GMAT Question of the Day: Daily via email | Daily via Instagram New to GMAT Club? Watch this Video
close

It is currently 22 Jan 2021, 04:56
Register
GMAT Club Tests
Decision Tracker
My Rewards
New comers' posts
New posts
Unanswered

Close

GMAT Club Daily Prep

Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.

Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close

Request Expert Reply

Confirm Cancel
GMAT Question Patterns: Absolute Value
10 posts Go to First Unread Post
Print view
NEW TOPIC
POST REPLY
Downloads
My Bookmarks
Reviews
SORT BY:
Date
Kudos
Tags :
Find Similar Topics 

Show Tags
Hide Tags

User avatar
V
Bunuel
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 70479
CAT Tests Top Member of the Month
GMAT Question Patterns: Absolute Value [#permalink] New post  03 Apr 2013, 04:10
34
Kudos
150
Bookmarks
Expert Reply
GMAT Question Patterns: Absolute Value

We have gone through the GMAT Prep Tests and OG 13 and analyzed all of the questions to spot the most common patterns. This discussion is dedicated to the types of absolute value problems that could appear on the test.

The idea behind this project is to find as many common question patterns as possible for 3 reasons:
  1. Get a higher score - make sure you know how to answer every pattern and you don't miss one of these in your practice
  2. Save Time - you don't need to solve hundreds of questions; you just need to solve a few questions from each pattern and if you answered them correctly, you can move on
  3. Peace of Mind - know that you have covered all known question patterns

Background
  • Most GMAT absolute value problems are encountered in data sufficiency section.
  • Both number plugging method and algebra are suitable to solve absolute value questions.
  • Usually you get 2-3 questions on absolute values on the test (based on GMAT Prep CATs)

Typical questions:
NOTE:
  • The questions below are from OG13 and GMAT Prep. There are 6 questions on absolute value in OG13.
  • The question patterns are listed from most common to least common.


Pattern #1: Absolute Value and Inequalities.

OG13 Practice Questions, question 159
If x is an integer, is x|x|<2^x ?
(1) x < 0
(2) x = -10

Discussed HERE

Is |x-y|>|x|-|y| ?
(1) y < x
(2) xy < 0

Discussed HERE

Is x> 1?
(1) (x+1) (|x| - 1) > 0
(2) |x| < 5

Discussed HERE

Is |x| > |y|?
(1) x^2 > y^2
(2) x > y

Discussed HERE

If x≠0, is |x| < 1 ?
(1) x^2 < 1
(2) |x| < 1/x

Discussed HERE


Pattern #2: Absolute Value and Algebra.

OG13 Practice Questions, question 1
What is the value of |x| ?
(1) x = - |x|
(2) x^2 = 4

Discussed HERE

If \(x\neq{0}\), then \(\frac{\sqrt{x^2}}{x}=\)
A. -1
B. 0
C. 1
D. x
E. \(\frac{|x|}{x}\)

Discussed HERE

If x<0, then \(\sqrt{-x|x|}\) is:
A. -x
B. -1
C. 1
D. x
E. \(\sqrt{x}\)

Discussed HERE

Is \(\sqrt{(x-3)^2}=3-x\)?
(1) \(x\neq{3}\)
(2) \(-x|x| >0\)

Discussed HERE



Pattern #3: Must ot Could be true questions with Absolute Value.

OG13 Practice Questions, question 14
If \(|y-\frac{1}{2}| < \frac{11}{2}\), which of the following could be a value of y?
(A) -11
(B) -11/2
(C) 11/2
(D) 11
(E) 22

Discussed HERE

If |x| > 3, which of the following must be true?

I. x > 3
II. X^2 > 9
III. |x-1|>2

A. I only
B. II only
C. I and II only
D. II and III only
E. I, II, and III

Discussed HERE



Pattern #4: Absolute Value and Distance.

OG13 Practice Questions, question 24
Image
Of the five coordinates associated with points A, B, C, D, and E on the number line above, which has the greatest absolute value?
(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D
(E) E

Discussed HERE

OG13 Practice Questions, question 143
Image
Which of the following inequalities is an algebraic expression for the shaded part of the number line above?
(A) |x| <= 3
(B) |x| <= 5
(C) |x - 2| <= 3
(D) |x - 1| <= 4
(E) |x +1| <= 4

Discussed HERE

If s and t are two different numbers on the number line, is s + t = 0 ?
(1) Distance between s and 0 is the same as distance between t and 0
(2) 0 is between s and t

Discussed HERE



Pattern #5: Min/Max and Absolute Value.

