Problem Solving

lionsshare wrote:

In the figure above, the coordinates of point V are

(A) (-7,5)
(B) (-5,7)
(C) (5,7)
(D) (7,5)
(E) (7,-5)

OA: E

Hello, Experts. Please help explain what's the best approach to solving this problem. Thanks!

Hi lionsshare,

I think you need to study basics of coordinate geometry. This question only tests your ability to read the coordinates of a point.

In a coordinate plane, a point can be fixed with the help of two dimensions, called coordinates. x-coordinate tells how far horizontally a point is there from the origin, while y-coordinate tells how far (up/down) vertically a point is there from the origin.

Thus, point V has two coordinates: x and y. The standard convention is to write x-coordinate and then y-coordinate: (x, y).

We see that point V is horizontally 7 points far towards the positive direction of the x-axis (Moving towards right from the origin is a positive direction while moving towards left is negative). From the markings on the x-axis, we find that the x-coordinate is 7 (positive 7).

Similarly, we see that point V is vertically 5 points down towards the negative direction of the y-axis (Moving up from the origin is a positive direction while moving down is negative). From the markings on the y-axis, we find that the y-coordinate is -5 (negative 5).

Thus, the coordinates of point V are (7, -5).

The correct answer: E

Hope this helps!

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Hi lionsshare ,

Sometimes, the answers to GMAT questions are designed so that you can use them 'against' the prompt and avoid having to do some excess work. Here, we can see from the graph that Point V has a POSITIVE X co-ordinate and a NEGATIVE Y co-ordinate. There's only one answer that matches those details....

Final Answer: E

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

lionsshare wrote:

In the figure above, the coordinates of point V are

(A) (-7,5)
(B) (-5,7)
(C) (5,7)
(D) (7,5)
(E) (7,-5)

Looking at the diagram we can count 7 places to the right, so the x-coordinate of V is 7, and we can count 5 places down, making the y-coordinate of V equal to -5. So V is at (7, -5).

Answer: E