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Bunuel
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Bunuel
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Bunuel
What is the value of q ?


(1) \(q = \sqrt{9}\)

(2) |q| = 3
f

from 1: q= 3
sufficient

from 2; q can be + 0r -ve 3

Answer A



q cannot be -3 from point 1?
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Hi Bunuel,

Does this still hold true?
Bunuel


No.

\(\sqrt{...}\) is the square root sign, a function (called the principal square root function), which cannot give negative result. So, this sign (\(\sqrt{...}\)) always means non-negative square root.


The graph of the function f(x) = √x

Notice that it's defined for non-negative numbers and is producing non-negative results.

TO SUMMARIZE:
When the GMAT provides the square root sign for an even root, such as a square root, fourth root, etc. then the only accepted answer is the non-negative root. That is:

\(\sqrt{9} = 3\), NOT +3 or -3;
\(\sqrt[4]{16} = 2\), NOT +2 or -2;

Notice that in contrast, the equation \(x^2 = 9\) has TWO solutions, +3 and -3. Because \(x^2 = 9\) means that \(x =-\sqrt{9}=-3\) or \(x=\sqrt{9}=3\).
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akkkk1
Hi Bunuel,

Does this still hold true?


Do you think the rules of mathematics changed overnight?
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Nope, just wanted to clarify what the GMAT meant. Have seen it used in the other way in many places.
Bunuel


Do you think the rules of mathematics changed overnight?
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Nope, just wanted to clarify what the GMAT meant. Have seen it used in the other way in many places.


GMAT does not have its own math.
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