nick1816
a, b and c are integers such that \(0<a<b<c<15\).
Also, \(a+\frac{1}{b}= \frac{1}{GCD(a,b)}+\frac{1}{GCD(b,c)}+\frac{1}{GCD(a,c)}\)
Find a+b+c ?
{ GCD- greatest common divisor}
A. 10
B. 14
C. 18
d. 22
E. 26
You have to analyze the two sides and find the values for each variable..
(I) Let us work for a..If a=1, then LHS =\(a+\frac{1}{b}=1+\frac{1}{b}<2.......RHS= \frac{1}{GCD(a,b)}+\frac{1}{GCD(b,c)}+\frac{1}{GCD(a,c)}=1+\frac{1}{GCD(b,c)}+1>2\)..Not possible
a=1, means GCD(a,any number) will be 1Now each fraction on RHS can be maximum 1, so RHS will be <3, so a can be 2 if not 1, as the LHS will remain between 2 and 3
a=2..
(II) Let us check for b and cNow \(a+\frac{1}{b}= \frac{1}{GCD(a,b)}+\frac{1}{GCD(b,c)}+\frac{1}{GCD(a,c)}\).....\(2+\frac{1}{b}= \frac{1}{1}+\frac{1}{GCD(b,c)}+\frac{1}{1}=2+\frac{1}{GCD(b,c)}\)....So, \(\frac{1}{b}=\frac{1}{GCD(b,c)}\) OR b=GCD(b,c), which is possible only when b is a factor of c.
Now, b and c have to be odd...
To make GCD(a,b) and GCD(a,c) as 1, a and b AND a and c should be co-prime..If b=3, c can be 3*3 and next 3*5=15, which does not fit in
If b=5, c can not be <15..
Hence b=3, c=9
\(a+b+c=2+3+9=14\)
B