Last visit was: 22 Apr 2026, 17:18 It is currently 22 Apr 2026, 17:18
Home
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Close
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
Your Progress

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
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Back to Forum
Create Topic
User avatar
Bunuel
User avatar
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Last visit: 22 Apr 2026
Posts: 109,754
Own Kudos:
810,669
 [24]
Given Kudos: 105,823
Products:
GMAT Club Tests Forum Quiz
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
Posts: 109,754
Kudos: 810,669
 [24]
How Well Do You Know Your Factors? 31 Dec 2014, 06:49
4
Kudos
Add Kudos
20
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
00:00
Start Timer
Pause Timer
Resume Timer
Show Answer
Hide
Show
History
N
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!

Difficulty:

(N/A)

Question Stats:

0% (00:00) correct 0% (00:00) wrong based on 0 sessions

History

Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
FROM Veritas Prep Blog: How Well Do You Know Your Factors?
In the last three weeks, we discussed a couple of strategies we can use to solve max-min questions: ‘Establishing Base Case’ and ‘Focus on Extremes’. Now try to use those to solve this question:

Question: A carpenter has to build 71 wooden boxes in one week. He can build as many per day as he wants but he has decided that the number of boxes he builds on any one day should be within 4 off the number he builds on any other day.

(A) What is the least number of boxes that he could have build on Saturday?

(B) What is the greatest number of boxes that he could have build on Saturday?

Meanwhile, let’s move on to something else today. What we will discuss today is a very simple concept but it seems odd to us when we first confront it even if we are very comfortable with factors and divisibility. If we tell you the concept right away, you will probably not believe us when we say that many people are unable to come up with it on their own. Hence, we will first give you a question which you need to answer in 30 seconds. If you are unable to do so, then we will discuss the concept with you!

Question: A, B, C and D are positive integers such that A/B = C/D. Is C divisible by 5?

Statement 1: A is divisible by 210

Statement 2: B = 7^x, where x is a positive integer

Solution: Let’s discuss the solution till the point I assume you will be quite comfortable.

We need to find whether C is divisible by 5. So let’s separate the C out of the variables.

C = AD/B

Since C is an integer, AD will be divisible by B but what we don’t know is that after the division, is the quotient divisible by 5?

Statement 1: A is divisible by 210

We still have no idea what B is so this statement alone is not sufficient. Let’s take an example of how the value of B could change our answer. Assume A is 210.

If B is 3, AD/B will be divisible by 5.

If B is 10, AD/B may not be divisible by 5 (depending on the value of D).

Statement 2: B = 7^x, where x is a positive integer

We have no idea what A and D are hence this statement alone is not sufficient.

Using both together: Now, this is where the trick comes in. Using both statements together, we see that C = (210*a*D)/(7^x)

Now we can say for sure that C will be divisible by 5. If you are not sure why, read on.

The Concept:

As you know, factors (also called divisors) of a number N are those positive integers which completely divide number N i.e. they do not leave a remainder on dividing N. If F is a factor of N, N/F leaves no remainder. This also means that N can be written as F*m where m is an integer. Sure you feel this is elementary but this concept is not as internalized in your conscience as you believe. To prove it, let me give you a question.

Example 1: Is 3^5 * 5^9 * 7 divisible by 18?

Did you take more than 2 seconds to say ‘No’ confidently?

For N to be divisible by F, you should be able to write N as F*m i.e. N must have F as a factor. F here is 18 (= 2*3^2) but we have no 2 in N (which is 3^5 * 5^9 * 7) though we do have a couple of 3s. Hence this huge product is not divisible by 18.

This helps us deduce that odd numbers are never divisible by even numbers.

Example 2: Is 3^5*7^6*11^3 divisible by 13?

The answer is simply ‘No’.

For the numerator to be divisible by the denominator, the denominator MUST BE a factor of the numerator. In the entire numerator, there is no 13 so the numerator is not divisible by 13.

Example 3: On the other hand, is 3^5*7^6*11^3*13 divisible by 13?

Yes, it is. 13 gets cancelled and the quotient will be 3^5*7^6*11^3.

Example 4: Is 2^X divisible by 3?

No. No matter what X is, you will only have X number of 2s in the numerator and will never have a 3. So this will not be divisible by 3.

Let’s come back to the original question now:

Given that C = (210*a*D)/(7^x)

Whatever x is, 7^x will get cancelled out by the numerator and we will be left with something. That something will include 5 (obtained from 210) since only 7s will be cancelled out from the numerator. Hence C is divisible by 5.

