NEW HERE? LEARN MORE
closeclose
Last visit was: 14 May 2024, 15:45 It is currently 14 May 2024, 15:45
Decision Tracker
My Rewards
New posts
New comers' posts

Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel

If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or

SORT BY:
Date
Kudos
Tags:
Find Similar Topics 
Show Tags
Hide Tags
User avatar
leeye84
Manager
Manager
Joined: 12 Mar 2007
Posts: 138
Own Kudos [?]: 1726 [32]
Given Kudos: 2
Send PM
If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink] New post   Updated on: 03 Mar 2012, 15:50
3
Kudos
29
Bookmarks
00:00
A
B
C
D
E

Difficulty:

25% (medium)

Question Stats:

71% (01:16) correct 29% (01:24) wrong based on 1888 sessions
Hide Show timer Statistics
If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or multiplication, and if k is an integer, what is the value of 3 @ k?

(1) 2 @ k = 3

(2) 1 @ 0 = k
ShowHide Answer
Official Answer
A

Originally posted by leeye84 on 07 Aug 2007, 15:23.
Last edited by Bunuel on 03 Mar 2012, 15:50, edited 1 time in total.
Edited the question and added the OA
Most Helpful Reply
User avatar
L
Bunuel
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 93261
Own Kudos [?]: 623783 [7]
Given Kudos: 81864
Send PM
CAT Tests Forum Quiz Mode
Re: If X denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink] New post   03 Mar 2012, 16:19
5
Kudos
2
Bookmarks
Expert Reply
bschoolnewbie2011 wrote:
I think this question is worded extremely poorly.


This question is perfectly OK. Here are several GMAT Prep questions about the same concept:
the-symbol-represents-one-of-the-four-arithmetic-operation-107575.html
if-the-symbol-represents-either-addition-subtraction-101741.html
if-the-symbol-represents-either-addition-or-multiplication-104600.html
if-denotes-one-of-the-four-arithmetic-operations-addition-105472.html
if-the-operation-is-one-of-the-four-arithmetic-operations-101283.html

As for the solution:
If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or multiplication, and if k is an integer, what is the value of 3 @ k?

(1) 2 @ k = 3 --> @ can only by addition because if it's multiplication then 2*k=3 -- k=3/2, which is not an integer as stated in the stem. So, we have 2+k=3 --> k=1 --> 3@k=3+1=4. Sufficient.

(2) 1 @ 0 = k --> @ can be both addition and multiplication, since 1+0=1=k=integer and 1*0=0=k=integer, so we also have two values of k: 1 and 0. In this case 3@k=3+1=4 or 3@k=3*0=0, two different answers. Not sufficient.

Answer: A.

Hope it helps.
User avatar
ywilfred
SVP
SVP
Joined: 07 Jul 2004
Posts: 2003
Own Kudos [?]: 1903 [5]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Singapore
Send PM
[#permalink] New post   07 Aug 2007, 17:59
5
Kudos
St1:
We know k is an integer, and 2xK results in an intger, 3.So x cannot be multiplication since that would require k to be a non-integer (3/2). Thus x must be addition, and k must be 1. and 3xk = 4. Sufficient.

St2:
Insufficient. It could be 1*0 = 0 (k=0) or 1+0 = 1 (k=1).

Ans A
General Discussion
User avatar
bkk145
Director
Director
Joined: 10 Jun 2007
Posts: 654
Own Kudos [?]: 1583 [1]
Given Kudos: 0
Send PM
Re: DS - arithmetic operations. [#permalink] New post   07 Aug 2007, 15:38
1
Kudos
leeye84 wrote:
If X denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or multiplication, and if k is an integer, what is the value of 3 X k?

1) 2 X k = 3
2) 1 X 0 = k


Got E.

X can be multiply or add. For simplicity sake, I am going to change that to @.
So, 3@k can be 3+k or 3*k.

1) 2@k = 3. Two equations here. 2+k = 3 or 2*k = 3.
Possible k are 1 or 2/3. k is an integer, so k=1.
This gives 3+1 = 4 or 3*1 = 3
Either 4 or 3, INSUFFICIENT.

2) 1@0 = k. Two equations: 1+0 = k, 1*0 = k
k can be 1 or 0
for k=1, plug in: 3+1 = 4, 3*1 =3
for k=0, plug in: 3+0 = 3, 3*0 = 0
So it can be either 4, 3, or 0
INSUFFICIENT.

