Finding Multiples & Factors of 180 & 6

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying positive integers that are both multiples of 6 and factors of 180, focusing on the mathematical reasoning behind the problem rather than simply listing solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of prime factorization of 180 and the relationship between multiples of 6 and factors of 180. Some suggest considering the form of factors that are multiples of 6, while others discuss patterns observed in the prime factors.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to clarify the problem and explore mathematical approaches. Some participants provide hints and guidance without revealing complete answers, while others emphasize the importance of not providing direct solutions.

Contextual Notes

There is a concern about maintaining the integrity of the homework help process, with reminders to focus on hints rather than complete answers. Participants express uncertainty about their reasoning and the correctness of their approaches.

Petkovsky
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How many positive integers are multiples of 6 and factors of 180?

I can find all factors of 180 and all multiples of 6 and compare, but that is not the mathematical way. I don't have a concrete idea how to start so any assistance would be more than enough.

Thanx.
 
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Perhaps a "mathematical way" would be to consider the prime factorization, [itex]180 = 2^2 \cdot 3^2 \cdot 5[/itex]. Therefore any factor of 180 which is a multiple of 6 is of the form [itex]6 \cdot 2^a \cdot 3^b \cdot 5^c[/itex] where [itex]0 \le a,b,c \le 1[/itex]. Now it is easy to count how many possibilities there are.
 
We know that the prime factors of 180 = 2*2*3*3*5.
So, we can take (2*3) *2 = 6*2 =12 which is a multiple of 6 and a factor of 180.
Next, take the prime factors 2*3 * 3 = 6*3 = 18. Thus, it is a multiple of 6 and a factor of 18.
Continue, you see a pattern i.e. (2*3)*5, (2*3)*3*3... of permutations.
 
Petkovsky said:
How many positive integers are multiples of 6 and factors of 180?

I can find all factors of 180 and all multiples of 6 and compare, but that is not the mathematical way. I don't have a concrete idea how to start so any assistance would be more than enough.

Thanx.

Hi Petkovsky! :smile:

Hint: if 6n is a factor of 180,

that means that 180/6n is a whole number,

and so … ? :smile:
 
Thank you :)
 
Physicsissuef, don't give the answer!

(delete it if you still can)

(i'm not sure it's right anyway …)

Just give hints. :smile:
 
6*2*3*5

Yes, my answer wasn't correct actually :D

6*2, 6*3, 6*5

Maybe this is correct.
 
Physicsissuef said:
6*2*3*5

Yes, my answer wasn't correct actually :D

6*2, 6*3, 6*5

Maybe this is correct.

Physicsissuef, what part of "don't give the answer!" was not clear? :rolleyes:

You know we're only supposed to give help, not complete answers!

Well … you're obviously just guessing now … so no harm done! :smile:
 

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