gmatpapa
If m is a positive integer, is the value of \(p + q\) at least twice the value of \(3^m + 4^m\)?
(1) \(p = 3^(m+1)\) and \(q = 2^(2m+1)\)
(2) \(m = 4\)
When I look at the question, I first say to myself, "I definitely need stmnt 1 since I don't know what p and q are." The only point is whether stmnt 2 is required or not since if I have value of m as well, I get the values of all the variables and the answer becomes an easy C. But then, easy C's are generally trickier than they let on. So let me try to see if stmtn 1 alone is sufficient.
\(p + q\) = \(3^{m+1} + 2^{2m+1}\)
In the question stem, \(4^m = 2^{2m}\)
Question: Is \(3^{m+1} + 2^{2m+1}\) at least twice of \(3^m + 2^{2m}?\)
or Is \(3*3^m + 2*2^{2m}\) at least twice of \(3^m + 2^{2m}?\)
Now, if m is a positive integer, can I say
\(2*3^m + 2*2^{2m}\) is twice of \(3^m + 2^{2m}?\) Yes!
Then \(3*3^m + 2*2^{2m}\) is certainly more than twice of \(3^m + 2^{2m}\), isn't it?
It is. Hence stmnt 1 is sufficient. Answer (A)