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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: 8562
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

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28 Nov 2018, 01:07
[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

(number properties) If $$n$$ is a positive integer, is $$\sqrt{17n}$$ an integer?

1) $$68n$$ is the square of an integer.
2) $$\frac{n}{68}$$ is the square of an integer.
_________________
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: 8562 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 29 Nov 2018, 01:44 MathRevolution wrote: [Math Revolution GMAT math practice question] (functions) In the x-y plane, line l passes through points $$(-1,-1)$$ and $$(3,k)$$. What is the value of $$k$$? 1) The y-intercept of line l is $$1$$ 2) The slope of line l is $$2$$ => 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. Since we have $$1$$ variable ($$k$$) and $$0$$ equations in the original condition, D is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider each condition on its own first. We consider the equation of the line $$l, y = mx + b.$$ Since it passes through the points $$(-1,-1)$$ and $$(3,k),$$ we can plug these points into its equation to yield $$-1 = -m + b$$ and $$k = 3m + b.$$ Since we have $$3$$ variables and $$2$$ equations, D is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider each condition on its own first. Condition 1) Since the y-intercept of line $$l$$ is $$1$$, we have $$b = 1$$ and $$m = b + 1 = 2.$$ Thus, $$k = 3m + b = 3*2 + 1 = 7.$$ Condition 1) is sufficient. Condition 2) Since the slope of line $$l$$ is $$2$$, we have $$m = 2$$ and $$b = m – 1 = 1.$$ Thus, $$k = 3m + b = 3*2 + 1 = 7.$$ Condition 2) is sufficient. Answer: D Note: When we checked the two conditions, we showed that both were equivalent in terms of b. So, each condition is sufficient by Tip 1) of the VA method, which states that D is most likely to be the answer if conditions 1) and 2) provide the same information. 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"
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Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Posts: 8562
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

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29 Nov 2018, 01:45
[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

(integer) If $$m$$ and $$n$$ are positive integers, what is the greatest common divisor of $$m$$ and $$n$$?

$$1) m=n+1$$
$$2) m*n$$ is divisible by $$2$$
_________________
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: 8562 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 30 Nov 2018, 00:56 MathRevolution wrote: [Math Revolution GMAT math practice question] (number properties) If $$n$$ is a positive integer, is $$\sqrt{17n}$$ an integer? 1) $$68n$$ is the square of an integer. 2) $$\frac{n}{68}$$ is the square of an integer. => 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. Modifying the question: The question asks if $$\sqrt{17n} = a$$ for some integer a. This is equivalent to asking if $$17n = a^2$$ for some integer a. Since we have $$1$$ variable ($$n$$) and $$0$$ equations, D is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider each of the conditions on their own first. Condition 1) Since $$68n$$ is the square of an integer and $$68 = 4*17$$, we must have $$68n = 4*17*17*k^2$$ for some integer $$k$$, and $$n = 17*k^2$$ or $$17n = 17^2*k^2 = (17*k)^2.$$ Thus, $$17n$$ is the square of the integer $$17k$$, and condition 1) is sufficient. Condition 2) Since $$\frac{n}{68}$$ is a square of an integer and $$68 = 4*17$$, we have $$\frac{n}{68} = m^2$$ for some integer $$m$$, and $$n = 17*4*m^2$$ or $$17n = 17^2*2^2*m^2 = (34m)^2.$$ Thus, $$17n$$ is the square of the integer $$17k$$, and condition 2) is sufficient. Therefore, D is the answer. Answer: D 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"
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Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Posts: 8562
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

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30 Nov 2018, 00:56
[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

(number property) If $$k$$ is a positive integer and $$n=(k-1)k(k+1)$$, is $$n$$ a multiple of $$8$$?

