Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1? : GMAT Data Sufficiency (DS)

Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1?

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Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1? [#permalink]

21 Jun 2012, 01:59

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13% (00:00) correct

86% (00:37) wrong

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Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1?

(1) a<0

(2) b<0

Hi, request your help to please understand the fundamental concept behind this question.

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Re: Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1? [#permalink]

21 Jun 2012, 02:17

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Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1?

Notice that 3^{\frac{a^2}{b}} < 1 to hold true, the power of 3 must be less than 0. So, the question basically asks whether \frac{a^2}{b}<0. This will happen if a\neq{0} AND b<0 (if a=0 then \frac{a^2}{b}=0).

(1) a<0. The first condition is satisfied (a\neq{0}) but we don't know about the second one. Not sufficient.

(2) b<0. The second condition is satisfied (b<0) but we don't know about the first one (again if a=0 then \frac{a^2}{b}=0). Not sufficient.

(1)+(2) Both condition are satisfied. Sufficient.

Answer: C.

For more on number theory and exponents check: math-number-theory-88376.html

DS questions on exponents: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=39
PS questions on exponents: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=60

Tough and tricky DS exponents and roots questions with detailed solutions: tough-and-tricky-exponents-and-roots-questions-125967.html
Tough and tricky PS exponents and roots questions with detailed solutions: tough-and-tricky-exponents-and-roots-questions-125956.html

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Manager

Joined: 27 Apr 2012

Posts: 61

Location: United States

GMAT Date: 06-11-2013

GPA: 3.5

WE: Marketing (Consumer Products)

Followers: 1

Kudos [?]: 2 [0], given: 13

Re: Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1? [#permalink]

21 Jun 2012, 03:10

This is great.Thanks a ton!

Re: Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1? [#permalink] 21 Jun 2012, 03:10

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