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

Redeem

If xy + z = x(y + z), which of the following must be true?

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Source: — Problem Solving |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 16207
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC
Thanked: 5254 times
Followed by:1268 members
GMAT Score:770

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Tue Sep 10, 2019 6:19 pm
BTGmoderatorDC wrote:If xy + z = x(y + z), which of the following must be true?

A. x=0 and y=0
B. x=1 and y=1
C. y=1 and z=0
D. x=1 or y=0
E. x=1 or z=0

OA E

Source: GMAT Prep
The key word here is must.

Take, for example, consider answer choice A.
While it's possible that x = 0 and z = 0, it need not be the case.
For example, x=1, y=1 and z=1 is a solution to the equation. So, this eliminates A.

My Approach:
Given: xy+z = x(y+z)
Expand: xy+z = xy + xz
Subtract xy from both sides: z = xz
Rearrange: xz - z = 0
Factor: z(x-1) = 0

This tells us that z = 0 OR x = 1
Answer: E

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
Image
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 8086
Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2015 10:56 am
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Thanked: 43 times
Followed by:29 members

by Scott@TargetTestPrep » Thu Sep 12, 2019 6:17 pm
BTGmoderatorDC wrote:If xy + z = x(y + z), which of the following must be true?

A. x=0 and y=0
B. x=1 and y=1
C. y=1 and z=0
D. x=1 or y=0
E. x=1 or z=0

OA E

Source: GMAT Prep
Simplifying, we have:

xy + z = xy + xz

z = xz

xz - z = 0

z(x - 1) = 0

z = 0 or x = 1

Answer: E

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder and CEO
[email protected]

Image

See why Target Test Prep is rated 5 out of 5 stars on BEAT the GMAT. Read our reviews

ImageImage
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1