MathRevolution
[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]
If \(m\) and \(n\) are integers greater than \(1\), is \(m^n>500\)?
\(1) n>8\)
\(2) n>2m\)
Target question: Is m^n > 500? Given: m and n are integers greater than 1 Statement 1: n > 8 We're told that m and n are integers
greater than 1 So, the SMALLEST possible value of m is 2
And, if n > 8, the SMALLEST possible value of n is 9
When we plug in these SMALLEST values, we get: m^n = 2^9 = 512
So, the SMALLEST possible value of m^n is 512
So,
m^n must be greater than or equal to 512The answer to the target question is
YES, m^n IS greater than 500Since we can answer the
target question with certainty, statement 1 is SUFFICIENT
Statement 2: n > 2mThere are several values of m and n that satisfy statement 2. Here are two:
Case a: m = 2 and n = 5. In this case, m^n = 2^5 = 32. So, the answer to the target question is
NO, m^n is NOT greater than 500Case b: m = 2 and n = 9. In this case, m^n = 2^9 = 512. So, the answer to the target question is
YES, m^n IS greater than 500Since we cannot answer the
target question with certainty, statement 2 is NOT SUFFICIENT
Answer: A
Cheers,
Brent