| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
MaleInNC2007 Just gettin' started!
Joined: 22 Oct 2006 Posts: 6
Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 times in 0 posts
|
Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 8:06 pm Post subject: Error in OG Data Sufficiency Book - check my math |
|
|
I have issues with the following Data Sufficiency problem in
the OG 11 edition. I also have a question at the bottom.
Problem 132 (answer on page 331)
If the integer n is greater than 1, is n equal to 2?
(1)n has exactly two positive factors.
(2)The difference of any two positive distinct factors of n is odd.
n can be any prime number.
(2)I say not sufficient. n could be 6 or 2.
The factors of 6 are 1, 2, and 3.
3-2 = 1; 2-1 = 1; both 3-2 and
2-1 are the difference of any two positive factors of n and both are odd
satisfying the requirements of (2); n could also be 2; the factors of
2 are 1 and 2; 2-1 = 1 which is odd
Thus, n could be 2 or 6; not
sufficient
Using both (1) and (2) it would leave the only number possible as 2 thus the answer is C
The OG says (2) is sufficient. I disagree for the
aforementioned reasons.
The answer in the book is subtracting n with the distinct factor. It states that if n is greater than 2 and n is odd, then 1 and n are factors of n,
and their difference is even. Also, if n
is greater than 2 and n is even, then 2 and n are factors, and the difference is even. Even using this logic, using 6 = n can still
result in satisfying (2) For example,
6-3 = 3; 3 is odd thus giving 6 and 2 as possible answers.
(2) asks for the difference of any two positive distinct factors though, not the difference between n and the factors. I believe the answer to this
problem in the OG is wrong.
Also, another question:
is zero an integer?
I say yes. I cannot remember the problem but it required an integer, and when zero was used, the answer I obtained was different than the answer in the OG. I am curious if the GMAT doesn’t consider zero to be an integer. I’m reviewing for the GMAT next Monday and if I can find the problem I will post it. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
|
|
beatthegmat Founder

Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Posts: 3303
Thanks given: 28 Thanked 142 times in 97 posts
Location: California GMAT Score: 720
|
Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 12:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
With regard to your second question--whether zero is an integer--please see my GMAT Flashcards: I believe you can find the answer there.
http://www.beatthegmat.com/viewtopic.php?t=32 _________________ Eric
Discounts on Kaplan, Princeton Review, Manhattan GMAT, Veritas Prep, and Stacy Blackman Consulting - see the links at the top of the page for more info.
Learn more about me |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
MaleInNC2007 Just gettin' started!
Joined: 22 Oct 2006 Posts: 6
Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 times in 0 posts
|
Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 4:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
colinbendell Just gettin' started!
Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 4
Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 times in 0 posts
|
Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 10:43 pm Post subject: Re: Error in OG Data Sufficiency Book - check my math |
|
|
| MaleInNC2007 wrote: |
The factors of 6 are 1, 2, and 3.
|
The Factors of 6 are actually 1, 2, 3 and 6.
Notice that the statement does not imply only prime factors - all factors are valid. Therefore if you take any two factors you could come up with 6 - 2 which of course is a positive and therefore does not qualify for statement #2.
The answer in the OG is correct. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
coachy Just gettin' started!
Joined: 11 Feb 2007 Posts: 3
Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 times in 0 posts
|
Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 5:06 pm Post subject: OG 131 maths |
|
|
You are right. I was confused about this question. And it suddenly dawned on me that I have to consider the statement 2 as true and evaluate if n can be 2. I was trying to prove the statement 2 as wrong but I guess that is what DS practice is about. I have to keep on reminding myself that the statement 1 and 2 are universal truths. _________________ gogmat |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
|
|
Tame the CAT Rising GMAT Star
Joined: 04 Mar 2007 Posts: 46
Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 times in 0 posts
|
Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 5:37 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| 3-1 is even. So it cannot be 6. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You cannot attach files in this forum You cannot download files in this forum
|
|
"GMAT" and other GMAC™ trademarks are registered trademarks of the Graduate Management Admission Council™. The Graduate Management Admission Council™ does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content on this website. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author or those of the members of this website. Copyright © 2008 BTG Test Prep, LLC. Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group.
|
|