Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 08:05 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 08:05
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
Bunuel
User avatar
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 105,389
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 99,977
Products:
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
Posts: 105,389
Kudos: 778,262
 [117]
6
Kudos
Add Kudos
110
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Most Helpful Reply
User avatar
AnthonyRitz
User avatar
Stacy Blackman Consulting Director of Test Prep
Joined: 21 Dec 2014
Last visit: 16 Nov 2025
Posts: 238
Own Kudos:
427
 [39]
Given Kudos: 169
Affiliations: Stacy Blackman Consulting
Location: United States (DC)
GMAT 1: 790 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170
GRE 2: Q170 V170
GPA: 3.11
WE:Education (Education)
GMAT 1: 790 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170
GRE 2: Q170 V170
Posts: 238
Kudos: 427
 [39]
28
Kudos
Add Kudos
11
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
avatar
origen87
Joined: 10 Jul 2012
Last visit: 13 Nov 2017
Posts: 40
Own Kudos:
69
 [20]
Given Kudos: 18
Status:GMAT...one last time for good!!
Location: India
Concentration: General Management
GMAT 1: 660 Q47 V34
GPA: 3.5
Products:
GMAT 1: 660 Q47 V34
Posts: 40
Kudos: 69
 [20]
16
Kudos
Add Kudos
3
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
General Discussion
User avatar
quantumliner
Joined: 24 Apr 2016
Last visit: 26 Sep 2018
Posts: 242
Own Kudos:
779
 [9]
Given Kudos: 48
Posts: 242
Kudos: 779
 [9]
5
Kudos
Add Kudos
4
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Given: 2x + 9y = 57, x^2 + 2xy + y^2

x^2 + 2xy + y^2 can be written as (x+y)^2

2x + 9y = 57 can be written as 2(x+y) + 7y = 57

(x+y) + 7y/2 = 57/2

(x+y) = 57/2 - 7y/2 = (57-7y)/2

(x+y)^2 = [(57-7y)/2] ^2

For (x+y)^2 to be the least, the difference to (57-7y) has to be least.

Case 1 : Closest multiple of 7 to 57 is 56 that means y = 8.

Since the condition given is both x and y are integers, replacing y = 8 in the equation 2x + 9y = 57, we get 2x = 57 - 72 = -15. So x is not an integer. Hence Y=8 cannot be a valid value.

Case 2: Next Closest multiple of 7 to 57 is 49 that means y = 7

Replacing y = 7 in the equation 2x + 9y = 57, we get 2x = 57 - 63 = -14. So x is an integer (-7). Hence Y=7 is a valid value.

Putting y=7 in the equation [(57-7*7)/2] ^2 = [(57-49)/2] ^2 = [(57-49)/2] ^2

= [(8)/2] ^2 [4] ^2 = 16

Answer is C. 16
User avatar
vmelgargalan
Joined: 16 Jan 2017
Last visit: 15 Aug 2018
Posts: 54
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
GMAT 1: 620 Q46 V29
GMAT 1: 620 Q46 V29
Posts: 54
Kudos: 22
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
is there any easier way to solve this?
User avatar
AnthonyRitz
User avatar
Stacy Blackman Consulting Director of Test Prep
Joined: 21 Dec 2014
Last visit: 16 Nov 2025
Posts: 238
Own Kudos:
427
 [2]
Given Kudos: 169
Affiliations: Stacy Blackman Consulting
Location: United States (DC)
GMAT 1: 790 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170
GRE 2: Q170 V170
GPA: 3.11
WE:Education (Education)
GMAT 1: 790 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170
GRE 2: Q170 V170
Posts: 238
Kudos: 427
 [2]
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
vmelgargalan
is there any easier way to solve this?

Yes. There's a better way. :wink: Stay tuned! :)

To clarify, not trying to be a dick, but Bunuel posted with the answer secret so people could take an unbiased crack at it, and I don't want to spoil that. If you want to be spoiled, I'm willing to give out the official solution by PM. Or else it will definitely show up here after the correct answer is revealed.
User avatar
vmelgargalan
Joined: 16 Jan 2017
Last visit: 15 Aug 2018
Posts: 54
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 2
GMAT 1: 620 Q46 V29
GMAT 1: 620 Q46 V29
Posts: 54
Kudos: 22
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
AnthonyRitz
vmelgargalan
is there any easier way to solve this?

