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[GMAT math practice question]

(Statistics) 100 students take a test. 20 students are in class A, 30 students in class B, and 50 students in class C. What is the average of the 100 students?

1) The average of class B is 10 points higher than that of class A.
2) The average of class C is 20 points higher than that of class B.

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

Assume \(a, b\) and \(c\) are the averages of classes \(A, B\), and \(C\), respectively.

Since we have \(3\) variables (\(a, b\), and \(c\)) and \(0\) equations, E is most likely 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) together give us that \(b = a + 10\) and \(c = b + 20:\)

If \(a = 60, b = 70\) and \(c = 90\), then the average is
\(\frac{60·20 + 70·30 + 90·50}{100} = \frac{1200 + 2100 + 4500}{100 }= \frac{7800}{100} = 78\)

If \(a = 50, b = 60\) and \(c = 80\), then the average is
\(\frac{50·20 + 60·30 + 80·50}{100} = \frac{1000 + 1800 + 4000}{100} = \frac{6800}{100} = 68\)

The answer is not unique, and both conditions 1) and 2) together are not sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of answers must be only one.

Both conditions 1) & 2) together are not sufficient.

Therefore, E is the correct answer.
Answer: E

In cases where 3 or more additional equations are required, such as for original conditions with “3 variables”, or “4 variables and 1 equation”, or “5 variables and 2 equations”, conditions 1) and 2) usually supply only one additional equation. Therefore, there is an 80% chance that E is the answer, a 15% chance that C is the answer, and a 5% chance that the answer is A, B, or D. Since E (i.e. conditions 1) & 2) are NOT sufficient, when taken together) is most likely to be the answer, it is generally most efficient to begin by checking the sufficiency of conditions 1) and 2) when taken together. Obviously, there may be occasions on which the answer is A, B, C, or D.
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[GMAT math practice question]

(number properties) What is the value of \(x\)?

1) the remainder, when \(170\) is divided by \(x\), is \(2\)

2) the remainder, when \(140\) is divided by \(x\), is \(4\)

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

Since we have \(1\) variable (\(x\)) and 0 equations, D is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider each condition on its own first.

Condition 1)
Now, \(170 = x*a + 2,\) so \(168 = 2^3*3*7 = x*a\). Note that \(x > 2\) since the dividend must be greater than the remainder.

So, \(x\) is a factor of \(168\) greater than \(2\). The possible values of \(x\) are \(3, 4, 6, …, 168.\)

Since condition 1) doesn’t yield a unique solution, it is not sufficient.

Condition 2)
Now, \(140 = x*b + 4\), so \(136 = x*b\). Note that \(x > 4\) since the dividend must be greater than the remainder.

So, \(x\) is a factor of \(136 = 2^3*17\) greater than \(4\). The possible values of \(x\) are \(8, 17\) and \(140.\)

Since condition 2) doesn’t yield a unique solution, it is not sufficient.

Conditions 1) & 2).
When we consider both conditions together, \(x\) is a common factor greater than \(4\) of \(168 = 2^3*3*7\) and \(136 = 2^3*17\). The only possible value of \(x\) is \(8.\)

Since both conditions together yield a unique solution, they are sufficient.

Therefore, C is the answer.
Answer: C

If the original condition includes “1 variable”, or “2 variables and 1 equation”, or “3 variables and 2 equations” etc., one more equation is required to answer the question. If each of conditions 1) and 2) provide an additional equation, there is a 59% chance that D is the answer, a 38% chance that A or B is the answer, and a 3% chance that the answer is C or E. Thus, answer D (conditions 1) and 2), when applied separately, are sufficient to answer the question) is most likely, but there may be cases where the answer is A,B,C or E.
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[GMAT math practice question]

(absolute value) \(xy=?\)

\(1) (x-2)^2 = -|y-3|\)
\(2) |x-2| + \sqrt{y-3} =0\)

=>

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.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question.

Condition 1)
\((x-2)^2 = -|y-3|\)
\(=> (x-2)^2 + |y-3| = 0\)
\(=> x=2\) and \(y = 3\)
Condition 1) is sufficient since it yields a unique solution.

Condition 2)
\(|x-2| + \sqrt{y-3} =0\)
\(=> x=2\) and \(y = 3\)
Condition 2) is sufficient since it yields a unique solution.

