Carcass wrote:
If k is a positive integer less than 215, and 26k84 is an integer, how many different positive prime factors k can have?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6
Let's find the prime factorization of the numerator and denominator and then simplify.
We get:
26k84=(2)(13)k(2)(2)(3)(7)=(13)k(2)(3)(7)In order for
(13)k(2)(3)(7) to be an INTEGER, k must be divisible by 2, 3 and 7.
(2)(3)(7) = 42, which means k must be divisible by 42.
Put another way,
k must be a multiple of 42 (as long as k is less than 215, as stated in the question)If k = 42, then the prime factors of k are 2, 3 and 7
If k = (2)(42) (a multiple of 42), then the prime factors of k are 2, 3 and 7
If k = (3)(42) (a multiple of 42), then the prime factors of k are 2, 3 and 7
If k = (4)(42) (a multiple of 42), then the prime factors of k are 2, 3 and 7
If k = (5)(42) (a multiple of 42), then the prime factors of k are
2, 3, 5 and 7So, k can have, AT MOST, four different prime factors
Answer: C