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BlueDragon2010
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which cannot be the value
Source: Beat The GMAT — Problem Solving |
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Patrick_GMATFix
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Be careful that you're not answer "which cannot be the value of x" since that is not the question. In short, the fraction can never equal 0 because for a fraction to equal 0, the numerator must be 0. The solution below is taken from the GMATFix App.
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GMAT/MBA Expert
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Brent@GMATPrepNow
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1/(x-1) CANNOT equal 0.BlueDragon2010 wrote:Which of the following CANNOT be a value of 1/(x-1) ?
A) -1
B) 0
C) 2/3
D) 1
E) 2
A fraction equals zero ONLY IF the numerator equals zero.
Since the numerator in 1/(x-1) equals 1, the fraction cannot equal 0
Answer: B
Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
GMAT/MBA Expert
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Brent@GMATPrepNow
- GMAT Instructor
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If we don't happen to spot the fast approach (my last post), we can always test each answer choice.BlueDragon2010 wrote:Which of the following CANNOT be a value of 1/(x-1) ?
A) -1
B) 0
C) 2/3
D) 1
E) 2
A) Can 1/(x-1) = -1?
Let's solve it for x.
Multiply both sides by (x-1) to get: 1 = (-1)(x-1)
Divide both sides by -1 to get: -1 = x-1
Add 1 to both sides to get x = 0
So, when x = 0, 1/(x-1) = -1
Since it IS POSSIBLE for 1/(x-1) to equal -1, we can ELIMINATE A
B) Can 1/(x-1) = 0?
Let's solve it for x.
Multiply both sides by (x-1) to get: 1 = 0
Hmmmmm, this is a problem.
It appears that the equation 1/(x-1) = 0 cannot be solved.
So, it must be IMPOSSIBLE for 1/(x-1) to equal 0
The correct answer must be B
Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