1) $$k$$ is an odd number
2) $$k = 1$$
_________________
MathRevolution: Finish GMAT Quant Section with 10 minutes to spare
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"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" NUS School Moderator Joined: 18 Jul 2018 Posts: 1053 Location: India Concentration: Finance, Marketing GMAT 1: 590 Q46 V25 GMAT 2: 690 Q49 V34 WE: Engineering (Energy and Utilities) Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 30 Nov 2018, 07:45 MathRevolution wrote: [Math Revolution GMAT math practice question] (number property) If $$k$$ is a positive integer and $$n=(k-1)k(k+1)$$, is $$n$$ a multiple of $$8$$? 1) $$k$$ is an odd number 2) $$k = 1$$ From statement 1: k is an odd number. Let k be 2k+1 Then n = (2k+1-1)(2k+1)(2k+2) n = 8k^3+12k^2+4k. For an odd value of k. n will always be a multiple of 8. Sufficient. From statement 2: k = 1. n = 0. 0 is a multiple of 8. Sufficient. D is the answer. Math Revolution GMAT Instructor Joined: 16 Aug 2015 Posts: 8562 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 02 Dec 2018, 17:50 MathRevolution wrote: [Math Revolution GMAT math practice question] (integer) If $$m$$ and $$n$$ are positive integers, what is the greatest common divisor of $$m$$ and $$n$$? $$1) m=n+1$$ $$2) m*n$$ is divisible by $$2$$ => 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. Since two consecutive integers are always relatively prime, the greatest common divisor of m and n is 1. Thus, condition 1) is sufficient. Condition 2) If $$m = 2$$ and $$n = 3$$, then the greatest common divisor of $$m$$ and $$n$$ is $$1$$. If $$m = 2$$ and $$n = 4,$$ then the greatest common divisor of $$m$$ and $$n$$ is $$2$$. Thus, condition 2) is not sufficient since it does not yield a unique solution. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Answer: A _________________ 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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Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Posts: 8562
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

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02 Dec 2018, 18:01
MathRevolution wrote:
[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

(number property) If $$k$$ is a positive integer and $$n=(k-1)k(k+1)$$, is $$n$$ a multiple of $$8$$?

1) $$k$$ is an odd number
2) $$k = 1$$

=>

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 ($$n$$ and $$k$$) and $$1$$ equation, D is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider each condition on its own first.

Condition 1)
Since $$k$$ is an odd number, $$k – 1$$ and $$k + 1$$ are consecutive even integers.
Any product of consecutive even integers is a multiple of $$8$$.
Thus, condition 1) is sufficient.

Condition 2)
Since $$k = 1$$, we have $$n = (k-1)k(k+1) = 0*1*2 = 0. 0$$ is a multiple of any number, so $$n = 0$$ is a multiple of $$8$$.
Thus, condition 2) is sufficient.

Since this question is a CMT4(B) question. Condition 2) is easy to understand and condition 1) is hard. When one condition is easy to understand, and the other is hard, D is most likely to be the answer.

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.
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"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: 8562 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 02 Dec 2018, 22:51 1 [Math Revolution GMAT math practice question] (inequality) Is $$x + \frac{1}{x} > 2$$? $$1) x > 0$$ $$2) x ≠ 1$$ _________________ 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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Joined: 18 Jul 2018
Posts: 1053
Location: India
Concentration: Finance, Marketing
GMAT 1: 590 Q46 V25
GMAT 2: 690 Q49 V34
WE: Engineering (Energy and Utilities)

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02 Dec 2018, 23:54
MathRevolution wrote:
[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

(inequality) Is $$x + \frac{1}{x} > 2$$?

$$1) x > 0$$
$$2) x ≠ 1$$

From statement 1:

x>0. If x = 1. then x+1/x = 2. And 2 is not greater than 2.
If x = 2. Then x+1/x = 2.5>2. hence insufficiennt.

From statement 2:

x not equal to 1.
If x = -1. Then x+1/x = -2, which is not greater than 2.
If x = 2. Then x+1/x = 2.5>2. hence insufficient.

Combining both tell that x>0 and x not equal to 0. Then x+1/x is always greater than 2.
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03 Dec 2018, 04:27
MathRevolution wrote:
[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

(inequality) Is $$x + \frac{1}{x} > 2$$?

$$1) x > 0$$
$$2) x ≠ 1$$

Excellent problem, Max. Congrats! (kudos!)

$$x + {1 \over x}\,\,\mathop > \limits^? \,\,2$$

$$\left( 1 \right)\,\,x > 0\,\,\,\left\{ \matrix{ \,{\rm{Take}}\,\,x = 1\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\left\langle {{\rm{NO}}} \right\rangle \,\, \hfill \cr \,{\rm{Take}}\,\,x = 2\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\left\langle {{\rm{YES}}} \right\rangle \,\, \hfill \cr} \right.$$

$$\left( 2 \right)\,\,x \ne 1\,\,\left\{ \matrix{ \,\left( {{\mathop{\rm Re}\nolimits} } \right){\rm{Take}}\,\,\,x = 2\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\left\langle {{\rm{YES}}} \right\rangle \,\, \hfill \cr \,{\rm{Take}}\,\,x = - 1\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\left\langle {{\rm{NO}}} \right\rangle \,\, \hfill \cr} \right.$$

$$\left( {1 + 2} \right)\,\,\,0\,\,\mathop < \limits^{x\, \ne \,1} \,\,{\left( {x - 1} \right)^2}\,\, = \,\,\,{x^2} - 2x + 1\,\,\,\,\mathop \Leftrightarrow \limits^{\,x\, > \,\,0} \,\,\,\,0 < {{{x^2} - 2x + 1} \over x} = x - 2 + {1 \over x}\,\,\,\,\, \Leftrightarrow \,\,\,\,x + {1 \over x} > 2\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\,\,\,\,\left\langle {{\rm{YES}}} \right\rangle \,\,\,$$

This solution follows the notations and rationale taught in the GMATH method.

Regards,
Fabio.
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Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
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03 Dec 2018, 23:53
[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

(number properties) $$n$$ is a positive integer. Is $$n$$ divisible by $$3$$?

1) $$\frac{36}{n}$$ is divisible by $$3$$
2) $$\frac{27}{n}$$ is divisible by $$3$$
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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: 8562 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 05 Dec 2018, 01:06 MathRevolution wrote: [Math Revolution GMAT math practice question] (inequality) Is $$x + \frac{1}{x} > 2$$? $$1) x > 0$$ $$2) x ≠ 1$$ => 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. $$x + \frac{1}{x} > 2$$ $$=> x^3 + x > 2x^2$$ after multiplying both sides by $$x^2$$ $$=> x^3 - 2x^2 + x > 0$$ $$=> x^3 - 2x^2 + x > 0$$ $$=> x(x^2 - 2x + 1) > 0$$ $$=> x(x-1)^2 > 0$$ $$=> x > 0$$ and $$x ≠ 1$$ Thus, we need both conditions together for sufficiency. Therefore, C is the answer. Answer: C _________________ 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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Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Posts: 8562
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82

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05 Dec 2018, 01:06
[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

(statistics) $$x$$ is a positive number. What is the median of $$x, √x$$ and $$x^2$$?

