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gmatpapa
If the product of all the unique positive divisors of n, a positive integer which is not a perfect cube, is \(n^2\), then the product of all the unique positive divisors of \(n^2\) is
(A) \(n^3\)
(B) \(n^4\)
(C) \(n^6\)
(D) \(n^8\)
(E) \(n^9\)

My take on it is following:
If I can find one example such that 'product of all the unique positive divisors of n is \(n^2\)' (n not a perfect cube), I will just find the product of all unique positive divisors of \(n^2\) and get the answer.

So what do the factors of n listed out look like?
1 .. .. .. .. n

1 and n are definitely factors of n so out of the required product,\(n^2\), one n is already accounted for. I need only one more n and hence I must have 2 factors in the middle.
e.g.
1, 2, 3, 6 (6 is not a perfect cube but product of all factors of 6 is 36. So I got the one example I was looking for.)
\(36 = 2^2*3^2\)
So it will have 9 factors. Four pairs of factors equidistant from the beg and end will give the product 36 (i.e. n^2). Factor in the middle will be 6 i.e. n.
Hence product of all factors of 36 will be \(n^8*n = n^9\).
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I think I misunderstood the question..

I picked the example of \(n=10=2^1*5^1\). Unique divisors: 2, 5, 10 and their product is 100 which is n^2. Unique divisors of 100 are 1,2,4,5,10,20,50,100, the product of these equal \(2^9*5^9\). The mistake I committed was i divided this product by n, landing at \((2^9*5^9)/(2^1*5^1)\)= \(2^8*5^8\)= \(n^8\), and then losing my sleep over the wrong answer lol GMAT mode, what can I say!

Thanks for your explanation guys!
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Bunuel
gmatpapa
If the product of all the unique positive divisors of n, a positive integer which is not a perfect cube, is \(n^2\), then the product of all the unique positive divisors of \(n^2\) is
(A) \(n^3\)
(B) \(n^4\)
(C) \(n^6\)
(D) \(n^8\)
(E) \(n^9\)

All positive integers \(n\) which equal to \(n=p_1*p_2\), where \(p_1\) and \(p_2\) are distinct primes satisfy the condition in the stem. Because the factors of \(n\) in this case would be: 1, \(p_1\), \(p_2\), and \(n\) itself, so the product of the factors will be \(1*(p_1*p_2)*n=n^2\).

(Note that if \(n=p^3\) where \(p\) is a prime number also satisfies this condition as the factors of \(n\) in this case would be 1, \(p\), \(p^2\) and \(n\) itself, so the product of the factors will be \(1*(p*p^2)*n=p^3*n=n^2\), but we are told that \(n\) is not a perfect cube, so this case is out, as well as the case \(n=1\).)

For example if \(n=6=2*3\) --> the product of all the unique positive divisors of 6 will be: \(1*2*3*6=6^2\);
Or if \(n=10=2*5\) --> the product of all the unique positive divisors of 10 will be: \(1*2*5*10=10^2\);

Now, take \(n=10\) --> \(n^2=100\) --> the product of all the unique positive divisors of \(100\) is: \(1*2*4*5*10*20*25*50*100=(2*50)*(4*25)*(5*20)*10*100=10^2*10^2*10^2*10*10^2=10^9\) (you can do this with formula to get \((p_1)^9*(p_2)^9=n^9\) but think this way is quicker).

Answer: E.

For me when we deal with this kind of problems is important to find a clue and here is that the number n is NOT a perfect cube.

So, a NOT perfect CUBE is a number when the exponents of our number are not 3 or multiple of 3 (the same reasoning is for perfect square contains only even powers of primes, otherwise is not a perfect square).

In this scenario at glance I purge B C and D. From A and E are the only answer where the LENGTH of the total number of primes in the prime box of integer N, so n^3 is not possible. The answer is E

This is correct?? I 'd like an opinion o explenation about that. Is unclear for me if this process is totally correct or no...

Thanks.
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carcass

For me when we deal with this kind of problems is important to find a clue and here is that the number n is NOT a perfect cube.

So, a NOT perfect CUBE is a number when the exponents of our number are not 3 or multiple of 3 (the same reasoning is for perfect square contains only even powers of primes, otherwise is not a perfect square).

In this scenario at glance I purge B C and D. From A and E are the only answer where the LENGTH of the total number of primes in the prime box of integer N, so n^3 is not possible. The answer is E

This is correct?? I 'd like an opinion o explenation about that. Is unclear for me if this process is totally correct or no...

Thanks.