OG13 Practice Questions, question 51
If y is an integer, then the least possible value of |23 - 5y| is
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5

Discussed HERE



Theory on absolute value is HERE.
All OG13 questions with solutions are HERE.
PS absolute value questions are HERE.
DS absolute value questions are HERE.
700+ absolute value questions HERE.

_________________
New to the GMAT CLUB Forum?
Posting Rules: QUANTITATIVE | VERBAL. Guides and Resources: QUANTITATIVE | VERBAL | Ultimate GMAT Quantitative Megathread | All You Need for Quant

Questions' Banks and Collection:
PS: Standard deviation | Tough Problem Solving Questions With Solutions | Probability and Combinations Questions With Solutions | Tough and tricky exponents and roots questions | 12 Easy Pieces (or not?) | Bakers' Dozen | Algebra set | Mixed Questions | Fresh Meat
DS: DS Standard deviation | Inequalities | 700+ GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions With Explanations | Tough and tricky exponents and roots questions | The Discreet Charm of the DS | Devil's Dozen!!! | Number Properties set | New DS set
MIXED: GMAT Club's Complete Questions' Bank | SEVEN SAMURAI OF 2012 | Tricky questions from previous years. | Special Questions' Directory | Best Of The Best Of 2017 | The Best Of Quant of 2016 | 20 hardest and 20 best questions of 2015 | 15 best topics of 2015 | Seven Samurai of 2012 | GMAT Probability Questions

What are GMAT Club Tests?
Extra-hard Quant Tests with Brilliant Analytics
Signature Read More
avatar
fozzzy
Director
Director
Joined: 29 Nov 2012
Posts: 643
Re: GMAT Question Patterns: Absolute Value [#permalink] New post  21 Jul 2013, 05:35
Great Thread! Haven't noticed this one before...
avatar
mayabbi
Intern
Intern
Joined: 04 May 2013
Posts: 4
GMAT ToolKit User Reviews Badge
Re: GMAT Question Patterns: Absolute Value [#permalink] New post  15 Dec 2013, 05:53
Hi there,

can I just ask you - are there any other threads for GMAT Patterns beside Arithmetic, Absolute value and Reminders? I found them extremely helpful, but cannot find any other topic covered. Thank you for your answer ;)
User avatar
V
Bunuel
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 70479
CAT Tests Top Member of the Month
Re: GMAT Question Patterns: Absolute Value [#permalink] New post  16 Dec 2013, 01:24
2
Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Expert Reply
mayabbi wrote:
Hi there,

can I just ask you - are there any other threads for GMAT Patterns beside Arithmetic, Absolute value and Reminders? I found them extremely helpful, but cannot find any other topic covered. Thank you for your answer ;)


We are working on other patterns. Will publish in a while.
_________________
New to the GMAT CLUB Forum?
Posting Rules: QUANTITATIVE | VERBAL. Guides and Resources: QUANTITATIVE | VERBAL | Ultimate GMAT Quantitative Megathread | All You Need for Quant

Questions' Banks and Collection:
PS: Standard deviation | Tough Problem Solving Questions With Solutions | Probability and Combinations Questions With Solutions | Tough and tricky exponents and roots questions | 12 Easy Pieces (or not?) | Bakers' Dozen | Algebra set | Mixed Questions | Fresh Meat
DS: DS Standard deviation | Inequalities | 700+ GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions With Explanations | Tough and tricky exponents and roots questions | The Discreet Charm of the DS | Devil's Dozen!!! | Number Properties set | New DS set
MIXED: GMAT Club's Complete Questions' Bank | SEVEN SAMURAI OF 2012 | Tricky questions from previous years. | Special Questions' Directory | Best Of The Best Of 2017 | The Best Of Quant of 2016 | 20 hardest and 20 best questions of 2015 | 15 best topics of 2015 | Seven Samurai of 2012 | GMAT Probability Questions

What are GMAT Club Tests?
Extra-hard Quant Tests with Brilliant Analytics
Signature Read More
avatar
B
gmatlbs
Intern
Intern
Joined: 12 Jun 2015
Posts: 36
Schools: Sloan '19
Re: GMAT Question Patterns: Absolute Value [#permalink] New post  02 Feb 2016, 22:50
Bunuel wrote:
mayabbi wrote:
Hi there,

can I just ask you - are there any other threads for GMAT Patterns beside Arithmetic, Absolute value and Reminders? I found them extremely helpful, but cannot find any other topic covered. Thank you for your answer ;)


We are working on other patterns. Will publish in a while.


hey Bunuel ,

Many thanks for this wonderful post and can't thank enough for your "tips , approach and concepts" discussed in each question.
My sincere request , please add the link in your signature....may be under new section called "Concept and Practice" as you are currently having "Resources" and "Collection of Questions".

