XavierAlexander wrote:
\(m\) and \(n\) are positive integers such that \(m*n\) is a multiple of \(16\) and \(\frac{m}{n}\) is a multiple of \(12\). Which of the following integers could be the value of \(m\)?
Indicate all such integers.
A)24
B)32
C)36
D)48
As a GRE tutor, I strive to find the least math-y way to solve hard problems.
I suspect that many test-takers will find it daunting to solve this problem abstractly.
For such students, a more practical approach might be to PLUG IN THE ANSWERS.
When a correct answer plugged in, m/n will be a multiple of 12, and mn will be divisible by 16.
A: m=24
Since m/n must be a multiple of 12, let 24/n = 12, with the result that n=2 and mn = 24*2 = 48.
Use the calculator or old-fashioned arithmetic to determine that mn/16 = 48/16 = 3.
Since mn is divisible by 16, A is a viable answer choice.
B: m=32
Since m/n must be a multiple of 12, let 32/n = 12, with the result that n is not an integer.
Eliminate B.
C: m=36
Since m/n must be a multiple of 12, let 36/n = 12, with the result that n=3 and mn = 36*3 = 108.
Use the calculator or old-fashioned arithmetic to determine that mn/16 = 108/16 = 6.75.
Since mn is NOT divisible by 16, C is not a viable answer choice.
D: m=48
Since m/n must be a multiple of 12, let 48/n = 12, with the result that n=4 and mn = 48*4 = 192.
Use the calculator or old-fashioned arithmetic to determine that mn/16 = 192/16 = 12.
Since mn is divisible by 16, D is a viable answer choice.