Carcass wrote:
If a, b, and c are integers and a(b - c) is odd, which of the following must be odd?
A. b
B. c
C. ab
D. ab + c
E. abc
One approach here is to
test some values that satisfy the initial condition
If a(b - c) is odd, then it COULD be the case that
a = 1, b = 2 and c = 1Now let's plug these values into our answer choices...
A. b = 2
2 is NOT odd, so eliminate A
B. c = 1
1 is odd, so keep B
C. ab = (1)(2) = 2
2 is NOT odd, so eliminate C
D. ab + c = (1)(2) + 1 = 3
3 is odd, so keep D
E. abc = (1)(2)(1) = 2
2 is NOT odd, so eliminate E
At this point, we're left with answer choices B and D
So that's test another set of values
If a(b - c) is odd, then it COULD be the case that
a = 2, b = 1 and c = 1Now let's plug these values into the remaining answer choices...
B. c = 2
2 is NOT odd, so eliminate B
By the process of elimination, the correct answer must be D
Cheers,
Brent