Question:
The LCM and HCF of two rational numbers are equal, then the numbers must be
(a) prime
(b) co-prime
(c) composite
(d) equal
Solution:
Let the two numbers be a and b.
(a) If we assume that the a and b are prime.
Then,
$\operatorname{HCF}(a, b)=1$
$\operatorname{LCM}(a, b)=a b$
(b) If we assume that a and b are co-prime.
Then,
$\operatorname{HCF}(a, b)=1$
$\operatorname{LCM}(a, b)=a b$
(c) If we assume that a and b are composite.
Then,
$\operatorname{HCF}(a, b)=1$ or any other highest common integer'
$\operatorname{LCM}(a, b)=a b$
(d) If we assume that a and b are equal and consider a=b=k.
Then,
$\operatorname{HCF}(a, b)=k$
$\operatorname{LCM}(a, b)=k$
Hence the correct choice is (d).