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[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

If \(n\) is a positive integer, which of the following could be the value of \((n+1)^3 - n^3\)?

\(A. 629\)
\(B. 630\)
\(C. 631\)
\(D. 632\)
\(E. 633\)

(n+1)^3 - n^3 = n^3+3n^2+3n+1-n^3 = 3n^2+3n+1

3n^2+3n+1 can never be even (eliminate B & D) nor divisible by 3 (eliminate E).

Between A and C, 631 can be written as 3n^2+3n+1, where n = 14.

Answer: C
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simplifying the equation = 3n(n+1)+1

the correct answer will be 1+ (some multiple of 3).

first glance, options B and E are incorrect. We are left with A,C and D.
A.629 - closest multiple of 3 to 629 is 627. 627+1 is 628. Incorrect
C.631 - 630 multiple of 3. 630+1 is 631. Correct
D.632 - Incorrect.
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Let's break this down step by step.

First, expand (n+1)3 - n3:
(n+1)3 = n3 + 3n2 + 3n + 1

So (n+1)3 - n3 = 3n2 + 3n + 1 = 3n(n+1) + 1

This tells us two powerful things:
1. The result is always 1 more than a multiple of 3.
2. After subtracting 1 and dividing by 3, you must get a product of two consecutive integers: n(n+1).

Now let's test each choice using Rule 1 — subtract 1 and check if it's divisible by 3:

A) 629 - 1 = 628. 628/3 = not a whole number. Eliminated.
B) 630 - 1 = 629. 629/3 = not a whole number. Eliminated.
C) 631 - 1 = 630. 630/3 = 210. This IS a whole number! Keep it.
D) 632 - 1 = 631. 631/3 = not a whole number. Eliminated.
E) 633 - 1 = 632. 632/3 = not a whole number. Eliminated.

Only C survives Rule 1. But let's verify Rule 2: is 210 a product of consecutive integers?
14 × 15 = 210. Yes!

So n = 14, and (15)3 - (14)3 = 3375 - 2744 = 631.

Answer: C

Key takeaway: When you see (n+1)3 - n3, always expand it first. The simplified form 3n(n+1) + 1 makes the problem much easier to handle than trying to guess and check cubes.
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