Yes. There's a better way. :wink: Stay tuned! :)

To clarify, not trying to be a dick, but Bunuel posted with the answer secret so people could take an unbiased crack at it, and I don't want to spoil that. If you want to be spoiled, I'm willing to give out the official solution by PM. Or else it will definitely show up here after the correct answer is revealed.

Hehe, I might take you up on that offer. I am basically assuming that x^2 + 2xy + y^2 is at its smallest when y is as large as it can be and x as small as it can be. So by trial and error we get a value of y=5 (9x5=45) and x=6 (6x2=12), if we plug this into the equation it is (6)^2 + 2 (5)(6) + (5)^2 which gives 121.

Trying to see from a different angle mhmmm.... because even if we have negative numbers we do not get any of the available options
avatar
sarugiri
Joined: 22 Oct 2016
Last visit: 30 Oct 2017
Posts: 17
Own Kudos:
20
 [1]
Given Kudos: 23
Posts: 17
Kudos: 20
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Since it says x and y are integers[doesnt talk about their signs], y has to be maximum and x has to be minimum in 2x+9y=57
Taking y=9 and x=-12 and applying the values to x^2+2xy+y^2,
=(-12)^2+2(-12)(9)+9^2
=144-216+81
=9

Hi Bunuel,
I worked on the above steps after seeing the OA. But, actually I ended choosing C. How do we confirm in these type of questions that the answers we choose are the minimum values.?Since the wrong answers we arrive is also there in the options. :(
avatar
Prayersmith2017
Joined: 28 Mar 2017
Last visit: 15 Aug 2019
Posts: 1
Given Kudos: 5
Posts: 1
Kudos: 0
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
\[\begin{align}
& \text{2x+9y=57} \\
& \text{9y=57(mod2)} \\
& \text{y=1(mod2)}\to \text{y=2t+1} \\
& \text{substitute in the first eqn } \\
& \text{x=-9t+24(x+y}{{\text{)}}^{\text{2}}}\text{=(-7t+25}{{\text{)}}^{\text{2}}}\text{f(t)=(-7t+25}{{\text{)}}^{\text{2}}} \\
& \Rightarrow \text{{f}'}(\text{t})\text{=-14}(\text{-7t+25}) \\
& \text{{f}'}(\text{t})\text{=0}\Rightarrow \text{t=25/7=3}\text{.5} \\
& \text{but t is integer so we take t=3 and t=4 } \\
& \text{then we find f(3) ; f(4),the least of them will be the least for all integers } \\
& \text{f(3)=16 } \\
& \text{f(4)=9} \\
& \text{And so 9 is the least value} \\
\end{align}\]
User avatar
enantiodromia
Joined: 17 May 2016
Last visit: 13 Aug 2017
Posts: 13
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 610
Posts: 13
Kudos: 4
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I didn't understand from the second step onwards
Can you please simplify it and tell me?
Prayersmith2017
\[\begin{align}
& \text{2x+9y=57} \\
& \text{9y=57(mod2)} \\
& \text{y=1(mod2)}\to \text{y=2t+1} \\
& \text{substitute in the first eqn } \\
& \text{x=-9t+24(x+y}{{\text{)}}^{\text{2}}}\text{=(-7t+25}{{\text{)}}^{\text{2}}}\text{f(t)=(-7t+25}{{\text{)}}^{\text{2}}} \\
& \Rightarrow \text{{f}'}(\text{t})\text{=-14}(\text{-7t+25}) \\
& \text{{f}'}(\text{t})\text{=0}\Rightarrow \text{t=25/7=3}\text{.5} \\
& \text{but t is integer so we take t=3 and t=4 } \\
& \text{then we find f(3) ; f(4),the least of them will be the least for all integers } \\
& \text{f(3)=16 } \\
& \text{f(4)=9} \\
& \text{And so 9 is the least value} \\
\end{align}\]

Posted from my mobile device

Posted from my mobile device
avatar
spence11
Joined: 06 Apr 2017
Last visit: 11 Apr 2018
Posts: 20
Own Kudos:
131
 [9]
Given Kudos: 38
Location: United States (OR)
Concentration: Finance, Leadership
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V40
GPA: 3.98
WE:Corporate Finance (Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals)
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V40
Posts: 20
Kudos: 131
 [9]
3
Kudos
Add Kudos
5
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Three things to note:

