Question:medium

If m and n are natural numbers such that n > 1, and mn = 225 × 340, then m − n equals

Updated On: Mar 20, 2026
  • 209942
  • 209947
  • 209932
  • 209937
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To find \( m - n \), where \( m \) and \( n \) are natural numbers with \( n>1 \), and given the equation \( m^n = 2^{25} \times 3^{40} \), follow these steps:

  1. Represent \( m \) using its prime factors:
    \( m = 2^a \times 3^b \)
  2. Substitute this expression for \( m \) into the given equation:
    \( (2^a \times 3^b)^n = 2^{25} \times 3^{40} \)
  3. Apply the exponent rule \( (x^p)^q = x^{pq} \):
    \( 2^{an} \times 3^{bn} = 2^{25} \times 3^{40} \)
  4. Equate the exponents for each prime base:
    \( an = 25 \),
    \( bn = 40 \)
  5. Solve for \( a \) and \( b \) in terms of \( n \):
    \( a = \frac{25}{n} \),
    \( b = \frac{40}{n} \)
  6. Since \( a \) and \( b \) must be integers, \( n \) must be a common divisor of 25 and 40. The greatest common divisor (GCD) of 25 and 40 is 5. Since \( n>1 \), \( n \) must be 5.
    Therefore, \( n = 5 \)
  7. Substitute \( n = 5 \) back into the equations for \( a \) and \( b \):
    \( a = \frac{25}{5} = 5 \),
    \( b = \frac{40}{5} = 8 \)
  8. Calculate the value of \( m \):
    \( m = 2^5 \times 3^8 = 32 \times 6561 = 209952 \)
  9. Calculate \( m - n \):
    \( 209952 - 5 = \mathbf{209947} \)

The value of \( m - n \) is 209947.

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