median of r,s and t?

Expert replies

pappueshwar: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 234; Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 7:28 pmFollowed by: 4 members; Location: chennai; Thanked: 5 times

by pappueshwar » Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:57 am

If r,s and t are different positive integers, what is the median of r,s and t?

1) r+s+t=6
2) rs=2

OA IS D . i feel the answer is C

stmnt : 1 r+ s + t = 6
0+ 1 +5 = 6
1+ 2 + 3= 6 (so median cant be figured)

stmtn : 2 rs = 2, we dont know the value of T.

Together: r+s+t = 6 & rs = 2
1+2+t = 6;
2+1+t = 6
in which ever way it is t= 6-2 = 3

There fore r= 1 s=2 t = 3 median is 2 since for finding the median, the values need to be arranged in ascending or descending order.
C is the answer .

request to let me know where i am going wrong

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — Data Sufficiency | Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:57 am

GMAT/MBA Expert

Mike@Magoosh: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 768; Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 4:18 pmFollowed by: 140 members; Location: Berkeley, CA; Thanked: 387 times

by Mike@Magoosh » Wed Mar 14, 2012 1:49 pm

Hi, I'm happy to help with this.

The key to this problem is the phrase: " r,s and t are different positive integers." Zero is not a positive number --- zero is the only integer that is neither positive nor negative. Therefore, we can't use zero as one of the numbers.

In Statement #1, the only possibility is {1, 2, 3} in some order, so the median has to be 2

In Statement #2, we know r & s are 1 & 2, in some order, and t is a larger positive integer (since 1 and 2 are the two smallest positive integers). Then, of the three numbers 1, 2, and t, 2 is the median.

Both statements are sufficient. Answer = D

Does this make sense? Let me know if you have any questions.

Mike

Magoosh GMAT Instructor
https://gmat.magoosh.com/

Like this post

pappueshwar: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 234; Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 7:28 pmFollowed by: 4 members; Location: chennai; Thanked: 5 times

by pappueshwar » Wed Mar 14, 2012 6:38 pm

mike thanks...

did nt see the question from that perspective at all... lol

thanks once again

Like this post

sam2304: Legendary Member; Posts: 1239; Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2011 6:25 amFollowed by: 26 members; Thanked: 233 times; GMAT Score:680

by sam2304 » Wed Mar 14, 2012 11:39 pm

given r,s,t are different +ve integers

1.r+ s + t = 6

So for sum of r,s,t to be 6 we have only one possibility = {1,2,3}

Median = 2. SUFF

2. rs =2.

different positive integers again and we have only 1*2 giving rs = 2. t has to be greater than 2. Be it any number median is again 2. SUFF.

IMO D.

Getting defeated is just a temporary notion, giving it up is what makes it permanent.
https://gmatandbeyond.blogspot.in/

Like this post

Post new topic Post Reply

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

563 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (563 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review