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VeritasKarishma Can you help with this qu.?

I got C.

But the OA is E. my method:

statement 1 says a is not div by 5.

so, possibilities can be: 3^8 * 5^8 c=8
(3^4) * (3^2 * 5^4)^2 c=2

same for statement 2.

If we combine, it leaves us only with 1 possibility, 3^8 * 5^8 (a, b, c are integers greater than 1). so, c=8
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Bunuel
If a, b and c are integers greater than one, and \(15^8 = a*b^c\), what is the value of c?

(1) a is not divisible by 5.

(2) b is not divisible by 3.


Are You Up For the Challenge: 700 Level Questions

(1) a is not divisible by 5.
\(15^8 = a*b^c=3^2(3^35^4)^2=5^83^8\), so c can be 8 or 2
Insuff

(2) b is not divisible by 3.
\(15^8 = a*b^c=(5^33^4)^25^2=3^85^8\), so c can be 8 or 2
Insuff

Combined
a contains all 3s and b contains all 5s, so ONLY possibility is \(3^85^8\)
c= 8

C


I solved in the same manner. But the OA is E
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Bunuel
If a, b and c are integers greater than one, and \(15^8 = a*b^c\), what is the value of c?

(1) a is not divisible by 5.

(2) b is not divisible by 3.


Are You Up For the Challenge: 700 Level Questions

\(15^8 = a*b^c\)

\(3^8 * 5^8 = a * b^c\)

Stmnt 1: Since a is not divisible by 5, all 5s belong to b. Some 3s may belong to b too such as

\(a = 3^4\)
\(b^c = (3*5*5)^4\)
or
\(a = 3^8\)
\(b^c = 5^8\)
or
\(a = 3^8\)
\(b^c = (25)^4\)
c can take various values.

Stmnt 2: Since b is not divisible by 3, all 3s belong to a. Some 5s may belong to a.

Note that the last two cases work here too.
\(a = 3^8\)
\(b^c = 5^8\)
or
\(a = 3^8\)
\(b^c = (25)^4\)
c can take various values.

Using both statements, we get
\(a = 3^8\)
\(b^c = 5^8 or 25^4 or 625^2\)
c can take various values.

Answer (E)
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