divide n is
(A) 6
(8) 12
(C) 24
(0) 36
(E) 48

If we are looking for largest positive integer that must divide n, why can it not be 48.

because if n2 = 72 * 32 then n will be 48 , so does this not mean n is divisible by 48.

Thanks

The question asks about "the largest positive integer that MUST divide n", not COULD divide n. Since the least value of n for which n^2 is a multiple of 72 is 12 then the largest positive integer that MUST divide n is 12.

Complete solution of this question is given above. Please ask if anything remains unclear.
_________________
Manager
Joined: 28 Feb 2012
Posts: 115
GPA: 3.9
WE: Marketing (Other)
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 34 [2] , given: 17

Re: If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 72, then [#permalink]

### Show Tags

14 Aug 2012, 22:50
2
KUDOS
Normally i divide the number into the primes just to see how many more primes we need to satisfy the condition, so in our case:
n^2/72=n*n/2^3*3^2, in order to have minimum in denominator we should try modify the smallest number. If we have one more 2 then the n*n will perfectly be devisible to 2^4*3^2 from here we see that the largest number is 2*2*3=12
Hope i explained my thought.
_________________

If you found my post useful and/or interesting - you are welcome to give kudos!

Intern
Joined: 15 Apr 2010
Posts: 48
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 25 [0], given: 11

Re: Quantitative Review 2nd Edition Ques [#permalink]

### Show Tags

02 Nov 2012, 04:35
Bunuel wrote:
Merging similar topics.

raviram80 wrote:
Hi All

169. If n is a positive integer and n2 is divisible by 72, then the largest positive integer that must divide n is
(A) 6
(8) 12
(C) 24
(0) 36
(E) 48

If we are looking for largest positive integer that must divide n, why can it not be 48.

because if n2 = 72 * 32 then n will be 48 , so does this not mean n is divisible by 48.

Thanks

The question asks about "the largest positive integer that MUST divide n", not COULD divide n. Since the least value of n for which n^2 is a multiple of 72 is 12 then the largest positive integer that MUST divide n is 12.

Complete solution of this question is given above. Please ask if anything remains unclear.

I spent a few hours on this one alone and I'm still not clear. I chose 12 at first, but then changed to 48.

I'm not a native speaker, so here is how I interpreted this question: "the largest positive integer that must divide n" = "the largest positive factor of n". Since n is a variable (i.e. n is moving), so is its largest factor. Please correct if I'm wrong here.

I know that if n = 12, n^2 = 144 = 2 * 72 (satisfy the condition). When n = 12, the largest factor of n is n itself, which is 12. Check: 12 is the largest positive number that must divide 12 --> true

However if n = 48, n^2 = 48 * 48 = 32 * 72 (satisfy the condition too). When n = 48, the largest factor of n is n itself, which is 48. Check: 48 is the largest positive number that must divide 48 --> true

So, I also notice that the keyword is "MUST", not "COULD". The question is, why is 48 not "MUST divide 48", but instead only "COULD divide 48"? I'm not clear right here. Why is 12 "MUST divide 12"? What's the difference between them?

Thanks,

Caten
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 34094
Followers: 6097

Kudos [?]: 76710 [2] , given: 9981

Re: Quantitative Review 2nd Edition Ques [#permalink]

### Show Tags

02 Nov 2012, 04:53
2
KUDOS
Expert's post
catennacio wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
Merging similar topics.

raviram80 wrote:
Hi All

169. If n is a positive integer and n2 is divisible by 72, then the largest positive integer that must divide n is
(A) 6
(8) 12
(C) 24
(0) 36
(E) 48

If we are looking for largest positive integer that must divide n, why can it not be 48.

because if n2 = 72 * 32 then n will be 48 , so does this not mean n is divisible by 48.

Thanks

The question asks about "the largest positive integer that MUST divide n", not COULD divide n. Since the least value of n for which n^2 is a multiple of 72 is 12 then the largest positive integer that MUST divide n is 12.

Complete solution of this question is given above. Please ask if anything remains unclear.

I spent a few hours on this one alone and I'm still not clear. I chose 12 at first, but then changed to 48.

I'm not a native speaker, so here is how I interpreted this question: "the largest positive integer that must divide n" = "the largest positive factor of n". Since n is a variable (i.e. n is moving), so is its largest factor. Please correct if I'm wrong here.

I know that if n = 12, n^2 = 144 = 2 * 72 (satisfy the condition). When n = 12, the largest factor of n is n itself, which is 12. Check: 12 is the largest positive number that must divide 12 --> true

However if n = 48, n^2 = 48 * 48 = 32 * 72 (satisfy the condition too). When n = 48, the largest factor of n is n itself, which is 48. Check: 48 is the largest positive number that must divide 48 --> true

So, I also notice that the keyword is "MUST", not "COULD". The question is, why is 48 not "MUST divide 48", but instead only "COULD divide 48"? I'm not clear right here. Why is 12 "MUST divide 12"? What's the difference between them?

Thanks,

Caten

Only restriction we have on positive integer n is that n^2 is divisible by 72. The least value of n for which n^2 is divisible by 72 is 12, thus n must be divisible by 12 (n is in any case divisible by 12). For all other values of n, for which n^2 is divisible by 72, n will still be divisible by 12. This means that n is always divisible by 12 if n^2 is divisible by 72.

Now, ask yourself: if n=12, is n divisible by 48? No. So, n is not always divisible by 48.

Hope it's clear.
_________________
Manager
Joined: 10 Jan 2011
Posts: 244
Location: India
GMAT Date: 07-16-2012
GPA: 3.4
WE: Consulting (Consulting)
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 41 [1] , given: 25

Re: If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 72, then [#permalink]

### Show Tags

02 Nov 2012, 05:20
1
KUDOS
I approach this problem by prime factorisation.
any square must have 2 pairs of prime factors.
prime factorisation of 72 has 2*2, 3*3 and 2. n^2 must have one more 2 as a prime factor. Hence lasrgest number which must devide n is 2*3*2 = 12
_________________

-------Analyze why option A in SC wrong-------

Intern
Joined: 15 Apr 2010
Posts: 48
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 25 [0], given: 11

Re: Quantitative Review 2nd Edition Ques [#permalink]

### Show Tags

02 Nov 2012, 08:49
Bunuel wrote:

Only restriction we have on positive integer n is that n^2 is divisible by 72. The least value of n for which n^2 is divisible by 72 is 12, thus n must be divisible by 12 (n is in any case divisible by 12). For all other values of n, for which n^2 is divisible by 72, n will still be divisible by 12. This means that n is always divisible by 12 if n^2 is divisible by 72.

Now, ask yourself: if n=12, is n divisible by 48? No. So, n is not always divisible by 48.

Hope it's clear.

Thank you very much Bunuel. Very clear now. Now I understand what "must" means. It means it will be always true regardless of n. As you said (and I chose), when n = 24 or 36 or 48, the answer 48 can divide 48, but cannot divide 12. So the "must" here is not maintained. In this case we have to choose the largest factor of the least possible value of n to ensure that largest factor is also a factor of other values of n. Therefore the least value of n is 12, the largest factor of 12 is also 12. This factor also divides other n values, for all n such that n^2 = 72k.

My mistake was that I didn't understand the "must" wording and didn't check whether my answer 48 can divide ALL possible values of n, including n=12. This is what "must" mean.

Again, thanks so much!

Caten
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 34094
Followers: 6097

Kudos [?]: 76710 [1] , given: 9981

Re: Quantitative Review 2nd Edition Ques [#permalink]

### Show Tags

02 Nov 2012, 08:53
1
KUDOS
Expert's post
catennacio wrote:
Bunuel wrote:

Only restriction we have on positive integer n is that n^2 is divisible by 72. The least value of n for which n^2 is divisible by 72 is 12, thus n must be divisible by 12 (n is in any case divisible by 12). For all other values of n, for which n^2 is divisible by 72, n will still be divisible by 12. This means that n is always divisible by 12 if n^2 is divisible by 72.

Now, ask yourself: if n=12, is n divisible by 48? No. So, n is not always divisible by 48.

Hope it's clear.

Thank you very much Bunuel. Very clear now. Now I understand what "must" means. It means it will be always true regardless of n. As you said (and I chose), when n = 24 or 36 or 48, the answer 48 can divide 48, but cannot divide 24 and 36. So the "must" here is not maintained. In this case we have to choose the largest factor of the least possible value of n to ensure that largest factor also a factor of other values of n. Therefore the least value of n is 12, the largest factor of 12 is also 12. This factor also divides other n values, for all n such that n^2 = 72k.

My mistake was that I didn't understand the "must" wording and didn't check whether my answer 48 can divide ALL possible values of n, including n=12. This is what "must" mean.

Again, thanks so much!

Caten

More must/could be true questions from our question banks (viewforumtags.php) here: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=193

Hope it helps.
_________________
Manager
Joined: 04 Oct 2011
Posts: 224
Location: India
GMAT 1: 440 Q33 V13
GMAT 2: 0 Q0 V0
GPA: 3
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 43 [0], given: 44

### Show Tags

11 Jan 2013, 23:31
taurean wrote:
If n is a positive integer and $$n^2$$ is divisible by 72, then the largest positive integer that must divide n is

a) 6
b) 12
c) 24
d) 36
e) 48

[Reveal] Spoiler:
after some discussion

IMO B.

72 prime factors are $$2^3 * 3^2$$

$$n^2$$ divisible by 72 is 144 ==> ($$2^4 * 3^2$$).
So n is 12

largest positive integer divides 12 must be 12 itself

pls correct me if im wrong
_________________

GMAT - Practice, Patience, Persistence
Kudos if u like

Last edited by shanmugamgsn on 12 Jan 2013, 00:43, edited 1 time in total.
Current Student
Joined: 27 Jun 2012
Posts: 418
Concentration: Strategy, Finance
Followers: 70

Kudos [?]: 668 [0], given: 183

### Show Tags

11 Jan 2013, 23:34
shanmugamgsn wrote:
taurean wrote:
If n is a positive integer and $$n^2$$ is divisible by 72, then the largest positive integer that must divide n is

a) 6
b) 12
c) 24
d) 36
e) 48

[Reveal] Spoiler:
after some discussion

IMO B.

72 prime factors are $$2^2 * 3^2$$

$$n^2$$ divisible by 72 is 144 ==> ($$2^3 * 3^2$$).
So n is 12

largest positive integer divides 12 must be 12 itself

pls correct me if im wrong

Correction: Prime factorization for 72 is $$2^3 * 3^2$$ -- there are 3 twos.
Also your solution needs further reasoning. 12 is not the only number n can take.
_________________

Thanks,
Prashant Ponde

Tough 700+ Level RCs: Passage1 | Passage2 | Passage3 | Passage4 | Passage5 | Passage6 | Passage7
VOTE: http://gmatclub.com/forum/vote-best-gmat-practice-tests-excluding-gmatprep-144859.html
PowerScore CR Bible - Official Guide 13 Questions Set Mapped: Click here

Manager
Joined: 04 Oct 2011
Posts: 224
Location: India
GMAT 1: 440 Q33 V13
GMAT 2: 0 Q0 V0
GPA: 3
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 43 [0], given: 44

### Show Tags

12 Jan 2013, 00:45
PraPon wrote:
shanmugamgsn wrote:
taurean wrote:
If n is a positive integer and $$n^2$$ is divisible by 72, then the largest positive integer that must divide n is

a) 6
b) 12
c) 24
d) 36
e) 48

[Reveal] Spoiler:
after some discussion

IMO B.

72 prime factors are $$2^2 * 3^2$$

$$n^2$$ divisible by 72 is 144 ==> ($$2^3 * 3^2$$).
So n is 12

largest positive integer divides 12 must be 12 itself

pls correct me if im wrong

Correction: Prime factorization for 72 is $$2^3 * 3^2$$ -- there are 3 twos.
Also your solution needs further reasoning. 12 is not the only number n can take.

ya it was a typo.. I corrected it...
Why 12 cannot be solution here?

Ya only 12 is not number greater than and divisible by 72, but it is first number ! So i choose it
_________________

GMAT - Practice, Patience, Persistence
Kudos if u like

Manager
Joined: 13 Feb 2012
Posts: 147
Location: Italy
Concentration: General Management, Entrepreneurship
GMAT 1: 560 Q36 V34
GPA: 3.1
WE: Sales (Transportation)
Followers: 4

Kudos [?]: 6 [0], given: 85

Re: If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 72, then [#permalink]

### Show Tags

12 Jan 2013, 06:35
The language used in this problem is one of the things that might get you under timed conditions; "the greatest... that must" is the LEAST, just like Bunuel explained and it is very important to have this sort of Gmat wording clear in mind.

Other than that it's not too difficult.
_________________

"The Burnout" - My Debrief

Kudos if I helped you

Andy

Verbal Forum Moderator
Joined: 10 Oct 2012
Posts: 630
Followers: 75

Kudos [?]: 984 [0], given: 136

Re: Quant Review 2E -- Q#169 [#permalink]

### Show Tags

11 Aug 2013, 08:13
anshuman09 wrote:
If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 72, then
the largest positive integer that must divide n is
(A) 6
(B) 12
(C) 24
(D) 36
(E) 48

Firstly , is there any specific reason for contesting 48 as an answer?

Nonetheless, if$$n^2$$ is divisible by 72, then n must have a prime factorization of the kind : $$2^2*3*.....(more primes)$$. Now the power of 2 has to be atleast 2, because 72 contains $$2^3$$. Thus, n = 12*some primes. Thus, 12 is the largest positive integer which WILL/MUST divide n.

Hope this helps.
_________________
Intern
Joined: 02 Aug 2013
Posts: 2
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 0 [0], given: 1

Re: Quant Review 2E -- Q#169 [#permalink]

### Show Tags

11 Aug 2013, 11:55
mau5 wrote:
anshuman09 wrote:
If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 72, then
the largest positive integer that must divide n is
(A) 6
(B) 12
(C) 24
(D) 36
(E) 48

Firstly , is there any specific reason for contesting 48 as an answer?

Nonetheless, if$$n^2$$ is divisible by 72, then n must have a prime factorization of the kind : $$2^2*3*.....(more primes)$$. Now the power of 2 has to be atleast 2, because 72 contains $$2^3$$. Thus, n = 12*some primes. Thus, 12 is the largest positive integer which WILL/MUST divide n.

Hope this helps.

But If we choose the value of n as 48 then n^2 (48 * 48) will also be divisible by 72. As the same thing is happening in case of n=12, as you have explained.
Since we have to choose the largest value of n, why cant 48 be the right value of n?
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 34094
Followers: 6097

Kudos [?]: 76710 [0], given: 9981

Re: Quant Review 2E -- Q#169 [#permalink]

### Show Tags

11 Aug 2013, 12:12
Expert's post
anshuman09 wrote:
mau5 wrote:
anshuman09 wrote:
If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 72, then
the largest positive integer that must divide n is
(A) 6
(B) 12
(C) 24
(D) 36
(E) 48

Firstly , is there any specific reason for contesting 48 as an answer?

Nonetheless, if$$n^2$$ is divisible by 72, then n must have a prime factorization of the kind : $$2^2*3*.....(more primes)$$. Now the power of 2 has to be atleast 2, because 72 contains $$2^3$$. Thus, n = 12*some primes. Thus, 12 is the largest positive integer which WILL/MUST divide n.

Hope this helps.

But If we choose the value of n as 48 then n^2 (48 * 48) will also be divisible by 72. As the same thing is happening in case of n=12, as you have explained.
Since we have to choose the largest value of n, why cant 48 be the right value of n?

Check here: if-n-is-a-positive-integer-and-n-2-is-divisible-by-72-then-129929.html#p1067773
_________________
Intern
Joined: 02 Aug 2013
Posts: 2
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 0 [0], given: 1

Re: Quant Review 2E -- Q#169 [#permalink]

### Show Tags

11 Aug 2013, 12:17
Thanks a lot Bunuel.
Now I got it.
My understanding is:

possible values of n = 12, 24, 36 and 48.
But it is 12 that can divide all the possible values of n. If we consider 48, it will not divide 12, 24 and 36.
Hence, 12 is the value that MUST divide n.

Thanks again.
Senior Manager
Joined: 10 Jul 2013
Posts: 335
Followers: 3

Kudos [?]: 263 [0], given: 102

Re: Quant Review 2E -- Q#169 [#permalink]

### Show Tags

12 Aug 2013, 15:36
anshuman09 wrote:
mau5 wrote:
anshuman09 wrote:
If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 72, then
the largest positive integer that must divide n is
(A) 6
(B) 12
(C) 24
(D) 36
(E) 48

Firstly , is there any specific reason for contesting 48 as an answer?

Nonetheless, if$$n^2$$ is divisible by 72, then n must have a prime factorization of the kind : $$2^2*3*.....(more primes)$$. Now the power of 2 has to be atleast 2, because 72 contains $$2^3$$. Thus, n = 12*some primes. Thus, 12 is the largest positive integer which WILL/MUST divide n.

Hope this helps.

But If we choose the value of n as 48 then n^2 (48 * 48) will also be divisible by 72. As the same thing is happening in case of n=12, as you have explained.
Since we have to choose the largest value of n, why cant 48 be the right value of n?

12 must divide n , 24,36,48 may divide n .
n^2 / 72, here n can be 12, 36,48.......
but to be divided by 72, n should be at least 12. (12^2 = 144)
so 12 is must and the rest are may or could............
below 12 not possible. At least 12..........
_________________

Asif vai.....

Re: Quant Review 2E -- Q#169   [#permalink] 12 Aug 2013, 15:36

Go to page    1   2    Next  [ 29 posts ]

Similar topics Replies Last post
Similar
Topics:
22 If n is a positive integer, then (-2^n)^{-2} + (2^{-n})^2 is equal to 15 28 Mar 2016, 10:27
35 If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 72, then 12 17 Mar 2014, 00:16
34 If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 96, then 10 10 Feb 2012, 17:42
15 If (n-2)! = (n! + (n-1)!)/99, and n is a positive integer, then n=? 14 21 Nov 2010, 19:21
48 If n is a positive integer and n^2 is divisible by 72, then 13 18 Feb 2010, 02:34
Display posts from previous: Sort by