Steps 1 & 2: Understand Question and Draw Inferences
Given: Positive integer Z
To find:
Is Z2 divisible by 9?
9 = 32
So, Z2 will be divisible by 32 if
Z is divisible by 3
Step 3: Analyze Statement 1 independently
The sum of the digits of Z3 is divisible by 9
This means, Z3 is divisible by 9
9 = 32
So, 3 is a prime factor of Z3
Therefore, 3 is a prime factor of Z as well
Hence, Z is indeed divisible by 3
Statement 1 is sufficient to answer the question.
Step 4: Analyze Statement 2 independently
3Z4 + 16 leaves a remainder of 7 when divided by 9
So, we can write: 3Z4 + 16 = 9k + 7, where k is some integer
3Z4 = 9k + (7 – 16) = 9k – 9 = 9(k-1)
This simplifies to: Z4 = 3(k-1)
Z4 is divisible by 3
In other words, 3 is a prime factor of Z4
Therefore 3 is a prime factor of Z as well.
So, Z is indeed divisible by 3
Statement 2 alone is sufficient to answer the question.
Step 5: Analyze Both Statements Together (if needed)
Since we’ve arrived at a unique answer in each of Steps 3 and 4, this step is not required
Answer: Option D