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[GMAT math practice question]

(Equation) \(a\) and \(b\) are different integers. What is the root of \((x - a)^2 = (x - b)^2\)?

1) \(a – b = 3\)

2) \(a + b = 7\)
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Function) \(f(x)\) is a function. What is the value of \(2f(0) + f(2)\)?

1) \(f(x)f(y) = f(x + y) + f(x - y)\)

2) \(f(1) = 1 \)
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Equation) \(a\) and \(b\) are different integers. What is the root of \((x - a)^2 = (x - b)^2\)?

1) \(a – b = 3\)

2) \(a + b = 7\)

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

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.

The question \((x - a)^2 = (x - b)^2\) is equivalent to \(x = \frac{(a + b)}{2}\) for the following reason.
\((x - a)^2 = (x - b)^2\)

⇔ \((x - a)^2 - (x - b)^2 = 0\)

⇔ \(((x - a) - (x - b)) ((x - a) + (x - b)) = 0\)

⇔ \((-a + b)(2x - (a + b)) = 0\)

⇔ \((2x - (a + b)) = 0\) (by dividing both sides by \(-a + b\) since \(a ≠ b\))

⇔ \(2x = (a + b)\) (by adding (\(a + b\)) to both sides)

⇔ \(x = \frac{(a + b)}{2}\) (by dividing both sides by \(2\))

So, we have to find the value of \(a + b\).

Thus, look at condition (2). It tells us that \(a + b = 7\), which is exactly what we are looking for. The answer is unique, and the condition is sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of answers must be only one.
Condition (1) tells us that \(a – b = 3\), from which we cannot determine the unique value of \(a + b. \) The answer is not unique, and the condition is not sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of answers must be only one.
Condition (2) ALONE is sufficient.
Therefore, B is the answer.
Answer: B
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Function) \(n\) is a positive integer. What is the value of \(f(48)\)?

1) \(f(2n) = f(n)\)

2) \(f(2n+1) = (-1)^n \)
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Function) \(f(x)\) is a function. What is the value of \(2f(0) + f(2)\)?

1) \(f(x)f(y) = f(x + y) + f(x - y)\)

2) \(f(1) = 1 \)

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

Since we need many variables to determine a function, E is most likely 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)
When we have \(x = 1\) and \(y = 0\), we have \(f(1)f(0) = f(1 + 0) + f(1 - 0) = 2f(1)\) from condition 1).

Since we have \(f(1) = 1, f(1)f(0) = 2f(1)\) implies \(f(0) = 2.\)

When we have \(x = 1\) and \(y = 1\), we have \(f(1)f(1) = f(1 + 1) + f(1 - 1) = f(2) + f(0).\)

Then \(f(2) = (f(1))^2 – f(0) = 1 - 2 = -1.\)

Thus, \(2f(0) + f(2) = 2·2 + (-1) = 3.\)

Therefore, C is the answer.
Answer: C

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.
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Inequality) \(P = \sqrt{n+1}-\sqrt{n}\), and \(Q = \sqrt{m+1}-\sqrt{m}\) for positive integers \(m\) and \(n\). Which one is greater than the other?

1) \(n > m\).

2) \(n\) and \(m\) are consecutive integers.
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Function) \(n\) is a positive integer. What is the value of \(f(48)\)?

1) \(f(2n) = f(n)\)

2) \(f(2n+1) = (-1)^n \)

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

Since we need many variables to determine a function, E is most likely 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)
\(48 = 2^4 · 3.\)

\(f(3) = f(2·1 + 1) = (-1)1 = -1\)

\(f(6) = f(2·3) = f(3) = -1\)

\(f(12) = f(2·6) = f(6) = -1\)

\(f(24) = f(2·12) = f(12) = -1\)

\(f(48) = f(2·24) = f(24) = -1.\)

Therefore, C is the answer.
Answer: C

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.
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Algebra) \(x\) and \(y\) are real numbers. What is the value of \(x + y\)?

1) \(\frac{x}{y} = -\sqrt{3}\)

2) \(x + \sqrt{3}y = 0\)
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Inequality) \(P = \sqrt{n+1}-\sqrt{n}\), and \(Q = \sqrt{m+1}-\sqrt{m}\) for positive integers \(m\) and \(n\). Which one is greater than the other?

1) \(n > m\).

2) \(n\) and \(m\) are consecutive integers.

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

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.

\(\frac{1}{P} = \frac{1 }{ (\sqrt{n+1}-\sqrt{n})} = \sqrt{n+1}+\sqrt{n}\)

\(\frac{1}{Q} = \frac{1 }{ (\sqrt{m+1}-\sqrt{m})} = \sqrt{m+1}+\sqrt{m}\)

Since \(n > m \)from condition 1), we have \(\frac{1}{P} – \frac{1}{Q} = (\sqrt{n+1}+\sqrt{n}) – (\sqrt{m+1}+\sqrt{m}) > 0\) or \(\frac{1}{P} > \frac{1}{Q}.\)

Since \(P\) and \(Q\) are positive, we have \(P < Q.\)
Thus, condition 1) is sufficient.
Condition 2) is not sufficient, since we don’t know which one of m or n is greater.
Therefore, A is the answer.
Answer: A
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Algebra) \(x\) and \(y\) are real numbers. What is the value of \(x + y\)?

1) \(\frac{x}{y} = -\sqrt{3}\)

2) \(x + \sqrt{3}y = 0\)

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

Since we have \(2\) variables (\(x\) and \(y\)) and \(0\) equations, C is most likely 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 \(x = -√3, y = 1,\) then we have \(x + y = -√3 + 1.\)

If \(x = √3, y = -1,\) then we have \(x + y = √3 - 1.\)

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

Note: Tip 1) of the VA method states that D is 95% likely to be the answer if condition 1) gives the same information as condition 2). However, we have the answer E in this problem.

Therefore, E is the answer.
Answer: 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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[GMAT math practice question]

(Number Property) \(x\) and \(y\) are positive integers. What is the difference between \(x\) and \(y\)?

1) \((x - 8)^2 = -|y - 36|\)

2) \((x + y)^2 + 3x + y = 1996\)
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Function) What is the value of \(f(2^100)\)?

1) \(f(2)=\frac{1}{2} \)

2) \(f(mn) = f(m) + f(n)\) for positive integers \(m\) and \(n\)
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Number Property) \(x\) and \(y\) are positive integers. What is the difference between \(x\) and \(y\)?

1) \((x - 8)^2 = -|y - 36|\)

2) \((x + y)^2 + 3x + y = 1996\)

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

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.

Thus, look at condition (1). It tells us that \(x = 8\) and \(y = 36\) for the following reason.

\((x - 8)^2 = -|y - 36|\)

⇔ \((x - 8)^2 + |y - 36| = 0\)

⇔ \(x = 8\) and \(y = 36\) since \((x - 8)^2 ≥ 0, |y - 36| ≥ 0\)

Then we have the difference \(y – x = 36 – 8 = 28.\)

It is exactly what we are looking for. The answer is unique, and the condition is sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of answers must be only one.

Condition 2) tells us that \(x = 8\) and \(y = 36\) for the following reason.

\((x + y)^2 < (x + y)^2 + 3x + y = 1996 < 45^2\), since \(x\) and \(y\) are positive

⇔ \(x + y ≤ 44\)

Case 1: \(x + y = 44\)

⇔ \((x + y)^2 + 3(x + y) – 2y = 1996\)

⇔ \((44)^2 +3(44) – 2y = 1996 \)

⇔ \(1936 + 132 – 2y = 1996\)

⇔ \(2068 – 2y = 1996\)

⇔ \(-2y = -72\)

⇔ \(y = 36\)

Substituting \(y = 36\) into \(x + y = 44\) gives us \(x + 36 = 44\) and \(x = 8. \)

Thus, we have \(y = 36\) and \(x = 8.\)

Case 2: \(x + y ≤ 43\)

\(2y = (x + y)^2 + 3(x + y) – 1996 ≤ 43^2 + 129 – 1996 = -18.\)

We don’t have a solution in this case, since \(y\) is a positive integer.

