# StrawberryCow

Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In a 200 member association consisting of men and women, exa in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that in a 200 member association consisting of men and women, exactly 20% of men and exactly 25 % women are homeowners. We''re asked for the LEAST number of members who are homeowners. This question is built around a couple of Number Properties - and to MINIMIZE the number of ...”
Yesterday
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Roger wants to arrange three of his five books on his in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that Roger wants to arrange three of his five books on his bookshelf, but two of the five books are duplicates and cannot both be selected. We''re asked for the number different ways that Roger can arrange his books. The wording of this question is a bit ''quirky'', but the ...”
Yesterday
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Henry eats X scones in X percent of the time it takes Rachel in the Problem Solving forum
“Let''s use the INPUT-OUTPUT approach. Let''s assign some values of X and Y so that they satisfy the information in the question. Let X = 25. This means Henry eats 25 scones in 25 percent of the time it takes Rachel to eat Y scones Let Y = 100. This means Henry eats 25 scones in 25 percent of ...”
Yesterday
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Roger wants to arrange three of his five books on his in the Problem Solving forum
“I''m not crazy about this question. The official answer suggests that, although 2 books are DUPLICATES, they''re still considered DIFFERENT. Here''s what I mean: Let''s let D and d represent the two duplicate books. Let, A, B and C represent the other three books. The official answer ...”
Yesterday
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The three-digit positive integer n can be written as ABC, in in the Data Sufficiency forum
“IMPORTANT point: The VALUE of a 3-digit integer xyz is 100x + 10y + z Example: 723 = (7)(100) + (2)(10) + 3 Target question: What is the remainder when n is divided by 37? Statement 1: A + B/10 + C/100 = B + C/10 + A/100 Multiply both sides by 100 to get: 100A + 10B + C = 100B + 10C + ...”
Yesterday
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If x, y are integers, is x^2+x+y an odd integer? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: x and y are integers Target question: Is x² + x + y an odd integer? This is a good candidate for rephrasing the target question. Take x² + x + y and factor the first two terms to get: x(x + 1) + y Notice that x and x+1 are CONSECUTIVE INTEGERS, which means one value is ODD and ...”
Yesterday
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In a 200 member association consisting of men and women, exa in the Problem Solving forum
“In order to minimize the number of homeowners, we must MAXIMIZE the number of men in the group, since the proportion of male homeowners (20%) is less than the proportion of female homeowners (25%) So, let''s see what happens if there are 199 men and 1 woman. If 20% (aka 1/5) of the men are ...”
Yesterday
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Probability question in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi yenngoc2409, I''m going to give you a hint so that you can adjust your calculation. Your result is too high because you have not accounted for the ''duplicate'' entries. For example, if the 4 cards were 2233, then you have an option that has two pair... but you also have two of the options ...”
January 14, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Three machines have equal constant work rates. It takes h + in the Problem Solving forum
“ It takes h + 3 hours to produce 360 toys when 2 machines work together So, during those h + 3 hours, EACH machine makes 180 toys So, ONE machine can produce 180 toys in h + 3 hours rate = output/time So, we can write: rate of ONE machine = 180/(h + 3) It takes h hours to produce 360 toys ...”
January 14, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to CARS in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that the number of defects in the first five cars to come through a new production line are 9, 7, 10, 4, and 6, respectively and that the sixth car through the production line has either 3, 7, or 12 defects. We''re asked which of the following three values does the MEAN ...”
January 13, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to GMAT Help Required.. 4 months to go.. diag 540 (38/27) in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi amg0410, To start, a 540 is a solid initial CAT Score (the average Score on the Official GMAT hovers around 550 most years). Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on your timeline and your goals: ...”
January 13, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Carlos runs a lap around the track in x seconds. His second in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that Carlos runs a lap around the track in X SECONDS. His second lap is five SECONDS SLOWER than the first lap, but the third lap is two SECONDS FASTER than the first lap. We''re asked for Carlos’s average (arithmetic mean) number of MINUTES per LAP, in terms of X. This ...”
January 12, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Patricia builds two triangles, each with 30 feet of wood. in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that Patricia builds two triangles, EACH with 30 feet of wood. The first triangle ABC is built to maximize the LENGTH of the BASE side. The second triangle DEF is built to maximize the AREA of the triangle. In addition, the lengths of all line segments are INTEGERS. We''re ...”
January 12, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to I took the GMAT today in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi mbaorbust3, I''m sorry to hear that Test Day did not go as well as hoped. Business Schools generally don''t care if you retake the GMAT though, so you have little to worry about in that regard. Before we can discuss how you might improve this next phase of your studies, it would help if you ...”
January 12, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to There is a total of 120 marbles in a box, each of which is in the Problem Solving forum
“...the probability that it So, 1/4 of the 120 marbles are white. In other words, there are 30 white marbles. ...the probability that it So, 1/3 of the 120 marbles are green . In other words, there are 40 green marbles. Altogether, there are 70 marbles that are EITHER white or green. ...”
