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

Redeem

On the number line, if w>xw>x, yy is the midpoint betw

Expert replies
by alanforde800Maximus » Mon Oct 03, 2016 8:47 pm
On the number line, if w>x, y is the mid point between w and z, and x is twice as far from z as it is from w, then (w-y)/(z-x) could equal which of the following?


a) -2
b) -1/4
c) 0
d) 1/4
e) 3/2

Please assist with above problem.
Join the discussion
Source: — Problem Solving |

by [email protected] » Tue Oct 04, 2016 9:55 am
Hi alanforde800Maximus,

This question can be solved by TESTing VALUES. Notice that the prompt asks for what COULD be the value of that fraction - this implies that there's more than one possible answer (and many Test Takers would probably first come up with an answer that isn't among the 5 choices). I'm going to give you a hint so that you can re-attempt it on your own:

Try choosing a Z that is GREATER than W

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at [email protected]
Image
Join the discussion

by crackverbal » Wed Oct 05, 2016 4:02 am
Hi Alan,

Let's draw out in the number line to understand this better,

Image

This is a typical "COULD-BE" question in GMAT. So Plug-In

Could be - Is it true for anyone set of values.

So all you need to do, pick one set of values check whether it matches anyone answer choice.

Let x =8, w = 10 then z = 12 and y = 11.

So the ratio of (w-y)/(z-x) =(- ¼)

Here the key is "w is the midpoint of x and z".

So the answer is B.

You need not worry about whether the answer will change if we take the negative values.

Remember it is "could be" question so if one option works so then that's the answer.

I hope this is clear.
Join Free 4 part MBA Through GMAT Video Training Series here -
https://gmat.crackverbal.com/mba-throug ... video-2018

Enroll for our GMAT Trial Course here -
https://gmatonline.crackverbal.com/

For more info on GMAT and MBA, follow us on @AskCrackVerbal
Join the discussion