Take one line of the question at a time and try to make sense of it. Sequence questions seem daunting due to all the subscripts but they are pretty straight forward, generally.

Given: \(a_n\) = Greater of \((a_{n-2} + 1, a_{n-1})\) (n is 3 or greater)
This means that starting from the third term, every term is the greater of (one more than previous to previous term, the previous term)

If we want that every term in the sequence should be unique, \(a_n\) should not be equal to the previous term. It should be equal to 'one more than previous to previous term'

So what can you deduce about \(a_1\) and \(a_2\)?
1. \(a_1 + 1\) should be greater than \(a_2\) so that \(a_3 \neq a_2\). Reject option (B)

2. To ensure that \(a_4 \neq a_3\), \(a_4 = a_2 + 1\). Therefore, \(a_2 + 1 > a_3\)

Option (A) \(a_3\) = 0 which is greater than \(a_2 + 1 (= -0.5)\) so reject it.
Option (C) \(a_3\) = 2 which is greater than \(a_2 + 1 (= 0)\) so reject it.
Option (E) \(a_3\) = 2.5 which is greater than \(a_2 + 1 (= 2)\) so reject it.

Answer must be option (D). \(a_3\) = 2 which is less than \(a_2 + 1\).

OR if you want to think the logical way, realize that the first term must be smaller than the second term but the difference between them should be less than 1 (so that when 1 is added, it becomes more than the second term). If you understand this, then you can quickly jump to option (D)
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I do not understand the rule though... so if we were to just substitute values, how would one do that... if n were 3 or 4

@karishma
To be honest what is probability of such questions landing up on your gmat and on what level ...
I think, I would just flip the computer table and walk out rather than solve such types

\(a_3\) depends on \(a_1\) and \(a_2\). Given the values of \(a_1\) and \(a_2\), you can find the values of all other terms.

Say if \(a_1 = 1\) and \(a_2 = 1.5\), then
\(a_3 = Greater (1 + 1, 1.5) = 2\)
\(a_4 = Greater (1.5+ 1, 2) = 2.5\) etc

On the other hand, if \(a_1 = 1\)
\(a_2 = 1.8\), then
\(a_3 = Greater (1 + 1, 1.8) = 2\)
\(a_4 = Greater (1.8+ 1, 2) = 2.8\) etc
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The question is not tough Utkarsh. I would suggest you to go one step at a time and try to figure it out. Such questions can be a part of actual GMAT and it's just a 700+, not exceptionally over the top. It looks complicated but most of the steps would be kind of intuitive after some practice. GMAT excels at testing simple concepts wrapped in a twisted package.
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Hi Karishma,

Thanks for your blog...I have been trying to solve every problem without using a pen per your advice and I am getting better at the quant section as a result.

Here is where I am confused about the above problem:

"If we want that every term in the sequence should be unique, \(n\) should not be equal to the previous term. It should be equal to 'one more than previous to previous term'"

I'm reading the rule as \(A(n)\) is greater than \(A(n-2) + 1\). Above, you say they must be equal (at least that is how I'm reading it). Overall, the wording of this problem is awkward to me. I've never seen the phrase "...is the greater of". That just means it is great than, right?

There are 2 diff things:

1. 'Is greater than'
x is greater than 4 and 5. This means x is a number greater than 5.

2. 'Is greater of'
x is greater of 4 and 5. This means x = 5.
Look at it this way: x = Greater of (4, 5)
First you find that which number is greater out of 4 and 5. x will be equal to that number.

x = Greater of (Last to last term + 1, Last term)
means find which is greater 'Last to last term + 1' or 'Last term'. X will be equal to that.
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KARISHMA (SORRY FOR CAPS JUST TRYING TO HIGHLIGHT WHERE MY QUESTION IS):

WHEN YOU SAY N IS 3 OR GREATER TOWARDS THE BEGINNING OF YOUR ANSWER HOW EXACTLY DID YOU DEDUCE THAT?
SECONDLY WHEN YOU ARE TESTING ANSWER CHOICES HOW EXACTLY DO YOU GET THE VALUE OF A3? FOR EXAMPLE WHEN YOU TEST CHOICE C HOW DID YOU GET A3 = 2?

THANKS

Since all previous quotes have a lighter background, it is easy to see where your question is so don't worry about that.

WHEN YOU SAY N IS 3 OR GREATER TOWARDS THE BEGINNING OF YOUR ANSWER HOW EXACTLY DID YOU DEDUCE THAT?

It is given in the question: "The sequence a(n) is defined so that, for all n is greater than or equal to 3".

SECONDLY WHEN YOU ARE TESTING ANSWER CHOICES HOW EXACTLY DO YOU GET THE VALUE OF A3? FOR EXAMPLE WHEN YOU TEST CHOICE C HOW DID YOU GET A3 = 2?

We know that An is greater of A(n-2) + 1 and A(n-1). This means An will be either (A(n-2)+ 1) or A(n-1), whichever is greater!
Now use options:

a) a1=-1, a2=-1.5

A3 = Greater of (A(1)+1, A(2))
A3 = Greater of (-1+1, -1.5)
A3 = Greater of (0, -1.5)
A3 = 0

c) a1=1, a2=-1

A3 = Greater of (A(1)+1, A(2))
A3 = Greater of (1+1, -1)
A3 = Greater of (2, -1)
A3 = 2

and so on...
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I solved the first option to get a hang of what kind of series comes out...
Quickly figured out that only in D it is possible \(a_{n-2} +1\) is always greater than \(a_{n-1}\) bcoz both entities are positive and \(a_2=1.5\) > \(a_1=1\)
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I have noticed that manahattan gmat questions are very time intensive.
i would rather build the series for each of the given options A-E , atleast 2 elements .

hi mam

could you please tell me how to solve every problem without using a pen as egiles mentioned you said in your blog ?

thanks in advance, mam

Most actual GMAT questions can be solved using logic and reasoning and do not require equations, too many calculations etc. Usually when I answer questions on GMAT Club, I sit without pen and paper and get the answer orally. After that I start writing the explanation. Very rarely do I need to get up and get my notepad.
Though it is a skill one learns through practice. There are things that help such as using ratios, knowing multiplication tables etc.
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