If y and x are numbers such that x + y = 17 . . . .

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M7MBA: Moderator; Posts: 2058; Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2017 4:24 amFollowed by: 5 members; Thanked: 1 times

by M7MBA » Sun Nov 19, 2017 8:10 am

If y and x are numbers such that x + y = 17 and 2x - y = 6, what is the value of x/2?

A. 23/6
B. 11/2
C. 23/3
D. 11
E. 23

The OA is A .

Experts, what is the fastest way to solve this PS question? Thanks.

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Problem Solving | Sun Nov 19, 2017 8:10 am

EconomistGMATTutor: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 555; Joined: Wed Oct 04, 2017 4:18 pmFollowed by: 12 members; Thanked: 180 times

Answer

by EconomistGMATTutor » Sun Nov 19, 2017 9:43 am

Hello M7MBA.

The fastest way to solve this PS question is adding both equations.

Adding $$x+y=17\ and\ 2x-y=6$$ you will get $$3x=23,\ so\ x=\frac{23}{3}.$$ Now, we only have to divide by 2. Hence, $$\frac{x}{2}=\frac{\frac{23}{3}}{2}=\frac{23}{6}.$$ Then, the correct answer is A .

I hope this explanation may help you.

There are other ways to solve it, but it is the fastest (and easiest).

I'm available if you'd like a follow up.

Regards.

GMAT Prep From The Economist
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Jeff@TargetTestPrep: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 1462; Joined: Thu Apr 09, 2015 9:34 amFollowed by: 22 members; Location: New York, NY; Thanked: 39 times

by Jeff@TargetTestPrep » Mon Dec 11, 2017 6:40 am

M7MBA wrote:If y and x are numbers such that x + y = 17 and 2x - y = 6, what is the value of x/2?

A. 23/6
B. 11/2
C. 23/3
D. 11
E. 23

We can add the two given equations together and we have:
(x + y = 17)
+ (2x - y = 6)
3x = 23

x = 23/3

Thus, x/2 = (23/3)/2 = 23/6.

Answer: A

Jeffrey Miller
Head of GMAT Instruction
[email protected]

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