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# If x is an integer, then how many values of x will satisfy the equatio

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e-GMAT Representative
Joined: 04 Jan 2015
Posts: 3158
If x is an integer, then how many values of x will satisfy the equatio  [#permalink]

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Updated on: 13 Sep 2018, 08:18
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60% (01:50) correct 40% (01:46) wrong based on 278 sessions

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Different methods to solve absolute value equations and inequalities- Exercise Question #3

If x is an integer, then how many values of x will satisfy the equation |x + 2|= |3x +14|?

Options

a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3
e) 4

To read the article: Different methods to solve absolute value equations and inequalities

_________________

Originally posted by EgmatQuantExpert on 13 Sep 2018, 03:06.
Last edited by EgmatQuantExpert on 13 Sep 2018, 08:18, edited 2 times in total.
Director
Joined: 20 Feb 2015
Posts: 737
Concentration: Strategy, General Management
Re: If x is an integer, then how many values of x will satisfy the equatio  [#permalink]

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13 Sep 2018, 08:47
4
EgmatQuantExpert wrote:
Different methods to solve absolute value equations and inequalities- Exercise Question #3

If x is an integer, then how many values of x will satisfy the equation |x + 2|= |3x +14|?

Options

a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3
e) 4

To read the article: Different methods to solve absolute value equations and inequalities

if
|x| = |y|
then
$$x^2$$ = $$y^2$$
similarly
$$(x + 2)^2$$= $$(3x +14)^2$$
upon solving ,
we get x= -6 and -4

C
##### General Discussion
e-GMAT Representative
Joined: 04 Jan 2015
Posts: 3158
If x is an integer, then how many values of x will satisfy the equatio  [#permalink]

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Updated on: 17 Sep 2018, 04:25

Solution

Given:
• We are given that x is an integer, and
• We are also given an absolute value equation, |x + 2| = |3x + 14|

To find:
• We need to find the number of values of x, that satisfy the given equation

Approach and Working:
• In this question, we have modulus function on both sides of the equation.
• Let’s first apply the definition to the LHS of the equation.
• From this, we get,
o x + 2 = |3x + 14|, if x ≥ -2, and
o x + 2 = -|3x + 14|, if x < -2
• Now, let’s consider the first case, x + 2 = |3x + 14|, if x ≥ -2. And, if we remove the modulus sign on the RHS of this equation, we get,
o x + 2 = 3x + 14, if x ≥ -2 and x ≥ -14/3
 Solving this equation, we get, 2x = -12
 Implies, x = -6, which does not lie in the range
 Thus, x = -6 is not a possible value
o x + 2 = -(3x + 14), if x ≥ -2 and x < -14/3
 This case is not possible as no value of x can simultaneously be ≥ -2 and < -14/3
• Considering the second case, x + 2 = -|3x + 14|, if x < -2, and removing the modulus sign, we get,
o x + 2 = -(3x + 14), if x < -2 and x ≥ -14/3
 Solving this equation, we get, 4x = -16
 Implies, x = -4, which lies in the range [-14/3, -2)
 Thus, x = -4 is a possible value of x[/list]
o x + 2 = (3x + 14), if x < -2 and x < -14/3
 Solving this equation, we get, 2x = -12
 Implies, x = -6, which is less than both -2 and -14/3
 Thus, x = -6 is a possible value of x

Therefore, the only values of x, that satisfy the given equation, |x + 2|= |3x +14|, are -4 and -6

Hence, the correct answer is option C.

_________________

Originally posted by EgmatQuantExpert on 13 Sep 2018, 03:11.
Last edited by EgmatQuantExpert on 17 Sep 2018, 04:25, edited 1 time in total.
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Joined: 17 May 2018
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Re: If x is an integer, then how many values of x will satisfy the equatio  [#permalink]

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13 Sep 2018, 03:16

Solving the equation will yield two solutions , X=-6 and X=-3. Plugging these values into the equation will yield only 1 value to be valid, and that value is -6.
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Re: If x is an integer, then how many values of x will satisfy the equatio  [#permalink]

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13 Sep 2018, 08:26
TariqOmar wrote:

Solving the equation will yield two solutions , X=-6 and X=-3. Plugging these values into the equation will yield only 1 value to be valid, and that value is -6.

But then don't you think the answer can be both 6 as well as -6? Since the equation is the mod of x? So I think the answer should be c!
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Re: If x is an integer, then how many values of x will satisfy the equatio  [#permalink]

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14 Sep 2018, 07:32
1
'C' it is, squaring both sides.

x^2 + 4x + 4 = 9x^2 + 84x +196

8x^2 + 80x + 192 = 0

x^2 + 10x + 24 = 0

(x+6)(x+4)=0

x = -4, -6
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Re: If x is an integer, then how many values of x will satisfy the equatio  [#permalink]

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14 Sep 2018, 09:13
3
Absolute value is the easiest / hardest concept. The GMAT uses absolute value as a proxy for logical reasoning. Students frequently get fooled by absolute value questions, so my recommendation is whenever possible rewrite the equation without absolute value. This investment of time, in my experience, greatly increases accuracy on these questions.

In this case, if we get rid of absolute value we are left with two equations:

1. x + 2 = 3x + 14
2. x + 2 = -(3x + 14)

Please note that the two other possibilities of -(x + 2) = 3x + 14 and -(x + 2) = -(3x + 14) reduce to either 1 or 2.

Checking in the with the answer choices, only B and C are now alive. Either 1 and 2 have unique values or both solve for the same value. The latter is less likely in real life but could a devious testmaker trick, so you have to check.

1. becomes -2x = 12 then x = -6
2. becomes x + 2 = -3x - 14 then 4x = -16 then x = -4

C is correct
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Jayson Beatty
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If x is an integer, then how many values of x will satisfy the equatio  [#permalink]

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14 Sep 2018, 23:55
1
EgmatQuantExpert wrote:
Reserving this space to post the official solution

You made me remember my old school days

If x is an integer, then how many values of x will satisfy the equatio   [#permalink] 14 Sep 2018, 23:55
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