If x^2 is divisible by 216, what is the smallest possible value for

I think the answer x=36.

216 = 6X6X6

Now we are asked what is the smallest x such that \(x^2\) is divisible by 216.
To make 6X6X6 a perfect square, we need one more 6.

Hence 6X6X6X6 = \(36^2\) is the smallest \(x^2\) divisible by 216.

What is the OA?

This is correct the OA is 36.

I like your reasoning better than the Guides

Guides explanation

216 = 2^3 x 3^3

now, (x^2)/216 is an integer

So x must have atles 3 twos and 3 threes

to make it a perfect square, we multiply x^2 with one more 2 and one more 3...

x^2 = 2^3 x 3^3 x 2 x 3 = 2^4 x 3^4

x = sq. rt.(2^4 x 3^4)
x = 2^2 x 3^2
x = 4 x 9
x = 36

I cannot find the options..
Please add the Options along with OA
Also without looking at the options
as 2,3 are prime factors of x and x^2 is divisible by 216
so x must be at least => 36

There are Three ways we can solve this question
The Easiest way => track the values i.e. using options start with the smallest value and check if it is divisible by 216 or not . P.S => Choose the least value.
The easier way => x is an integer => x^2 will be perfect square => x=36
Slightly complicated way => x and x^2 have same Prime factors . now x^2 must have 2 and 3 as its prime factors so x= 2*3*p where p is some number
Now x^2 = 36p^2 .
but x^2 is divisible by 216
so p=6 atleast
hence x=36 is the least value of x

1) 216 consists of the following prime factors 2*2*2*3*3*3
2) x should have at least two 2's and two 3's as prime factors in order for its square to be divisible by 216.
3) x=2*2*3*3=36

If x2 is divisible by 216, what is the smallest possible value for positive integer x?

I came across this problem in one of my study guides. I still don't understand how to do the work even with the explanation provided.

Can someone explain how to tackle this problem?

Thanks in advance.

Dear Equinocs,

I'm happy to respond.

First of all, if please use proper math notation. For x-squared, you can write x^2 or \(x^2\) using the math notation function. Please do not write x2, because this will generate tremendous confusion.

If you happen to know the cubes of all the single digit numbers, that would be easier, because \(6^3 = 216\). I think all students should have those ten cubes memorized, but let's assume that you didn't know that.

A HUGE help in all kinds of questions about factors and divisible and so forth is the idea of prime factorization. See:
GMAT Math: Factors

Let's start simply by breaking up 216 into factors.
216 = 2*108 = 2*2*54
= 2*2*6*9
= 2*2*2*3*3*3

That's the prime factorization of 216. Whenever you have a particular big number in a question about find the factors or multiples etc, chances are very good that finding the prime factorization of the big number given will be helpful.

Now, another big idea about factors. When we square a number, the factors are doubled: for each single factor, we get a pair of those factors.
\(35 = 5*7\)
\(35^2 = 5*5*7*7\)

\(18 = 2*2*3\)
\(18^2 = 2*2*2*2*3*3\)

Now, let's go back and look at the prime factorization of 216. We can group some of the factors into pairs.
216 = (2*2)*(3*3)*2*3
We have paired and unpaired factors, so to turn this into a perfect square, we would have to multiply by another 2 and another 3, so those factors are paired up.
x^2 = (2*2)*(3*3)*(2*2)*(3*3)
When we take a square-root, each pair of factors becomes a single factor.
x = 2*3*2*3 = 36

Thus, x = 36.

Does this make more sense?
Mike

Why dont we just check by the answer options?

12^2 = 144. Clearly not divisible by 216
On similar lines, we can arrive at 36, which the one (and smallest possible x), when squared, that can be divided by 216