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

Redeem

experts plz help

Expert replies
Source: — Problem Solving |

by gmatboost » Sat Aug 06, 2011 6:18 am
They all have 1 solution. In fact, the first three are the same equation:
-3 - x = -3x

I suspect there may be an issue of some sort with the parentheses.
The only way an equation of this sort can have no solution is if there is the same "amount of x" on both sides. Something like: 2x + 3 = 2x + 5

Then, 3 = 5, which is never true.
Greg Michnikov, Founder of GMAT Boost

GMAT Boost offers 250+ challenging GMAT Math practice questions, each with a thorough video explanation, and 100+ GMAT Math video tips, each 90 seconds or less.
It's a total of 20+ hours of expert instruction for an introductory price of just $10.
View sample questions and tips without signing up, or sign up now for full access.


Also, check out the most useful GMAT Math blog on the internet here.
Join the discussion

by GmatKiss » Sat Aug 06, 2011 7:45 am
IMO: E

3X=3X
3x-3x=0
0=0

No solution!
Join the discussion

by Tani » Sat Aug 06, 2011 12:15 pm
You are reading E as 3x = (-3)*(-x), but that is not how it is given.

The problem shows 3x=(-3)-x, removing the parentheses 3x = -3-x

Even if you got 3x = 3x then you would have an infinite number of solutions. In other words, your equation would be correct no matter what value you used for x.
Tani Wolff
Join the discussion