Last visit was: 24 Apr 2026, 06:59 It is currently 24 Apr 2026, 06:59
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: 24 Apr 2026
Posts: 109,813
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 105,870
Products:
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
Posts: 109,813
Kudos: 810,996
 [26]
8
Kudos
Add Kudos
18
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
GMATBusters
User avatar
GMAT Tutor
Joined: 27 Oct 2017
Last visit: 23 Apr 2026
Posts: 1,922
Own Kudos:
6,856
 [2]
Given Kudos: 241
WE:General Management (Education)
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 1,922
Kudos: 6,856
 [2]
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
Shanks1
Joined: 11 Aug 2014
Last visit: 01 Nov 2021
Posts: 8
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 1
Location: United States
Concentration: International Business, Leadership
WE:Consulting (Finance: Investment Banking)
Posts: 8
Kudos: 5
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
MartyMurray
Joined: 11 Aug 2023
Last visit: 24 Apr 2026
Posts: 1,848
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 212
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V51
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V51
Posts: 1,848
Kudos: 7,109
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
­If x is an integer, then the least possible value of |33−x^2| is

The correct answer is 3 since the closest perfect square to 33 is 36.

At the same time, notice that the timer statistics indicate that a large percentage of people who attempt this question choose 6, which is the value of x if x^2 = 36.

Takeaway: Always be careful to answer the question asked!

A. 0
B. 3
C. 5
D. 6
E. 8


Correct answer: B­
User avatar
MANASH94
Joined: 25 Jun 2025
Last visit: 23 Apr 2026
Posts: 89
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 16
Location: India
Schools: IIM IIM ISB
GPA: 2.9
Schools: IIM IIM ISB
Posts: 89
Kudos: 63
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Made a simple mistake and marked 6 as an answer.

If we realize the question is asking for min value of |33-x^2|. Not what is the value of x for which |33-x^2| will have its min value.
Putting x as 6 gives us the min value of |33-36| = 3

Hence the answer is 3.
Moderators:
Math Expert
109813 posts
Tuck School Moderator
853 posts