Therefore, D is the answer.
Answer: D

FYI, Tip 1) of the VA method states that D is most likely to be the answer if conditions 1) and 2) provide the same information.
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Number Properties) \(x, y,\) and \(z\) are positive integers and \(z < y < x\). What is the value of \(\frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{y} + \frac{1}{z}?\)

1) \(\frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{y} + \frac{1}{z}\) is an integer.

2) \(x = yz\) and \(y\) and \(z\) are consecutive integers and prime numbers.

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

Since we have 3\(\) variables (\(x, y\), and \(z\)) and \(0\) equations, E is most likely to be the answer. Let’s look at both conditions together. However, since the value of condition (1) is equal to the value of condition (2), by Tip 1, we get D as the most likely answer. Let’s look at each condition separately

Let’s look at the condition 1). It tells us that since we have \(z ≥ 1, y ≥ 2,\) and \(x ≥ 3\), we have \(\frac{1}{z} ≤ 1, \frac{1}{y} ≤ \frac{1}{2}\), and \(\frac{1}{x} ≤ \frac{1}{3}.\)

\(\frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{y} + \frac{1}{z} ≤ 1 + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{3} = 1 + \frac{3}{6} + \frac{2}{6} = 1 + \frac{5}{6} = \frac{6}{6} + \frac{5}{6} = \frac{11}{6} < 2\) from condition 1).

Since the unique positive integer less than \(2\) is \(1\), we have \(\frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{y} + \frac{1}{z} = 1.\)

The actual values of \(x, y\), and \(z\) are \(6, 3,\) and \(2\), respectively.

The answer is unique, so the condition is sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of answers must be only one.

Let’s look at the condition 2). It tells us that

Since \(2\) and \(3\) are unique consecutive integers and prime numbers, we have \(y = 3\) and \(z = 2.\)

If \(x = 6, y = 3\) and \(z = 2\), then \(\frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{y} + \frac{1}{z} = \frac{1}{6} + \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{6} + \frac{2}{6} + \frac{3}{6} = \frac{6}{6} = 1.\)

The answer is unique, so the condition is sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of answers must be only one.

Each condition ALONE is sufficient.

Therefore, D is the correct answer.
Answer: D

In cases where 3 or more additional equations are required, such as for original conditions with “3 variables”, or “4 variables and 1 equation”, or “5 variables and 2 equations”, conditions 1) and 2) usually supply only one additional equation. Therefore, there is an 80% chance that E is the answer, a 15% chance that C is the answer, and a 5% chance that the answer is A, B, or D. Since E (i.e. conditions 1) & 2) are NOT sufficient, when taken together) is most likely to be the answer, it is generally most efficient to begin by checking the sufficiency of conditions 1) and 2) when taken together. Obviously, there may be occasions on which the answer is A, B, C, or D.
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Inequalities) Is \(\frac{m}{n} > \frac{(m+n)}{mn}\)?

1) \(m > n\)

2) \(m\) and \(n\) are integers greater than \(1\)

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question. We should simplify conditions if necessary.

Since we have \(2\) variables (\(m\) and \(n\)) and \(0\) equations, C is most likely 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)
Since \(m\) and \(n\) are integers greater than \(1\),

The question \(\frac{m}{n} > \frac{(m+n)}{mn}\) is equivalent to \(m(m – 2) + (m – n) > 0\) for the following reason

\(\frac{m}{n} > \frac{(m+n)}{mn}\)

=> \(m^2 > m+n\), by multiplying both sides by \(mn\)

=> \(m^2 – m – n > 0\)

=> \(m^2 – 2m + m – n > 0\)

=> \(m(m – 2) + (m – n) > 0\)

We have \(m(m - 2) ≥ 0\), since \(m\) is an integer greater than or equal to \(2\) from condition 2).

We have \(m – n > 0\) from condition 1)

So we have \(m(m – 2) + (m – n) > 0\) and the answer is ‘yes’.

Since both conditions together yield a unique solution, they are sufficient.

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 \(m = 4\) and \(n = 2\), then we have \(\frac{m}{n} = \frac{4}{2} = 2, \frac{(m+n)}{mn} = \frac{6}{8}\) and \(\frac{m}{n} > \frac{(m+n)}{mn},\) which means the answer is ‘yes’.

If \(m = 4\) and \(n = -2\), then we have \(\frac{m}{n} = \frac{4}{(-2)} = -2, \frac{(m+n)}{mn} = \frac{2}{(-8)} = \frac{-1}{4}\) and \(\frac{m}{n} < \frac{(m+n)}{mn},\) which means the answer is ‘no’.