Together, still get either 4 or 3. INSUFFICIENT.
User avatar
eschn3am
Senior Manager
Senior Manager
Joined: 12 Jul 2007
Posts: 399
Own Kudos [?]: 546 [2]
Given Kudos: 0
 Q50  V45
Send PM
[#permalink] New post   07 Aug 2007, 17:52
2
Kudos
I think it's A. and I'm guessing that they're trying to say that X is either multiplication or addition but it cannot be both. Since 1 shows that is HAS to be addition and k has to be 1 you can get 3 + 1 = 4

that's my guess anyway. otherwise you could never be sure.
avatar
jdel
Intern
Intern
Joined: 06 Aug 2007
Posts: 4
Own Kudos [?]: [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Send PM
[#permalink] New post   07 Aug 2007, 19:25
the reason it's not e is because X can be either addition or subtraction -- but it can't be both. so a suffices because the only way 3Xk=4 is if k is 1 and X is addition. that means that for the purposes of the problem, using a X is addition --- a takes multiplication completely out of the picture. so now we're left with a or d as the possible answers. d alone certainly not sufficient - so it has to be a.
User avatar
beckee529
Senior Manager
Senior Manager
Joined: 11 Jun 2007
Posts: 402
Own Kudos [?]: 1758 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Send PM
[#permalink] New post   08 Aug 2007, 22:27
i got A as well

Since K is an integer and X is either addition or multiplication:

1) Stmt 1 can only imply addition since 2 + 1 = 3 (1 being K)
and if we use multiplication, the answer would not be an integer: 2 * 1.5 = 3. We can now solve for 3 X k, since we know which operation X is.
SUFFICIENT

2) Stmt 2 both addition and multiplication is true in this case 1 + 0 = 1 (K) and 1 * 0 = 0 (K) since both generates an integer we cannot solve for 3 X K.
thus INSUFFICIENT
User avatar
bschoolnewbie2011
Intern
Intern
Joined: 27 Jan 2012
Posts: 13
Own Kudos [?]: 4 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Schools: Cnsrtm-Hass '15
Send PM
Re: If X denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink] New post   03 Mar 2012, 12:25
I think this question is worded extremely poorly.
User avatar
bschoolnewbie2011
Intern
Intern
Joined: 27 Jan 2012
Posts: 13
Own Kudos [?]: 4 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Schools: Cnsrtm-Hass '15
Send PM
Re: If X denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink] New post   03 Mar 2012, 16:24
Bunuel wrote:
bschoolnewbie2011 wrote:
I think this question is worded extremely poorly.

As for the solution:
If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or multiplication, and if k is an integer, what is the value of 3 @ k?

(1) 2 @ k = 3 --> @ can only by addition because if it's multiplication then 2*k=3 -- k=3/2, which is not an integer as stated in the stem. So, we have 2+k=3 --> k=1 --> 3@k=3+1=4. Sufficient.

(2) 1 @ 0 = k --> @ can be both addition and multiplication, since 1+0=1=k=integer and 1*0=0=k=integer, so we also have two values of k: 1 and 0. In this case 3@k=3+1=4 or 3@k=3*0=0, two different answers. Not sufficient.

Answer: A.

Hope it helps.


I understand the answer behind it. I did everything you did. I still picked E because it did not say that symbols in different equations had to be the same. Yes you are able to know what k is, but that doesn't mean you know what the answer to the equation is because the operation could be either.

This question did not test mathematics in my opinion, but rather an obscure interpretation of a poorly worded question.
User avatar
L
Bunuel
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 93261
Own Kudos [?]: 623783 [1]
Given Kudos: 81864
Send PM
CAT Tests Forum Quiz Mode
Re: If X denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink] New post   03 Mar 2012, 16:33
1
Kudos
Expert Reply
bschoolnewbie2011 wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
bschoolnewbie2011 wrote:
I think this question is worded extremely poorly.

As for the solution:
If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or multiplication, and if k is an integer, what is the value of 3 @ k?

(1) 2 @ k = 3 --> @ can only by addition because if it's multiplication then 2*k=3 -- k=3/2, which is not an integer as stated in the stem. So, we have 2+k=3 --> k=1 --> 3@k=3+1=4. Sufficient.

(2) 1 @ 0 = k --> @ can be both addition and multiplication, since 1+0=1=k=integer and 1*0=0=k=integer, so we also have two values of k: 1 and 0. In this case 3@k=3+1=4 or 3@k=3*0=0, two different answers. Not sufficient.

Answer: A.

Hope it helps.


I understand the answer behind it. I did everything you did. I still picked E because it did not say that symbols in different equations had to be the same. Yes you are able to know what k is, but that doesn't mean you know what the answer to the equation is because the operation could be either.

This question did not test mathematics in my opinion, but rather an obscure interpretation of a poorly worded question.


First of all it's a GMAT Prep question, so it's a GMAT wording. If you are preparing for the GMAT it's better to get used to it.

Next, from (1) you are able to get that @ can denote ONLY addition, which gives unique value of k: 1. So, the answer to the question: "what is the value of 3@k?" is 4 since 3+1=4.

Hope it's clear.
User avatar
L
Bunuel
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 93261
Own Kudos [?]: 623783 [1]
Given Kudos: 81864
Send PM
CAT Tests Forum Quiz Mode
Re: If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink] New post   21 Jun 2013, 02:51
1
Bookmarks
Expert Reply
Bumping for review and further discussion*. Get a kudos point for an alternative solution!

