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

Redeem

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.

★★★★★5.0559 reviews
GMATLiveTeach 7 seats left
Chris Peckover
NEXT LIVE COHORT

Oct 13 to Jan 7, 2027

with Chris Peckover

Schedule
Tue, Thu · 8:00 to 10:00 PM ET
Included
40 live hours + 6 months of GMAT OnDemand
  • Live instruction and real-time questions
  • Class recordings and assigned practice
View class & enroll
Limited cohort · enrollment openTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeach 5 seats left
Logan Thompson
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Sep 6 to Dec 6, 2026

with Logan Thompson

Schedule
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
Live EA class + 6 months of EA OnDemand
  • Expert-led weekly online sessions
  • EA Masterclass access between classes
View EA class & enroll
Limited cohort · enrollment openTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemand Start anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

130-point score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions

Compare the format, schedule, and included access before enrolling. Prices and seat counts shown reflect the supplied offer details.

GMATPrep xy + z = x(y+z)

Expert replies
by shilotilo » Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:55 pm
Hi,
Firstly, I have done a search and I couldn't find this question. (I searched for both "xy+z" and "x(y+z)" )
Secondly, I apologise if it is a silly question BUT ...
I ended up getting each of the options other than d as a “must be true”, so obviously I have missed out something basic in my Quant studies. Can someone please tell me what’s wrong with my calculations?

The question is:

If xy + z = x(y+z), which must be true?---

1) x=0 and z=0

substituting the values of x and z in the stem’s equation,
0*y + 0 = 0( y + 0)
and so 0=0 ….. True

2) x=1 and y = 1

substituting the values of x and y in the equation, we get
1*1 +z =1(1+z) and from there,
1+z =1+z …. True

3)y=1 and z =0
substituting the values of y and z in the equation, we get
x*1 +0 =x(1+0)
and so x = x….. True

4)x=0 or y=0
substituting the value of x, we get
0*y +z= 0(y+z)
and so, z=0, which may or may not be true…… so discarded.

5)x=1 or z=0 (official answer)


Thanks.
Shilo
Join the discussion
Source: — Problem Solving |

Re: GMATPrep xy + z = x(y+z)

by Stuart@KaplanGMAT » Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:44 pm
shilotilo wrote:Hi,
Firstly, I have done a search and I couldn't find this question. (I searched for both "xy+z" and "x(y+z)" )
Secondly, I apologise if it is a silly question BUT ...
I ended up getting each of the options other than d as a “must be true”, so obviously I have missed out something basic in my Quant studies. Can someone please tell me what’s wrong with my calculations?

The question is:

If xy + z = x(y+z), which must be true?---
The problem is with your interpretation of the question.

When a question asks "which of the following MUST" be true, we're looking for the option that's true in every possible case.

You interpreted the question as "which of the following COULD be true." Let's look at (a) as an example:
1) x=0 and z=0

substituting the values of x and z in the stem’s equation,
0*y + 0 = 0( y + 0)
and so 0=0 ….. True
You've shown that x and z COULD each equal 0. However, if we let x, y and z all = 1, we get:

1*1 + 1 = 1(1+1)
2 = 2

which also works.

As an aside, this question is a lot easier if you simplify the first equation:

xy + z = x(y+z)
xy + z = xy + xz
z = xz
z - xz = 0
z(1 - x) = 0

and we now know that either:

z = 0 or 1 - x = 0
z = 0 or x = 1

which is (e).
Image

Stuart Kovinsky | Kaplan GMAT Faculty | Toronto

Kaplan Exclusive: The Official Test Day Experience | Ready to Take a Free Practice Test? | Kaplan/Beat the GMAT Member Discount
BTG100 for $100 off a full course
Join the discussion

by shilotilo » Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:32 pm
Thanks Stuart !

:)
Join the discussion