I am unable to understand your reasoning for rejecting (B), (C) and (D). Since the product of all factors is n^2 and factors equidistant from the beginning and end multiply to give n, we know we have 2 pairs of factors. 1, a, b, n (1*n gives n and a*b gives n)
The reason they gave that n is not a perfect cube is to reject the scenario where b is just the square of a e.g. to reject this scenario: 1, 2, 4, 8
So basically, the question is telling you that a and b are primes and n is the product of a and b e.g. 1, 2, 5, 10
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VeritasPrepKarishma
gmatpapa
If the product of all the unique positive divisors of n, a positive integer which is not a perfect cube, is \(n^2\), then the product of all the unique positive divisors of \(n^2\) is
(A) \(n^3\)
(B) \(n^4\)
(C) \(n^6\)
(D) \(n^8\)
(E) \(n^9\)

My take on it is following:
If I can find one example such that 'product of all the unique positive divisors of n is \(n^2\)' (n not a perfect cube), I will just find the product of all unique positive divisors of \(n^2\) and get the answer.

So what do the factors of n listed out look like?
1 .. .. .. .. n

1 and n are definitely factors of n so out of the required product,\(n^2\), one n is already accounted for. I need only one more n and hence I must have 2 factors in the middle.
e.g.
1, 2, 3, 6 (6 is not a perfect cube but product of all factors of 6 is 36. So I got the one example I was looking for.)
\(36 = 2^2*3^2\)
So it will have 9 factors. Four pairs of factors equidistant from the beg and end will give the product 36 (i.e. n^2). Factor in the middle will be 6 i.e. n.
Hence product of all factors of 36 will be \(n^8*n = n^9\).

If there are doubts in this theory, check out https://www.veritasprep.com/blog/2010/12/quarter-wit-quarter-wisdom-factors-of-perfect-squares/




Generalized approach

product of factors of n = n^2 implies n^(f/2) = n^2 where f is no. of factors
here f= 4. So obviously along with 1 and n, we do have 2 more factors. let say x,y (prime factors)
i.e, 1*x*y*n =n^2
==> x*y=n
n^2 = x^2*y^2
Now the product of all factors of n^2 = (n^2)^(g/2) where g = no. of factors of n^2
we know g=(2+1)(2+1) =9
As n^2 is a perfect square , product of factors of n^2 will be n^9
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VeritasPrepKarishma
gmatpapa

1 and n are definitely factors of n so out of the required product,\(n^2\), one n is already accounted for. I need only one more n and hence I must have 2 factors in the middle.
e.g.
1, 2, 3, 6 (6 is not a perfect cube but product of all factors of 6 is 36. So I got the one example I was looking for.)
\(36 = 2^2*3^2\)

Can you please explain how you reached to the conclusion that you must have 2 factors in the middle ??
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atilarora
VeritasPrepKarishma
gmatpapa

1 and n are definitely factors of n so out of the required product,\(n^2\), one n is already accounted for. I need only one more n and hence I must have 2 factors in the middle.
e.g.
1, 2, 3, 6 (6 is not a perfect cube but product of all factors of 6 is 36. So I got the one example I was looking for.)
\(36 = 2^2*3^2\)

Can you please explain how you reached to the conclusion that you must have 2 factors in the middle ??

When you write down all factors of n in increasing order, you notice that factors equidistant from the two ends have the product n.

e.g. n = 10
1, 2, 5, 10
1*10 = 10
2*5 = 10

n = 24
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24
1*24 = 24
2*12 = 24
3*8 = 24
4*6 = 24

This theory is also discussed here: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2010/12 ... ly-number/

So if the product of all factors is n^2, you will get one n from 1*n. Then there must be two factors in the middle which multiply to give another n. (Note that this is not valid for perfect squares. Check out this post: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2010/12 ... t-squares/)
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ButwhY
VeritasPrepKarishma
gmatpapa
If the product of all the unique positive divisors of n, a positive integer which is not a perfect cube, is \(n^2\), then the product of all the unique positive divisors of \(n^2\) is
(A) \(n^3\)
(B) \(n^4\)
(C) \(n^6\)
(D) \(n^8\)
(E) \(n^9\)

My take on it is following:
If I can find one example such that 'product of all the unique positive divisors of n is \(n^2\)' (n not a perfect cube), I will just find the product of all unique positive divisors of \(n^2\) and get the answer.

So what do the factors of n listed out look like?
1 .. .. .. .. n

1 and n are definitely factors of n so out of the required product,\(n^2\), one n is already accounted for. I need only one more n and hence I must have 2 factors in the middle.
e.g.
1, 2, 3, 6 (6 is not a perfect cube but product of all factors of 6 is 36. So I got the one example I was looking for.)
\(36 = 2^2*3^2\)
So it will have 9 factors. Four pairs of factors equidistant from the beg and end will give the product 36 (i.e. n^2). Factor in the middle will be 6 i.e. n.
Hence product of all factors of 36 will be \(n^8*n = n^9\).

