BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

99,999^2 - 1^2......

Expert replies
by Vincen » Wed Jan 24, 2018 8:42 am
$$99,999^2-1^2=$$

A. 10^10 - 2
B. (10^5 - 2)^2
C. 10^4(10^5 - 2)
D. 10^5(10^4 - 2)
E. 10^5(10^5 - 2)

The OA is the option E.

How can I solve this PS question fast? Is there a fast way? Thanks in advanced.
Join the discussion
Source: — Problem Solving |

Difference of two squares

by GMATGuruNY » Wed Jan 24, 2018 9:12 am
Vincen wrote:$$99,999^2-1^2=$$

A. 10^10 - 2
B. (10^5 - 2)^2
C. 10^4(10^5 - 2)
D. 10^5(10^4 - 2)
E. 10^5(10^5 - 2)
One approach:
99,999 = 100,000 - 1 = 10� - 1.

Thus:
99,999² - 1²

= (10� - 1)² - 1²

= (10�)² - 2(10�)(1) + 1² - 1²

= (10�)² - 2(10�)

= 10�(10� - 2).

The correct answer is E.

Alternate approach:
a² - b² = (a+b)(a-b).

Thus:
99,999² - 1²

= (99,999 + 1)(99,999 - 1)

= (100,000)(99,998)

= (10�)(10� - 2).
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.

As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.

For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
Join the discussion

by Jeff@TargetTestPrep » Mon Jan 29, 2018 9:49 am
Vincen wrote:$$99,999^2-1^2=$$

A. 10^10 - 2
B. (10^5 - 2)^2
C. 10^4(10^5 - 2)
D. 10^5(10^4 - 2)
E. 10^5(10^5 - 2)
We can use the difference of squares, and we have:

(99,999 + 1)(99,999 - 1)

100,000 x 99,998

10^5 x 99,998

10^5(10^5 - 2)

Answer: E

Jeffrey Miller
Head of GMAT Instruction
[email protected]

Image

See why Target Test Prep is rated 5 out of 5 stars on BEAT the GMAT. Read our reviews
Join the discussion