1) \(2x + 9y = 57\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are integers is a linear Diophantine equation. Linear Diophantine equations have special properties
2) \(x^2 + 2xy + y^2 = (x + y)^2\)
3) The minimum value of a perfect square is \(0\), and in order to approach this limit the absolute value of the expression under the square should be minimized

We are looking for the smallest value of \(|x + y|\)

With linear Diophantine equations, once one combination of \(x\) and \(y\) are found, other values can be found by concurrently adding the \(x\) coefficient to the \(y\) solution and subtracting the \(y\) coefficient from the \(x\) solution OR concurrently adding the \(y\) coefficient to the \(x\) solution and subtracting the \(x\) coefficient from the \(y\) solution. With more difficult linear Diophantine, one can use the extended Euclidean algorithm to find an initial solution, but with simple equations like this, just look and try a few numbers. Here's one:

\(x=5,y=6,9(5)+2(6)=57\)

Now move through other possible values while trying to minimize \(|x+y|\)

  • \(x=5+2=7,y=6-9=-3,|x+y|=4\)
  • \(x=7+2=9,y=-3-9=-12,|x+y|=3\)

Testing solutions in either direction only produces \(|x+y|>3\), so the smallest possible value of \((x + y)^2=3^2=9\)

Answer B
User avatar
InfiniteLoop80
Joined: 26 Feb 2014
Last visit: 28 Apr 2018
Posts: 7
Own Kudos:
20
 [11]
Given Kudos: 224
GMAT 1: 700 Q49 V35
GPA: 4
Products:
GMAT 1: 700 Q49 V35
Posts: 7
Kudos: 20
 [11]
8
Kudos
Add Kudos
3
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I worked this backwards.

We know 2x + 9y = 57, and we need to get the minimum value of (x+y)^2 that satisfies this.
ie we need to get minimum value of (x+y) that works to satisfy the equation
Rewriting the equation, 7y + 2(x+y) = 57
y = (57 - 2(x+y)) / 7

Plugging in the from the lowest value of x+y that would give me an integer for y,
x+y = +1
y = (57 - 2) / 7 ===> Not divisible and hence not integer
x+y =-1
y = 59/7 ==> Not divisible and hence not an integer

x+y = +3

y = 57-6/7 = 49/7 = 7.
Clearly (x+y)^2 = 9 is the right answer

Hope this helps some people.
User avatar
broall
User avatar
Retired Moderator
Joined: 10 Oct 2016
Last visit: 07 Apr 2021
Posts: 1,138
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 65
Status:Long way to go!
Location: Viet Nam
Posts: 1,138
Kudos: 7,149
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Solution.

We will find the roots for equation \(2x+9y=57\) with \(x,y\) are integer.

First, \(9y\) and \(57\) are divisible by \(3\), so \(2x\) is divisible by \(3\), or \(x\) is divisible by \(3\).

Set \(x=3x_1 \implies 6x_1+9y=57 \implies 2x_1+3y=19\)

Note that \(2x_1\) is even, \(19\) is odd so \(3y\) is odd or \(y\) is odd.

Set \(y=2y_1+1 \implies 2x_1+3(2y_1+1)=19 \implies 2x_1+6y_1=16 \implies x_1+3y_1=8\)

Note that \(\frac{8}{3}=2\) and \(\frac{3y_1}{3}=0\) so \(\frac{x_1}{3}=2\).

Set \(x_1=3t+2 \implies (3t+2)+3y_1=8 \implies 3t+3y_1=6 \implies t+y_1 =2 \implies y_1 = 2-t\)

Hence we have \(x=3x_1=3(3t+2)=9t+6\) and \(y=2y_1+1=2(2-t)+1=4-2t+1=5-2t\)

The roots of this equation is \((x,y)=(9t+6,5-2t)\) with \(t\) is an integer.

Now we have \((x+y)^2=(9t+6+5-2t)^2=(7t+11)^2\)

Note that \(|7t+11| \geq 0\) but we can't get the value \(0\) since \(t\) is integer.

