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

Redeem

If x and y are positive integers, are x and y consecutive?

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 3991
Joined: Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:28 am
Location: Las Vegas, USA
Thanked: 19 times
Followed by:37 members

If x and y are positive integers, are x and y consecutive?

by Max@Math Revolution » Wed Jun 12, 2019 12:16 am

Timer

00:00

Your Answer

A

B

C

D

E

Global Stats

[GMAT math practice question]

If x and y are positive integers, are x and y consecutive?

1) x+y=3
2) xy=2
Top
Source: — Data Sufficiency |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 16207
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC
Thanked: 5254 times
Followed by:1268 members
GMAT Score:770

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Wed Jun 12, 2019 4:34 am

Timer

00:00

Your Answer

A

B

C

D

E

Global Stats

Max@Math Revolution wrote:[GMAT math practice question]

If x and y are positive integers, are x and y consecutive?

1) x+y=3
2) xy=2
Given: x and y are positive integers

Target question: Are x and y consecutive?

Statement 1: x+y=3
Since x+y=3 are x positive integers, we know that one number must be 1 and the other number must be 2.
The answer to the target question is YES, x and y ARE consecutive
Since we can answer the target question with certainty, statement 1 is SUFFICIENT

Statement 2: xy=2
Since x+y=3 are x positive integers, we know that one number must be 1 and the other number must be 2.
The answer to the target question is YES, x and y ARE consecutive
Since we can answer the target question with certainty, statement 2 is SUFFICIENT

Answer: D

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
Image
Top
User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 3991
Joined: Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:28 am
Location: Las Vegas, USA
Thanked: 19 times
Followed by:37 members

by Max@Math Revolution » Thu Jun 13, 2019 10:49 pm

Timer

00:00

Your Answer

A

B

C

D

E

Global Stats

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question. We should simplify conditions if necessary.

Since x and y are positive integers, condition 1) tells us that either x = 1 and y = 2, or x = 2 and y= 1. Thus, x and y are consecutive integers.

Since x and y are positive integers, condition 2 tells us that either x = 1 and y = 2, or x = 2 and y= 1. Thus, x and y are consecutive integers.

Therefore, D is the answer.

Note: Tip 1) of the VA method states that D is most likely to be the answer if condition 1) gives the same information as condition 2).
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1