Question

a and b are two positive integers such that the least prime factor of a is 3 and the least prime factor of b is 5. Then, the least prime factor of (a + b) is

(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 5
(d) 8

Answer 1

(a) 2

Since 5 + 3 = 8, the least prime factor of a + b has to be 2, unless a + b is a prime number greater than 2.
If a + b is a prime number greater than 2, then a + b must be an odd number. So, either a or b must be an even number. If a is even, then the least prime factor of a is 2, which is not 3 or 5. So, neither a nor b can be an even number. Hence, a + b cannot be a prime number greater than 2 if the least prime factor of a is 3 or 5.