January 12, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to To furnish a room in model home, an interior decorator is to in the Problem Solving forum
“Total # of combinations = (# of ways to select 2 chairs)(# of ways to select 2 tables) So, 150 = (# of ways to select 2 chairs)(# of ways to select 2 tables) # of ways to select 2 chairs 5 tables, choose 2 of them. Since the order of the selected chairs does not matter, we can use ...”
January 11, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In a certain bathtub, both the hot and cold water fixtures in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that In a certain bathtub, both the hot and cold water fixtures leak. The cold water leak alone would fill an empty bucket in C hours, and the hot water leak alone will fill the same bucket in H hours, where C < H. If both fixtures began to leak at the same time into the ...”
January 11, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The following tables show the revenues and costs, in in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that Profit = Revenue - Costs and that costs will remain constant from 2007 to 2008, while revenues INCREASE by 10% in that same period. We''re asked for the percent increase in PROFITS from 2007 to 2008. This question comes down to some Arithmetic and the Percentage Change ...”
January 11, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A class consists of 12 girls and 20 boys. One quarter of the in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that a class consists of 12 girls and 20 boys. One-quarter of the girls in the class have blue eyes. We''re asked for the probability that a randomly selected child is a girl who does NOT have blue eyes. This question comes down to some basic organization and Arithmetic. ...”
January 11, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Guidance on study plan in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi szhao, To start, a 730 initial Score is an outstanding performance (the average Score on the Official GMAT hovers around 550 most years), so you''re clearly a strong critical thinker. Focusing on the GMAT now - years before you will actually need your Score - is also a smart choice. Since ...”
January 11, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to At a certain fruit stand, the price of each apple is 40 in the Problem Solving forum
“It turns out that the cost per apple is irrelevant. Here''s why: The average (arithmetic mean) price of the 10 pieces of fruit is 56 cents So, (total value of all 10 pieces of fruit)/10 = 56 cents This means, total value of all 10 pieces of fruit = 560 cents How many oranges must Mary put ...”
January 11, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A librarian has a set of ten books, including four different in the Problem Solving forum
“Take the task of arranging the 10 books and break it into stages. Stage 1: Arrange the 4 books about Abe Lincoln in a row We can arrange n objects in n! ways. So, we can arrange the 4 books in 4! ways IMPORTANT: Now we''ll "glue" the 4 Abe Lincoln books together to form 1 SUPER ...”
January 11, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to By what percent is 25 greater than 15? in the Problem Solving forum
“An alternative approach is to test the answer choices First, however, we can eliminate some answer choices by first testing an easy value: 50% Is 25 50% greater than 15? Well, 50% of 15 = 7.5 So, 50% greater than 15 = 15 + 7.5 = 22.5 22.5 is too small (we need to get 25), so we need a ...”
January 11, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The price of a phone call consists of a standard connection in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that the price of a phone call consists of a standard connection fee, which is constant, plus a per minute charge, a 10-minute call costs $2.90 and a 16-minute call costs$4.40. We''re asked for the cost of a 13-minute call. This question can be solved in a couple of ...”
January 10, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to This year, x people won an Olympic medal for water in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, This question can be solved by TESTing VALUES (and taking a few notes). We''re told that X people won a medal for water competitions. Of those X people, 1/3 won a medal for swimming; of those who won a medal for SWIMMING, 1/4 also won a medal for diving. The common denominator ...”
January 10, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The price of a phone call consists of a standard connection in the Problem Solving forum
“Let C = price of connection fee Let M = the price PER MINUTE A 10-minute call costs $2.90 We can write: C + 10M = 2.90 A 16-minute call costs$4.40. We can write: C + 16M = 4.40 How much does a 13-minute call cost? So far, we have: C + 10M = 2.90 C + 16M = 4.40 ONE (slower) ...”
January 10, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to At the end of the first quarter, the share price of a in the Problem Solving forum
“Let $100 = share price at the beginning of the year At the end of the first quarter, the share price of a certain mutual fund was 20 percent higher than it was at the beginning of the year. So,$120 = share price at the end of the first quarter At the end of the second quarter, the share ...”
January 10, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Bite-sized video lessons from GMAT Prep Now in the GMAT Math forum
“Data Sufficiency Video #1: Introduction to GMAT Data Sufficiency Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MaEqnSnK-s Cheers, Brent”
January 10, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to 17^27 has a units digit of: in the Problem Solving forum
“Look for a pattern 17^1 = 17 17^2 = (17)(17) = ---9 17^3 = (17)(17^2) = (17)(---9) = ----3 17^4 = (17)(17^3) = (17)(---3) = ----1 17^5 = (17)(17^4) = (17)(---1) = ----7 NOTICE that we''re back to where we started. 17^5 has units digit 7, and 17^1 has units digit 7 So, at this point, ...”
