If # represents +, -, *, or /, then does (a+b)#c = (a#c) + (b#c) for a

From both the options we can not say that equation will be satisfied for all the values of a,b, and c...
BUT we can say that equation will NOT be satisfied for all the values of a,b, and c.

IMO D

Jennifer is this question write or it is (a+b)#c = (a#c) + (b#c)

Because if it is (a+b)#c = (a#b) + (b#c) as u have mentioned in the question then..
Statement 1 does not satisfy the condition in any way. Therefore (a+b)#c = (a#b) + (b#c) does not stand and this statement gives us the answer that condition is not possible.

Statement 2 also provide that (a+b)#c = (a#b) + (b#c) does not stand and this statement again gives us answer that condition is not possible.

And therefore answer will be "D"

But OA is "B" ... and for that the condition should be (a+b)#c = (a#c) + (b#c) and not as u mentioned in the question.
In this Statement 1 will satisfy in * and / conditions and will not in + and - conditions
But statement 2 will satisfy the condition and the answer will be "B"


Plz recheck ur question.

I think the correct question ought to be as above

Statement 1 : 1#c=c#1 ... means # is either + or * ... If it is +, the answer is "no" ... If it is *, the answer is "yes"
Statement 2 : Sufficient to answer "no"

Answer : (b)

It should be: (a+b)#c = (a#c) + (b#c) instead of (a+b)#c = (a#b) + (b#c)

(1) 1#c = c#1 --> # can be either addition or multiplication: \(1*c=c*1\) and \(1+c=c+1\) (true for ALL numbers of a, b, and c). Now, if it's addition then we'll have: \(a+b+c\neq{a+c+b+c }\) (so it's doesn't hold true for ALL numbers a, b, and c, it holds true when c=0) and if it's multiplication then we'll have: \(ac+bc={ac+bc }\) (so it's holds true for ALL numbers of a, b, and c). Not sufficient.

(2) # represents + --> if # represents addition then given equation doesn't hold true for all numbers a, b, and c, it holds true when c=0. So we have the answer No to the question. Sufficient.

Answer: B.

Similar questions:
operations-101337.html
addition-or-multiplication-104600.html
jeff-sackmann-extreme-challenge-q-105352.html

Hope it helps.

I have corrected the error in the initial post. Apologies. This question has fooled me twice!

BTW WHT'S THE CORRECT ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION I CHOSE

OA-(b)

Guys consider giving me KUDOS..... i have corrected a question. come on be sporty...

Hi All,

This is an example of a "symbolism" question - it involves a "made up" math symbol which you'll be asked to use to perform a basic set of calculations. You'll likely see 1 such question on the GMAT and it almost always involves some type of arithmetic or algebra.

We're told that the symbol # is one of 4 possible math functions: add, subtract, multiply, or divide.

We're asked if (A+B)#C = (A#C) + (B#C) for all numbers A, B, and C? This is a YES/NO question. The answer will depend on the actual 'meaning' of the symbol.

In these types of questions, it might be tempting to do a lot of pre-work before dealing with the two Facts. However, much of that work is NOT necessary, so in this case it would be a waste of time.

Fact 1: 1#C = C#1

This means that the symbol can be 1 of 2 possibilities: either 'add' or 'multiply'

Let's TEST VALUES to see what happens in each case:

IF.....
A=1
B=2
C=3

# means 'add'
(A+B)#C = (A#C) + (B#C) =
(1+2)+3 = (1+3) + (2+3)?
6 = 4 + 5?
The answer to the question is NO.

IF...# means 'multiply'
(A+B)#C = (A#C) + (B#C) =
(1+2)(3) = (1)(3) + (2)(3)?
9 = 3 + 6?
The answer to the question is YES.
Fact 1 is INSUFFICIENT

Fact 2: # represents "+"

Since we know the symbol can only represent one symbol, then we CAN answer the question.
Fact 2 is SUFFICIENT.

Final Answer:
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Check other Symbols Representing Arithmetic Operation questions in our Special Questions Directory.

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