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number theory intermediate
Problem
The product of positive integers , and equals 2004. What is the minimum possible value of the sum ?
Solution
Prime factorize . One of the summands , , or should be 167, for otherwise the summand which has 167 as a prime factor is at least . The other two summands multiply to give 12, and the minimum sum of two positive integers that multiply to give 12 is . Therefore, the minimum value of is .
Final answer
174