January 10, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to How many integers between in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, This question is essentially about arithmetic and taking the proper notes. You can go about the math steps in a couple of different ways though - depending on how you ''see'' this information. From the prompt, we know that the farmer spent $35 on feed.... 40% of his money on chicken ...” January 10, 2019 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Stock - Number of shares V ------------------- 68 W ------- in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, "Range" questions come from the broader category of statistics, which will show up a couple of times on the GMAT. The range of a group of numbers is the difference between the largest number and the smallest number. Based on the original number of shares, the range would ...” January 10, 2019 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The water from one outlet, flowing at a constant rate, can f in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, This question is a standard "Work Formula" question. When you have 2 entities sharing a task, you can use the following formula to figure out how long it takes for the 2 entities to complete the task together. Work = (A)(B)/(A+B) where A and B are the individual times ...” January 10, 2019 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The architects of a certain type of building estimate in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that the architects of a certain type of building estimate construction costs to be$2.0 million per floor for each of the first 5 floors, $2.5 million per floor for each of the next 3 floors, and$3.5 million per floor for any additional floors. We''re asked what the ...”
January 10, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The water from one outlet, flowing at a constant rate, can f in the Problem Solving forum
“One approach is to assign a NICE NUMBER to the volume of the swimming pool. This number will work well with the two pieces of information (fill pool in 9 hours and fill pool in 5 hours). So, let''s say that the volume of the pool is 45 gallons. The water from one outlet, flowing at a constant ...”
January 9, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If x and y are positive, is x > y? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: Is x > y? This is a good candidate for rephrasing the target question. Since y is POSITIVE, we can safely take the inequality x > y and divide both sides by y to get: x/y > 1 REPHRASED target question: Is x/y > 1? Aside: Here’s a video with tips on rephrasing ...”
January 9, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Emily keeps 12 different pairs of shoes (24 individual shoes in the Problem Solving forum
“P(dog selects matching pair) = P(dog chooses ANY sock 1st AND 2nd sock matches the 1st sock) = P(dog chooses ANY sock 1st) x P(2nd sock matches the 1st sock) = 24/24 x 1/23 = 1/23 Answer: C Cheers, Brent”
January 9, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to On a certain Monday, Carlos drove to work at an average in the Problem Solving forum
“Average speed = (TOTAL distance)/TOTAL travel time)Carlos drove to work at an average speed of 50 miles per hour Time = distance/speed So, travel time TO work = d/50 hours Carlos drove home from work at an average speed of 70 miles per hour So, travel time FROM work = d/70 hours So, TOTAL ...”
January 8, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to How many integers between in the Problem Solving forum
“He spent 40% (of the $35) on chicken feed. 40% of$35 = $14. So, he spent$14 on chicken feed. He got a 20% discount on the chicken feed. In other words, he paid 80% of the original price. So, let C = original price of chicken feed. We can write 80% of C = $14 Or we can write 0.8C =$14 ...”
January 8, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to On Monday, the opening price of a certain stock was $100 in the Problem Solving forum “On Monday, the opening price of a certain stock was$100 per share and its closing price was $110 per share. On Tuesday the closing price of the stock was 10 percent less than its closing price on Monday, We can say that the stock LOST 10% of its value. OR we can say that the stock RETAINED 90% ...” January 8, 2019 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Sumanta needs to type up her 1950-word paper by its 5 pm in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, This question can be solved by TESTing THE ANSWERS. This is essentially a rate question, but the rate (and the time spent at that rate) changes depending on what time Rachel begins typing. Based on the information in the prompt, we know that if Rachel begins typing at 3pm, then she ...” January 8, 2019 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In the first round of the elections, the only two candidates in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that in the first round of the elections, the only two candidates got exactly the SAME number of votes and during the second round, 15,000 votes switched from the first candidate to the second one. We''re also told that the total number of votes remained the same in both ...” January 8, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A department manager distributed a number of pens, pencils, in the Data Sufficiency forum “Jay''s solution is great. I just wanted to mention that this question hinges largely on the fact that the number of pens, pencils, and pads that each staff member receives MUST HAVE INTEGER VALUES. So, for example, if statement 1 were different and statement 2 read "The manager ...” January 8, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In 1982 and 1983, Company B's operating expenses were$12.0 in the Problem Solving forum
“The profit in 1982 = 15.6 - 12.0 = $3.6 million The profit in 1983 = 18.8 - 14.0 =$4.8 million Percent change = (100)(new - old)/old = (100)(4.8 - 3.6)/3.6 = (100)(1.2)/(3.6) = (100)(1/3) = 33 1/3% Answer: D Cheers, Brent”
January 8, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to x is a positive integer, and the units digits of both (x+2)^ in the Problem Solving forum
“Another approach is to test the answer choices A. If the units digit of x is 1, is it the case that units digits of both (x+2)² and (x-2)² is 9? Well, (x+2)² = (1+2)² = 9. Works! To test (x-2)², let''s let x = 11. We get: (11-2)² = 9² = 81. NO GOOD ELIMINATE A B. If the units digit ...”
