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# Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS

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Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Posts: 8130
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

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23 May 2019, 01:29
MathRevolution wrote:
[GMAT math practice question]

(number properties) If $$m$$ and $$n$$ are positive integers, is $$\frac{m}{n}$$ a terminating decimal?

1) $$m$$ is divisible by $$9$$

2) $$n$$ is divisible by $$30$$

=>

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.

Since we have $$2$$ variables ($$x$$ and $$y$$) and $$0$$ equations, C is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider conditions 1) & 2) together first. After comparing the number of variables and the number of equations, we can save time by considering conditions 1) & 2) together first.

Conditions 1) & 2)

If $$m = 9$$ and $$n = 30$$, then $$\frac{m}{n} = \frac{9}{30} = \frac{3}{10} = 0.3$$ is a terminating decimal and the answer is ‘yes’.
If $$m = 9$$ and $$n = 210,$$ then $$\frac{m}{n} = \frac{9}{210} = \frac{3}{70}$$ is not a terminating decimal since the denominator, $$70$$, has a prime factor other than $$2$$ and $$5$$. The answer is ‘no’.
Both conditions together are not sufficient, since they don’t yield a unique solution.

Normally, in problems which require 2 equations, such as those in which the original conditions include 2 variables, or 3 variables and 1 equation, or 4 variables and 2 equations, each of conditions 1) and 2) provide an additional equation. In these problems, the two key possibilities are that C is the answer (with probability 70%), and E is the answer (with probability 25%). Thus, there is only a 5% chance that A, B or D is the answer. This occurs in common mistake types 3 and 4. Since C (both conditions together are sufficient) is the most likely answer, we save time by first checking whether conditions 1) and 2) are sufficient, when taken together. Obviously, there may be cases in which the answer is A, B, D or E, but if conditions 1) and 2) are NOT sufficient when taken together, the answer must be E.
_________________
MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare
The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy.
"Only $79 for 1 month Online Course" "Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test" "Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself" Math Revolution GMAT Instructor Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 8130 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 23 May 2019, 01:29 [GMAT math practice question] (inequality) $$x$$ is a positive number. Is $$x > 1$$? $$1) √x > x$$ $$2) x^3 - x < 0$$ _________________ MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy. "Only$79 for 1 month Online Course"
"Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test"
"Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself"
Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Posts: 8130
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

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24 May 2019, 02:15
MathRevolution wrote:
[GMAT math practice question]

(number properties) If $$m$$ and $$n$$ are non-negative integers, what is the value of $$mn$$?

$$1) 3^m=5^n$$

$$2) |m|=- √n$$

=>

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question.

Condition 1) implies that $$m = n = 0$$, since $$3^m$$ and $$5^n$$ are powers of prime numbers that are equal. Thus, condition 1) is sufficient.
Condition 2) also implies that $$m = n = 0$$, since $$|m|=- √n$$ is only possible when $$m = n = 0$$ ($$- √n <=0$$ and $$|m| >=0$$). Thus, condition 2) is also sufficient.

Note: Tip 1) of the VA method states that D is most likely to be the answer if condition 1) gives the same information as condition 2).
_________________
MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare
The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy.
"Only $79 for 1 month Online Course" "Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test" "Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself" Math Revolution GMAT Instructor Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 8130 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 24 May 2019, 02:17 [GMAT math practice question] (statistics) If the average (arithmetic mean) of $$5$$ numbers is $$21$$, what is their standard deviation? 1) The least of the $$5$$ numbers is $$21$$ 2) The greatest of the $$5$$ numbers is $$21$$ _________________ MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy. "Only$79 for 1 month Online Course"
"Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test"
"Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself"
Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Posts: 8130
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

### Show Tags

26 May 2019, 18:39
MathRevolution wrote:
[GMAT math practice question]

(inequality) $$x$$ is a positive number. Is $$x > 1$$?

$$1) √x > x$$

$$2) x^3 - x < 0$$

=>

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.

Since we have $$1$$ variable ($$n$$) and $$0$$ equations, D is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider each condition on its own first.

In inequality questions, the law “Question is King” tells us that if the solution set of the question includes the solution set of the condition, then the condition is sufficient

Condition 1)
$$√x > x$$

$$=> x > x^2$$ by squaring

$$=> x^2 – x < 0$$

$$=> x(x-1) < 0$$

$$=> 0 < x < 1$$

Since ‘no’ is also a unique answer by CMT (Common Mistake Type) 1, condition 1) is sufficient.