Since condition 1) does not yield a unique solution, it is not sufficient

Condition 2)
If \(m = 4\) and \(n = 2\), then we have \(\frac{m}{n} = \frac{4}{2} = 2, \frac{(m+n)}{mn} = \frac{6}{8}\) and \(\frac{m}{n} > \frac{(m+n)}{mn}\), which means the answer is ‘yes’.

If \(m = 2\) and \(n = 4\), then we have \(\frac{m}{n} = \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2}, \frac{(m+n)}{mn} = \frac{6}{8} = \frac{3}{4}\) and \(\frac{m}{n} < \frac{(m+n)}{mn}\), which means the answer is ‘no’.

Since condition 2) does not yield a unique solution, it is not sufficient

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.
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The spoiler link doesn't open. How do I get answers to the questions?
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[GMAT math practice question]

(Probability) On each face of a cube, one of \(1, 2\) or \(3\) is written. The number of \(1’s\) on a face is \(a\), the number of \(2’s\) is \(b\), and the number of \(3’s\) is \(c\). What is \(c\)?

1) \(a = 2\) and \(b = 3.\)

2) The probability of throwing the two identical cubes and getting a sum of \(3\) is \(\frac{1}{3}.\)

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question. We should simplify conditions if necessary.

We have \(3\) variables and \(1\) equation. However, we should check condition 1) alone first, since it has \(2\) equations.

Condition 1)
Since we have \(a + b + c = 6, a = 2\) and \(b = 3\), we have \(2 + 3 + c = 6, 5 + c = 6,\) and \(c = 1.\)

Since condition 1) yields a unique solution, it is sufficient.

Condition 2)
Condition 2) tells us that \(\frac{c}{6} + \frac{c}{6} = \frac{1}{3}, \frac{(2c)}{6} = \frac{1}{3}, \frac{c}{3} = \frac{1}{3}, c = \frac{3}{3}.\) Then we have \(c = 1.\)

Since condition 2) yields a unique solution, it is sufficient.

Therefore, D is the answer.
Answer: D
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[GMAT math practice question]

(inequality) \(a, b, c, d\) and e are real numbers with \(a<b<c<d<e\). Is \(abcde\) negative?

\(1) abc < 0\)

\(2) cde < 0\)

=>

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 \(5\) variables and \(4\) equations, D is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider each condition on its own first. If a question is an inequality, then inequalities in the original condition can be counted as equations.

Condition 1)
If \(a = -1, b = 1, c = 2, d = 3, e = 4,\) then \(abcde < 0\), and the answer is ‘yes’

If \(a = -4, b = -3, c = -2, d = -1, e = 1,\) then \(abcde > 0,\) and the answer is ‘no’.

Condition 1) is not sufficient since it doesn’t yield a unique answer.

Condition 2)
There are two cases to consider:
i) \(0\) lies between \(c\) and \(d\)

ii) \(0\) is greater than \(e.\)

If \(0\) lies between \(c\) and \(d\), then \(abcde < 0\) and the answer is ‘yes’.

If \(0\) is greater than \(e\), then \(abcde < 0\) and the answer is ‘yes’.

Condition 2) is sufficient since it gives a unique answer.

Therefore, B is the answer.
Answer: B

If the original condition includes “1 variable”, or “2 variables and 1 equation”, or “3 variables and 2 equations” etc., one more equation is required to answer the question. If each of conditions 1) and 2) provide an additional equation, there is a 59% chance that D is the answer, a 38% chance that A or B is the answer, and a 3% chance that the answer is C or E. Thus, answer D (conditions 1) and 2), when applied separately, are sufficient to answer the question) is most likely, but there may be cases where the answer is A,B,C or E.
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[GMAT math practice question]

(number properties) \(A\) and \(B\) are one-digit numbers. What is the value of \(A+B\)?

1) The \(6\) six-digit integer \(B6354A\) is a multiple of \(99\)

2) \(A\) is less than \(B\)

=>

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 \(2\) variables (\(A\) and \(B\)) and \(0\) equations, C 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)
Condition 1) tells us that \(B6354A\) is a multiple of \(9\). So, \(A + B + 6 + 3 + 5 + 4 = A + B + 18\) is a multiple of \(9\), and \(A + B\) is a multiple of \(9\).