Answer (C)

Karishma, a Computer Engineer with a keen interest in alternative Mathematical approaches, has mentored students in the continents of Asia, Europe and North America. She teaches the GMAT for Veritas Prep and regularly participates in content development projects such as this blog!
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
abhinashgc
User avatar
Joined: 15 Aug 2013
Last visit: 07 Jul 2021
Posts: 30
Own Kudos:
2
Given Kudos: 198
Location: India
Schools: Sauder '22
GMAT 1: 640 Q44 V33
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Sauder '22
GMAT 1: 640 Q44 V33
Posts: 30
Kudos: 2
How Well Do You Know Your Factors? 17 Dec 2017, 13:49
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
FROM Veritas Prep Blog: How Well Do You Know Your Factors?
In the last three weeks, we discussed a couple of strategies we can use to solve max-min questions: ‘Establishing Base Case’ and ‘Focus on Extremes’. Now try to use those to solve this question:

Question: A carpenter has to build 71 wooden boxes in one week. He can build as many per day as he wants but he has decided that the number of boxes he builds on any one day should be within 4 off the number he builds on any other day.

(A) What is the least number of boxes that he could have build on Saturday?

(B) What is the greatest number of boxes that he could have build on Saturday?

Meanwhile, let’s move on to something else today. What we will discuss today is a very simple concept but it seems odd to us when we first confront it even if we are very comfortable with factors and divisibility. If we tell you the concept right away, you will probably not believe us when we say that many people are unable to come up with it on their own. Hence, we will first give you a question which you need to answer in 30 seconds. If you are unable to do so, then we will discuss the concept with you!

Question: A, B, C and D are positive integers such that A/B = C/D. Is C divisible by 5?

Statement 1: A is divisible by 210

Statement 2: B = 7^x, where x is a positive integer

Solution: Let’s discuss the solution till the point I assume you will be quite comfortable.

We need to find whether C is divisible by 5. So let’s separate the C out of the variables.

C = AD/B

Since C is an integer, AD will be divisible by B but what we don’t know is that after the division, is the quotient divisible by 5?

Statement 1: A is divisible by 210

We still have no idea what B is so this statement alone is not sufficient. Let’s take an example of how the value of B could change our answer. Assume A is 210.

If B is 3, AD/B will be divisible by 5.

If B is 10, AD/B may not be divisible by 5 (depending on the value of D).

Statement 2: B = 7^x, where x is a positive integer

We have no idea what A and D are hence this statement alone is not sufficient.

Using both together: Now, this is where the trick comes in. Using both statements together, we see that C = (210*a*D)/(7^x)

Now we can say for sure that C will be divisible by 5. If you are not sure why, read on.

The Concept:

As you know, factors (also called divisors) of a number N are those positive integers which completely divide number N i.e. they do not leave a remainder on dividing N. If F is a factor of N, N/F leaves no remainder. This also means that N can be written as F*m where m is an integer. Sure you feel this is elementary but this concept is not as internalized in your conscience as you believe. To prove it, let me give you a question.

Example 1: Is 3^5 * 5^9 * 7 divisible by 18?

Did you take more than 2 seconds to say ‘No’ confidently?

For N to be divisible by F, you should be able to write N as F*m i.e. N must have F as a factor. F here is 18 (= 2*3^2) but we have no 2 in N (which is 3^5 * 5^9 * 7) though we do have a couple of 3s. Hence this huge product is not divisible by 18.

This helps us deduce that odd numbers are never divisible by even numbers.

Example 2: Is 3^5*7^6*11^3 divisible by 13?

The answer is simply ‘No’.

For the numerator to be divisible by the denominator, the denominator MUST BE a factor of the numerator. In the entire numerator, there is no 13 so the numerator is not divisible by 13.

Example 3: On the other hand, is 3^5*7^6*11^3*13 divisible by 13?

Yes, it is. 13 gets cancelled and the quotient will be 3^5*7^6*11^3.

Example 4: Is 2^X divisible by 3?

No. No matter what X is, you will only have X number of 2s in the numerator and will never have a 3. So this will not be divisible by 3.

Let’s come back to the original question now:

Given that C = (210*a*D)/(7^x)

Whatever x is, 7^x will get cancelled out by the numerator and we will be left with something. That something will include 5 (obtained from 210) since only 7s will be cancelled out from the numerator. Hence C is divisible by 5.

