by Rich Cohen, Rich.C@empowergmat.com www.EMPOWERgmat.com
This series of emails and PMs focuses on situations that many Test Takers face during their studies. The names of the original posters have been changed to protect their identities.
Taking Advantage of How Quant Questions are Written
Hi Rich,
Is there a way to approach this question that does not require lots of math?
If 42.42 = k(14 + m/50), where k and m are positive integers and m < 50, then what is the value of k + m?
(A) 6
(B) 7
(C) 8
(D) 9
(E) 10
Irene
Hi Irene,
This question has a number of built-in limitations that you can take advantage of that will allow you to really minimize the amount of math that is required to solve this problem.
We're told that K and M are POSITIVE INTEGERS and M < 50.
We're also told that 42.42 = K(14+(m/50)), which we can rewrite as…
42.42 = 14K + KM/50
Since both variables are positive integers, K MUST be 1, 2, or 3 (otherwise the total would be greater than 42.42
Since M < 50, then M/50 is < 1, so it's likely that K = 3. This tells us that…
.42 = 3M/50
Now the math will only take a few steps…
21 = 3M
7 = M
The value of K + M = 10
Final Answer: E
Quant Questions With Ranges
Dear Rich,
Can you please explain the appropriate method to solve the following question?
If -4 < x < 7 and -6< y <3, which of the following specifies all the possible values of xy?
a. -42 < xy < 21
b. -42 < xy < 24
c. -28 < xy < 18
d. -24 < xy < 21
e. -24 < xy < 24
Ans: B
Jolene
HI Jolene,
This question is based on two Number Properties worth knowing:
(Negative)(Negative) = Positive
(Positive)(Negative) = Negative
We're asked to figure out the range of values for XY. The prompt does NOT state if X and Y have to be integers, so we shouldn’t assume that they are.
Since both X and Y can be positive or negative, we have to consider all of the possibilities.
The minimum value will be negative (when one value is positive and the other is negative). The minimum value occurs when X approaches 7 and Y approaches -6.
The maximum value will be positive (when either both values are negative or both are positive). The maximum value occurs when X approaches -4 and Y approaches
-6
The range that matches these deductions is Answer B.
Retaking the GMAT When Facing an Application Deadline
Rich,
I recently took the GMAT after studying for around 5 weeks and scored a 570 (34Q,34V). Looking back, I do not think I grasped what the questions were asking well enough. I felt on test day I couldn't figure out how to solve half of the questions. I felt confused exactly what the question was looking for, and baffled as to how to go about solving the question. Now I have application deadlines in a little over a month and I want to improve my Quant as much as possible.
My question is, what is the best way to go about doing this? I have 4-5 weeks at most and want to improve my score to at least 620+. I have the dedication to stick to a plan.... I am just not sure what my plan should look like......any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Kamal
Hi Kamal,
First off, Business Schools don't care if you retake the GMAT, so there's nothing to feel bad about. You tried to do a lot in a very short period of time and you didn't quite hit your goal. The good news is that there is plenty of time to continue studying before you retest. To THAT point, many Business Schools have some "flexibility" when it comes to the deadline. As long as you have your application in on time, many schools have been known to offer some leniency on when the GMAT needs to be completed. As such, I recommend that you contact the schools that you're applying to and directly ask what would be that latest that you could take the GMAT and report your score.
You might be able to stretch out some extra study time, which means that you have closer to 6 weeks to continue studying than the 4-5 that you mentioned. Since you’re relatively close to your score goal, you can continue using the material that you already have, then adjust your plans (and perhaps purchase some new prep materials) for the last month of so of your studies. Based on your self-assessment, "familiarity" is one of the bigger issues that you're facing right now. This is not surprising, since you were only at it for 5 weeks (and most Test Takers need 12+ weeks to properly prepare). Your 570 is a decent sign - it means that you're a bit above average right now - with a bit more work, you could absolutely hit your goal.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
