If $\text{HCF}(a, b) = 12$ and $\text{LCM}(a, b) = 180$, then the number of possible ordered pairs $(a, b)$ is
- 2
- 6
- 1
- 4
Show answer and solution
Correct answer: D. 4
Write $a = 12m$, $b = 12n$ with $\gcd(m,n)=1$ and $mn = 180/12 = 15$.
**Coprime factor pairs of 15:** $(1,15),(15,1),(3,5),(5,3)$ — 4 ordered pairs.