What is the median value of the data displayed in the following frequ

Question

What is the median value of the data displayed in the following frequency table? a.png 1) x=2 2) y=5

niks18 · Answer

As the data is arranged in ascending order, so  y>5 . This implies that minimum numbers in the set will be  = 1+2+3+4+5=15 .

Hence median will be a number that will in the  8th  or higher position depending upon the value of  y . Hence  x  cannot be median because last  x  will be at  6th  position if  0<x<3 .

So essentially we need to know the value of  y

Statement 1:  nothing mentioned about  y .  Insufficient

Statement 2:  directly provides the value of  y .  Sufficient

Option  B

varundixitmro2512 · Answer

we dont know the value of x. we cant assume that x will take value b/w 1 and 3

niks18 · Answer

hi  varundixitmro2512

I am not saying that the value of x is between 1 & 3. The question states that the frequency of x is 3, hence it will not impact the median because frequency of y is more than 5

For eg. let x=100 & y=5,So if you arrange the numbers in ascending order, then it will be as follows -

0,1,1,3,3,3,4,4,4,4,4,100,100, you can calculate the median of this set.

you may take any value of x, as long as y>5, it will not impact the median.

For clarity I have edited the post

MathRevolution · Answer

=>

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.

If  y = 1 , the median is  x .
If  y = 2 , the median is  \frac{( x + 3 )}{2} 
If  3 ≤ y ≤ 9 , the median is  3 .
If  y = 10 , the median is  \frac{( 3 + 4 )}{2} = 3.5 
If  y ≥ 10 , the median is  4 .

Thus, the condition 2) is sufficient.

Therefore, the answer is B.

Answer: B

mb2202 · Answer

Statement 1 is anyways insufficient because value of y will make the median very from 2 to 4.

As per Statement 2, when y=5, 2 scenarios arise:

Situation 1: x=2, median =3
Situation 2: x=3.5, median =3.5

Thus, this statement also becomes insufficient. In my opinion, the answer should be C)

Am I missing something here?

niks18 · Answer

Hi  mb2202

When frequency table is presented then generally data are arranged in ascending order. However it would have been great if the question stem had mentioned that the arrangement is in ascending order. The solution is based on the assumption that the data is in ascending order hence x<3, so x=3.5 is not possible here.

akara2500 · Answer

Hi  niks18 ,
 Your answer is BASING on the assumption that x is not between 1&3. It actually MATTERS if x is between 1&3 and x is NOT between 1&3. If x =2 the Median is 3 and if x = 100 the median is 4. (x is repeated THREE TIMES NOT TWO TIMES)

bumpbot · Answer

Automated notice from GMAT Club BumpBot:

A member just gave Kudos to this thread, showing it’s still useful. I’ve bumped it to the top so more people can benefit. Feel free to add your own questions or solutions.

This post was generated automatically.

What is the median value of the data displayed in the following frequ

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

What is the median value of the data displayed in the following frequ

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