GMAT Question of the Day - Daily to your Mailbox; hard ones only

 It is currently 15 Nov 2019, 11:11

### 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

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

# If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition

 new topic post reply Question banks Downloads My Bookmarks Reviews Important topics
Author Message
TAGS:

### Hide Tags

Intern
Joined: 12 Sep 2010
Posts: 10
If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

18 Sep 2010, 20:57
4
34
00:00

Difficulty:

55% (hard)

Question Stats:

61% (01:27) correct 39% (01:26) wrong based on 991 sessions

### HideShow timer Statistics

If the operation # is one of the four arithmetic operations addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, is (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4)

(1) 3#2 > 3

(2) 3#1 = 3

Attachment:

DS3.PNG [ 7.48 KiB | Viewed 31146 times ]
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 59075
Re: If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

18 Sep 2010, 21:01
11
9
If the operation # is one of the four arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Is (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4) ?

(1) 3#2 > 3. # can be either multiplication or addition. In BOTH cases (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4) is true: (6*2)*4=6*(2*4)=48 and (6+2)+4=6+(2+4)=12. Sufficient.

(2) 3#1 = 3. # can be either multiplication or division. If it's division the the answer to the question is No and if it's multiplication answer to the question is YES. Two different answers. Not sufficient.

_________________
##### General Discussion
Intern
Joined: 12 Sep 2010
Posts: 10
Re: If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

18 Sep 2010, 21:10
Bunuel wrote:
If the operation # is one of the four arithmetic operations- addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Is (6#2)#4= 6#(2#4)

(1) 3#2 > 3, # can be either multiplication or addition in BOTH cases (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4) is true: (6*2)*4=6*(2*4)=48 and (6+2)+4=6+(2+4)=12. Sufficient.

(2) 3#1 = 3, # can be either multiplication or division. If it's division the the answer to the question is No and if it's multiplication answer to the question is YES. Two different answers. Not sufficient.

Oh!! Anyways thanks Bunuel..I just saw two operations and so felt like i cant solve !!Now I gt it..
Manager
Joined: 23 Sep 2009
Posts: 97
Re: If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

19 Sep 2010, 17:56
1
Same explanation like Bunnel. Dnt worry I used to make more silly mistakes than what you have done now...And it is all these silly mistakes that afect our score in a huge way....So just relax and solve the problems.....
I am understanding that Panic=failure during exams
_________________
Thanks,
VP
Manager
Joined: 06 Aug 2010
Posts: 152
Location: Boston
Re: If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

21 Sep 2010, 11:12
1
ravitejapandiri wrote:
Attachment:
DS3.PNG
Please explain me this one..I get Answer C because Fact 1 itself is not sufficient to solve the problem.

F1:Gives * OR +
F2:Gives * OR %

So both give * as the appropriate sign.Hence C

Am I going somewhere badly?

You're given that the operation satisfies the associate property. The associative property is true of addition [(6+2) + 4 = 6 + (2+4)] and multiplication [(6*2) * 4 = 6 * (2*4)], but not of subtraction or division. If we can determine whether the operation is multiplication or addition, or if it's subtraction or division, then we have enough information.

(1) A quick test of each operation will show you that the triangle is either multiplication or addition. Regardless of which one it is, we know that it will satisfy the associative property. Sufficient.

(2) Again, a quick test will show you that the triangle is either multiplication or division. Since multiplication satisfies the property, but division does not, we can't determine the answer. Insufficient.

(A)
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 59075
Re: If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

21 Jun 2013, 02:48
Bumping for review and further discussion*. Get a kudos point for an alternative solution!

*New project from GMAT Club!!! Check HERE

All DS Functions and Custom Characters questions: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=40
All PS Functions and Custom Characters questions: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=61

_________________
Intern
Joined: 22 May 2013
Posts: 43
Concentration: General Management, Technology
GPA: 3.9
WE: Information Technology (Computer Software)
Re: If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

22 Jun 2013, 03:20
3
ravitejapandiri wrote:
If the operation # is one of the four arithmetic operations addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, is (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4)

(1) 3#2 > 3

(2) 3#1 = 3

Attachment:
DS3.PNG

We basically need to answer either a YES or a NO for the equation (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4)
And if we see the equation, then we know for sure that we can answer the question if # is :-

+ or * =>YES, Equation will hold => Sufficient
- or / => NO Equation will not hold => Sufficient

Now, looking at stetements:

(1) 3#2 > 3
# can either be + or * to hold true, which is one of our conditions as listed above, hence Sufficient
(2) 3#1 = 3
# can be either * or /, hence in this case we cannot be sure as it consists of one possibility from each condition that we had laid out earlier, and thus will result in a YES for * and a NO for /.