Note that \(-11/7=-1.57\).
If \(t=-1 \implies |7t+11|=5\)
If \(t=-2 \implies |7t+11|=3\)

We choose \(t=-2 \implies (7t+11)^2=9\), this is the answer.
User avatar
broall
User avatar
Retired Moderator
Joined: 10 Oct 2016
Last visit: 07 Apr 2021
Posts: 1,138
Own Kudos:
7,149
 [1]
Given Kudos: 65
Status:Long way to go!
Location: Viet Nam
Posts: 1,138
Kudos: 7,149
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Solution 2. We will try all answer choice:

A. \(1\)
This choice gives us \((x+y)^2=1 \implies x+y=1\) or \(x+y=-1\)

With \(x+y=1\) we have
\(\Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
2x + 9y = 57 \\
x+y=1
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
2x + 9(1-x) = 57 \\
x+y=1
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
-7x = 48 \\
x+y=1
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
-7x = 48 \\
x+y=1
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
x = \frac{-48}{7} \\
x+y=1
\end{array}\)

Eliminate this case because \(x\) is not integer.

With \(x+y=-1\) we have
\(\Bigg\{ \begin {array}{lr}
2x + 9y = 57 \\
x+y=-1
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
2x + 9(-1-x) = 57 \\
x+y=1
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
-7x = 66 \\
x+y=1
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
-7x = 66 \\
x+y=1
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
x = \frac{-66}{7} \\
x+y=1
\end{array}\)

Eliminate this case because \(x\) is not integer.

B. \(9\)
This choice gives us \((x+y)^2=9 \implies x+y=3\) or \(x+y=-3\)

With \(x+y=3\) we have
\(\Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
2x + 9y = 57 \\
x+y=3
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
2x + 9(3-x) = 57 \\
x+y=3
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
-7x = 30 \\
x+y=3
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
7x = -30 \\
x+y=3
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
x = \frac{-30}{7} \\
x+y=3
\end{array}\)

Eliminate this case because \(x\) is not integer.

With \(x+y=-3\) we have
\(\Bigg\{ \begin {array}{lr}
2x + 9y = 57 \\
x+y=-3
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
2x + 9(-3-x) = 57 \\
x+y=-3
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
-7x = 84 \\
x+y=-3
\end{array} \implies \Big\{ \begin {array}{lr}
x = -12 \\
y=9
\end{array}\)

This one satisfies the given conditions. Hence this choice is the correct answer.
avatar
gbatistoti
Joined: 17 Jul 2017
Last visit: 03 Aug 2023
Posts: 4
Own Kudos:
1
 [1]
Given Kudos: 20
Posts: 4
Kudos: 1
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
spence11
Three things to note:

1) \(2x + 9y = 57\), where \(x\) and \(y\) are integers is a linear Diophantine equation. Linear Diophantine equations have special properties
2) \(x^2 + 2xy + y^2 = (x + y)^2\)
3) The minimum value of a perfect square is \(0\), and in order to approach this limit the absolute value of the expression under the square should be minimized

We are looking for the smallest value of \(|x + y|\)

With linear Diophantine equations, once one combination of \(x\) and \(y\) are found, other values can be found by concurrently adding the \(x\) coefficient to the \(y\) solution and subtracting the \(y\) coefficient from the \(x\) solution OR concurrently adding the \(y\) coefficient to the \(x\) solution and subtracting the \(x\) coefficient from the \(y\) solution. With more difficult linear Diophantine, one can use the extended Euclidean algorithm to find an initial solution, but with simple equations like this, just look and try a few numbers. Here's one:

\(x=5,y=6,9(5)+2(6)=57\)

Now move through other possible values while trying to minimize \(|x+y|\)

  • \(x=5+2=7,y=6-9=-3,|x+y|=4\)
  • \(x=7+2=9,y=-3-9=-12,|x+y|=3\)

Testing solutions in either direction only produces \(|x+y|>3\), so the smallest possible value of \((x + y)^2=3^2=9\)

Answer B

spence11

I think I understood something wrong in the red part. You say we can add the x coefficient to the y solution and subtract the y coefficient from the x solution but when you solve it you add the x coefficient to the x solution and subtract the y coefficient from the y solution, right ?
avatar
Neville44
Joined: 03 May 2019
Last visit: 06 Nov 2023
Posts: 1
Own Kudos:
1
 [1]
Given Kudos: 6
Posts: 1
Kudos: 1
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
(x+y)^2 will have the least value when at least one of them is negative and the difference between x and y is minimum.
So check values of 9 such that 9y is greater than 57 (also check only for odd multiples for obvious reason).
So start with 9*7=63 so x= -4. So (x+y= 7-4=3). Try for another value i.e 9*9 again x+y will be 3. If you go for 9*11 then the difference between x and y keeps increasing so (x+y)^2 would also increase. Hence 3^2 = 9 is the answer
avatar
hkkat
Joined: 07 Oct 2020
Last visit: 16 Jan 2021
Posts: 32
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 97
Posts: 32
Kudos: 20
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Do you have more similar questions?
TIA
avatar
TarunKumar1234
Joined: 14 Jul 2020
Last visit: 28 Feb 2024
Posts: 1,107
Own Kudos:
1,348
 [1]
Given Kudos: 351
Location: India
Posts: 1,107
Kudos: 1,348
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Given, 2x + 9y = 57 and x and y are integers, they might be positive or negative. we are not sure yet. We have to get min (x+y)^2 value.