Thus, we have a unique solution for \(x\) and \(y\), which is \(x = 8\) and \(y = 36.\)

The answer is unique, and the condition is sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of answers must be only one.
Each condition ALONE is sufficient
Also, according to Tip 1, it is about 95% likely that D is the answer when condition (1) = condition (2).
This question is a CMT 4(B) question: condition 1) is easy to work with, and condition 2) is hard to work with. For CMT 4(B) questions, D is most likely the answer.
Therefore, D is the correct answer.
Answer: D
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Equation) For a quadratic equation \(x^2 + px + q = 0\), what is the value of \(p + q\)?

1) The roots of \(x^2 + px + q = 0\) are consecutive positive integers.
2) The difference between the squares of the two roots of \(x^2 + px + q = 0\) is \(25.\)
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Function) What is the value of \(f(2^100)\)?

1) \(f(2)=\frac{1}{2} \)

2) \(f(mn) = f(m) + f(n)\) for positive integers \(m\) and \(n\)

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

Since we need many variables to determine a function, E is most likely 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)

\(f(2^2) = f(2*2) = f(2) + f(2) = \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} = 1.\)

\(f(2^3) = f(2^2*2) = f(2^2) + f(2) = 1 + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{3}{2}.\)

\(f(2^4) = f(2^3*2) = f(2^3) + f(2) = \frac{3}{2} + \frac{1}{2} = 2.\)

Then we can figure out \(f(2^n) = \frac{n}{2}.\)

Thus, \(f(2^{100}) = \frac{100}{2} = 50\). The answer is unique, and the condition is sufficient according to the Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of
answers must be only one.
Both conditions (1) and (2) together are sufficient.
Therefore, C is the correct answer.
Answer: C

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.
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Number Property) \(A, B,\) and \(n\) are positive integers. What is the value of \(n\)?

1) \(x^4+x^2-n\) can be factored to \((x^2+A)(x^2-B)\)

2) \(1 ≤ n ≤ 10\)
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Equation) For a quadratic equation \(x^2 + px + q = 0\), what is the value of \(p + q\)?

1) The roots of \(x^2 + px + q = 0\) are consecutive positive integers.
2) The difference between the squares of the two roots of \(x^2 + px + q = 0\) is \(25.\)

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Thus, look at condition 1).
Assume \(r\) and \(r+1\) are roots of the equation \(x^2 + px + q = 0.\) It tells us that \(p = -25\) and \(q = 156\) for the following reason, which is exactly what we are looking for.

\((r + 1)^2 – r^2 = r^2 + 2r + 1 – r^2 = 2r + 1 = 25\) or \(r = 12.\)

Then we have \(x^2 + px + q = (x - r)(x -(r + 1)) = x^2 – (r + r + 1)x + r(r + 1) = x^2 – (2r+1)x + r(r+1)\) and we have \(p = -2r-1 = -25\) and \(q = r(r+1) = 12*13 = 156.\)

The answer is unique, and the condition is sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of answers must be only one.

Condition 1) ALONE is sufficient.

Condition 2)
If \(1\) and \(2\) are roots of the equation, then we have \((x - 1)(x - 2) = x^2 - 3x + 2 = x^2 + px + q, p = -3\) and \(q = 2.\)

If \(2\) and \(3\) are roots of the equation, then we have \((x - 2)(x - 3) = x^2 - 5x + 6 = x^2 + px + q, p = -5\) and \(q = 6.\)

The answer is not unique, and the condition is not sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of answers must be only one.

Therefore, A is the correct answer.
Answer: A
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