SajjadAhmad
The arithmetic mean (average) of two numbers is \(P * Q\). If the first number is Q, what is the other number?
(A) \(2PQ - Q\)
(B) \(PQ - 2Q\)
(C) \(2PQ - P\)
(D) \(P\)
(E) \(PQ - Q\)
To introduce an
easy way of approach to fellow test-takers of GMAT, I will use the method of
POE by substitution and will supplement it by an algebraic solution as well.
POE by substititonLet Q be equal to 2, P be 4 and other unknown number be x.
From the Question stem, Average, (x+Q)/2 = PQ
=>(x+2)/2 = (2*4)
=>x = 14
Going to the answer choices
(A) 2PQ - Q = 2(2*4) - 2 = 14
CORRECT(B) PQ - 2Q = (2*4) - 2*2 = 4
WRONG(C) 2PQ - P = 2(2*4) - 4 = 12
WRONG(D) P = 4
WRONG(E) PQ - Q = (2*4) - 2 = 4
WRONGHence,
OA should be AThis method of substitution looks so long on the first read, but on practice, it saves a lot of time.Algebraic Solution(x+Q)/2 = PQ
=>
x = 2PQ - QHence,
OA should be ASajjadAhmad Bunuel daagh GMATinsight GMATBusters egmat gmatwhiz @wizako Correct me if my approach can be tweaked to save time.