Finding Multiples & Factors of 180 & 6

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To find how many positive integers are multiples of 6 and factors of 180, one approach is to use prime factorization. The prime factorization of 180 is 2^2 * 3^2 * 5, and any factor of 180 that is a multiple of 6 can be expressed in the form of 6 * 2^a * 3^b * 5^c, where a, b, and c are within specified limits. The discussion highlights the importance of ensuring that 180 divided by 6n results in a whole number, guiding the identification of valid multiples. Participants emphasize providing hints rather than complete answers to facilitate learning. The conversation underscores the mathematical method over brute force comparison of factors and multiples.
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, 180 = 2^2 \cdot 3^2 \cdot 5. Therefore any factor of 180 which is a multiple of 6 is of the form 6 \cdot 2^a \cdot 3^b \cdot 5^c where 0 \le a,b,c \le 1. 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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