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Re: If x and y are integers, is x even?
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14 Oct 2015, 06:45
Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. In DS, Variable approach is the easiest and quickest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember equal number of variables and independent equations ensures a solution.
If x and y are integers, is x even?
(1) xy + y is odd
(2) 6x - 3y is odd
There are 2 variables (x,y) and 2 equations, so there is high chance (C) will be the answer. When looking at the conditions together, 6x=even, 6x-3y=odd, so 3y=odd. Also, in (x+1)y=odd, x+1=odd, x=even, so the conditions seem to be sufficient and the answer looks like (C), but this is a commonly made mistake according to 4(A), we should look at the conditions separately. For condition 1, (x+1)y=odd, x+1=odd, y=odd, x=odd-1=even. So this condition is sufficient, but for condition 2, 6x-3y=odd, 6x is always even without regard to the value of x, so this condition is insufficient. The answer becomes (A).
This is a most common type of question in GMAT math DS section.
For cases where we need 2 more equation, such as original conditions with “2 variables”, or “3 variables and 1 equation”, or “4 variables and 2 equations”, we have 1 equation each in both 1) and 2). Therefore, there is 70% chance that C is the answer, while E has 25% chance. These two are the majority. In case of common mistake type 3,4, the answer may be from A, B or D but there is only 5% chance. Since C is most likely to be the answer using 1) and 2) separately according to DS definition (It saves us time). Obviously there may be cases where the answer is A, B, D or E.