M05 #36 - DS

Question

If a,b ,c and are positive distinct integers, is (a/b)/c an integer?

a.Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but Statement (2) ALONE is not sufficient
bStatement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but Statement (1) ALONE is not sufficient
c.BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient
d.EACH statement ALONE is sufficient
e.Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient

Can someone explain why is it answer B ?

lagomez · Answer

post the full question

tania · Answer

If a,b ,c and are positive distinct integers, is ( a/b)/c an integer?

1. c= 2
2. a= b+c

Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but Statement (2) ALONE is not sufficient
Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but Statement (1) ALONE is not sufficient
BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient
EACH statement ALONE is sufficient
Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient

Above is the complete question

lagomez · Answer

It's B because you can't pick a set of integers that are distinct and will result in an integer.

The answer to the questions is no, you can't get an integer..

Try any set of integers

a = b + c
b = 2 c = 4 a = 6
6/2 / 4 = 3/4 not an integer..

Just pick random numbers and you will never get an integer

tania · Answer

thnx a for such a quick response...is there any other generic way of solving such questions?

mustafaj · Answer

If a,b ,c and are positive distinct integers, is ( a/b)/c an integer?

1. c= 2
2. a= b+c

The way I did it:
1. doesnt give us any real info
NS
2. a=b+c
divide both sides by b+c
a/(b+c)= 1
a/b + a/c = 1
IF they are distinct positive integers, this will never give an answer that works. will be fractions unless they are the same number, which the stem stipulates they can not be.

B is suff

tania · Answer

That was a clear cut explanation. Thnx a lot .

M05 #36 - DS

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