The smallest fraction, which each of 6/7, 5/14, 10/21 will divide exactly is
Aptitude
HCF and LCM
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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A30/7
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B30/98
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C60/147
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D50/294
Answer
Correct Answer: 30/7
Explanation
### Concept & Formula
When a question asks for the smallest number or fraction *which is exactly divided by* other fractions, it is asking for the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of those fractions.
The formula for finding the LCM of fractions is:
$$\text{LCM of Fractions} = \frac{\text{LCM of Numerators}}{\text{HCF of Denominators}}$$
### Step-by-Step Solution
**Given fractions:**
* $\frac{6}{7}, \frac{5}{14}, \frac{10}{21}$
**Calculation:**
* Step 1: Identify the numerators and denominators.
* Numerators: $6, 5, 10$
* Denominators: $7, 14, 21$
* Step 2: Find the LCM of the numerators ($6, 5, 10$).
* Multiples of $10$: $10, 20, 30...$
* $30$ is perfectly divisible by both $6$ and $5$.
* $\text{LCM}(6, 5, 10) = 30$
* Step 3: Find the HCF of the denominators ($7, 14, 21$).
* All numbers are multiples of $7$.
* $\text{HCF}(7, 14, 21) = 7$
* Step 4: Substitute the values back into the fraction formula.
$$\text{LCM} = \frac{30}{7}$$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Memorize the fraction rules perfectly: "LCM = LCM of top / HCF of bottom". The moment you look at the numerators ($6, 5, 10$), your mind should instantly jump to $30$. Looking at the denominators ($7, 14, 21$), $7$ stands out as the highest common factor. This gives you $\frac{30}{7}$ within 5 seconds, allowing you to instantly select option (a).
### Common Pitfall
A common point of confusion is mixing up the fraction rules and calculating $\frac{\text{HCF of Numerators}}{\text{LCM of Denominators}}$ instead. That formula finds the *greatest common divisor* (HCF) of fractions, not the smallest common multiple (LCM).
### Final Answer
**Therefore, the correct answer is 30/7.**