document.write( "Question 1104299: If , where a, b and c are distinct positive integers greater than 1, what is the least possible value of a+b+c? \n" );
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Algebra.Com's Answer #719073 by greenestamps(13200)![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! \n" ); document.write( "The prime factorization of 3600 is (2^4)(3^2)(5^2). \n" ); document.write( "If 3600 = ab^2c^3, then c must be 2, because 2 is the only prime factor that occurs 3 or more times. \n" ); document.write( "That means ab^2 = 2(3^2)(5^2). \n" ); document.write( "There are only two possibilities: \n" ); document.write( "(1) b^2=3^2 and a = 2(5^2) = 50; that makes a+b+c = 50+3+2 = 55; or \n" ); document.write( "(2) b^2=5^2 and a = 2(3^2) = 18; that makes a+b+c = 18+5+2 = 25. \n" ); document.write( "The minimum value of a+b+c is 25. \n" ); document.write( " |