If both x and y are prime numbers, which of the following cannot be the product of x and y?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option D
6 = 2 × 3
10 = 3 × 5
35 = 5 × 7
27 = 3 × 9; Here 9 is not a prime number
Here's why:
Prime numbers are whole numbers greater than 1 that have only two factors: 1 and themselves. Examples of prime numbers include 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, and so on.
The product of two prime numbers is always a composite number, which means it has more than two factors.
Let's analyze each option:
A) 6 can be expressed as the product of two prime numbers: 2 × 3.
B) 10 can be expressed as the product of two prime numbers: 2 × 5.
C) 35 can be expressed as the product of two prime numbers: 5 × 7.
D) 27 can only be expressed as the product of 3 × 9. However, 9 is not a prime number because it has factors other than 1 and itself (it has factors 1, 3, and 9). This means 27 cannot be the product of two prime numbers.