Condition 2)
$$x^3 - x < 0$$

$$=> x(x^2-1) < 0$$

$$=> (x+1)x(x-1) < 0$$

$$=> x<-1$$ or $$0 < x < 1$$

$$=> 0 < x < 1$$ since $$x$$ is positive.

Since ‘no’ is also a unique answer by CMT (Common Mistake Type) 1, condition 2) is sufficient.

_________________
MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare
The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy.
"Only $79 for 1 month Online Course" "Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test" "Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself" Math Revolution GMAT Instructor Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 8130 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 26 May 2019, 18:40 MathRevolution wrote: [GMAT math practice question] (statistics) If the average (arithmetic mean) of $$5$$ numbers is $$21$$, what is their standard deviation? 1) The least of the $$5$$ numbers is $$21$$ 2) The greatest of the $$5$$ numbers is $$21$$ => Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution. The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question. If the maximum or minimum value of a data set is the same as its average, then all data points are equal and their standard deviation is 0. Thus, each of the conditions is sufficient. Therefore, D is the answer. Answer: D Recall the property that the SD is zero if the maximum value or the minimum value is the same as the average, as this implies that all data points are equal. Questions related to the above property have appeared frequently on recent GMAT exams. _________________ MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy. "Only$79 for 1 month Online Course"
"Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test"
"Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself"
Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Posts: 8130
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

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27 May 2019, 00:28
[GMAT math practice question]

(absolute value) What is the value of $$xy$$?

$$1) x^2-4xy+5y^2-4xy+4 = 0$$

$$2) |x-4| = \sqrt{- (y-2)}$$
_________________
MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare
The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy.
"Only $79 for 1 month Online Course" "Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test" "Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself" Math Revolution GMAT Instructor Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 8130 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 28 May 2019, 01:50 [GMAT math practice question] (functions) f(x) = an$$x^n$$+ an-1$$x^{n-1}$$ + … + a1x + a0. What is the sum of the coefficients of the function f? 1) f(1) = 20 2) f(-1) = 10 _________________ MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy. "Only$79 for 1 month Online Course"
"Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test"
"Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself"
Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Posts: 8130
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

### Show Tags

29 May 2019, 01:35
MathRevolution wrote:
[GMAT math practice question]

(absolute value) What is the value of $$xy$$?

$$1) x^2-4xy+5y^2-4xy+4 = 0$$

$$2) |x-4| = \sqrt{- (y-2)}$$

=>

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question. We should simplify conditions if necessary.

Condition 1)
$$x^2-4xy+5y^2-4xy+4 = 0$$

$$=> x^2-4xy+4y^2+y^2-4xy+4 = 0$$

$$=> (x-2y)^2 + (y-2)^2 = 0$$

$$=> x = 2y$$ and $$y =2,$$ since $$(x-2y)^2 ≥ 0$$ and $$(y-2)^2 ≥ 0.$$

So, $$x = 4$$ and $$y =2$$. Thus, $$xy = 8$$.

Condition 1) is sufficient since it yields a unique solution.

Condition 2)
$$|x-4| = - \sqrt{(y-2)}$$

$$=> |x-4| +\sqrt{(y-2)} = 0$$

$$=> |x-4| = 0$$ and $$\sqrt{(y-2)} = 0,$$ since $$|x-4| ≥ 0$$ and $$\sqrt{(y-2)} ≥ 0.$$

So, $$x = 4$$ and $$y =2.$$ Thus, $$xy = 8.$$

Condition 2) is sufficient since it yields a unique solution.

_________________
MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare
The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy.
"Only $79 for 1 month Online Course" "Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test" "Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself" Math Revolution GMAT Instructor Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 8130 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 29 May 2019, 01:36 [GMAT math practice question] $$x = -1$$. What is the value of $$x + x^n + x^{n+1} + x^{n+2}$$? 1) $$n$$ is a prime number 2) $$n$$ is an odd number _________________ MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy. "Only$79 for 1 month Online Course"
"Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test"
"Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself"
Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Posts: 8130
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

### Show Tags

30 May 2019, 01:32
MathRevolution wrote:
[GMAT math practice question]

(functions) f(x) = an$$x^n$$+ an-1$$x^{n-1}$$ + … + a1x + a0. What is the sum of the coefficients of the function f?

1) f(1) = 20
2) f(-1) = 10

=>

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question. We should simplify conditions if necessary.

f(1) = an*$$1^n$$ + an-1*$$1^{n-1}$$ + … + a1*1 + a0 = an + an-1 + … + a1 + a0 , which is the sum of all coefficients of f(x).
Thus, condition 1) is sufficient, because it is equivalent to the question.

