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

Redeem

n is an integer. Is n(n+2) a multiple of 8?

Expert replies
by Max@Math Revolution » Thu Oct 25, 2018 11:45 pm

Timer

00:00

Answers

A

B

C

D

E

Stats

Difficulty

[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

n is an integer. Is n(n+2) a multiple of 8?

1) n is an even integer
2) n is a multiple of 4
Join the discussion
Source: — Data Sufficiency |

by fskilnik@GMATH » Fri Oct 26, 2018 3:08 am
Max@Math Revolution wrote:[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

n is an integer. Is n(n+2) a multiple of 8?

1) n is an even integer
2) n is a multiple of 4
$${{n\left( {n + 2} \right)} \over 8}\,\,\mathop = \limits^? \,\,{\mathop{\rm int}} \,\,\,\,\,\,\,\left( {n\,\,\,{\mathop{\rm int}} } \right)$$
$$\left( 1 \right)\,\,n\,\,{\rm{even}}\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,{\rm{n = 2M}}{\rm{,}}\,\,\,{\rm{M}}\,\,{\mathop{\rm int}} $$
$${{n\left( {n + 2} \right)} \over 8} = {{2M\left( {2M + 2} \right)} \over 8} = {{4\overbrace {M\left( {M + 1} \right)}^{even\,\, = \,\,2L}} \over 8} = L\,\,\,{\mathop{\rm int}} \,\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\,\,\left\langle {{\rm{YES}}} \right\rangle $$
$$\left( 2 \right)\,\,n = 4K\,\,,\,\,K\,\,{\mathop{\rm int}} $$
$${{n\left( {n + 2} \right)} \over 8} = {{4K\left( {4K + 2} \right)} \over 8} = {{8K\left( {2K + 1} \right)} \over 8} = K\left( {2K + 1} \right)\,\,\,{\mathop{\rm int}} \,\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\,\,\left\langle {{\rm{YES}}} \right\rangle $$

This solution follows the notations and rationale taught in the GMATH method.

Regards,
Fabio.
Fabio Skilnik :: GMATH method creator ( Math for the GMAT)
English-speakers :: https://www.gmath.net
Portuguese-speakers :: https://www.gmath.com.br
Join the discussion

by Max@Math Revolution » Sun Oct 28, 2018 6:10 pm
=>

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question.

Note that the product of two consecutive even integers is a multiple of 8 since one of them is a multiple of 4 and the other is an even integer.

Thus, each of conditions is sufficient since each implies that n and n+2 are two consecutive even integers.

Therefore, D is the answer.
Answer: D
Join the discussion