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# Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1?

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Manager
Joined: 27 Apr 2012
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21 Jun 2012, 01:59
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31% (00:58) correct 69% (00:59) wrong based on 312 sessions

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Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1?

(1) a<0

(2) b<0

Hi, request your help to please understand the fundamental concept behind this question.
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Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 47946
Re: Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1?  [#permalink]

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21 Jun 2012, 02:17
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Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1?

Notice that $$3^{\frac{a^2}{b}} < 1$$ to hold true, the power of 3 must be less than 0. So, the question basically asks whether $$\frac{a^2}{b}<0$$. This will happen if $$a\neq{0}$$ AND $$b<0$$ (if $$a=0$$ then $$\frac{a^2}{b}=0$$).

(1) a<0. The first condition is satisfied ($$a\neq{0}$$) but we don't know about the second one. Not sufficient.

(2) b<0. The second condition is satisfied ($$b<0$$) but we don't know about the first one (again if $$a=0$$ then $$\frac{a^2}{b}=0$$). Not sufficient.

(1)+(2) Both condition are satisfied. Sufficient.

For more on number theory and exponents check: math-number-theory-88376.html

DS questions on exponents: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=39
PS questions on exponents: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=60

Tough and tricky DS exponents and roots questions with detailed solutions: tough-and-tricky-exponents-and-roots-questions-125967.html
Tough and tricky PS exponents and roots questions with detailed solutions: tough-and-tricky-exponents-and-roots-questions-125956.html

Hope it helps.
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Manager
Joined: 27 Apr 2012
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Location: United States
GMAT Date: 06-11-2013
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Re: Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1?  [#permalink]

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21 Jun 2012, 03:10
This is great.Thanks a ton!
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Re: Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1?  [#permalink]

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25 Jun 2013, 04:47
Bumping for review and further discussion*. Get a kudos point for an alternative solution!

*New project from GMAT Club!!! Check HERE

Theory on Exponents: math-number-theory-88376.html

All DS Exponents questions to practice: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=39
All PS Exponents questions to practice: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=60

Tough and tricky DS exponents and roots questions with detailed solutions: tough-and-tricky-exponents-and-roots-questions-125967.html
Tough and tricky PS exponents and roots questions with detailed solutions: tough-and-tricky-exponents-and-roots-questions-125956.html

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Re: Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1?  [#permalink]

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27 Jan 2016, 18:46
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.

Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1?

(1) a<0

(2) b<0

When you modify the original condition and the question, they become 3^(a^2/b) < 1? --> 3^(a^2/b) < 3^0? --> a^2/b>0?. Multiply b^2 on the both equations(since b^2 is positive, even if it’s multiplied, the sign of inequality doesn’t change.) and it becomes a^2(b)>0?. There are 2 variables(a,b), which should match with the number of equations. So you need 2 equations. For 1) 1 equation, for 2) 1 equation, which is likely to make C the answer.
When 1) & 2), since a<0, it can’t be 0. Divide the both equations with a^2, they become a^2(b)<0?-->b<0?. Since 2) is b<0, it is yes and sufficient.

 For cases where we need 2 more equations, 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.
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Re: Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1?  [#permalink]

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03 Aug 2018, 11:43
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.
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Re: Is 3^(a^2/b) < 1? &nbs [#permalink] 03 Aug 2018, 11:43
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