Answer (C)

Karishma, a Computer Engineer with a keen interest in alternative Mathematical approaches, has mentored students in the continents of Asia, Europe and North America. She teaches the GMAT for Veritas Prep and regularly participates in content development projects such as this blog!
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
Show more
Dont understand how 7^x wil be cancelled out by numerator. let say if i use 7^10.. Please help.
Thanks
Abhinash
User avatar
Bunuel
User avatar
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Last visit: 22 Apr 2026
Posts: 109,754
Own Kudos:
810,669
Given Kudos: 105,823
Products:
GMAT Club Tests Forum Quiz
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
Posts: 109,754
Kudos: 810,669
How Well Do You Know Your Factors? 17 Dec 2017, 20:49
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
abhinashgc
Bunuel
FROM Veritas Prep Blog: How Well Do You Know Your Factors?
In the last three weeks, we discussed a couple of strategies we can use to solve max-min questions: ‘Establishing Base Case’ and ‘Focus on Extremes’. Now try to use those to solve this question:

Question: A carpenter has to build 71 wooden boxes in one week. He can build as many per day as he wants but he has decided that the number of boxes he builds on any one day should be within 4 off the number he builds on any other day.

(A) What is the least number of boxes that he could have build on Saturday?

(B) What is the greatest number of boxes that he could have build on Saturday?

Meanwhile, let’s move on to something else today. What we will discuss today is a very simple concept but it seems odd to us when we first confront it even if we are very comfortable with factors and divisibility. If we tell you the concept right away, you will probably not believe us when we say that many people are unable to come up with it on their own. Hence, we will first give you a question which you need to answer in 30 seconds. If you are unable to do so, then we will discuss the concept with you!

Question: A, B, C and D are positive integers such that A/B = C/D. Is C divisible by 5?

Statement 1: A is divisible by 210

Statement 2: B = 7^x, where x is a positive integer

Solution: Let’s discuss the solution till the point I assume you will be quite comfortable.

We need to find whether C is divisible by 5. So let’s separate the C out of the variables.

C = AD/B

Since C is an integer, AD will be divisible by B but what we don’t know is that after the division, is the quotient divisible by 5?

Statement 1: A is divisible by 210

We still have no idea what B is so this statement alone is not sufficient. Let’s take an example of how the value of B could change our answer. Assume A is 210.

If B is 3, AD/B will be divisible by 5.

If B is 10, AD/B may not be divisible by 5 (depending on the value of D).

Statement 2: B = 7^x, where x is a positive integer

We have no idea what A and D are hence this statement alone is not sufficient.

Using both together: Now, this is where the trick comes in. Using both statements together, we see that C = (210*a*D)/(7^x)

Now we can say for sure that C will be divisible by 5. If you are not sure why, read on.

The Concept:

As you know, factors (also called divisors) of a number N are those positive integers which completely divide number N i.e. they do not leave a remainder on dividing N. If F is a factor of N, N/F leaves no remainder. This also means that N can be written as F*m where m is an integer. Sure you feel this is elementary but this concept is not as internalized in your conscience as you believe. To prove it, let me give you a question.

Example 1: Is 3^5 * 5^9 * 7 divisible by 18?

Did you take more than 2 seconds to say ‘No’ confidently?

For N to be divisible by F, you should be able to write N as F*m i.e. N must have F as a factor. F here is 18 (= 2*3^2) but we have no 2 in N (which is 3^5 * 5^9 * 7) though we do have a couple of 3s. Hence this huge product is not divisible by 18.

This helps us deduce that odd numbers are never divisible by even numbers.

Example 2: Is 3^5*7^6*11^3 divisible by 13?

The answer is simply ‘No’.

For the numerator to be divisible by the denominator, the denominator MUST BE a factor of the numerator. In the entire numerator, there is no 13 so the numerator is not divisible by 13.

Example 3: On the other hand, is 3^5*7^6*11^3*13 divisible by 13?

Yes, it is. 13 gets cancelled and the quotient will be 3^5*7^6*11^3.

Example 4: Is 2^X divisible by 3?

No. No matter what X is, you will only have X number of 2s in the numerator and will never have a 3. So this will not be divisible by 3.

Let’s come back to the original question now:

Given that C = (210*a*D)/(7^x)

Whatever x is, 7^x will get cancelled out by the numerator and we will be left with something. That something will include 5 (obtained from 210) since only 7s will be cancelled out from the numerator. Hence C is divisible by 5.

Answer (C)

Karishma, a Computer Engineer with a keen interest in alternative Mathematical approaches, has mentored students in the continents of Asia, Europe and North America. She teaches the GMAT for Veritas Prep and regularly participates in content development projects such as this blog!
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
Dont understand how 7^x wil be cancelled out by numerator. let say if i use 7^10.. Please help.
Thanks
Abhinash
Show more

7^x will be reduce because we know that C is a positive integer. For C to be positive integer, in C = (210*a*D)/(7^x), 7^x must be reduced.

