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

Redeem

simple algebra problem

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 659
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:12 am
Thanked: 32 times
Followed by:3 members

simple algebra problem

by Gurpinder » Thu Jul 08, 2010 12:11 pm
hey guys,

i dont know what i am doing wrong with this one

if 2x is 12 less than the sum of 6x and 4y, then x+y = ?
____________________________________________________

the eq should be 2x = (6x+4y) - 12 ??? right ???

if i solve for x - shouldnt it equal x = (-4y + 12) / 4

and now i am lost...
Top
Source: — Problem Solving |
User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 294
Joined: Wed May 05, 2010 4:01 am
Location: india
Thanked: 57 times

by amising6 » Thu Jul 08, 2010 12:17 pm
Gurpinder wrote:hey guys,

i dont know what i am doing wrong with this one

if 2x is 12 less than the sum of 6x and 4y, then x+y = ?
____________________________________________________

the eq should be 2x = (6x+4y) - 12 ??? right ???

if i solve for x - shouldnt it equal x = (-4y + 12) / 4

and now i am lost...
2x=6x+4y+12
this should be equation
let leave 12 less part we would have 2x=6x+4y
now this 2x is 12 less so this means 6x+4y is 12 more so add 12
solve it now
Ideation without execution is delusion
Top
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 46
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2009 8:02 am
Thanked: 1 times

by deepak_free » Thu Jul 08, 2010 12:21 pm
You are right

2x = (6x+4y) - 12
which means

6x + 4y - 2x - 12 =0

(6x - 2x) + 4y = 12

4x + 4y = 12

4(x + y) = 12

x+y = 12/4 = 3
Top
User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 15539
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pm
Location: New York, NY
Thanked: 13060 times
Followed by:1906 members
GMAT Score:790

by GMATGuruNY » Thu Jul 08, 2010 12:24 pm
Gurpinder wrote:hey guys,

i dont know what i am doing wrong with this one

if 2x is 12 less than the sum of 6x and 4y, then x+y = ?
____________________________________________________

the eq should be 2x = (6x+4y) - 12 ??? right ???

if i solve for x - shouldnt it equal x = (-4y + 12) / 4

and now i am lost...
When a question asks for the value of weird expression such as x+y, try to solve for the weird expression, not for the individual variables.

Your translation of words into math was perfect:

2x = (6x+4y) - 12

Now let's solve for x+y:

2x = (6x+4y) - 12
0 = 4x + 4y - 12
12 = 4x + 4y
3 = x + y

Success! x +y = 3.
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
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 659
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:12 am
Thanked: 32 times
Followed by:3 members

by Gurpinder » Thu Jul 08, 2010 12:31 pm
thank youuuu deepak and GMATGURU.......i get it.....thx alot
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1