Final answer:
The number that cannot be the value of z, given that y is three times x and z is the sum of x and y, is 15, because it is not divisible by 4 which is required for z.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question deals with a mathematical relationship involving three whole numbers, x, y, and z, where y is exactly three times x and z is the sum of x and y. To find which number can't be the value of z, we need to look at the options and determine if they can be expressed as the sum of a number and three times that number.
- Option A: If x is 2, then y is 6, and z would be 8.
- Option B: If x is 3, then y is 9, and z would be 12.
- Option C: Since z is the sum of x and three times x (3x), z must be divisible by 4. 15 is not divisible by 4, hence it can't be the value of z.
- Option D: If x is 9, then y is 27, and z would be 36.
Therefore, the correct option that cannot be the value of z is Option B, 15.