Thus (2) is not sufficient as we cannot come up with a definite answer.

Hence, A
_________________
PS: Like my approach? Please Help me with some Kudos.
Intern
Joined: 22 Jan 2014
Posts: 1
Re: If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

28 Jan 2014, 01:31
At the risk of sounding stupid, the GMAT Quant thus far has taught me to consider all possible conditions when solving a DS problem and choose only that answer which holds true universally in all cases. Hence my question in this case is:

(1) says the operation can either be Addition (+) or Multiplication (X)

The question asks if LHS = RHS using the above operations in place of the symbol
My observation :
(a) if you use multipication in place of the symbol then LHS = RHS
(b) if you use addition in place of the symbol then LHS = RHS
(c) But if you use a combination of multiplication and addition in the equation then LHS not equal to RHS.

Shouldn't the above (C) be a possibility too, since all we know from (1) is that it can be any operation (+ or X). No where is it specified that the same operation is to be performed on both sides of the equation

Similarly,

(2) says the operation can either be Multiplication (X) or Division (/)

Just as in the above reasoning, if you use a combination, then LHS not equal to RHS

THus using (1) and (2) together, only Multiplication holds good to satisfy both conditions

Therefore shouldn't the answer be (C).

Sorry if this is a stupid question.

Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 59075
Re: If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

28 Jan 2014, 01:37
sriniash wrote:
At the risk of sounding stupid, the GMAT Quant thus far has taught me to consider all possible conditions when solving a DS problem and choose only that answer which holds true universally in all cases. Hence my question in this case is:

(1) says the operation can either be Addition (+) or Multiplication (X)

The question asks if LHS = RHS using the above operations in place of the symbol
My observation :
(a) if you use multipication in place of the symbol then LHS = RHS
(b) if you use addition in place of the symbol then LHS = RHS
(c) But if you use a combination of multiplication and addition in the equation then LHS not equal to RHS.

Shouldn't the above (C) be a possibility too, since all we know from (1) is that it can be any operation (+ or X). No where is it specified that the same operation is to be performed on both sides of the equation

Similarly,

(2) says the operation can either be Multiplication (X) or Division (/)

Just as in the above reasoning, if you use a combination, then LHS not equal to RHS

THus using (1) and (2) together, only Multiplication holds good to satisfy both conditions

Therefore shouldn't the answer be (C).

Sorry if this is a stupid question.

If the operation # is ONE of the four arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Is (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4) ?

The above means that # in the expression, (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4), is addition OR subtraction OR multiplication OR division.

Similar questions to practice:
if-represents-one-of-the-operations-and-x-is-k-l-m-144138.html
if-the-operation-is-one-of-the-four-arithmetic-operations-101283.html
if-the-operation-is-one-of-the-four-arithmetic-operations-93966.html
the-symbol-represents-one-of-the-four-arithmetic-operation-107575.html
if-represents-one-of-the-operations-and-is-a-101337.html
the-operation-x-n-for-all-positive-integers-greater-than-99064.html
if-represents-one-of-the-operations-and-x-is-k-l-m-144138.html
if-the-symbol-represents-one-of-the-following-operations-161138.html
the-symbol-represents-one-of-the-following-operations-161432.html

Hope it helps.
_________________
Manager
Joined: 10 May 2014
Posts: 135
Re: If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

08 Jan 2015, 10:57
Nice way to test the Assocative Law!

We learn this in primary school, but we see custom characters in the GMAT and tend to freak out...
_________________
Consider giving me Kudos if I helped, but don´t take them away if I didn´t!

