What is the HCF of 3^{29}-9 and 3^{38}-9?

  1. A. 3^{9}-1
  2. B. 3^{11}-1
  3. C. 3^{11}-3
  4. D. 3^{11}-9

Correct Answer: D. 3^{11}-9

Explanation

Rewrite the expressions as 9(3^{27}-1) and 9(3^{36}-1). Using the rule \text{HCF}(a^m-1, a^n-1) = a^{\text{HCF}(m,n)}-1, the HCF of the terms inside the parentheses is 3^{\text{HCF}(27,36)}-1 = 3^9-1. Multiplying the common factor 9 (or 3^2) back in: 3^2(3^9-1) = 3^{11}-9.

Related questions on Arithmetic

Practice more CDS Elementary Mathematics questions