Live GMAT classes with Target Test Prep start Nov 21 and Nov 22. First class free.

See classes
Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 winner: Target Test Prep, #1 Test Prep

Target Test Prep was voted #1 Best Test Prep in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards.

★★★★★5.0563 reviews
GMATLiveTeachStarts Nov 22
Josh Braslow, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE CLASSES

Get Ready for GMAT Test Day Faster with Live Online Classes

with Josh Braslow, 20+ years in test prep

Nov 22 · Josh Braslow
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Attend the first class for free
  • Every class is recorded, so you never fall behind
View classes & enroll
Limited seats availableTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeachOnDemandStart anytime
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Target Test Prep EA OnDemand

Self-paced EA prep. Study on your schedule.

EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

with

165+ EA score guarantee
$05-day trial no automatic billing
Schedule
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll Start free 5-day trial
Limited cohort · enrollment openTrial includes full course accessTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemandStart anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions
Start free 5-day trial
Read 563 reviewsTarget Test Prep

GMAT prep DS question

Expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Subscribe topic
Previous Topic Next Topic
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 151
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2008 7:31 am
Thanked: 1 times
by mlane25269 » Sat Jun 28, 2008 2:05 pm
Hi! Can someone explain? Thanks!
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Top
Join the discussion
Source: — Data Sufficiency |
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 132
Joined: Sun Apr 27, 2008 10:31 am
Location: Portugal
Thanked: 7 times

by atlantic » Sun Jun 29, 2008 10:45 am
Hi mlane,

The graph intersects the X axis when y=0.

So (x+a)(x+b)=0 <-> x=-a or x=-b

(1) says that a+b=-1; there are multiple choices for a em b, INSUFF

(2) the graph intersects the Y axis in (0,-6). Any graph intersects the Y axis when x=0 so a*b=-6, again there are multiple choices for a anb b.

(1+2) a+b=-1 and a*b=-6, two equations, two variables, lets see what we get...

b= 2 or b=-3
a=-3 or a=2 so the two points are (x,y)=(-3,2) and (x,y)=(2,-3)

Answer C

Hope it helps
Top
Join the discussion

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 2623
Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2008 3:17 amFollowed by: 355 members
Location: Montreal
Thanked: 1090 times
GMAT Score:780

by Ian Stewart » Sun Jun 29, 2008 12:48 pm
atlantic wrote:(1+2) a+b=-1 and a*b=-6, two equations, two variables, lets see what we get...

b= 2 or b=-3
a=-3 or a=2 so the two points are (x,y)=(-3,2) and (x,y)=(2,-3)

Answer C
You've got the right answer to the question, but something goes a bit wrong from where I've quoted onwards. The question asks us to find the points where y = 0, so the points can't be (-3,2) and (2,-3)!

You are trying to find the values of x where (x+a)(x+b) = 0. We know a+b = -1, ab = -6, so

(x+a)(x+b) = x^2 - x - 6 = (x-3)(x+2)

And the solutions for x are x = 3, x = -2. The x-intercepts are thus (3,0) and (-2, 0).
For online GMAT math tutoring, or to buy my higher-level Quant books and problem sets, contact me at ianstewartgmat at gmail.com

ianstewartgmat.com
Top
Join the discussion