av1901
30. What is the value of \((\sqrt{4-\sqrt{15}})(4 + \sqrt{15})(\sqrt{6} - \sqrt{10})\) ?
A. -4
B. -2
C. -1
D. 1
E. 2
Solution:
Root(15) = 3.88
Root(6) = 2.45
Root(10) = 3.16
=> Expression = \((\sqrt{0.12})(7.88)(2.45 - 3.16)\)
\(\sqrt{0.12} = \sqrt{\frac{12}{100}} = \frac{2\sqrt{3}}{10}\)
=> Expression = \((\frac{2\sqrt{3}}{10})(7.88)(2.45 - 3.16)\)
=> On solving, we get an approximate value of -2
Answer: B
p.s. Since I knew the values of roots, that is why I was able to solve it, but still not the GMAT way, because GMAT does not require such calculations. Different approaches are welcome!
Start with the 3rd Binomial Factor and square it/immediately take the square root so as to not change the value.
But, since it is a (-)negative value, first multiply it by (-1) to change it to positive, and remember that we must REVERSE the changed sign later.
(Sqrt(10) - sqrt(6)) —— square this and immediately take the square root.
You end up with:
Square root of:
16 - 2 * sqrt(60)
Simplify the root: 60 = (4) (15), so:
16 - 4 * sqrt(15)
Take 4 common
4 (4 - sqrt(15) )—— which is all under a square root
Now, we can combine this 3rd binomial factor with the 1st binomial factor, also under a square root
You have the following ALL UNDER a square root:
(4 - sqrt(15)) * 4 * (4 - sqrt(15) ) =
4 * (4 - sqrt(15) )^2 —-
We can take the square root of each factor
2 * (4 - sqrt(15) ) —-
Now we can multiply this by *(-1) to change it back to its original sign
(since we squared a negative value in the beginning and then immediately took the square root, thereby altering the original negative sign of the binomial factor)
(-) 2 * (4 - sqrt(15) )
The middle binomial joins now and creates a Difference of Squares factoring pattern:
(-) 2 * (4 - sqrt(15) ) * (4 + sqrt(15) ) =
(-) 2 * (16 - 15) =
(-) 2 * (1) =
-2
B
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