January 8, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to What is the value of 25*8÷50÷2 in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re asked for the value of 25*8÷50÷2. This question involves rules called "Order of Operations", but as long as you know those rules, the work here isn''t too difficult. In Order of Operations, both multiplication and division are on the same ''level'' (meaning that you ...”
January 8, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to HELP!!! Very POOR VERBAL score. in the Suggestions and Feedback forum
“Hi Linda, Training to score at a high level on the GMAT often requires more than just ''weekend study'', so if you can put in a little study time during the week (even if it''s just an hour a day), then that would likely help you a great deal. As it stands, with a 580, you''re actually closer to ...”
January 8, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The main ingredient in a certain prescription drug capsule c in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that the main ingredient in a certain prescription drug capsule cost $500 per kilogram. If each capsule contains 600 milligrams of ingredient, what is the cost of the ingredient in a capsule? (1 kilogram = 10^6 milligrams). This is a ''unit conversion'' question and comes ...” January 7, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In 1991, the price of a house was 80% of its original price. in the Problem Solving forum “I''d typically assign a "nice" value to the original price, and then follow the steps that Mitch demonstrated. Alternatively, we can solve the question algebraically In 1991, the price of a house was 80% of its original price. Let x = the original price So, 0.8x = the 1991 price ...” January 7, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If triangle ABC is an isosceles triangle, what is ∠ABC? in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is ∠ABC? Given: Triangle ABC is an isosceles triangle So, ∆ABC has 2 equal angles Statement 1: ∠CAB = 45 degrees Since ∆ABC has 2 equal angles, there are two possible triangles that satisfy statement 1: Case a: ∠CAB = 45, ∠BCA = 45 and ∠ABC = 90. ...” January 7, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If f(a*b) = f(a) + f(b), what is the value of f(1)? in the Problem Solving forum “To generalize Mitch''s and Fabio''s solutions, notice that, as long as we can get f(1) involved in the process, we''ll arrive at answer choice C every time. Notice that k = 1*k Since f(a*b) = f(a) + f(b), we can write: f(1*k) = f(1) + f(k) Simplify: f(k) = f(1) + f(k) Subtract f(k) from both ...” January 7, 2019 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to After her birthday, Fiona had D dollars in gift money. in the Problem Solving forum “Hi VJesus12, We''re told that after her birthday, Fiona had D dollars in gift money. She spent 3/5 of this on an electric skateboard, then she spent 1/3 of what WAS LEFT on a movie passcard, and then finally put the last$80 in the bank. Assuming she made no other purchases with that money, ...”
January 6, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In the coordinate geometry plane, point A is the midpoint in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi VJesus12, This question can be solved with a bit of general graphing (you do not need to be hyper-accurate with your drawing to get the correct answer). To start, we''re told that in the coordinate geometry plane, Point A is the midpoint between points (5,8) and (-3, -2). Draw those two ...”
January 6, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In the figure above, an equilateral triangle is inscribed in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi VJesus12, We''re told that in the figure above, an EQUILATERAL triangle is inscribed in a circle and the arc bounded by adjacent corners of the triangle is between 4π and 6π long. We''re asked which of the following COULD be the diameter of the circle. As scary as this question might look, ...”
January 6, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to After her birthday, Fiona had D dollars in gift money. in the Problem Solving forum
“Another approach is to use algebra. After her birthday, Fiona had D dollars in gift money. She spent 3/5 of this on an electric skateboard. If Fiona SPENT 3/5 of D dollars, then 2/5 of D dollars REMAINED In other words, the amount remaining at the end of the day = 2D/5 dollars The next day, ...”
January 6, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to After her birthday, Fiona had D dollars in gift money. in the Problem Solving forum
“One option is to WORK BACKWARDS The next day, she spent 1/3 of what was left on a movie passcard, and then finally put the last $80 in the bank. If she spent 1/3 of her money on a movie passcard, then 2/3 of her money remained (which she put in the bank). This means 2/3 of her money =$80 We ...”
January 6, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A retailer sells only radios and clocks. If she currently ha in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: A retailer sells only radios and clocks, and she currently has 44 total items in inventory. Target question: How many radios are there in the inventory Statement 1: The retailer has more than 28 radios in inventory There are several scenarios that satisfy statement 1. Here are ...”
January 6, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Number Properties in the Data Sufficiency forum
“The error is highlighted above in blue. if a>0 we will have the answer as YES is ALMOST true. The only time it''s not true is when a = 1 If a = 1, then the answer is NO. We can verify this using either the original inequality or the rephrased inequality. Take "Is a + 1/a > ...”
January 6, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A store sells erasers for 0.23$per piece and pencil for in the Data Sufficiency forum “This question illustrates a common trap on the GMAT. As Jay has shown, with statement 2, we''re able to write the equation 23x + 11y = 170 , and in high school we learned that, if we''re given 1 equation with 2 variables, we cannot find the value of either variable. However, if we restrict the ...” January 5, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A barn is enclosed in the shape of a 6-sided figure; all in the Data Sufficiency forum “This Date Sufficiency question is almost identical to the following Problem Solving question, which requires us to find the actual area: http://www.beatthegmat.com/plz-explain-t270003.html Cheers, Brent” January 5, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In the rectangular coordinate system above, the area of in the Problem Solving forum “Let''s draw a rectangle around the triangle (as shown below) and then subtract from the rectangle''s area (28) the areas of the 3 right triangles that surround the triangle in question. We get the following: http://s13.postimage.org/a47qx0j8j/triangle_in_coordinate_plane_2.jpg So, the area ...” January 5, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to What is the perimeter of quadrilateral Q? in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the perimeter of quadrilateral Q? If we recognize that each statement alone is not sufficient, we can jump straight to...... Statements 1 and 2 combined There are several quadrilaterals satisfy BOTH statements. Here are two: Case a: Q is a rectangle with width 1 ...” January 5, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The price of a consumer good increased by p% in the Problem Solving forum “Let$100 be the original price The price of a consumer good increased by p% during 2012 p% = p/100, so a p% INCREASE is the same a multiplying the original price by 1 + p/100 So, the new price = ($100)(1 + p/100) The price then decreased by 12% during 2013 A 12% DECREASE is the same a ...” January 5, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The number of students who attend a school could be divided in the Problem Solving forum “The number of students who attend a school could be divided among 10, 12, or 16 buses, such that each bus transports an equal number of students. This tells us that the TOTAL number of students is a multiple of 10, 12 and 16 What is the minimum number of students that could attend the school? ...” January 5, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Set K consists of a finite number of consecutive odd in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the value of y - x? Given: Set K consists of a finite number of consecutive odd integers Statement 1: The average (arithmetic mean) of set K is –36 There''s a nice rule that says, "In a set where the numbers are equally spaced, the mean will equal the ...” January 5, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The value of (10^8-10^2)/(10^7-10^3) is closest to which in the Problem Solving forum “Since the answer choices are so spread out, we can be quite aggressive with out estimation. First, 10⁸ - 10² can be rounded to 10⁸ Is this reasonable? Well, 10⁸ equals 100,000,000, so subtracting 10² (aka 100) from 100,000,000 still leaves us with approximately 100,000,000 ...” January 5, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Each of the 25 balls in a certain box is either red, blue, in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the value of P(white or even)? To solve this, we need P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A & B) So, P(white or even) = P(white) + P(even) - P(white & even) Statement 1: P(white & even) = 0 We can add this to our probability equation to get: P(white or even) = ...” January 4, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The profit from the sale of a certain appliance increases, in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: Did the profit exceed$4 million on sales of 380,000 units? Given: The profit from the sale of a certain appliance increases, though not proportionally, with the number of units sold. IMPORTANT: This means that we CANNOT make any "good" assumptions about the ...”
January 4, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Alice, Benjamin, and Carol each try independently to win a c in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi jain2016, Since we have the probabilities of each person winning a game, we can ''map out'' the 3 situations in which 2 of them win and 1 of them loses: A wins, B wins, C loses = (1/5)(3/8)(5/7) = 15/240 A wins, B loses, C wins = (1/5)(5/8)(2/7) = 10/240 A loses, B wins, C wins = ...”
January 4, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to If y = 2 + 2K and y≠0y≠0, then 1/y + 1/y + 1/y + 1/y = ? in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that Y = 2 + 2K and Y ≠ 0. We''re asked for the value of 1/Y + 1/Y + 1/Y + 1/Y. This question can be solved in a number of different ways, including by TESTing VALUES. Since we''re adding four fractions with the SAME denominator, we can just use some basic Arithmetic and ...”
January 4, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If y = 2 + 2K and y≠0y≠0, then 1/y + 1/y + 1/y + 1/y = ? in the Problem Solving forum
“Given: y = 2 + 2k Rewrite as: y/1 = (2 + 2k)/1 Flip both fractions to get: 1/y = 1/(2 + 2k) So, 1/y + 1/y + 1/y + 1/y = 1/(2 + 2k) + 1/(2 + 2k) + 1/(2 + 2k) + 1/(2 + 2k) = 4/(2 + 2k) = 4/(2)(1 + k) = 2/(1 + k) Answer: B Cheers, Brent”
January 4, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Is x/y < 0? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: Is x/y < 0? Statement 1: (x^4)(y^5) < 0 There are several values of x and y that satisfy statement 1. Here are two: Case a: x = 1 and y = -1. Notice that (x^4)(y^5) = (1^4)(-1^5) = (1)(-1) = -1, which is less than 0. In this case, x/y = 1/(-1) = -1. So, the answer to ...”
