If (x - 1)(x - 2) = 0, x = ?

Question

If (x - 1)(x - 2) = 0, x = ?

(1) x is even
(2) x is odd

I have started preparing for GMAT recently and well I have got lots of questions that may seem(or is) stupid. I was studying DS with math revolution free trial and as they say that there has to be only one answer that is unique. And they had this example:
and there answer was D (each statement alone is sufficient). Shouldnt it be E cause we still dont know the value of x?

Attachment:

.png

Nevernevergiveup · Answer

If you observe the solution in the pic you have uploaded , you can see that X can be either 1 or 2. So at this stage we can decide its value.

But while solving for options, we have to solve each option individually without considering other option.
For example, while you are evaluating statement 1, you have to consider x is even but nothing else. So you get value of x as 2. that's it.

And then you move on to statement 2, forgetting all the information of statement 1 and only consider that x is odd and is 1.

the information given in main question is common to all the statements.(1&2)

i hope this helps.

You will get accustomed with the DS as you practice more.

saswata4s · Answer

Given, (x-2)(x-1) = 0;
 for the above equation to be true, either:
 (x-2) = 0
=>x = 2
or:
 (x-1) = 0
=>x = 1

Now,
(1) x is even;
So, we can clearly say x = 2 from the above roots; Hence Sufficient.

Again,
(2) x is odd;
So, we can clearly say x = 1 from the above roots; Hence Sufficient.

Answer D.

Cheers.

Bunuel · Answer

This is a flawed question.  On the GMAT, two data sufficiency statements always provide TRUE information and these statements NEVER contradict each other or the stem.

(1) says that x is even, while (2) says that x is odd The statement clearly contradict each other, which cannot happen.

Having said that, technically each statement is sufficient alone - from (1) x = 2 and from (2) x = 1. Again the statement cannot give contradictory answers.

You can ignore this question and move on.

If (x - 1)(x - 2) = 0, x = ?

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

GMAT Data Sufficiency (DS) Questions

If (x - 1)(x - 2) = 0, x = ?

Prep Toolkit

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