SAT Math : Factors / Multiples

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Math

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Example Questions

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Example Question #12 :How To Factor A Number

If180 = 2^{a}3^{b}5^{c}7^{d}, wherea,b,c,dare all positive integers, what isa+b+c+d?

Possible Answers:

3.

6

4

5

7

Correct answer:

5

Explanation:

We will essentially have to represent 180 as a product of prime factors, because 2, 3, 5, and 7 are all prime numbers. The easiest way to do this will be to find the prime factorization of 180.

180 = 18(10)= (9)(2)(10) = (3)(3)(2)(10)=(3)(3)(2)(2)(5) =2^{2}3^{2}5^{1}. Because 7 is not a factor of 180, we can mutiply the prime factorization of 180 by7^{0}(which equals 1) in order to get 7 into our prime factorization.

180=2^23^25^17^0=2^a3^b5^c7^d

In order for2^23^25^17^0to equal2^a3^b5^c7^d, the exponents of each base must match. This means thata= 2,b= 2,c= 1, andd= 0. The sum ofa,b,c, anddis 5.

The answer is 5.

Example Question #13 :How To Factor A Number

What is the product of the distinct prime factors of 24?

Possible Answers:

\dpi{100} \small 5

\dpi{100} \small 6

\dpi{100} \small 8

\dpi{100} \small 9

\dpi{100} \small 24

Correct answer:

\dpi{100} \small 6

Explanation:

The prime factorization of 24 is (2)(2)(2)(3). The distinct primes are 2 and 3, the product of which is 6.

Example Question #14 :How To Factor A Number

How many prime factors does\dpi{100} \small 2^{3}-1have?

Possible Answers:

\dpi{100} \small 1

\dpi{100} \small 3

\dpi{100} \small 0

\dpi{100} \small 5

\dpi{100} \small 2

Correct answer:

\dpi{100} \small 1

Explanation:

\dpi{100} \small 2^{3}-1=8-1=7

Since 7 is prime, its only prime factor is itself.

Example Question #15 :How To Factor A Number

What is the smallest positive multiple of 12?

Possible Answers:

\dpi{100} \small 24

\dpi{100} \small 2

\dpi{100} \small 0

\dpi{100} \small 12

\dpi{100} \small 6

Correct answer:

\dpi{100} \small 12

Explanation:

Multiples of 12 are found by multiplying 12 by a whole number. Some examples include:

\dpi{100} \small 12(-2)=-24

\dpi{100} \small 12(0)=0

\dpi{100} \small 12(1)=12

Clearly, the smallest positive value obtainable is 12. Do not confuse the term multiple with the term factor!

Example Question #31 :Factors / Multiples

How many prime factors of 210 are greater than 2?

Possible Answers:

three

one

five

four

two

Correct answer:

three

Explanation:

Begin by identifying the prime factors of 210. This can be done easily using a factoring tree (see image).

Vt_p2

The prime factors of 210 are 2, 3, 5 and 7. Of these factors, three of them are greater than 2.

Example Question #17 :How To Factor A Number

How many integers between 50 and 100 are divisible by 9?

Possible Answers:

6

8

9

7

5

Correct answer:

6

Explanation:

The smallest multiple of 9 within the given range is\inline \dpi{200} \tiny 54 = 9 \times 6.

The largest multiple of 9 within the given range is\dpi{100} {99=9 \times 11}.

Counting the numbers from 6 to 11, inclusive, yields 6.

Example Question #61 :Factors / Multiples

is the set of all positive multiples of, andis the set of all squares of integers. Which of the following numbers belongs to both sets?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

is the only choice that is both a multiple ofand a perfect square.

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