_________________
MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare
The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy.
"Only $79 for 1 month Online Course" "Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test" "Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself" Math Revolution GMAT Instructor Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 8130 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 30 May 2019, 01:33 [GMAT math practice question] (ratio) $$a, b$$ and $$c$$ are numbers such that $$abc≠ 0$$ and $$\frac{a}{b}=\frac{b}{c}=\frac{c}{d}.$$ What is the value of $$\frac{a}{d}$$? $$1) a = 1$$ $$2) b = 2$$ _________________ MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy. "Only$79 for 1 month Online Course"
"Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test"
"Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself"
Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Posts: 8130
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

### Show Tags

31 May 2019, 01:22
MathRevolution wrote:
[GMAT math practice question]

$$x = -1$$. What is the value of $$x + x^n + x^{n+1} + x^{n+2}$$?

1) $$n$$ is a prime number

2) $$n$$ is an odd number

=>

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.

Since we have $$1$$ variable ($$n$$) and $$0$$ equations, D is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider each condition on its own first.

Condition 1)
If $$n = 2$$, then $$x + x^n + x^{n+1} + x^{n+2} = (-1) + (-1)^2 + (-1)^3 + (-1)^4? = (-1) + 1 + (-1) + 1 = 0.$$

If $$n = 3$$, then $$x + x^n + x^{n+1} + x^{n+2} = (-1) + (-1)^3 + (-1)^4 + (-1)^5 = (-1) + (-1) + (-1) + 1 = -2.$$

Condition 1) is not sufficient since it doesn’t yield a unique solution.

Condition 2)
If $$n$$ is an odd number, then $$x + x^n + x^{n+1} + x^{n+2} = (-1) + (-1)^n + (-1)^{n+1} + (-1)^{n+2} = (-1) + (-1) + 1 + (-1) = -2.$$

Condition 2) is sufficient since it yields a unique solution.

If the original condition includes “1 variable”, or “2 variables and 1 equation”, or “3 variables and 2 equations” etc., one more equation is required to answer the question. If each of conditions 1) and 2) provide an additional equation, there is a 59% chance that D is the answer, a 38% chance that A or B is the answer, and a 3% chance that the answer is C or E. Thus, answer D (conditions 1) and 2), when applied separately, are sufficient to answer the question) is most likely, but there may be cases where the answer is A,B,C or E.
_________________
MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare
The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy.
"Only $79 for 1 month Online Course" "Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test" "Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself" Math Revolution GMAT Instructor Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 8130 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 31 May 2019, 01:23 [GMAT math practice question] (inequality) $$x, y$$ and $$y$$ are positive numbers satisfying $$x < y < z.$$ Is $$x < 5$$? $$1) x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 125$$ $$2) y^2 = 25$$ _________________ MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy. "Only$79 for 1 month Online Course"
"Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test"
"Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself"
Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Posts: 8130
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

### Show Tags

02 Jun 2019, 17:59
MathRevolution wrote:
[GMAT math practice question]

(ratio) $$a, b$$ and $$c$$ are numbers such that $$abc≠ 0$$ and $$\frac{a}{b}=\frac{b}{c}=\frac{c}{d}.$$ What is the value of $$\frac{a}{d}$$?

$$1) a = 1$$

$$2) b = 2$$

=>

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question.

$$\frac{a}{b}=\frac{b}{c} => b^2 = ac => a = \frac{b^2}{c}$$

$$\frac{b}{c}=\frac{c}{d} => c^2 = bd => d = \frac{c^2}{b}$$

So, $$\frac{a}{d} = \frac{(b^2}{c)} / \frac{(c^2}{b)} = \frac{b^3}{c^3} = (\frac{b}{c})^3 = (\frac{a}{b})^3$$

Thus, conditions 1) & 2) are sufficient, when applied together.

