Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
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Re: Overview of GMAT Math Question Types and Patterns on the GMAT
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12 Oct 2017, 01:37
What is the median of 3 consecutive integers?
1) The product of the integers is 0
2) The sum of the integers and the product of the integers are the same
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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 that equal number of variables and independent equations ensures a solution.
We assume that we have 3 consecutive integers, n, n+1 and n+2.
We have 1 variable and 0 equation from the original condition. Therefore, D is most likely to be the answer.
Condition 1)
n(n+1)(n+2) = 2.
We have n = 0, n = -1 or n = -2.
This is not sufficient.
Condition 2)
n + ( n + 1 ) + ( n + 2 ) = n(n+1)(n+2)
3n + 3 = n(n+1)(n+2)
3(n + 1) = n(n+1)(n+2)
n(n+1)(n+2) - 3(n + 1) = 0
(n+1){ n(n+2) – 3 } = 0
(n+1)(n2 + 2n – 3) = 0
(n+1)(n-1)(n+3) = 0
n = -1, n = 1 or n = -3
This is not sufficient.
Condition 1) & 2)
From the condition 1), we have n = 0, n = -1 or n = -2.
From the condition 2), we have n = 1, n = -1 or n = -3.
Thus, n = -1.
Both conditions together are sufficient.
Therefore, unlike our expectation, C is the answer.
Normally 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 con 1) and con 2). Therefore, C has a high chance of being the answer, which is why we attempt to solve the question using con 1) and con 2) together. Here, there is 70% chance that C is the answer, while E has 25% chance. These two are the key questions. 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 according to DS definition, we solve the question assuming C would be our answer hence using con 1) and con 2) together. (It saves us time). Obviously, there may be cases where the answer is A, B, D or E.
Answer: B