Let N = 504. If M is the smallest positive integer such that N \times M is a perfect cube,… — GMAT

Let $N = 504$ . If $M$ is the smallest positive integer such that $N \times M$ is a perfect cube, what is the value of $M$ ?

Answer: 147

Answer

The smallest positive integer

M

such that

504 \times M

is a perfect cube is 147.

For an integer to be a perfect cube, the exponent of each prime factor in its prime factorization must be a multiple of 3. Prime factorizing 504 yields

2^3 \times 3^2 \times 7^1

. The exponent of 2 is 3 (already a multiple of 3). The exponent of 3 is 2, which requires 1 additional factor of 3 to reach 3. The exponent of 7 is 1, which requires 2 additional factors of 7 (

7^2

) to reach 3. Therefore, the minimum value for

M

3^1 \times 7^2 = 3 \times 49 = 147

Step-by-Step Solution

Express 504 as a product of its prime factors.

504 = 2^3 \times 3^2 \times 7^1

Decomposing

N

into prime factors allows analysis of the exponents required for perfect power conditions.

Apply the prime exponent rule for perfect cubes.

Every prime factor in

N \times M

must have an exponent that is a multiple of 3.

A number

K

is a perfect cube if and only if

K = p_1^{3a} \times p_2^{3b} \times \dots

Calculate the missing prime factors needed to complete the cube.

M = 3^{3-2} \times 7^{3-1} = 3^1 \times 7^2

To minimize

M

, we raise each prime to the smallest non-negative power that rounds the existing exponent up to the nearest multiple of 3.

Evaluate the value of

M

M = 3 \times 49 = 147

Direct arithmetic computation.

Key Concept

Prime Factorization and Exponent Requirements for Perfect Powers

Estimated Time:1m 30s

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