January 4, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If 4+ 1n = 55n, what is the value of n? in the Problem Solving forum
“GIVEN: √(4 + 1/n) = 5√(5/n) Square both sides to get: (5)(5)√(5/n)√(5/n) Simplify right side again: 4 + 1/n = 25(5/n) Simplify right side: 4 + 1/n = 125/n Multiply both sides by n to get: 4n + 1 = 125 Subtract 1 from both sides to get: 4n = 124 Solve: n = 124/4 =31 Answer: A ...”
January 3, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to On a construction site, 16 of the men wear helmets, and 19 in the Data Sufficiency forum
“I thought I''d point out that Jay''s approach is also known as the Double Matrix Method. This technique can be used for most questions featuring a population in which each member has two characteristics associated with it. Here, we have a population of construction worker, and the two ...”
January 3, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If the average of four numbers is 35, how many of the in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: How many of the numbers are less than 35? Given: The average of four numbers is 35 All this tells us is that the SUM of the 4 numbers is 140 (since 140/4 = 35) Given the limited amount of information, it''s likely that the correct answer is C or E Statement 1: None of ...”
January 3, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Absolute value in the Problem Solving forum
“A quick approach is to simply test the answer choices A) -2 No good. The absolute value of something cannot be negative B) 0 Plug in to get |0² - 6| = 0. Doesn''t work. C) 1 Plug in to get |1² - 6| = 1. Doesn''t work. D) 3 Plug in to get |3² - 6| = 3. WORKS!!! Answer: D Cheers, ...”
January 3, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If m and n are positive integers such that m>n, what is t in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: m and n are positive integers such that m > n Target question: What is the remainder when m² – n² is divided by 21? Statement 1: The remainder when (m + n) is divided by 21 is 1 There are several values of m and n that satisfy statement 1. Here are two: Case a: m = 12 and ...”
January 2, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If x + y is not equal to 0. What is the value of (ax + ay)/( in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: What is the value of (ax + ay)/(x + y)? This is a good candidate for rephrasing the target question. Take the expression: (ax + ay)/(x + y) Factor the numerator to get: a(x + y)/(x + y) Simplify the fraction to get: a Since (ax + ay)/(x + y) = a, we can rephrase the target ...”
January 2, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Can n be expressed as the difference of 2 prime numbers? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: Can n be expressed as the difference of 2 prime numbers? Statement 1: (n-17)(n-21) = 0 This tells us that EITHER n = 17 OR n = 21 IMPORTANT: Upon seeing that n can equal one of two values, some students will incorrectly conclude that statement 1 is not sufficient. However, ...”
January 2, 2019
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In a 200 member association consisting of men and women, exa in the Problem Solving forum
“In order to minimize the number of homeowners, we must MAXIMIZE the number of men in the group, since the proportion of male homeowners (20%) is less than the proportion of female homeowners (25%) So, let''s see what happens if there are 199 men and 1 woman. If 20% (aka 1/5) of the men are ...”
January 1, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In a stack of boards at a lumber yard, the 20th board counti in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, Since the answers to the question are all numbers, we can use the answers ''against'' the prompt and TEST THE ANSWERS. Here''s how… Let''s start with Answer B. Answer B: 36 boards IF the number of boards was 36, then the 20th board from the top would be the 17th board from ...”
January 1, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In a 200 member association consisting of men and women, exa in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that in a 200 member association consisting of men and women, exactly 20% of men and exactly 25 % women are homeowners. We''re asked for the LEAST number of members who are homeowners. This question is built around a couple of Number Properties - and to MINIMIZE the number of ...”
