a, b, c, and d are rational numbers and -1, a, b, 0, c, d, 1 are on the number line in that or

This topic has expert replies
User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 3991
Joined: Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:28 am
Location: Las Vegas, USA
Thanked: 19 times
Followed by:37 members

Timer

00:00

Your Answer

A

B

C

D

E

Global Stats

[GMAT math practice question]

a, b, c, and d are rational numbers and -1, a, b, 0, c, d, 1 are on the number line in that order. From greatest to least, what is the order of 1/a, 1/b, 1/c, and 1/d?

A. 1/a > 1/b > 1/c > 1/d
B. 1/a > 1/b > 1/d > 1/c
C. 1/d > 1/c > 1/a > 1/b
D. 1/c > 1/d > 1/a > 1/b
E. 1/d > 1/c > 1/b > 1/a
Source: — Problem Solving |

User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 3991
Joined: Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:28 am
Location: Las Vegas, USA
Thanked: 19 times
Followed by:37 members
=>

When we put a = -1/2, b = -1/3, c = 1/3, and d = 1/2, we have 1/a = -2, 1/b = -3, 1/c = 3, and 1/d = 2.
Thus, we have 1/c > 1/d > 1/a > 1/b.

Therefore, D is the correct answer.
Answer: D