If b is an integer greater than 1, ab=?
1) b^a=1
2) b=2
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If b is an integer greater than 1, ab=?
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- Max@Math Revolution
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- Brent@GMATPrepNow
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Target question: What is the value of ab?Max@Math Revolution wrote:If b is an integer greater than 1, then ab = ?
1) b^a = 1
2) b = 2
Given: b is an integer greater than 1
Statement 1: b^a = 1
There are 3 possible cases to consider:
case a: b = 1 and a is any number
case b: b = -1 and a is an even integer
case c: b = any number and a = 0
Since we're told that b is an integer greater than 1, we can rule out cases a and b, which means it MUST be the case that a = 0, in which case ab = 0
Since we can answer the target question with certainty, statement 1 is SUFFICIENT
Statement 2: b = 2
Since we have no information about the value of a, we cannot determine the value of ab
Since we cannot answer the target question with certainty, statement 2 is NOT SUFFICIENT
Answer = A
Cheers,
Brent
- Max@Math Revolution
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Since there are 2 variables in the original condition, there is a high chance that C is the correct answer. However, we have to apply the common mistake type 4(A) since it is an integer question, one of key questions. In case of con 1), since we have a=0, we get ab=0. The answer is unique and the condition is sufficient. Hence, the correct answer is A.
- Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. In DS, Variable approach is the easiest and quickest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember equal number of variables and independent equations ensures a solution.
- Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. In DS, Variable approach is the easiest and quickest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember equal number of variables and independent equations ensures a solution.
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