The possible pairs \((A,B)\) are \((0,9), (1,8), (2,7), … , (8,1)\) and \((9,9).\)

Since condition 2) tells us that \(A < B, (9,9)\) is not possible. For all remaining pairs, the value of of \(A + B\) is \(9.\)

Therefore, conditions 1) and 2) are sufficient, when applied together.

Since this question is an integer 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)
Since \(B6354A\) is a multiple of \(9\) and \(A + B + 6 + 3 + 5 + 4 = A + B + 18\) is a multiple of \(9, A + B\) is a multiple of \(9.\)

The possible pairs \((A,B)\) are \((0,9), (1,8), (2,7), … , (8,1)\) and \((9,9).\)

We test these pairs individually to check whether they give rise to multiples of \(99\):
\(963540 = 11*87594 + 6\) is not a multiple of \(11.\)

\(863541 = 11*78503 + 8\) is not a multiple of \(11.\)

\(763532 = 11*69412 + 10\) is not a multiple of \(11.\)

\(663543 = 11*60322 + 1\) is not a multiple of \(11.\)

\(563544 = 11*51231 + 3\) is not a multiple of \(11.\)

\(463545 = 11*42140 + 5\) is not a multiple of \(11.\)

\(363546 = 11*33049 + 7\) is not a multiple of \(11.\)

\(263547 = 11*23958 +\)9 is not a multiple of \(11.\)

\(163548 = 11*14868\) is a multiple of \(11.\)

\(963549 = 11*87595 + 4\) is not a multiple of \(11.\)


\((8,1)\) is a unique pair of \((A,B)\).
Than we have \(A + B = 9.\)

Condition 1) is sufficient, since it yields a unique solution.

Condition 2) is obviously not sufficient.

Therefore, A is the answer.
Answer: A
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[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

(number property) If \(p, q\) and \(r\) are prime, with \(p<q<r, p=?\)

\(1) (pq)^3=216\)
\(2) (pr)^3=1000\)

=>

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 (\(p, q\) and \(r\)) 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)

\((pq)^3=216\)
\(=> p^3q^3=2^33^3\)
\(=> p = 2\) and \(q = 3\), since \(p\) and \(q\) are prime numbers with \(p < q.\)

\((pr)^3=1000\)
\(=> p^3r^3=2^35^3\)
\(=> p = 2\) and \(r = 5\), since \(p\) and \(r\) are prime numbers with \(p < r.\)

While we have checked both conditions together, we have shown that conditions 1) and 2) are equivalent to each other in terms of \(p\). So, each condition is sufficient by Tip 1).
FYI, Tip 1) of the VA method states that D is most likely to be the answer if conditions 1) and 2) provide the same information.

Therefore, the answer is D.
Answer: D

In cases where 3 or more additional equations are required, such as for original conditions with “3 variables”, or “4 variables and 1 equation”, or “5 variables and 2 equations”, conditions 1) and 2) usually supply only one additional equation. Therefore, there is an 80% chance that E is the answer, a 15% chance that C is the answer, and a 5% chance that the answer is A, B or D. Since E (i.e. conditions 1) & 2) are NOT sufficient, when taken together) is most likely to be the answer, it is generally most efficient to begin by checking the sufficiency of conditions 1) and 2), when taken together. Obviously, there may be occasions on which the answer is A, B, C or D.
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MathRevolution
[GMAT math practice question]

(Equation) \(2ax - 3b = a - bx\) is an equation in terms of \(x\). What is its solution?

1) \(\frac{-3}{2}\) is a solution of \((b-a)x - (2a-3b) = 0\)

2) \(a = 3b\)

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question. We should simplify conditions if necessary.
The question asks the value of \(\frac{(a+3b)}{(2a+b)}\) for the following reason.
\(2ax - 3b = a - bx\)

=> \(2ax + bx = a + 3b\)

=> \(x(2a+b) = a+3b\)

=> \(x = \frac{(a+3b)}{(2a+b)}\)

Since we have \(a = 3b\) from condition 2), we have \(x = \frac{(a+3b)}{(2a+b)} = \frac{(3b+3b)}{(6b+b)} = \frac{(6b)}{(7b)} = \frac{6}{7}.\)

Thus, condition 2) is sufficient.

Condition 1)
When we substitute \(\frac{-3}{2}\) for \(x,\) we have \((b-a)(\frac{-3}{2})- (2a-3b) = 0\) or \((-3)(b-a) = 2(2a-3b)\). We have \(-3b+3a = 4a-6b\) or \(a = 3b.\)

Condition 1) is equivalent to condition 2), and it is also sufficient.

