Given how many prep books say that diagrams are always to scale on the GMAT unless stated otherwise, I imagine that was true at some point in the history of the test. As the question above illustrates, it's not true any more. If you want to estimate something from a diagram, be sure to draw the diagram yourself based on available information.
Ian, thanks for your reply.
The OGs (both the (orange) general and the Math review, last available editions) have a piece of text before the PS sections (not the DS ones) stating, I quote:
"A figure accompanying a PS question is intended to provide information useful in solving the problem. Figures are drawn as accurately as possible EXCEPT when it is stated in a specific problem that its figure is not drawn to scale. Straight lines may appear jagged. All figures lie in a plane unless otherwise indicated"
They clearly say that these directions are very similar to those encountered at the real test. They even advise people to read the instructions carefully and understand them clearly before sitting the real GMAT so that you don't have to spend too much time reading them on test day.
This is consistent with the info I've come across in pretty much every prep book I've worked with so far.
Assuming this is not true would actually imply the OG is putting out somewhat misleading information. I can't imagine that's the case.
Any thoughts?