$$1) x^2=x$$
$$2) x^2+x+1=3x$$
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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: 8562 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 05 Dec 2018, 23:28 MathRevolution wrote: [Math Revolution GMAT math practice question] (number properties) $$n$$ is a positive integer. Is $$n$$ divisible by $$3$$? 1) $$\frac{36}{n}$$ is divisible by $$3$$ 2) $$\frac{27}{n}$$ is divisible by $$3$$ => 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 in the original condition, D is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider each condition on its own first. It is suggested we plug in numbers when solving remainder problems. Condition 1) If $$n = 3$$, then $$\frac{36}{3} = 12$$ is divisible by $$3$$, and $$n$$ is divisible by $$3$$. The answer is ‘yes’. If $$n = 1$$, then $$\frac{36}{1} = 36$$ is divisible by $$3$$, but $$n$$ is not divisible by $$3$$. The answer is ‘no’. Thus, condition 1) is not sufficient, since it does not yield a unique solution. Condition 2) If $$n = 3$$, then $$\frac{27}{3} = 9$$ and $$n$$ is divisible by $$3$$. The answer is ‘yes’. If $$n = 1$$, then $$\frac{27}{1} = 27$$ and $$n$$ is not divisible by $$3$$. The answer is ‘no’. Thus, condition 2) is not sufficient, since it does not yield a unique solution. Conditions 1) & 2) Even if we consider both conditions together, we still have two possible values of $$n: n = 1$$ and $$3$$. Thus, both conditions together are not sufficient, since they do not yield a unique solution. Therefore, E is the answer. Answer: E 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"
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Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
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GPA: 3.82

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05 Dec 2018, 23:29
[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

(number properties) If $$a$$ and $$b$$ are integers, is $$a-b$$ an even number?

1) $$a^2b^2$$ is an even number
2) $$a^2+2b^2$$ is an even 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: 8562 GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42 GPA: 3.82 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 06 Dec 2018, 23:57 MathRevolution wrote: [Math Revolution GMAT math practice question] (statistics) $$x$$ is a positive number. What is the median of $$x, √x$$ and $$x^2$$? $$1) x^2=x$$ $$2) x^2+x+1=3x$$ => 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 $$x >1$$, then $$√x < x < x^2$$ and $$x$$ is their median. If $$0 < x <1$$, then $$√x > x > x^2$$ and $$x$$ is their median. If $$x = 1$$, then $$√x = x = x^2$$ and $$x$$ is their median. Thus, the question asks for the value of $$x$$. Since we have $$1$$ variable ($$x$$) and $$0$$ equations, D is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider each condition on its own first. Condition 1) $$x^2=x$$ $$=> x^2-x=0$$ $$=> x(x-1)=0$$ $$=> x = 0$$ or $$x = 1$$ Since $$x$$ is positive, $$x = 1.$$ Condition 1) is sufficient. Condition 2) $$x^2+x+1=3x$$ $$=> x^2-2x+1=0$$ $$=> (x-1)^2=0$$ $$=> x = 1$$. Condition 2) is sufficient. Therefore, D is the answer. Answer: D FYI, Tip 1) of the VA method states that D is most likely to be the answer if conditions 1) and 2) provide the same information. 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"
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06 Dec 2018, 23:58
[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

(inequality) Is $$x>y$$?

$$1) x+y>2$$
$$2) x^2<2y$$
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"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" Intern Joined: 02 Nov 2017 Posts: 32 Location: India GPA: 3.87 Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS [#permalink] ### Show Tags 08 Dec 2018, 17:00 (ex 1) A certain store, books are sold. Books are hard cover or soft cover and hard cover books sold$10 each and soft cover books sold $6. Is the number of hard cover books sold greater than that of soft cover books sold? 1) The average price sold of total books is$9
2) The number of hard cover books sold is 100
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09 Dec 2018, 17:59
MathRevolution wrote:
[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

(number properties) If $$a$$ and $$b$$ are integers, is $$a-b$$ an even number?

1) $$a^2b^2$$ is an even number
2) $$a^2+2b^2$$ is an even 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.

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

Modifying the question:
For $$a – b$$ to be an even number, either both a and b must be even numbers or both a and b must be odd numbers.

Since we have $$2$$ variables ($$a$$ and $$b$$) 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)
From condition 2), a is an even number.
From condition 1), b might either be even or odd.

Thus, both conditions together are not sufficient, since they do not yield a unique solution.

Therefore, the correct answer is E.

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.
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Re: Math Revolution DS Expert - Ask Me Anything about GMAT DS   [#permalink] 09 Dec 2018, 17:59

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