1. If two positive integers \(a\) and \(b\) are written as \(a = x^3 y^2\) and \(b = x y^3\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are prime numbers, then \(\text{HCF}(a, b)\) is:
3. Show that any positive even integer is of the form \(6q\), \(6q + 2\), or \(6q + 4\). What are the possible values for remainder \(r\) when an integer is divided by 6?
6. Three bells toll together at intervals of 9, 12, and 15 minutes respectively. If they toll together now, after how many hours will they toll together next?