Skip to main contentSkip to solution

In a 3-digit number N, the digits are non-zero and distinct such that none of the digits is a perfect square, and only one of the digits is a prime number. Then, the number of factors of the minimum possible value of N is

Entered answer:

Solution

✅ Correct Answer: 6

The digits are non-zero, so the available digits are 11 through 99.

Removing perfect squares (1,4,91, 4, 9), the allowed digits are: 2,3,5,6,7,82, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8

Among these:

  • Prime digits: 2,3,5,72, 3, 5, 7
  • Non-prime digits: 6,86, 8

Since exactly one digit must be prime, the other two digits must be non-prime.

The only non-prime allowed digits are 66 and 88, so these two must be used.

The third digit (the prime one) can be: 2,3,5,2, 3, 5, or 77


To minimize NN, the hundreds digit should be as small as possible.

The smallest available prime is 22, so the digits are {2,6,8}\{2, 6, 8\}.

Arranging in ascending order to get the smallest 3-digit number:

Nmin⁡=268N_{\min} = 268


Prime factorisation of 268268:

268=2×134268 = 2 \times 134

=2×2×67= 2 \times 2 \times 67

=22×67= 2^2 \times 67

Here, 6767 is prime since it is not divisible by 2,3,5,2, 3, 5, or 77.


If N=pa×qbN = p^a \times q^b, then number of factors =(a+1)(b+1)= (a+1)(b+1)

Number of factors of 268268

=(2+1)(1+1)= (2+1)(1+1)

=3×2= 3 \times 2

=6= 6

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Left arrow: Previous question
  • Right arrow: Next question
  • S key: Jump to solution
  • Q key: Jump to question