Therefore, D is the answer.

When a question asks for a ratio, if one condition includes a ratio and the other condition just gives a number, the condition including the ratio is most likely to be sufficient. This tells us that D is most likely to be the answer to this question, since each condition includes a ratio.

Note: Tip 1) of the VA method states that D is most likely to be the answer if condition 1) gives the same information as condition 2).

This question is a CMT4(B) question: condition 2) is easy to work with, and condition 1) is difficult to work with. For CMT4(B) questions, D is most likely to be the answer.
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[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

(number property) If \(n\) is an integer between \(30\) and \(50\) inclusive, what is the value of \(n\)?

1) When \(n\) is divided by \(8\), the remainder is \(7\)
2) When \(n\) is divided by \(16\), the remainder is \(7\)

=>

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 \(1\) variable (n) and \(0\) equations, D is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider each condition on its own first.

Condition 1)
We can express \(n = 8k+7\) for some integer \(k\).
If \(k = 3\), then \(n = 31.\)
If \(k = 4\), then \(n = 39.\)
Since we don’t have a unique solution, condition 1) is not sufficient.

Condition 2)
We can express \(n = 16m+7\) for some integer \(m\).
If \(m = 2\), then \(n = 39.\)
If \(m = 1\), then \(n = 23\) and \(n < 30.\)
If \(m = 3,\) then \(n = 55\) and \(n > 50.\)
Thus \(n = 39\) is the unique solution and condition 2) is sufficient.

Therefore, B is the answer.
Answer: B

If the original condition includes “1 variable”, or “2 variables and 1 equation”, or “3 variables and 2 equations” etc., one more equation is required to answer the question. If each of conditions 1) and 2) provide an additional equation, there is a 59% chance that D is the answer, a 38% chance that A or B is the answer, and a 3% chance that the answer is C or E. Thus, answer D (conditions 1) and 2), when applied separately, are sufficient to answer the question) is most likely, but there may be cases where the answer is A,B,C or E.
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[GMAT math practice question]

(algebra) max{\(x, y\)} denotes the maximum of \(x\) and \(y\), and min{\(x, y\)} denotes the minimum of \(x\) and \(y\). What is the value of \(x + y\)?

1) max\({x, y} = x + y\)

2) min\({x, y} = 2x + y - 2\)

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

Since we have \(2\) variables (\(x\) and \(y\)) and \(0\) equations, C is most likely 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)
Case 1: \(x ≥ y\)

Since max(\(x,y\)) = \(x\) and max(\(x,y\)) = \(x + y,\) we have \(x = x + y\) or \(y = 0.\)

Since min(\(x,y\)) = \(y\) and min(\(x,y\)) = \(2x + y - 2\), we have \(y = 2x + y - 2, 0 = 2x - 2, 2x = 2,\) or \(x = 1.\)

Then we have \(x + y = 0 + 1 = 1.\)

Case 2: \(x < y\)

Since max(\(x,y\)) = \(y\) and max(\(x,y\)) = \(x + y\), we have \(y = x + y\) or \(x = 0.\)

Since min(\(x,y\)) = \(x\), min(\(x,y\)) = \(2x + y - 2\) and \(x = 0\), we have \(x = 2x + y - 2\) or \(y = 2.\)

Then we have \(x + y = 0 + 2 = 2.\)

Since both conditions together do not yield a unique solution, they are not sufficient.

Therefore, E is the answer.
Answer: E

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.
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MathRevolution
[GMAT math practice question]

(equation) What is the value of \(a + b\)?

\(1) ax + by = 2(ax - by) - 3 = x + y + 7\)

\(2) x = 3, y = 1\)

=>

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.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

We have \(4\) variables (\(a, b, x\) and \(y\)). However, since both conditions have \(4\) equations, C is most likely 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)
Since \(x = 3\) and \(y = 1\), we have \(3a + b = 2(3a - b) - 3 = 3+1+7 = 11.\)

Then we have \(3a + b = 11\) and \(6a - 2b = 14\) or \(3a – b = 7.\)

When we add those equations we have \(3a + b + 3a - b = 11 + 7, 6a = 18\) or \(a = 3\).

Then we have \(3(3) + b = 11, 9 + b = 11\) or \(b = 2.\)

Since both conditions together yield a unique solution, they are sufficient.