_________________
MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare
The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy.
"Only $79 for 1 month Online Course" "Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test" "Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself" Math Revolution GMAT Instructor Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 8130 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 02 Jun 2019, 18:00 MathRevolution wrote: [GMAT math practice question] (inequality) $$x, y$$ and $$y$$ are positive numbers satisfying $$x < y < z.$$ Is $$x < 5$$? $$1) x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = 125$$ $$2) y^2 = 25$$ => Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution. The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question. We should simplify conditions if necessary. Condition 1) If $$x ≥ 5,$$ then $$x^2 + y^2 + z^2 > x^2 + x^2 + x^2 > 3x^2 > 3*52 = 125$$. Thus, we must have $$x < 5$$. Condition 1) is sufficient since it yields the unique answer, ‘yes’. Condition 2) Since $$x^2 < y^2 = 25$$, and $$x$$ and $$y$$ are positive numbers, $$x < y = 5.$$ Thus, $$x < 5$$. Condition 2) is sufficient since it yields the unique answer, ‘yes’. Therefore, D is the answer. Answer: D _________________ MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy. "Only$79 for 1 month Online Course"
"Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test"
"Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself"
Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Posts: 8130
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

### Show Tags

03 Jun 2019, 00:37
[GMAT math practice question]

(number properties) Is $$pqr$$ is a multiple of $$5$$?

1) $$p, q$$ and $$r$$ are consecutive odd integers.

2) $$p, q$$ and $$r$$ are prime numbers.
_________________
MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare
The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy.
"Only $79 for 1 month Online Course" "Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test" "Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself" Math Revolution GMAT Instructor Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 8130 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 04 Jun 2019, 00:41 [GMAT math practice question] (number properties) If two integers have no common factors other than $$1$$, they are called relatively prime. Are $$x$$ and $$z$$ relatively prime? 1) $$x$$ and $$y$$ are relatively prime. 2) $$y$$ and $$z$$ are relatively prime. _________________ MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy. "Only$79 for 1 month Online Course"
"Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test"
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Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Posts: 8130
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

### Show Tags

05 Jun 2019, 01:59
MathRevolution wrote:
[GMAT math practice question]

(number properties) Is $$pqr$$ is a multiple of $$5$$?

1) $$p, q$$ and $$r$$ are consecutive odd integers.

2) $$p, q$$ and $$r$$ are prime numbers.

=>

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.

Since we have $$3$$ variables ($$p, q$$ and $$r$$) and $$0$$ equations, E is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider conditions 1) & 2) together first. After comparing the number of variables and the number of equations, we can save time by considering conditions 1) & 2) together first.

Conditions 1) & 2):
$$3, 5$$ and $$7$$ is the unique triplet of three consecutive odd integers which are prime numbers, and $$3*5*7$$ is a multiple of $$5$$.
Thus, both conditions together are sufficient.

Since this question is an integer question (one of the key question areas), CMT (Common Mistake Type) 4(A) of the VA (Variable Approach) method tells us that we should also check answers A and B.

Condition 1)
If $$p = 3, q = 5$$ and $$r = 7$$, then $$pqr = 105$$ is a multiple of $$5$$, and the answer is ‘yes’.
If $$p = 7, q = 9$$ and $$r = 11$$, then $$pqr = 693$$ is not a multiple of $$5$$, and the answer is ‘no’.
Condition 1) is not sufficient since it doesn’t yield a unique answer.

Condition 2)
If $$p = 3, q = 5$$ and $$r = 7$$, then $$pqr = 105$$ is a multiple of $$5$$, and the answer is ‘yes’.
If $$p = 3, q = 7$$ and $$r = 11$$, then $$pqr = 231$$ is not a multiple of $$5$$, and the answer is ‘no’.
Condition 2) is not sufficient since it doesn’t yield a unique solution.

In cases where 3 or more additional equations are required, such as for original conditions with “3 variables”, or “4 variables and 1 equation”, or “5 variables and 2 equations”, conditions 1) and 2) usually supply only one additional equation. Therefore, there is an 80% chance that E is the answer, a 15% chance that C is the answer, and a 5% chance that the answer is A, B or D. Since E (i.e. conditions 1) & 2) are NOT sufficient, when taken together) is most likely to be the answer, it is generally most efficient to begin by checking the sufficiency of conditions 1) and 2), when taken together. Obviously, there may be occasions on which the answer is A, B, C or D.
_________________
MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare
The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy.
"Only $79 for 1 month Online Course" "Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test" "Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself" Math Revolution GMAT Instructor Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 8130 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 05 Jun 2019, 02:00 [GMAT math practice question] (absolute value) Is $$x<y<z$$? $$1) |x+2|<y<z+2$$ $$2) |x-2|<y<z-2$$ _________________ MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare The one-and-only World’s First Variable Approach for DS and IVY Approach for PS with ease, speed and accuracy. "Only$79 for 1 month Online Course"
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Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS   [#permalink] 05 Jun 2019, 02:00

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