Pick the odd number: Exactly one of the following is a perfect cube (n^3). The others are not perfect cubes. Identify the perfect cube.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 729

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Perfect powers provide clean classification cues. A perfect cube equals n^3 for some integer n. Among the options, exactly one is a perfect cube; the rest are not. The task is to identify the perfect cube.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Options: 729, 123, 423, 621.
  • Recall of common cubes: 8 = 2^3, 27 = 3^3, 64 = 4^3, 125 = 5^3, 216 = 6^3, 343 = 7^3, 512 = 8^3, 729 = 9^3, 1000 = 10^3.


Concept / Approach:
Use recognition of standard cubes or apply prime factorization: a perfect cube’s prime exponents are all multiples of 3. A quick digit-sum or parity check alone is insufficient for cubes, so rely on known landmarks or factorization.


Step-by-Step Solution:

729 matches the known identity 9^3 = 729 → perfect cube.123 is between 5^3 = 125 and 4^3 = 64 and is not a cube.423 falls between 7^3 = 343 and 8^3 = 512, not equal to either cube.621 lies between 8^3 = 512 and 9^3 = 729, not equal to any cube.


Verification / Alternative check:
Prime factorization: 729 = 3^6, which is (3^2)^3, hence a perfect cube. The others do not factor into primes with all exponents multiples of 3.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
123, 423, and 621 are not exact cubes of integers; each sits strictly between consecutive cubes.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming that “divisible by 3” or having a certain digit sum implies being a cube. Divisibility helps but does not prove cube status; exact equality to n^3 is required.


Final Answer:
729 is the only perfect cube in the list.

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