Kaplan prep controversy

Question

Hello,
I tried to find this topic elsewhere but couldn't so sorry if this question had been asked before.

Here is a deal: Kaplan says that Zero is neither positive nor negative integer, however, in one of its questions:
 
"How many positive integer values are there between |4x-3| < 6 ? "

It includes Zero as one of the "positive integer values". Does zero have a positive integer value? Despite being "neutral" integer? Or?

Thanks.

JenniferAtKaplan · Answer

Hello Dimshek,

You are correct that zero is an integer, and that it is neither positive nor negative. I'd like to help you out with this question, but it would be useful to see the full problem. Can you please let me know where you found it? If it is in a book, please specify which book and page number, and if it is in a CAT, please let me know the question ID at the bottom of the screen. I'll be happy to check out the question and get back to you! Thanks!

Best,
Jennifer

Dimshek · Answer

JenniferAtKaplan 
I am using the example from page 674: "In-Format Question: Absolute Value on the GMAT" 
Kaplan GMAT Premier 2015.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Dimshek,

Are you sure you've read/transcribed this question correctly? If the prompt was really about 'positive' answers only, then the Absolute Value symbol wouldn't even be necessary.

Did the prompt as for the POSSIBLE integer solutions OR the POSITIVE integer solutions?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Dimshek · Answer

The exact question is posted below:

"How many positive integer values are there for x , if x|4x-3| < 6 ? "

Options: 
A: One
B: Two
C: Three 
D: Four 
E: Five

Correct answer: Quote "The possible integer values of x such that – 3/4 < x < 9/4 are 0, 1, and 2. Answer choice (C) is correct."

My initial answer was B, two; however, it seems that I got something wrong... Will appreciate any help in this one. I want to understand if in the GMAT, zero shall be considered a positive integer value to avoid this mistake in future.

JenniferAtKaplan · Answer

Hi Dimshek,

I have checked my copy of GMAT Premier 2015, and in this copy the question is worded "How many possible integer values are there for x, if |4x - 3| < 6?", which is how it is supposed to appear. I will add that your reasoning in saying that only two of the possible integers were positive was correct. 1 and 2 are positive, while 0 is not. When the question asks for all possible integers, however, 0 is counted and the correct answer is (C) Three.

To address your greater concern about whether you need to reconsider how you evaluate 0 for the GMAT, the answer is that 0 will always be considered an integer, but it is neutral and neither positive nor negative. I hope this sets your mind at ease so you can continue focusing on reaching your goals in your GMAT studies!

Best,
Jennifer

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Dimshek,

It sounds like your copy of that book must have a typo in it (that happens with large print books; my guess is that there are plenty of other 'errata errors' in that book). The explanation properly answers the 'original' prompt, so you can go off of that explanation.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Kaplan prep controversy

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