If there are doubts in this theory, check out https://www.veritasprep.com/blog/2010/12/quarter-wit-quarter-wisdom-factors-of-perfect-squares/




Generalized approach

product of factors of n = n^2 implies n^(f/2) = n^2 where f is no. of factors
here f= 4. So obviously along with 1 and n, we do have 2 more factors. let say x,y (prime factors)
i.e, 1*x*y*n =n^2
==> x*y=n
n^2 = x^2*y^2
Now the product of all factors of n^2 = (n^2)^(g/2) where g = no. of factors of n^2
we know g=(2+1)(2+1) =9
As n^2 is a perfect square , product of factors of n^2 will be n^9
Hi,

i have a doubt in this
product of all factors of n^2 = (n^2)^(g/2) where g = no. of factors of n^2

g=9
Prod of factors of n^2 = (n^2)^3=n^6

how come it is n^9

please explain.

Regards,
Rrsnathan.
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rrsnathan

g=9
Prod of factors of n^2 = (n^2)^3=n^6

how come it is n^9

please explain.

Regards,
Rrsnathan.

Prod of factors of n^2 = (n^2)^(9/2) (Your error - 9/2 is not 3)
= n^9
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hi karishma VeritasPrepKarishma

i was going through your explanation. it was really helpful

a shortcut i have learned for counting factors is if n^2 = 36 then factors are 2^2 and 3^2 so total unique divisors or factors ( i can say divisors as factors ??) are (power of the factors +1 and product of them) i.e powers and product (2+1)(2+1) = 9 this is how i reach the answer.

IT is applicable if n= 100 also

but it doesn't apply when i take n^2 = 49 ??

can you please help what am i missing ?

Regards
SG
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smartyguy
hi karishma VeritasPrepKarishma

i was going through your explanation. it was really helpful

a shortcut i have learned for counting factors is if n^2 = 36 then factors are 2^2 and 3^2 so total unique divisors or factors ( i can say divisors as factors ??) are (power of the factors +1 and product of them) i.e powers and product (2+1)(2+1) = 9 this is how i reach the answer.

IT is applicable if n= 100 also

but it doesn't apply when i take n^2 = 49 ??

can you please help what am i missing ?

Regards
SG

You can use it for finding the total number of factors of any positive integer.

n^2 = 49

n^2 = 7^2
The total number of factors of n^2 is (2+1) = 3
The factors are 1, 7 and 49.

Of course, if you want to instead find the total number of factors of n, you will do
n = 7 (the positive value of n)
n = 7^1
Total number of factors = (1+1) = 2
The factors are 1 and 7.

Note here in this question, you need the product of all unique divisors, not the number of unique divisors.

When n = 6 = 2*3, the total number of factors is (1+1)(1+1) = 4
The factors are 1, 2, 3, 6 and the product of all factors = 1*2*3*6 = 6^2 = n^2
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gmatpapa
I think I misunderstood the question..

I picked the example of \(n=10=2^1*5^1\). Unique divisors: 2, 5, 10 and their product is 100 which is n^2. Unique divisors of 100 are 1,2,4,5,10,20,50,100, the product of these equal \(2^9*5^9\). The mistake I committed was i divided this product by n, landing at \((2^9*5^9)/(2^1*5^1)\)= \(2^8*5^8\)= \(n^8\), and then losing my sleep over the wrong answer lol GMAT mode, what can I say!

Thanks for your explanation guys!


wht if I take n =12, then uniqe divisor will be 2,6,3,4,12 = 12^3 ,,how to take this
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gmatpapa
I think I misunderstood the question..

I picked the example of \(n=10=2^1*5^1\). Unique divisors: 2, 5, 10 and their product is 100 which is n^2. Unique divisors of 100 are 1,2,4,5,10,20,50,100, the product of these equal \(2^9*5^9\). The mistake I committed was i divided this product by n, landing at \((2^9*5^9)/(2^1*5^1)\)= \(2^8*5^8\)= \(n^8\), and then losing my sleep over the wrong answer lol GMAT mode, what can I say!

Thanks for your explanation guys!


wht if I take n =12, then uniqe divisor will be 2,6,3,4,12 = 12^3 ,,how to take this


You are given that the product of all unique factors of n must be n^2. So n cannot be 12 since the product of all unique factors of 12 is n^3 (12^3), not n^2.
The product of all factors of a number will be n^2 when it has exactly 4 factors e.g. n = 6 or 10 or 21 (whenever n is a product of two prime numbers).