January 1, 2019
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A department store receives a shipment of 1,000 shirts, for in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that a department store receives a shipment of 1,000 shirts, for which it pays $9,000. The store sells the shirts at a price 80 percent above cost for one month, after which it reduces the price of the shirts to 20 percent above cost. The store sells 75 percent of the shirts ...” January 1, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to What is the value of the integer n? in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the value of the integer n? Statement 1: n is a prime factor of 21 21 = (3)(7) So, EITHER n = 3 OR n = 7 Since we cannot answer the target question with certainty, statement 1 is NOT SUFFICIENT Statement 2: n is a factor of 49 49 has three positive factors: 1, ...” January 1, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If 2x+y=3 and 4x^2-4xy+y^2=1, what is the value of xy? in the Problem Solving forum “This question becomes a lot easier if we recognize that (2x + y)² = 4x² + 4xy + y² (which is VERY similar to 4x² - 4xy + y²) Here''s what I mean: Take 2x + y = 3 and square both sides to get: (2x + y)² = 3² Simplify both sides to get: 4x² + 4xy + y²= 9 We now have two (quite ...” January 1, 2019 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Given four rods of length 1 meter, 3 meters, 5 meters, and 7 in the Problem Solving forum “IMPORTANT RULE: If two sides of a triangle have lengths A and B, then . . . DIFFERENCE between A and B < length of third side < SUM of A and B Let''s focus on this part: length of third side < SUM of A and B We can also say that the length of LONGEST side must be less than the SUM of ...” December 31, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Brady, Charlie, and Daryl play on the same baseball team. Th in the Data Sufficiency forum “ Given: Brady, Charlie, and Daryl play on the same baseball team. Target question: The number of home runs hit by Brady in a particular season is what fraction of the total home runs hit by the three players in that season? This is a good candidate for rephrasing the target question. Let ...” December 31, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to What is the 1st term in sequence S ? (1) The 3rd term in S in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the 1st term in sequence S ? Statement 1: The 3rd term in S is 2 Since we''re not given any information about the NATURE of the sequence, there''s no way to answer the target question with certainty. So, statement 1 is NOT SUFFICIENT Statement 2: The 2nd term in ...” December 31, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Bite-sized video lessons from GMAT Prep Now in the GMAT Math forum “Here''s our video on Weighted Averages video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7J6lr_qBG4 Cheers, Brent” December 31, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Marcia's bucket can hold a maximum of how many liters of wat in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: Marcia''s bucket can hold a maximum of how many liters of water? In other words, what is the TOTAL CAPACITY of Marcia''s bucket? Statement 1: The bucket currently contains 9 liters of water. Not enough info to determine the TOTAL CAPACITY of Marcia''s bucket. Since we ...” December 30, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In a stack of boards at a lumber yard, the 20th board counti in the Problem Solving forum “Let''s start from the bottom and work our way up: We''ll start with the 16th board counting from the bottom of the stack Right BELOW that 16th board, we have a board that we''ll call Larry. So, Larry is the 15th board counting from the bottom of the stack. So, starting from the bottom and ...” December 30, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Overlapping Sets in the Data Sufficiency forum “I thought I''d point out that Manasa3190''s approach is known as the Double Matrix Method. This technique can be used for most questions featuring a population in which each member has two characteristics associated with it. Here, we have a population of people, and the two characteristics are: ...” December 30, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to If it takes Jacob x hours to complete a project and it in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that it takes Jacob X hours to complete a project and it takes Mike Y hours to complete the same project. We''re asked for the number of hours it would take them to complete the project if they worked together. This is a great ''concept'' question; if you recognize the ...” December 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The employees of Smith Enterprises received wage increases in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that the employees of Smith Enterprises received wage increases ranging from 30 cents to 87.5 cents per hour. We''re asked for the MAXIMUM wage increase for a 40-hour week. This question comes down to some basic arithmetic (but you might find it faster to do your math in a ...” December 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Of the paintings that a certain artist created last year, th in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that of the paintings that a certain artist created last year, the number of paintings that were UNFRAMED was 5 times the number of paintings that were FRAMED and 48 percent of the UNFRAMED paintings and 30 percent of the FRAMED paintings were SOLD. We''re asked for the ...” December 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Before expansion, a zoo had 343 birds in 7 cages. If, after in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that BEFORE expansion, a zoo had 343 birds in 7 cages and AFTER the expansion was complete, there were 719 birds in 11 cages. We''re asked for the approximate percent increase in the average number of birds per cage. This question is based around a couple of standard math ...” December 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Scott takes a trip and drives 6 hours from Town X to Town Z in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that Scott takes a trip and drives 6 hours from Town X to Town Z at a rate of 50 miles per hour. On his way back, Scott drives 75 miles per hour and stops in Town Y which is MIDWAY between Town X and Town Z. We''re asked for the number of HOURS Scott takes to drive from Town ...” December 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A merchant paid$300 for a shipment of x identical in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, The information in the prompt include a variety of nice ''round'' numbers, so it''s likely that the number of calculators in the shipment is also a round number AND divides evenly into 300. Only two of the answers ''fit'' that idea - 25 and 30, so let''s TEST THE ANSWERS and see if ...”
December 29, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Car X left Town T (RATE PROBLEM, Need Help) in the Problem Solving forum
“IMPORTANT: Let''s use HOURS throughout our solution, and then convert hours to minutes at the end. When car Y had traveled for z HOURS, car Y had traveled 23 miles more that car X had from the time that car X left Town T. z = car Y''s travel time in HOURS So, z + 3/10 = car X''s travel time in ...”
