Question

If a, b and c are positive integers such that ab = 432, bc = 96 and c < 9, then the smallest possible value of a + b + c is

• A. 56
• B. 59
• C. 49
• D. 46

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

46

Answer 2

The correct answer is (D): $46$

Given $ab = 432$, $bc = 96$ and $c < 9$

To find the minimum value for $a + b + c$, the two larger numbers should be as close as possible.

The closest combination whose product is $432$ is $18 × 24$.

For $b = 24$, we get $c = 4$ and $a = 18$.

Hence the least value for $a + b + c = 46$