Last visit was: 12 Jul 2025, 03:14 It is currently 12 Jul 2025, 03:14
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
MathRevolution
User avatar
Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Last visit: 27 Sep 2022
Posts: 10,078
Own Kudos:
18,736
 [4]
Given Kudos: 4
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
Posts: 10,078
Kudos: 18,736
 [4]
Kudos
Add Kudos
4
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
niks18
User avatar
Retired Moderator
Joined: 25 Feb 2013
Last visit: 30 Jun 2021
Posts: 873
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 54
Location: India
GPA: 3.82
Products:
Posts: 873
Kudos: 1,707
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
avatar
varundixitmro2512
Joined: 04 Apr 2015
Last visit: 11 Jul 2025
Posts: 76
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 3,991
Posts: 76
Kudos: 302
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
niks18
User avatar
Retired Moderator
Joined: 25 Feb 2013
Last visit: 30 Jun 2021
Posts: 873
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 54
Location: India
GPA: 3.82
Products:
Posts: 873
Kudos: 1,707
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
varundixitmro2512
niks18
MathRevolution
[GMAT math practice question]

What is the median value of the data displayed in the following frequency table?

Attachment:
a.png

\(1) x=2\)
\(2) y=5\)

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.

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


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

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
User avatar
MathRevolution
User avatar
Math Revolution GMAT Instructor
Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Last visit: 27 Sep 2022
Posts: 10,078
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 4
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
GPA: 3.82
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
Posts: 10,078
Kudos: 18,736
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
=>

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
avatar
mb2202
Joined: 24 Mar 2016
Last visit: 24 Jun 2018
Posts: 2
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 45
GMAT 1: 710 Q50 V37
Products:
GMAT 1: 710 Q50 V37
Posts: 2
Kudos: 11
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
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?
User avatar
niks18
User avatar
Retired Moderator
Joined: 25 Feb 2013
Last visit: 30 Jun 2021
Posts: 873
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 54
Location: India
GPA: 3.82
Products:
Posts: 873
Kudos: 1,707
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
mb2202
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?

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.
User avatar
akara2500
Joined: 29 Mar 2015
Last visit: 19 Dec 2022
Posts: 21
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 87
GMAT 1: 590 Q44 V23
GMAT 1: 590 Q44 V23
Posts: 21
Kudos: 3
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Quote:

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

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)
User avatar
bumpbot
User avatar
Non-Human User
Joined: 09 Sep 2013
Last visit: 04 Jan 2021
Posts: 37,376
Own Kudos:
Posts: 37,376
Kudos: 1,010
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello from the GMAT Club BumpBot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.
Moderator:
Math Expert
102637 posts