Are there any other threads for GMAT Patterns?

thanks and regards
avatar
B
gjonrexha
Intern
Intern
Joined: 23 Sep 2016
Posts: 33
Location: United States (CT)
Concentration: Finance, International Business
Schools: HBS '19, Wharton '19, INSEAD Jan '19, Stanford '18 (M)
GPA: 3.81
WE:Analyst (Venture Capital)
GMAT ToolKit User Reviews Badge
Re: GMAT Question Patterns: Absolute Value [#permalink] New post  01 Feb 2017, 00:39
Dont worry the GMAT wont give easy ones like this..... or WOULD THEY :x
avatar
B
vedanshimurarka
Intern
Intern
Joined: 26 Jan 2018
Posts: 5
Re: GMAT Question Patterns: Absolute Value [#permalink] New post  24 Jul 2018, 10:20
Bunuel wrote:
mayabbi wrote:
Hi there,

can I just ask you - are there any other threads for GMAT Patterns beside Arithmetic, Absolute value and Reminders? I found them extremely helpful, but cannot find any other topic covered. Thank you for your answer ;)


We are working on other patterns. Will publish in a while.


Hi Bunuel,

Where can I find all other patterns that have been identified by you or others (if any you are aware of)?

Thanks in advance for our help.

Regards.
avatar
B
rwx5861
Intern
Intern
Joined: 18 Jul 2018
Posts: 39
Premium Member
Re: GMAT Question Patterns: Absolute Value [#permalink] New post  26 Aug 2019, 21:08
Very helpful. Are there common "strategy patterns" or "solution patterns" to glean from these question patterns?
avatar
S
aashigarg
Intern
Intern
Joined: 01 Mar 2019
Posts: 37
Location: India
Schools: Stanford, HBS, ISB '21
WE:Accounting (Accounting)
Re: GMAT Question Patterns: Absolute Value [#permalink] New post  13 Aug 2020, 04:29
Hi,

Is there such a thread for Absolute Values - OG 20 & 21?
User avatar
V
Bunuel
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 70479
CAT Tests Top Member of the Month
Re: GMAT Question Patterns: Absolute Value [#permalink] New post  13 Aug 2020, 05:01
1
Kudos
Expert Reply
aashigarg wrote:
Hi,

Is there such a thread for Absolute Values - OG 20 & 21?


If I understand you correctly, you want to find Absolute value questions from OG 20 and 21. If yes, then you can do that by using respective filters in our Questions Bank: https://gmatclub.com/forum/search.php?view=search_tags

Hope it helps.
_________________
New to the GMAT CLUB Forum?
Posting Rules: QUANTITATIVE | VERBAL. Guides and Resources: QUANTITATIVE | VERBAL | Ultimate GMAT Quantitative Megathread | All You Need for Quant

Questions' Banks and Collection:
PS: Standard deviation | Tough Problem Solving Questions With Solutions | Probability and Combinations Questions With Solutions | Tough and tricky exponents and roots questions | 12 Easy Pieces (or not?) | Bakers' Dozen | Algebra set | Mixed Questions | Fresh Meat
DS: DS Standard deviation | Inequalities | 700+ GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions With Explanations | Tough and tricky exponents and roots questions | The Discreet Charm of the DS | Devil's Dozen!!! | Number Properties set | New DS set
MIXED: GMAT Club's Complete Questions' Bank | SEVEN SAMURAI OF 2012 | Tricky questions from previous years. | Special Questions' Directory | Best Of The Best Of 2017 | The Best Of Quant of 2016 | 20 hardest and 20 best questions of 2015 | 15 best topics of 2015 | Seven Samurai of 2012 | GMAT Probability Questions

What are GMAT Club Tests?
Extra-hard Quant Tests with Brilliant Analytics
Signature Read More
GMAT Club Bot
gmatclubot
[#permalink]
NEW TOPIC
POST REPLY
Downloads
My Bookmarks
Reviews
Moderators:
chetan2u
Math Expert
9306 posts
Bunuel
Math Expert
70479 posts
VeritasKarishma
Veritas Prep GMAT Instructor
11375 posts
yashikaaggarwal
Senior Moderator - Masters Forum
2359 posts
Feedback

cron

Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group | Emoji artwork provided by EmojiOne

Main navigation

GMAT Resources

Partners

MBA Resources

www.gmac.com|www.mba.com | | GMAT Club Rules | Terms and Conditions