This question is discussed here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/a-b-c-and-d- ... 96313.html

Hope it helps.
avatar
udsingh
avatar
Joined: 22 May 2018
Last visit: 04 Jul 2020
Posts: 2
Own Kudos:
1
 [1]
Given Kudos: 38
Posts: 2
Kudos: 1
 [1]
How Well Do You Know Your Factors? 05 Jun 2018, 12:39
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
abhinashgc
Dont understand how 7^x wil be cancelled out by numerator. let say if i use 7^10.. Please help.
Thanks
Abhinash
Show more
It is not required for 7^x to be cancelled.
C=AD/B
Since , A=5*p and there is nothing in the denominator (B) to cancel this 5 , we can say that C is divisible by 5.
avatar
Foreheadson
avatar
Joined: 22 Jun 2020
Last visit: 24 Sep 2022
Posts: 151
Own Kudos:
92
Given Kudos: 120
Location: Georgia
Concentration: Finance, General Management
Schools: Booth '25 (WL) Darden '25
GMAT 1: 720 Q51 V38
GPA: 3.71
Schools: Booth '25 (WL) Darden '25
GMAT 1: 720 Q51 V38
Posts: 151
Kudos: 92
How Well Do You Know Your Factors? 27 Mar 2021, 13:13
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
abhinashgc
Bunuel
FROM Veritas Prep Blog: How Well Do You Know Your Factors?
In the last three weeks, we discussed a couple of strategies we can use to solve max-min questions: ‘Establishing Base Case’ and ‘Focus on Extremes’. Now try to use those to solve this question:

Question: A carpenter has to build 71 wooden boxes in one week. He can build as many per day as he wants but he has decided that the number of boxes he builds on any one day should be within 4 off the number he builds on any other day.

(A) What is the least number of boxes that he could have build on Saturday?

(B) What is the greatest number of boxes that he could have build on Saturday?

Meanwhile, let’s move on to something else today. What we will discuss today is a very simple concept but it seems odd to us when we first confront it even if we are very comfortable with factors and divisibility. If we tell you the concept right away, you will probably not believe us when we say that many people are unable to come up with it on their own. Hence, we will first give you a question which you need to answer in 30 seconds. If you are unable to do so, then we will discuss the concept with you!

Question: A, B, C and D are positive integers such that A/B = C/D. Is C divisible by 5?

Statement 1: A is divisible by 210

Statement 2: B = 7^x, where x is a positive integer

Solution: Let’s discuss the solution till the point I assume you will be quite comfortable.

We need to find whether C is divisible by 5. So let’s separate the C out of the variables.

C = AD/B

Since C is an integer, AD will be divisible by B but what we don’t know is that after the division, is the quotient divisible by 5?

Statement 1: A is divisible by 210

We still have no idea what B is so this statement alone is not sufficient. Let’s take an example of how the value of B could change our answer. Assume A is 210.

If B is 3, AD/B will be divisible by 5.

If B is 10, AD/B may not be divisible by 5 (depending on the value of D).

Statement 2: B = 7^x, where x is a positive integer

We have no idea what A and D are hence this statement alone is not sufficient.

Using both together: Now, this is where the trick comes in. Using both statements together, we see that C = (210*a*D)/(7^x)

Now we can say for sure that C will be divisible by 5. If you are not sure why, read on.

The Concept:

As you know, factors (also called divisors) of a number N are those positive integers which completely divide number N i.e. they do not leave a remainder on dividing N. If F is a factor of N, N/F leaves no remainder. This also means that N can be written as F*m where m is an integer. Sure you feel this is elementary but this concept is not as internalized in your conscience as you believe. To prove it, let me give you a question.

Example 1: Is 3^5 * 5^9 * 7 divisible by 18?

Did you take more than 2 seconds to say ‘No’ confidently?

For N to be divisible by F, you should be able to write N as F*m i.e. N must have F as a factor. F here is 18 (= 2*3^2) but we have no 2 in N (which is 3^5 * 5^9 * 7) though we do have a couple of 3s. Hence this huge product is not divisible by 18.

This helps us deduce that odd numbers are never divisible by even numbers.

Example 2: Is 3^5*7^6*11^3 divisible by 13?

The answer is simply ‘No’.

For the numerator to be divisible by the denominator, the denominator MUST BE a factor of the numerator. In the entire numerator, there is no 13 so the numerator is not divisible by 13.

Example 3: On the other hand, is 3^5*7^6*11^3*13 divisible by 13?

