Algebraic Expression Integer Values

XAT 2016 · Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation · Hard · Quantitative Ability

If a, b and c are 3 consecutive integers between -10 to +10 (both inclusive), how many integer values are possible for the expression? a3+b3+c3+3abc(a+b+c)2=?\frac{a^3 + b^3 + c^3 + 3abc}{(a + b + c)^2} = ?

  1. A.

    0

  2. B.

    1

  3. C.

    2

  4. D.

    3

  5. E.

    4

Answer

C

Explanation

Let a=b−1a = b - 1, b=bb = b, c=b+1c = b + 1. Sum a+b+c=3ba + b + c = 3b. a3+b3+c3+3abc=(b−1)3+b3+(b+1)3+3(b−1)b(b+1)=6b3+3ba^3 + b^3 + c^3 + 3abc = (b-1)^3 + b^3 + (b+1)^3 + 3(b-1)b(b+1) = 6b^3 + 3b. Denominator = (3b)2=9b2(3b)^2 = 9b^2. Expression = 6b3+3b9b2=2b2+13b\frac{6b^3 + 3b}{9b^2} = \frac{2b^2 + 1}{3b}. For this to be an integer, 3b3b must divide 2b2+12b^2 + 1. Testing non-zero b∈[−9,9]b \in [-9, 9]: If b=1  ⟹  33=1b = 1 \implies \frac{3}{3} = 1. If b=−1  ⟹  3−3=−1b = -1 \implies \frac{3}{-3} = -1. No other integers bb make 2b2+13b\frac{2b^2 + 1}{3b} an integer. Thus, exactly 2 integer values are possible.

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