*New project from GMAT Club!!! Check HERE

All DS Functions and Custom Characters questions: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=40
All PS Functions and Custom Characters questions: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=61
avatar
kpali
Intern
Intern
Joined: 22 May 2013
Posts: 35
Own Kudos [?]: 34 [1]
Given Kudos: 10
Concentration: General Management, Technology
Schools: Tippie '16 Sloan '16 Tepper '16 Duke '16
GPA: 3.9
WE:Information Technology (Computer Software)
Send PM
GMAT ToolKit User
Re: If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink] New post   22 Jun 2013, 03:42
1
Kudos
leeye84 wrote:
If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or multiplication, and if k is an integer, what is the value of 3 @ k?

(1) 2 @ k = 3

(2) 1 @ 0 = k


Here, keep in mind we need to find two values, i.e. k=? and the operator + or * ?

(1) 2 @ k = 3

k is an integer, hence, 2 + 1 seems like the obvious choice.
Since, 2 * 3/2 = 3, however, k is an integer so ruled out.
If k hadnt been integer, then we would have to worry a bit, but this makes things easier.

k=1 and operator = + => Sufficient.

(2) 1 @ 0 = k

We dont know the outcome which is k,
so we could have either
1 + 0 = 1
or
1 * 0 = 0
We dont know. Hence insufficient => A answer
avatar
B
cjk12345678
Intern
Intern
Joined: 15 Apr 2019
Posts: 1
Own Kudos [?]: 0 [0]
Given Kudos: 1
Send PM
Re: If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink] New post   15 Apr 2019, 21:46
For statement 1, why isn't subtraction an option? (with k = -1)??
User avatar
L
Bunuel
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 93261
Own Kudos [?]: 623783 [0]
Given Kudos: 81864
Send PM
CAT Tests Forum Quiz Mode
Re: If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink] New post   15 Apr 2019, 21:54
Expert Reply
cjk12345678 wrote:
For statement 1, why isn't subtraction an option? (with k = -1)??


Check the stem: If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or multiplication...
avatar
B
hellothere88
Manager
Manager
Joined: 18 Dec 2017
Posts: 159
Own Kudos [?]: 18 [0]
Given Kudos: 13
Send PM
If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink] New post   08 Nov 2020, 09:45
kpali wrote:
leeye84 wrote:
If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or multiplication, and if k is an integer, what is the value of 3 @ k?

(1) 2 @ k = 3

(2) 1 @ 0 = k


Here, keep in mind we need to find two values, i.e. k=? and the operator + or * ?

(1) 2 @ k = 3

k is an integer, hence, 2 + 1 seems like the obvious choice.
Since, 2 * 3/2 = 3, however, k is an integer so ruled out.
If k hadnt been integer, then we would have to worry a bit, but this makes things easier.

k=1 and operator = + => Sufficient.

(2) 1 @ 0 = k

We dont know the outcome which is k,
so we could have either
1 + 0 = 1
or
1 * 0 = 0
We dont know. Hence insufficient => A answer


why cant k be -1? in that case, statement 1 can be either addition or subtraction
User avatar
G
Basshead
Director
Director
Joined: 09 Jan 2020
Posts: 963
Own Kudos [?]: 225 [0]
Given Kudos: 434
Location: United States
Send PM
Re: If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink] New post   23 Nov 2020, 14:41
leeye84 wrote:
If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or multiplication, and if k is an integer, what is the value of 3 @ k?

(1) 2 @ k = 3

(2) 1 @ 0 = k


(1) Since we're told k must be an integer, @ = addition. 2 + 1 = 3. SUFFICIENT.

(2) \(1 @ 0 = k\)
We can't say for certain if is addition or multiplication; INSUFFICIENT.

Answer is A.
avatar
B
shubhankar2023
Intern
Intern
Joined: 26 Nov 2021
Posts: 2
Own Kudos [?]: 0 [0]
Given Kudos: 424
Location: India
Schools: Rotman '24 Erasmus
GMAT 1: 500 Q39 V29
Send PM
Re: If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink] New post   22 Dec 2021, 01:16
The answer is given as A and many people as assumed that K is a positive integer but its not mentioned in the statement, it can be 2-(-1)=3 as well in that case A is not sufficient to answer
User avatar
L
Bunuel
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 93261
Own Kudos [?]: 623783 [0]
Given Kudos: 81864
Send PM
CAT Tests Forum Quiz Mode
Re: If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink] New post   22 Dec 2021, 01:23
Expert Reply
shubhankar2023 wrote:
The answer is given as A and many people as assumed that K is a positive integer but its not mentioned in the statement, it can be 2-(-1)=3 as well in that case A is not sufficient to answer


@ denote cannot denote subtraction. Check the stem: If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or multiplication...
User avatar
bumpbot
Non-Human User
Joined: 09 Sep 2013
Posts: 33011
Own Kudos [?]: 828 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Send PM
Re: If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink] New post   27 Mar 2023, 01:45
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.
GMAT Club Bot
gmatclubot
Re: If @ denotes one of two arithmetic operations, addition or [#permalink]
27 Mar 2023, 01:45
Moderator:
Bunuel
Math Expert
93260 posts

Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group | Emoji artwork provided by EmojiOne
Main navigation
GMAT Resources
Partners
MBA Resources
www.gmac.com|www.mba.com | | GMAT Club Rules | Terms and Conditions