I suggest you to check out these three posts:
https://anaprep.com/number-properties-f ... -a-number/
https://anaprep.com/number-properties-r ... e-factors/
https://anaprep.com/number-properties-f ... ct-square/

The logic will make a lot more sense then.
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Quote:
When you write down all factors of n in increasing order, you notice that factors equidistant from the two ends have the product n.

e.g. n = 10
1, 2, 5, 10
1*10 = 10
2*5 = 10

n = 24
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24
1*24 = 24
2*12 = 24
3*8 = 24
4*6 = 24

This theory is also discussed here: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2010/12 ... ly-number/

So if the product of all factors is n^2, you will get one n from 1*n. Then there must be two factors in the middle which multiply to give another n. (Note that this is not valid for perfect squares. Check out this post: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2010/12 ... t-squares/)
How do you conclude that n is not a perfect square? The question only states that n is not a perfect cube...
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avgroh
Quote:
When you write down all factors of n in increasing order, you notice that factors equidistant from the two ends have the product n.

e.g. n = 10
1, 2, 5, 10
1*10 = 10
2*5 = 10

n = 24
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24
1*24 = 24
2*12 = 24
3*8 = 24
4*6 = 24

This theory is also discussed here: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2010/12 ... ly-number/

So if the product of all factors is n^2, you will get one n from 1*n. Then there must be two factors in the middle which multiply to give another n. (Note that this is not valid for perfect squares. Check out this post: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2010/12 ... t-squares/)
How do you conclude that n is not a perfect square? The question only states that n is not a perfect cube...

Because factors of perfect squares could be of the form:

1, sqrt(n), n

e.g.
Factors of 9: 1, 3, 9
so they may not have two factors in the middle.

Suggest you to check out the two posts I have mentioned above.
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Hi
Why cant it be solved as follows
It is given that product of unique divisors of n is \(n^2\)
And we got to do the same for n^2
So \(n^2\) =\(n * n\)
and since we have the result of n = \(n^2\)
hence for getting the result of \(n^2\) = \(n^2\)*\(n^2\) = \(n^4\)

I know its not true but i couldnt figure why

Regards

Bunuel
gmatpapa
If the product of all the unique positive divisors of n, a positive integer which is not a perfect cube, is \(n^2\), then the product of all the unique positive divisors of \(n^2\) is
(A) \(n^3\)
(B) \(n^4\)
(C) \(n^6\)
(D) \(n^8\)
(E) \(n^9\)

All positive integers \(n\) which equal to \(n=p_1*p_2\), where \(p_1\) and \(p_2\) are distinct primes satisfy the condition in the stem. Because the factors of \(n\) in this case would be: 1, \(p_1\), \(p_2\), and \(n\) itself, so the product of the factors will be \(1*(p_1*p_2)*n=n^2\).

(Note that if \(n=p^3\) where \(p\) is a prime number also satisfies this condition as the factors of \(n\) in this case would be 1, \(p\), \(p^2\) and \(n\) itself, so the product of the factors will be \(1*(p*p^2)*n=p^3*n=n^2\), but we are told that \(n\) is not a perfect cube, so this case is out, as well as the case \(n=1\).)

For example if \(n=6=2*3\) --> the product of all the unique positive divisors of 6 will be: \(1*2*3*6=6^2\);
Or if \(n=10=2*5\) --> the product of all the unique positive divisors of 10 will be: \(1*2*5*10=10^2\);

Now, take \(n=10\) --> \(n^2=100\) --> the product of all the unique positive divisors of \(100\) is: \(1*2*4*5*10*20*25*50*100=(2*50)*(4*25)*(5*20)*10*100=10^2*10^2*10^2*10*10^2=10^9\) (you can do this with formula to get \((p_1)^9*(p_2)^9=n^9\) but think this way is quicker).

Answer: E.
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ppb1487
Hi
Why cant it be solved as follows
It is given that product of unique divisors of n is \(n^2\)
And we got to do the same for n^2
So \(n^2\) =\(n * n\)
and since we have the result of n = \(n^2\)
hence for getting the result of \(n^2\) = \(n^2\)*\(n^2\) = \(n^4\)

I know its not true but i couldnt figure why

The product of factors depends on the number of factors. The number of factors depends on the exponent of prime factors. When the exponent of prime factors is multiplied by 2, the number of factors doesn't multiply by 2. It increase by much more because:
Number of factors = (a+1)(b+1)... etc
If a =1 , b= 1, Number of factors = (a+1)(b+1) = 2*2 = 4
If a = 2, b = 2, Number of factors = (a+1)(b+1) = 3*3 = 9

Whenever you feel stuck with such concept issues, try out some numbers to get clarity.

n = 6
All factors of n: 1, 2, 3, 6
Product of all factors: 1*2*3*6 = 36 = 6^2 = n^2

36 = 2^2 * 3^2
How many factors will it have? (2+1)*(2+1) = 9
All factors of 36: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, ... , 36
When you find their product, each pair equidistant from the extremes will give 36 (n^2). There will be 4 such pairs to get n^8 and an n so it all, you will get n^9.

Check out this post:
https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2015/08 ... questions/
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