S95-02

Official Solution:


A graph intersects the x-axis when its y-coordinate is 0. Thus, the question is asking us to find the two values of \(x\) that make the equation \((x + a)(x + b) = 0\). In order for the expression on the left to equal 0, either \((x + a)\) or \((x + b)\) must equal 0. If \((x + a) = 0\), then \(x = -a\), and if \((x + b) = 0\), then \(x = -b\). Therefore, the two points we are looking for are \((-a, 0)\) and \((-b, 0)\). We can find the solutions if we can determine the values of \(a\) and \(b\).

Statement 1 tells us that \(a + b = -6\). This is a linear equation with two variables, so we cannot solve for either one. For example, both \(a = -3\), \(b = -3\) and \(a = -6\), \(b = 0\) would work. Statement 1 is NOT sufficient to answer the question. Eliminate answer choices A and D. The correct answer choice must be B, C, or E.

Statement 2 tells us that the graph contains the point \((0, -7)\). We plug this point into the equation from the prompt: \(-7 = (0 + a)(0 + b) = ab\). Again, we have a single equation with two variables, so we cannot solve for either one. Statement 2 is NOT sufficient to answer the question. Eliminate answer choice B. The correct answer choice must be C or E.

Evaluating the statements together, we obtain two equations with two unknowns: \(a + b = -6\) and \(ab = -7\). Since these are independent equations, we have enough information to answer the question.

Answer choice C is correct.

Although we do NOT need to find the actual points of intersection, let us do so for the purposes of illustration. There are two approaches that we can take to find \(a\) and \(b\).

First approach: Since the GMAT likes to use simple, round numbers, we look for round numbers that would fit these equations. The two integers factors of 7 are 1 and 7, and \(1 + (-7) = -6\); thus, \(a\) and \(b\) must be 1 and -7. We do not need to determine which value corresponds to which variable, because the question asks for the TWO points at which the graph intersects the x-axis.

Second method: We have two equations with two variables, so we can combine the equations. Solving for \(b\) in \(a + b = -6\) gives: \(b = -a - 6 = -(a + 6)\). Plugging this value into \(ab = -7\), we get: \(a(-(a + 6)) = -7\), so \(-a^2 - 6a + 7 = 0\), or \(a^2 + 6a - 7 = 0\). We can factor this equation as \((a -1)(a + 7) = 0\), which means that \(a = 1\) or \(a = -7\). Then, plugging these values into \(ab = -7\) to solve for \(b\) gives \(b = -7\) or \(b = 1\). Either \(a\) is 1 and \(b\) is -7 or vice versa, so the points \((-a, 0)\) and \((-b, 0)\) are \((-1, 0)\) and \((7, 0)\). Again, we do not need to determine which is which.

Once we find \(a\) and \(b\), we know the two points at which the graph of \(y = (x + a)(x + b)\) intersects the x-axis. The statements together are sufficient to answer the question.


Answer: C