Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
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Re: Overview of GMAT Math Question Types and Patterns on the GMAT
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10 Jun 2019, 19:03
[GMAT math practice question]
(absolute value) Is x<y<z ?
1) |x+2|<y<z+2
2) |x-2|<y<z-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 3 variables (x, y and z) 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)
Now, by condition 1), x < x + 2 ≤ | x + 2 | < y < z + 2, and x < y.
By condition 2), |x-2|<y<z-2 < z, and so y < z.
Thus, both conditions together are sufficient since they yield x < y < z, and the unique answer is ‘yes’.
Since this question is an inequality 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 x = 1, y = 4, and z = 7, then the answer is ‘yes’.
If x = 1, y = 4, and z = 3, then the answer is ‘no’.
Condition 1) is not sufficient since it doesn’t yield a unique answer.
Condition 2)
If x = 1, y = 4, and z = 7, then the answer is ‘yes’.
If x = 5, y = 4, and z = 7, then the answer is ‘no’.
Condition 2) is not sufficient since it doesn’t yield a unique answer.
Therefore, C is the answer.
Answer: C
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.