Bunuel
Which of the following integers is the square of an integer?
(A) 73,410,624
(B) 63,398,748
(C) 54,113,892
(D) 42,785,337
(E) 31,298,793
Kudos for a correct solution. MANHATTAN GMAT OFFICIAL SOLUTION:One way to approach this problem is to factor all of the answer choices. The one with matching pairs of prime factors is a perfect square. Although valid, this approach would be very time-consuming.
There is a backdoor solution: examine the units digit of the answers. Since the units digit of x^2 is simply the units digit of the square of the units digit of x, a perfect square must have the same units digit as one of 0, 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, or 81. That is, a perfect square must have a units digit of 0, 1, 4, 5, 6, or 9. A perfect square
cannot have a units digit of 2, 3, 7, or 8. Thus, answer choices B, C, D, and E are disqualified.
By the way, 73,410,624 is (8,568)^2. You would
never be expected to figure that out on the GMAT.
The correct answer is A.