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ugimba
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What is the value of (-1)^{g^4 + g - 1} ? 1. g is an Updated on: 13 Dec 2013, 07:08
Originally posted by ugimba on 21 Dec 2008, 09:55.
Last edited by Bunuel on 13 Dec 2013, 07:08, edited 2 times in total.
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If \(g\) is an integer what is the value of \((-1)^{g^4 - 1}\) ?

(1) \(g^2<{1}\)
(2) \(g^2+2 g=0\)

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What is the value of (-1)^{g^4 + g - 1} ? 1. g is an 19 Dec 2012, 06:40
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ugimba
What is the value of \((-1)^{g^4 + g - 1}\) ?

1. \(g\) is an integer
2. \(g\) is even

Show SpoilerOA
D
Source: GMAT Club Tests - hardest GMAT questions

shouldn't we consider negative values for option 1? ( 'g' is integer)? in this case, then A wont fit right?
Show more

BELOW IS REVISED VERSION OF THIS QUESTION:
If \(g\) is an integer what is the value of \((-1)^{g^4 - 1}\) ?

(1) \(g^2<{1}\)
(2) \(g^2+2 g=0\)

SOLUTION:
(1) \(g^2<{1}\) --> since \(g\) is an integer then \(g=0\). Sufficient to calculate the value of \((-1)^{g^4 - 1}\).

(2) \(g^2+2g=0\) --> \(g(g+2)=0\) --> \(g=0\) or \(g=-2\). Since both possible values of \(g\) are even then \((-1)^{even^4 - 1}=(-1)^{even-1}=(-1)^{odd}=-1\). Sufficient.

Answer: D.
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What is the value of (-1)^{g^4 + g - 1} ? 1. g is an 19 Dec 2012, 17:14
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good question really tricky, i went on select B in hurry
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What is the value of (-1)^{g^4 + g - 1} ? 1. g is an 19 Dec 2012, 17:19
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Bunuel
ugimba
What is the value of \((-1)^{g^4 + g - 1}\) ?

1. \(g\) is an integer
2. \(g\) is even

Show SpoilerOA
D
Source: GMAT Club Tests - hardest GMAT questions

shouldn't we consider negative values for option 1? ( 'g' is integer)? in this case, then A wont fit right?

BELOW IS REVISED VERSION OF THIS QUESTION:
If \(g\) is an integer what is the value of \((-1)^{g^4 - 1}\) ?

(1) \(g^2<{1}\)
(2) \(g^2+2 g=0\)

SOLUTION:
(1) \(g^2<{1}\) --> since \(g\) is an integer then \(g=0\). Sufficient to calculate the value of \((-1)^{g^4 - 1}\).

(2) \(g^2+2g=0\) --> \(g(g+2)=0\) --> \(g=0\) or \(g=-2\). Since both possible values of \(g\) are even then \((-1)^{even^4 - 1}=(-1)^{even-1}=(-1)^{odd}=-1\). Sufficient.

Answer: D.
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Superb question, since g^2<1 g cannot have any value except zero had it been g<1 than the answer would have been B

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