Question

The LCM of two prime numbers p and q (p > q) is 221. Find the value of 3p − q.

Options

• 4

• 28

• 38

• 48

Answer 1

38

Explanation:

Since p and q are prime numbers, their LCM is simply their product (because primes have no common factors other than 1).

So,

LCM (p, q) = p × q = 221

Now factorize 221: 221 = 13 × 17

Both 13 and 17 are prime. Given p > q, we take:

p = 17, q = 13

Now compute:

3p − q = 3(17) − 13 = 51 − 13 = 38