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.
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[GMAT math practice question]

(number properties) \(m\) and \(n\) are positive integers. Is \(m^2 + n^2\) is divisible by \(3\)?

\(1) m = 1234\)

\(2) n = 4321\)

=>

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.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question. We should simplify the conditions if necessary.

Recall that the remainder when an integer is divided by \(3\) is the same as the remainder when the sum of all of its digits is divided by \(3\).

The square of an integer \(k\) has remainder \(0\) or \(1\) when it is divided by \(3\).
If \(k\) is a multiple of \(3\), then \(k = 3a\) for some integer \(a\), and \(k^2 = (3a)^2 = 3(3a^2)\) has remainder \(0\) when it is divided by \(3\).

If \(k\) has remainder \(1\) when it is divided by \(3\), then \(k = 3a + 1\) for some integer \(a\), and \(k^2 = (3a+1)^2 = 9a^2 +6a + 1 = 3(3a^2 +2a) + 1\) has remainder \(1\) when it is divided by \(3\).

If \(k\) has remainder \(2\) when it is divided by \(3\), then \(k = 3a + 2\) for some integer \(a\), and \(k^2 = (3a+2)^2 = 9a^2 +12a + 4 = 3(3a^2 +4a+1) + 1\) has remainder \(1\) when it is divided by \(3\).

Since \(m=1234\) has remainder \(1\) when it is divided by \(3\), \(m^2\) has remainder \(1\) when it is divided by \(3.\) Since \(n^2\) could have remainder \(0\) or \(1\) when it is divided by \(3, m^2 + n^2\) is never divisible by \(3\), regardless of the value of \(n\). Condition 1) is sufficient, since it yields the unique answer, ‘no’.

Since \(n=4321\) has remainder \(1\) when it is divided by \(3, n^2\) has remainder \(1\) when it is divided by \(3\). Since \(m^2\) could have remainder \(0\) or \(1\) when it is divided by \(3, m^2 + n^2\) is never divisible by \(3\), regardless of the value of \(m\). Condition 2) is sufficient, since it yields the unique answer, ‘no’.

Therefore, D is the answer.
Answer: D

Since ‘no’ is also a unique answer by CMT (Common Mistake Type) 1, both conditions are sufficient.
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MathRevolution
[GMAT math practice question]

(number properties) \(m\) and \(n\) are integers. Is \(m + n\) an odd number?

\(1) m – n = 2\)
\(2) m^2n^2 = 225\)

=>

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.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question.

Condition 2)
Since \(m^2n^2 = 225\) is an odd number, both \(m\) and \(n\) must be odd numbers, and \(m + n\) is an even number.
Thus, the answer is ‘no’, and condition 2) is sufficient by CMT (Common Mistake Type) 1.

Condition 1)
Since \(m – n = 2\), both \(m\) and \(n\) are odd numbers or even numbers.
Since \(m\) and \(n\) have the same parity, \(m + n\) is an even number.
Thus, the answer is ‘no’, and condition 1) is sufficient by CMT (Common Mistake Type) 1.

Therefore, D is the answer.
Answer: D
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MathRevolution
[GMAT math practice question]

(number properties) If \(m\) and \(n\) are prime numbers, is \(m^2 + n^2\) an even number?

\(1) m > 10\)
\(2) n > 20\)

=>

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.

In order for \(m^2 + n^2\) to be even, either both \(m\) and \(n\) must be even or both \(m\) and \(n\) must be odd. Since \(m\) and \(n\) are primes, we must have both \(m\) and \(n\) odd numbers as they are both greater than \(10\). Thus, C is the answer.

Since this question is a statistics 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 \(m = 11\) and \(n = 3\), then \(m^2+n^2 = 11^2+3^2 = 121 + 9 = 130\) is an even number, and the answer is “yes”.
If \(m = 11\) and \(n = 2\), then \(m^2+n^2 = 11^2+2^2 = 121 + 4 = 125\) is an odd number, and the answer is “no”.
Thus, condition 1) is not sufficient since it does not yield a unique solution.

Condition 2)
If \(m = 3\) and \(n = 23\), then \(m^2+n^2 = 3^2+23^2 = 9 + 529 = 538\) is an even number, and the answer is “yes”.
If \(m = 2\) and \(n = 23\), then \(m^2+n^2 = 2^2+23^2 = 4 + 529 = 533\) is an odd number, and the answer is “no”.
Thus, condition 2) is not sufficient since it does not yield a unique solution.

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.
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