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# If a^2+b^2=c^2, and a,b,c are all integers.

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Intern
Joined: 01 Jul 2020
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If a^2+b^2=c^2, and a,b,c are all integers. [#permalink]  31 Jul 2020, 21:40
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100% (01:08) correct 0% (00:00) wrong based on 3 sessions
If $$a^2+b^2=c^2$$, and a,b,c are all integers. Which of the following CANNOT be the value of a+b+c?

A. 2
B. 1
C. -2
D. 4
E. 6
[Reveal] Spoiler: OA
Manager
Joined: 02 May 2020
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Re: If a^2+b^2=c^2, and a,b,c are all integers. [#permalink]  01 Aug 2020, 04:02
A. 2 = (3) + (4) + (-5) INCORRECT

B. 1 SKIP

C. -2 = (-3) + (-4) + (5) INCORRECT

D. 4 = (3) + (-4) + (5) INCORRECT

E. 6 = (-3) + (4) + (5) INCORRECT

Is there any other algebraic way to solve it besides thinking of examples.
GRE Instructor
Joined: 10 Apr 2015
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Re: If a^2+b^2=c^2, and a,b,c are all integers. [#permalink]  01 Aug 2020, 05:59
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Expert's post
lazyashell wrote:
If $$a^2+b^2=c^2$$, and a,b,c are all integers. Which of the following CANNOT be the value of a+b+c?

A. 2
B. 1
C. -2
D. 4
E. 6

Another approach is to recognize that, if we let one of the variables equal ZERO, then the sum a+b+c can be any EVEN number.
For example, 0² + 1² = 1². Here, a + b + c = 0 + 1 + 1 = 2 ELIMINATE A
Likewise, 0² + (-1)² = (-1)². Here, a + b + c = 0 + (-1) + (-1) = -2 ELIMINATE C
Likewise, 0² + 2² = 2². Here, a + b + c = 0 + 2 + 2 = 4 ELIMINATE D
Likewise, 0² + 3² = 3². Here, a + b + c = 0 + 3 + 3 = 6 ELIMINATE E

Cheers,
Brent
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Brent Hanneson – Creator of greenlighttestprep.com
If you enjoy my solutions, you'll like my GRE prep course.

Re: If a^2+b^2=c^2, and a,b,c are all integers.   [#permalink] 01 Aug 2020, 05:59
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