In the figure, square LMNO has a side of length 2x + 1 and the two smaller squares have sides of length 3 and 6. If the area of the shaded region is 76, what is the value of x ? (please note the shaded region is not inside of the two small squares)
A). 5
B). 6
C). 7
D). 11
E). 14
OA is A
[spoiler]This question is from kaplan. The explanation says that area of square LMNO equals the sum of the shaded area and the area of two small squares. So, after performing some calculations an equation is formed:-
(2x + 1)² = 121
Shortest method now, which i completely agree
2x = 10
x = 5 (ans)
But i took a turn which was long and i thought that i will get the same answer; unfortunately i didn't. Can you please tell me where i am making a mistake in the following method ?
Actually, i solved the quadratic equation. It gives me 6 as the answer.
121 = 4x² + 1 + 4x
0 = 4x² - 4x - 120
0 = x² - x - 30
0 = x² - 6x + 5x - 30
0 = x(x - 6) + 5 (x - 6)
so, x = 6, x = -5
I am getting 6 here.[/spoiler]
Thanks
Sachin
In the figure, square LMNO has a side of length 2x + 1
This topic has expert replies
- sachin_yadav
- Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
- Posts: 212
- Joined: Mon Dec 06, 2010 12:52 am
- Location: India
- Thanked: 5 times
- Followed by:1 members
- sachin_yadav
- Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
- Posts: 212
- Joined: Mon Dec 06, 2010 12:52 am
- Location: India
- Thanked: 5 times
- Followed by:1 members
My bad. I have done a very big careless mistake, and it must not have been done. Moreover, i could not believe myself after reading your above post.srcc25anu wrote:Quote: 0 = 4x² - 4x - 120
This should instead be 0 = 4x²+ 4x - 120
solving this gives (x+6)*(x-5)=0
or x = 5 (since x cannot be -6)
Therefore x = 5
Thanks
Never surrender
- GMATGuruNY
- GMAT Instructor
- Posts: 15539
- Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pm
- Location: New York, NY
- Thanked: 13060 times
- Followed by:1906 members
- GMAT Score:790
Total area = smaller inner square + larger inner square + shaded area = 3² + 6² + 76 = 121.sachin_yadav wrote:In the figure, square LMNO has a side of length 2x + 1 and the two smaller squares have sides of length 3 and 6. If the area of the shaded region is 76, what is the value of x ? (please note the shaded region is not inside of the two small squares)
A). 5
B). 6
C). 7
D). 11
E). 14
In a square, area = (side)².
Since each side = 2x+1, we get:
121 = (2x + 1)²
11 = 2x + 1
x = 5.
The correct answer is A.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
- sachin_yadav
- Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
- Posts: 212
- Joined: Mon Dec 06, 2010 12:52 am
- Location: India
- Thanked: 5 times
- Followed by:1 members
Thanks Mitch
GMATGuruNY wrote:
Total area = smaller inner square + larger inner square + shaded area = 3² + 6² + 76 = 121.
In a square, area = (side)².
Since each side = 2x+1, we get:
121 = (2x + 1)²
11 = 2x + 1
x = 5.
The correct answer is A.
Never surrender