Yes, it is. 13 gets cancelled and the quotient will be 3^5*7^6*11^3.

Example 4: Is 2^X divisible by 3?

No. No matter what X is, you will only have X number of 2s in the numerator and will never have a 3. So this will not be divisible by 3.

Let’s come back to the original question now:

Given that C = (210*a*D)/(7^x)

Whatever x is, 7^x will get cancelled out by the numerator and we will be left with something. That something will include 5 (obtained from 210) since only 7s will be cancelled out from the numerator. Hence C is divisible by 5.

Answer (C)

Karishma, a Computer Engineer with a keen interest in alternative Mathematical approaches, has mentored students in the continents of Asia, Europe and North America. She teaches the GMAT for Veritas Prep and regularly participates in content development projects such as this blog!
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
Dont understand how 7^x wil be cancelled out by numerator. let say if i use 7^10.. Please help.
Thanks
Abhinash
Show more
I think I have a much simpler explanation. If A=210 and B=7^x, say 7^1, for simplicity sake. than 210 can be factorized in the following manner. 30*7. In other words there is only one 7 in 210.
Now, however you choose these numbers for A and B, You can never cancel out that 30 using 7. 30 by itself is divisible by 5. So for the equality A/B=C/D to hold, C must be also multiple of 30, as D must be equivalent of some power of 7.

I hope this explanation is correct and hope it helps.

Posted from my mobile device
User avatar
einstein801
User avatar
Joined: 23 Jan 2024
Last visit: 18 Feb 2025
Posts: 152
Own Kudos:
224
Given Kudos: 138
Posts: 152
Kudos: 224
How Well Do You Know Your Factors? 13 Mar 2024, 03:42
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Appreciate the effort but too many jumps in logic which make it hard for a noob to follow... even just reading the start...

"Statement 1: A is divisible by 210

We still have no idea what B is so this statement alone is not sufficient. Let’s take an example of how the value of B could change our answer. Assume A is 210.

If B is 3, AD/B will be divisible by 5."

Why will AD/B be divisible by 5...?
User avatar
ADisHere
User avatar
Joined: 31 Aug 2023
Last visit: 22 Apr 2026
Posts: 139
Own Kudos:
80
Given Kudos: 451
Location: India
Schools: ISB '27 ISB
GMAT Focus 1: 625 Q84 V82 DI77
Schools: ISB '27 ISB
GMAT Focus 1: 625 Q84 V82 DI77
Posts: 139
Kudos: 80
How Well Do You Know Your Factors? 20 May 2024, 00:04
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
 
unicornilove
Appreciate the effort but too many jumps in logic which make it hard for a noob to follow... even just reading the start...

"Statement 1: A is divisible by 210

We still have no idea what B is so this statement alone is not sufficient. Let’s take an example of how the value of B could change our answer. Assume A is 210.

If B is 3, AD/B will be divisible by 5."

Why will AD/B be divisible by 5...?
Show more
­Question: A, B, C and D are positive integers such that A/B = C/D. Is C divisible by 5?

Statement 1: A is divisible by 210
Statement 2: B = 7^x, where x is a positive integer

See, as C=AD/B  B must be completely divisible in AD for C to be an integer.

Statement 1: A is divisible by 210
means A is a multiple of 210
If B is multiple of 7 or 21 or 42 we get C is divisible by 5
but what if B is also a multiple of 210?
So our stem is C divisible by F cant be proved

Statement 2: B = 7^x, where x is a positive integer
B = 7^x so it can be 7, 7^2 ,7^3 etc
But now we don't have any idea about A

Hence after combining both
A is a multiple of 210 and B is a power of 7, so A must be multiple of 210 and you can see that it has 5 in it
hence 3 and 5 will remain anyhow after cancelling out AD/B

hence C is divisible by 5
 PS As you said -B cant be 3 as it is given that B = 7^x so it can be 7, 7^2 ,7^3 etc
 ­
User avatar
bumpbot
User avatar
Non-Human User
Joined: 09 Sep 2013
Last visit: 04 Jan 2021
Posts: 38,965
Own Kudos:
1,117
Posts: 38,965
Kudos: 1,117
How Well Do You Know Your Factors? 16 Sep 2025, 13:45
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Automated notice from GMAT Club BumpBot:

A member just gave Kudos to this thread, showing it’s still useful. I’ve bumped it to the top so more people can benefit. Feel free to add your own questions or solutions.

This post was generated automatically.
Moderators:
Bunuel
Math Expert
109754 posts
Krunaal
Tuck School Moderator
853 posts