The missing factor is a whole number from \(7\) through \(10\).
\(6\times\square\) must be less than \(45\).
What is the greatest number that can go in the box? Find the product and explain why the next larger choice does not work.
Hints
- Start with the smallest allowed whole-number factor greater than \(6\).
- Test the products in increasing factor order.
- Once a product is greater than \(45\), think about what happens with still larger factors.
Solution
1. The allowed whole-number factors begin with \(7, 8, 9,\) and \(10\).
2. \(6 \times 7 = 42\), which is less than \(45\).
3. The next factor gives \(6 \times 8 = 48\), which is greater than \(45\). Any larger allowed factor gives an even larger product.
4. Therefore, the greatest possible missing factor is \(7\), and the product is \(42\).
Answer
The greatest possible missing factor is \(7\), and the product is \(42\). The next choice, \(8\), gives \(6\times8=48\), which is not less than \(45\).