What would you do if you weren´t afraid?
GMAT Club Legend
Joined: 12 Sep 2015
Posts: 4064
Re: If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

06 Aug 2018, 11:18
1
Top Contributor
ravitejapandiri wrote:
If the operation # is one of the four arithmetic operations addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, is (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4)

(1) 3#2 > 3

(2) 3#1 = 3

Attachment:
DS3.PNG

Target question: Is (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4)?
This is a good candidate for rephrasing the target question.

Under what circumstances does (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4) ?
Let's test each possible operation:

ADDITION: If # represents addition, we get: (6+2)+4 = 6+(2+4)
Simplify to get: 12 = 12. WORKS!
So, (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4) when # represents addition

SUBTRACTION: If # represents subtraction, we get: (6-2)-4 = 6-(2-4)
Simplify to get: 4-4 = 6-(-2).
Doesn't work.

MULTIPLICATION: If # represents multiplication, we get: (6x2)x4 = 6x(2x4)
Simplify to get: 12x4 = 6x8. WORKS!
So, (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4) when # represents multiplication

DIVISION: If # represents division, we get: (6÷2)÷4 = 6÷(2÷4)
Simplify to get: 3÷4 = 6÷(1/2)
Evaluate to get: 3/4 = 12
Doesn't work.

So, (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4) when # represents EITHER addition OR multiplication
REPHRASED target question: Does # represent EITHER addition OR multiplication?

Aside: Here’s a video with tips on rephrasing the target question: http://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gmat-data-sufficiency?id=1100

Statement 1: 3#2 > 3
This inequality holds true when # represents addition or multiplication
Case a: If # represents addition, then the answer to the REPHRASED target question is YES, # DOES represent either addition or multiplication
Case b: If # represents multiplication, then the answer to the REPHRASED target question is YES, # DOES represent either addition or multiplication
In both cases, we get the SAME answer to the REPHRASED target question
Since we can answer the target question with certainty, statement 1 is SUFFICIENT

Statement 2: 3#1 = 3
The above equation holds true when # represents division or multiplication
Case a: If # represents division, then the answer to the REPHRASED target question is NO, # does NOT represent either addition or multiplication
Case b: If # represents multiplication, then the answer to the REPHRASED target question is YES, # DOES represent either addition or multiplication
Since we cannot answer the target question with certainty, statement 2 is NOT SUFFICIENT

Cheers,
Brent
_________________
Test confidently with gmatprepnow.com
Non-Human User
Joined: 09 Sep 2013
Posts: 13586
Re: If the operation # is one of the four arithmetic operations  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

04 Oct 2018, 05:54
Hello from the GMAT Club BumpBot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.
_________________
Intern
Joined: 20 Aug 2018
Posts: 25
Re: If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

24 Nov 2018, 17:41
It's worth noting that we don't necessarily need to know which of the four operations ∆ stands for. The question is essentially, "WHICHEVER operation ∆ stands for, is the left hand side of the equation equal to the right hand side of the equation?"

(1) ∆ could stand for either additon or multiplication. Since both of those operations will give you an equation in which the left and right hand sides of the equation are equal to each other, this statement gives us sufficient information to answer the question (and the answer to the question happens to be, "Yes. The two sides are equal to each other.") We don't need to know whether ∆ is addition or multiplication.

(2) ∆ could stand for division or multiplication. We already know that multiplication will give us an equation in which the left hand side equals the right hand side, but you'll find that the same is not true if we use division. Statement (2) is therefore insufficient.

A video explanation can be found here:
_________________
GMAT Club Legend
Joined: 18 Aug 2017
Posts: 5273
Location: India
Concentration: Sustainability, Marketing
GPA: 4
WE: Marketing (Energy and Utilities)
Re: If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

16 Apr 2019, 01:02
ravitejapandiri wrote:
If the operation # is one of the four arithmetic operations addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, is (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4)

(1) 3#2 > 3

(2) 3#1 = 3

Attachment:
DS3.PNG

from given info (6#2)#4 = 6#(2#4)

# means + or *
#1
3#2 > 3
sufficient when #= + or * ; sufficient
#2
3#1=3
possible when # = divide not sufficient
IMO A
Re: If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition   [#permalink] 16 Apr 2019, 01:02
Display posts from previous: Sort by

# If the operation ∆ is one of the four arithmetic operations addition

 new topic post reply Question banks Downloads My Bookmarks Reviews Important topics

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