x= 24 and y= 1 (Trying with min y)
x= (24-9)= 15 and y= 1+2= 3 (Exchange A and B from equation Ax +By =C)
x= (15-9)= 6 and y= 3+2= 5
x= (6-9)= -3 and y= 5+2= 7
x= (-3-9)=-12 and y= 7+2= 9
x= (-12-9)=-21 and y= 9+2= 11

Min (x+y)^2 = (-12+9)^2= (-3)^2= 9, So, I think B :)
avatar
sm1510
Joined: 22 Aug 2010
Last visit: 18 Jan 2024
Posts: 50
Own Kudos:
154
 [2]
Given Kudos: 330
Posts: 50
Kudos: 154
 [2]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Given: \(2x + 9y = 57\),\( x^2 + 2xy + y^2\)

\(x^2 + 2xy + y^2\) can be written as \((x+y)^2\)

\(2x + 9y = 57 \)can be written as 2(x+y) + 7y = 57

\((x+y) + \frac{7y}{2} = \frac{57}{2}\)

\((x+y) = \frac{57}{2} - \frac{7y}{2} = \frac{(57-7y)}{2}\)

\((x+y)^2 \)=\( [\frac{(57-7y)}{2}] ^2\)

For\( (x+y)^2\) to be the least, the difference to (57-7y) has to be least.

Case 1 : Closest multiple of 7 to 57 is 56 that means y = 8.

Since the condition given is both x and y are integers, replacing \(y = 8\) in the equation \(2x + 9y = 57\), we get \(2x = 57 - 72 = -15\). So x is not an integer. Hence \(Y=8\) cannot be a valid value.

Case 2: Next Closest multiple of 7 to 57 is 49 that means \(y = 7\)

Replacing \(y = 7\) in the equation \(2x + 9y = 57\), we get \(2x = 57 - 63 = -6\). So x is an integer (-3). Hence\( Y=7\) is a valid value.

Putting \(y=7\) in the equation \([\frac{(57-7*7)}{2}] ^2 = [\frac{(57-49)}{2}] ^2 \)

=\( [\frac{(8)}{2}] ^2 \) =\( [4] ^2 = 16\)

Case 3: Question asks for the least value of \((x+y)^2 \) hence try the other closest multiple of 7 too : \(y = 9\)

Replacing \(y = 9\) in the equation \(2x + 9y = 57\), we get \(2x = 57 - 81 = -24\). So x is also an integer (-12). Hence\( Y=9\) is also a valid value.

Putting \(y=9\) in the equation \([\frac{(57-7*9)}{2}] ^2 = [\frac{(57-63)}{2}] ^2\)

=\( [\frac{(-6)}{2}] ^2\) = \( [-3] ^2 = 9\)

16 (Case 2) > 9 (case 3)

Answer is B. 9
User avatar
jantwarog
Joined: 04 Jan 2018
Last visit: 10 Jun 2024
Posts: 10
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 151
Posts: 10
Kudos: 14
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
IMO the simplest solution to this question is to plug in the values for X and Y.

1 step: Work out the fact that x^2 + 2xy + y^2 is actually (x+y)^2

2 step: If the question says that both values are integers it means that y has to be odd, try it:

- If y=1 then x=24
- If y=3 then x=15
- If y=5 then x=6, this is the moment when you can start counting => (5+6)^2 = 121, hold it and keep plugging.
- If y=7 then x=-3 => (-3+7)^2=16
- If y=9 then x=-12 => (-12+9)^2=9
- If y=11 then x=-21 => (-21+11)^2=100 since now this value will start to grow, hence the lowest possible result is 9.

Answer B
 1   2   
Moderators:
Math Expert
105389 posts
Tuck School Moderator
805 posts