Perfect cube by division: What is the smallest number by which 3600 should be divided so that the result is a perfect cube?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 450

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Similar to converting to a perfect cube by division, this question focuses on 3600 and finding the minimal divisor to make all prime exponents multiples of 3.


Given Data / Assumptions:
N = 3600.


Concept / Approach:
Prime factorize N and reduce exponents to the nearest lower multiples of 3 by dividing out the smallest possible factor.


Step-by-Step Solution:
3600 = 36 × 100 = (2^2 × 3^2) × (2^2 × 5^2) = 2^4 × 3^2 × 5^2.To get exponents multiples of 3: reduce 2^4 to 2^3 (divide by 2^1), 3^2 to 3^0 (divide by 3^2), 5^2 to 5^0 (divide by 5^2).Required divisor = 2 × 3^2 × 5^2 = 2 × 9 × 25 = 450.


Verification / Alternative check:
3600 ÷ 450 = 8 = 2^3, a perfect cube.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
9, 25, 30, 50 do not reduce all exponents to multiples of 3 simultaneously.


Common Pitfalls:
Trying to make a perfect square instead of a cube, or omitting one of the prime reductions.


Final Answer:
450

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