parabola question

Question

What is it? Could anybody give a clue, please.

ambrose · Answer

In GMAT, it's a question trying your eyes. there will be an axis and a curve and some points at the curve marked. The question will be what is the value of A, which is symmetrical to B. the value of B is given. 
So pity I could not draw a figure here to explain.

bb · Answer

here is a picture:

 https://www-gap.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Curvepics/Parabola/Parabola1.gif 


THe basic equation of a parabola is Y = X^2 which means Y equals to X to the power of 2.

boksana · Answer

Thanks bb, I know what the parabola is. :lol:

What I asked it's what they want us to find, min, max or curvature etc. Because there are a lot of things that one can do with parabola.

bb · Answer

I have not encountered any of such questions on the real GMAT but that was a while ago.... I was not worried about it since one can usually figure it out pretty fast from the GMAT math...

Praetorian · Answer

No. Min, Max or curvature is not asked. Basics of algebra and geometry can be applied to any relevant problem depending on the authors imagination. only basic formulas are required for the gmat. 

by the way, I dont see anything funny with bb's response. The way you asked your question, it suggested that you do not know what a parabola is. We cant read minds, so please be absolutely clear about what you want to know. 

Sincerely
Praet

ambrose · Answer

Hey, it seems that the real answer was ignored. BB, can you move the curve lower and mark the points of interception at X-axis as A and B?
That will be the typic question in GMAT, not the "exact" one ( I dare not tell you the exact one)
PS: Forget the formula. it's out of question. and Praet is so serious. :lol:

Praetorian · Answer

yea, thats still basic coordinate geometry. you are not required to know the equation of a parabola etc. Nothing serious bud. We are always ready to help. but we still cant read minds. :war

ambrose · Answer

Praet, were you trying to make a joke, or you were hurt? You offered the term of "coordinate geometry" to supply "parabola, etc" and believed you did give help?

Praetorian · Answer

I should have been more clear. i got a similar one on my test. Required use of the distance formula and simple straight line equations.

This thread is now part of GMAT forum.

edit: are you sure simple coordinate geometry cant be used here?

ambrose · Answer

How about this one:
Dear members:
Whenever you meet a question with a figure of a curve, be it parabola, hyperbola, ellispe or spirality, etc. Don't be freak out. The question will not ask the property of the curve. Just by estimating the values on X/Y axis of the point that the question asks for, and then comparing it with the five answers provided, you can get the correct answer. 
Am I sure? yes. Because
1) Quantitative section only tests the examinee's knowledge of basic coordinate geometry. The property of the curve is not required.--Praet
2) A figure accompanying a problem solving question is intended to provide information useful in solving the problem. Figures are drawn as accurately as possible. (basic coordinate geometry) EXCEPT when it is stated in a specific problem (parabola) that its figure is not drawn to scale. --ETS

Each statement alone is not sufficient to SOLVE THE PROBLEM QUICKLY. If ETS gives the equation of the curve and you try to solve it, it's your fault, not that of ETS. 

(If you have crossed eyes, you can ask the administrator of the test center for help. If he/she refuse to do so, you can complain the ETS for discrimination--Ambrose)

bb · Answer

I agree and support Praetorian that one does not really need to know the properties of parabola or hyperbola. It is beyond GMAT and is only confusing people. The question you have given as an example is very basic and does not require the knowledge of anything, just counting skills. Your little comment on top is offensive, just in case you did not notice. That's not the best way to make friends :wink:

Also, some of your commens are not very clear, so I can't really say anything. Probably if you re-read it, you can correct some of the statements. ---

ambrose · Answer

If you care more of self-defense than providing a good solution, I have nothing to say. 

What I said is clear, though you need to reconstruct the mind of examinee to understand. The question is basic to you, but to many examinees you help nothing by providing what it is, rather than how it is and why it is.

Praetorian · Answer

we sure are glad you have nothing to say. working late? the original question was what it is , so the reply was about what it is :bebe

i hate to do this., but this is your official warning 1 for violating forum policy. check out your cool new rank.

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

parabola question

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards