Consider the following in respect of prime number p and composite number c 1. p + c / p - c can be even. 2. 2p + c can be odd. 3. pc can be odd. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3Correct
Explanation
Let's analyze each statement:
-
p + c / p - c can be even. For this expression to be even, we need to find a prime p and a composite c such that the result is an even integer. Let p = 3 (an odd prime) and c = 9 (an odd composite number). Then p + c = 3 + 9 = 12 (even) And p - c = 3 - 9 = -6 (even) So, (p + c) / (p - c) = 12 / -6 = -2. Since -2 is an even number, this statement can be true.
-
2p + c can be odd. The term 2p will always be an even number, regardless of whether p is an even prime (p=2) or an odd prime (p=3, 5, ...). For (Even + c) to be odd, c must be an odd number. Can we find an odd composite number? Yes, for example, c = 9, 15, 21, 25, etc. Let p = 2 (prime) and c = 9 (composite). Then 2p + c = 2(2) + 9 = 4 + 9 = 13. Since 13 is an odd number, this statement can be true.
-
pc can be odd. For the product of two numbers to be odd, both numbers must be odd. So, p must be an odd prime AND c must be an odd composite number. Can we find an odd prime? Yes, p = 3, 5, 7, ... Can we find an odd composite number? Yes, c = 9, 15, 21, 25, ... Let p = 3 (odd prime) and c = 9 (odd composite). Then pc = 3 * 9 = 27. Since 27 is an odd number, this statement can be true.
Since all three statements can be true, the correct option is D.
The final answer is D

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