If a, b, c are integers, 33 = abc, and a

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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

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asethi · Answer

abc=33 and a<b<c,
so (-33)(-1)(1)=33

The smallest possible value of a will be -33.

Ans: A

swanidhi · Answer

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

b9n920 · Answer

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.

Bunuel · Answer

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

bumpbot · Answer

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

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