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If a, b, c are integers, 33 = abc, and a < b < c, what is the smallest

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Bunuel
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If a, b, c are integers, 33 = abc, and a < b < c, what is the smallest [#permalink] New post   29 Nov 2015, 09:57
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A
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D
E

Difficulty:

25% (medium)

Question Stats:

65% (00:53) correct 35% (00:56) wrong based on 386 sessions
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Math Revolution and GMAT Club Contest Starts!



QUESTION #3:

If a, b, c are integers, 33 = abc, and a < b < c, what is the smallest possible value of a?

A. -33
B. -3
C. 1
D. 3
E. 11

Check conditions below:


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Math Revolution and GMAT Club Contest

The Contest Starts November 28th in Quant Forum


We are happy to announce a Math Revolution and GMAT Club Contest

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A
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Re: If a, b, c are integers, 33 = abc, and a < b < c, what is the smallest [#permalink] New post   29 Nov 2015, 10:16
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abc=33 and a<b<c,
so (-33)(-1)(1)=33

The smallest possible value of a will be -33.

Ans: A
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Re: If a, b, c are integers, 33 = abc, and a < b < c, what is the smallest [#permalink] New post   29 Nov 2015, 10:21
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If a, b, c are integers, 33 = abc, and a < b < c, what is the smallest possible value of a?

A. -33
B. -3
C. 1
D. 3
E. 11

Given : a * b * c = 33.
33 is a Positive Odd number. Side Note: Thus, all 3 numbers will be odd.
Prime factorization will also give you numbers. 1, 3, 11. The 3 numbers will be combination of these 3 numbers with possible variation in sign(+/-).

We could have any 2 digits as negative. --> negative * negative * positive. We have negative values in answer option, so eliminate C, D and E from answer choices.
-33 * -1 * 1 = 33.

Correct answer is A
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Re: If a, b, c are integers, 33 = abc, and a < b < c, what is the smallest [#permalink] New post   03 Dec 2015, 13:27
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QUESTION #3:

If a, b, c are integers, 33 = abc, and a < b < c, what is the smallest possible value of a?

A. -33
B. -3
C. 1
D. 3
E. 11

Soln: Since, integers \(a*b*c = 33\) and \(a < b < c\), in order to find the minimum value of \(a\) we can simply look at the answer choices and try to equate \(a\) to the lowest available value.

So, the question is: Can \(a\) be as small as \(-33\)? Rearranging, we get, \(a*b*c = 33 = (-33) * (-1) * 1\).
So that, \(a=-33, b=-1 & c=1.\) and these values agree the condition a < b < c. So, smallest value of \(a = -33\). We don't even need to check other options.

Answer: A.
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Re: If a, b, c are integers, 33 = abc, and a < b < c, what is the smallest [#permalink] New post   14 Dec 2015, 09:01
Expert Reply
Bunuel wrote:

Math Revolution and GMAT Club Contest Starts!



QUESTION #3:

If a, b, c are integers, 33 = abc, and a < b < c, what is the smallest possible value of a?

A. -33
B. -3
C. 1
D. 3
E. 11

Check conditions below:


Show Spoiler

Math Revolution and GMAT Club Contest

The Contest Starts November 28th in Quant Forum


We are happy to announce a Math Revolution and GMAT Club Contest

For the following four (!) weekends we'll be publishing 4 FRESH math questions per weekend (2 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday).

To participate, you will have to reply with your best answer/solution to the new questions that will be posted on Saturday and Sunday at 9 AM Pacific.
Then a week later, the forum moderator will be selecting 2 winners who provided most correct answers to the questions, along with best solutions. Those winners will get 6-months access to GMAT Club Tests.

PLUS! Based on the answers and solutions for all the questions published during the project ONE user will be awarded with ONE Grand prize:

PS + DS course with 502 videos that is worth $299!



All announcements and winnings are final and no whining :-) GMAT Club reserves the rights to modify the terms of this offer at any time.


NOTE: Test Prep Experts and Tutors are asked not to participate. We would like to have the members maximize their learning and problem solving process.

Thank you!



MATH REVOLUTION OFFICIAL SOLUTION:

This type of question appears within a score range of 45 to 48. In terms of Integer, you have to find the “hidden 1” and consider negative numbers. Thus, the calculation would be, 33=(-33)(-1)(1), and -33 is the smallest possible value of a. So, A is the correct answer
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Re: If a, b, c are integers, 33=abc, and a<b<c, what is the smallest pos [#permalink] New post   16 Jun 2020, 10:17
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Re: If a, b, c are integers, 33=abc, and a<b<c, what is the smallest pos [#permalink]
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