GMAT Math

In the figure shown, what is the value of X?

1. QR=RS

2. ST=TU[/img]

haidgmat wrote:

In the figure shown, what is the value of X?

1. QR=RS

2. ST=TU[/img]

I was asked by PM to comment.

Neither statement alone is sufficient to determine the value of x. When we combine the two statements, here's an efficient way to determine whether we have sufficient information:

1. Plug in values for all the angle measurements, following the conditions in the problem and the rules of geometry.
2. Determine the value of x.
3. Plug in different values for all the angle measurements, still following the conditions in the problem and the rules of geometry.
3. Determine the value of x.

If the value of x stays the same, we have sufficient information.
If the value of x changes, we have insufficient information.

The image below shows two sets of angle measurements that satisfy both the rules of geometry and the information given in the two statements:

∠PRT + ∠PTR = 90 because triangle PRT is a right triangle.
Since QR=RS, ∠RQS = ∠RSQ.
Since ST=TU, ∠UST = ∠SUT.
Since the sum of angles that form a straight line is 180, x = 180 - ∠RQS - ∠UST.



In each case, x=45. Thus, when the two statements are combined, we know that x=45 and that the two statements combined are sufficient.

The correct answer is C.

Thanks Mitch! couldn't have explained it better!

GMATGuruNY wrote:

haidgmat wrote:

In the figure shown, what is the value of X?

1. QR=RS

2. ST=TU[/img]

I was asked by PM to comment.

Neither statement alone is sufficient to determine the value of x. When we combine the two statements, here's an efficient way to determine whether we have sufficient information:

1. Plug in values for all the angle measurements, following the conditions in the problem and the rules of geometry.
2. Determine the value of x.
3. Plug in different values for all the angle measurements, still following the conditions in the problem and the rules of geometry.
3. Determine the value of x.

If the value of x stays the same, we have sufficient information.
If the value of x changes, we have insufficient information.

The image below shows two sets of angle measurements that satisfy both the rules of geometry and the information given in the two statements:

∠PRT + ∠PTR = 90 because triangle PRT is a right triangle.
Since QR=RS, ∠RQS = ∠RSQ.
Since ST=TU, ∠UST = ∠SUT.
Since the sum of angles that form a straight line is 180, x = 180 - ∠RQS - ∠UST.



In each case, x=45. Thus, when the two statements are combined, we know that x=45 and that the two statements combined are sufficient.

The correct answer is C.

Mitch Hunt excellent approach ...even i thought at first glance about 180 degree straight line but then after spending sometime on it i came to a conclusion that its E.

But yes great way to solve this........