Question

Difficulty: EasyDivisibility, Factors, and Multiples

If kk is a positive integer that is divisible by both 66 and 1010, which of the following expressions MUST yield an integer?

  1. A
    k12\dfrac{k}{12}
  2. B
    k20\dfrac{k}{20}
  3. k15\dfrac{k}{15}Answer
  4. D
    k45\dfrac{k}{45}
  5. E
    k60\dfrac{k}{60}

Answer

The expression k15\dfrac{k}{15} MUST yield an integer.
Since kk is divisible by both 66 and 1010, kk must be a multiple of LCM(6,10)=30\text{LCM}(6, 10) = 30. Therefore, k=30mk = 30m for some positive integer mm. Dividing kk by 1515 gives 30m15=2m\dfrac{30m}{15} = 2m, which is guaranteed to be an integer for any positive integer mm.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the least common multiple (LCM) of 66 and 1010.
LCM(6,10)=30\text{LCM}(6, 10) = 30.
Since kk is divisible by both 66 and 1010, kk must be a multiple of their LCM.
2
Express kk in terms of its smallest possible base multiple.
k=30mk = 30m for some positive integer mm.
This represents all possible integer values for kk.
3
Determine which choice has a denominator that divides 3030.
Since 1515 divides 3030, k15=30m15=2m\dfrac{k}{15} = \dfrac{30m}{15} = 2m, which is always an integer.
Any divisor of 3030 will divide kk for all valid values of kk.

Key Concept

Least Common Multiple (LCM) and Divisibility Properties
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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