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

Hard Data Question: 9^x + 9^-x = b?

Expert replies
by abcdefg » Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:21 am
This is from OG Review 11th edition p. 290, #142.

If X is an integer, is 9^x + 9^-x = b?
2) x> 0 = b.

The book says that the second condition "x > 0 = b" is not sufficient because it gives no information about the relationship between x and b.

However I see it as this: "9^b + 1/(9^b) = b". This equation can't happen so it does answer the question posed. Thus the second condition is sufficient.

Anyone know what's up? Thanks!
Join the discussion
Source: — Data Sufficiency |

by rajshree.misra » Wed Jun 24, 2009 8:07 am
I agree with you. Anyone else with a different idea?
Join the discussion

Re: Hard Data Question: 9^x + 9^-x = b?

by Ian Stewart » Wed Jun 24, 2009 9:46 am
abcdefg wrote:
2) x> 0 = b.

The book says that the second condition "x > 0 = b" is not sufficient because it gives no information about the relationship between x and b.
That's not what the book says; Statement 2 of that question simply reads 'x > 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
Join the discussion

by abcdefg » Wed Jun 24, 2009 2:22 pm
hmmm really? I'm looking at the page right now and it's showing me "x > 0 = b". I have OG 11th edition published in 2005. p. 290.

This isnt the first time where something like this has happened in my book. i wonder what's going on. Thanks for the info!
Join the discussion

by Ian Stewart » Wed Jun 24, 2009 4:14 pm
Perhaps you have one of the early printings of OG11, which had a few typos. If you search google for Official Guide corrections, there's an official pdf file that lists the errors. I don't recall seeing the one from this question on that list, however.
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
Join the discussion

by dmateer25 » Wed Jun 24, 2009 4:42 pm
I have the same edition. It does indeed say x > 0 = b.

I don't see it in the corrections I printed out either.
Join the discussion