December 28, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Fred has a jarful of nickels, dimes, and quarters, in the ra in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that Fred has a jarful of nickels, dimes, and quarters, in the ratio of 2:5:10, respectively and the total value of these coins is $15.50. We''re asked for the number of DIMES in Fred’s jar. This question is based on ratio rules - and ratios are all about multiples - so you ...” December 27, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A certain bank uses the formula above to approximate the in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re asked for the mathematical equivalent of the following formula: $$R=\frac{\frac{24F}{N}}{P+\frac{A}{12}}$$ While the prompt (and the answers) might look ''complex'', the work involved is based on a simple math premise (common denominators), so as long as you are thorough ...” December 27, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to What is the largest value of non-negative integer N for in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re asked for the largest value of N for which 10^N is a factor of 50! This question comes down to ''prime factorization'' and requires a degree of thoroughness on your part (to make sure that you find all of the 10s in 50!) To start, 50! = (50)(49)(48)(47)(46)(45).....(3)(2)(1), ...” December 27, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A retailer sells pashminas at a ten percent discount. If a in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that a retailer sells pashminas at a ten percent discount, a pashmina COST him$75 and he wants to make a profit of no less than twenty percent on the COST (after the discount). We''re asked for the minimum tag price he needs to put on a pashmina. To start, this question ...”
December 27, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to HELP!!! Very POOR VERBAL score. in the Suggestions and Feedback forum
“Hi Linda, Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their ''peak'' scores, so you shouldn''t feel too down about this performance if you studied for just 6 weeks (and primarily just on the weekends). Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, ...”
December 27, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A set of 15 different integers has median of 25 and a range in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, When it comes to maximizing or minimizing a value in a group of numbers, you have to think about what the other numbers would need to be to accomplish your goal. Here, we have a group of 15 DISTINCT (meaning DIFFERENT) integers with a median of 25 and a RANGE of 25. That range will ...”
December 26, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A certain punch contains grape juice, orange juice, and in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that a certain punch contains grape juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice and no other ingredients in a ratio of 2:3:7 respectively and a bowl contains 156 total ounces of this punch. We''re asked for the number of ounces of grape juice in the punch. This question can be ...”
December 26, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The sum of the weekly salaries of 5 employees is $3,250. If in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that the SUM of the weekly salaries of 5 employees is$3,250 and that each of the 5 salaries is to increase by 10 percent. We''re asked for the AVERAGE increase in weekly salary per employee. This question ultimately comes down to working through some arithmetic, but ...”
December 24, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to 90 Day Flexible Plan for a decent verbal/low quant old score in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi LDCross, For free math practice and help, I recommend that you set up an account at Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org). The site is completely free and makes the learning a bit more fun and ''game-like'' (as opposed to the dry academic approach taken by most books). While the site is vast, ...”
December 24, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A shipping company has four empty trucks that will head out in the Problem Solving forum
“Take the task of shipping the 4 boxes and break it into stages. Let''s call the 4 boxes A, B, C and D Stage 1: Select a truck to ship box A in There are 4 trucks from which to choose, so we can complete stage 1 in 4 ways Stage 2: Select a truck to ship box B in There are 4 trucks ...”
December 24, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to resolution in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: A quorum of at least half the 20 directors must pass the resolution by at least a two-thirds majority Target question: At a meeting of the board of directors, did resolution X pass or fail?  Statement 1: Ten directors voted for the resolution.  KEY: We don''t know how many ...”
December 23, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A plane traveled k miles in its first 96 minutes of flight in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that a plane traveled K miles in its first 96 minutes of flight time and it completed the remaining 300 miles of the trip in T minutes. We''re asked for the average speed of the plane, in miles per hour, for the entire trip. This question can be solved by TESTing VALUES. ...”
December 23, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to a data from gmat forum in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: Every student at the Performing Arts Academy must take at least one of the two drama courses offered, Classical Theater or Improvisation. 15% of the students who take Classical Theater also take Improvisation Let''s use the Every student at the Performing Arts Academy must take at least ...”
December 23, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Tough Rate problem in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: At a certain department store present-wrapping counter, each clerk will wrap no fewer than twenty and no more than thirty presents per hour. Target question: If seventy people are standing in line, will all of their presents be wrapped after one hour? Statement 1: Each person in ...”
December 23, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A scientist has 400 units of a 6% phosphoric acid solution, in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, While an Algebra approach (using the "weighted average" formula) would work nicely on this prompt, you can also answer it rather quickly by TESTing THE ANSWERS and using a bit of logic. Here, we''re going to mix 400 ounces of a 6% acid solution with X ounces of a 12% acid ...”
December 22, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Two trees have a combined height of 60 feet, and the taller in the Problem Solving forum
“Let y = the height of the shorter tree The taller tree is x times the height of the shorter tree. Ho So, yx = the height of the taller tree The two trees have a combined height of 60 feet We can write: y + yx = 60 How tall is the shorter tree, in terms of x? We must solve the equation ...”
December 22, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Two water pumps, working simultaneously at their respective in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, This is an example of a Work Formula question. Any time you have two entities (people, machines, water pumps, etc.) working on a job together, you can use the following formula: (AB)/(A+B) = Total time to do the job together Here, we''re told that the total time = 4 hours and ...”
December 22, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Two trees have a combined height of 60 feet, and the taller in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that two trees have a combined height of 60 feet and the taller tree is X times the height of the shorter tree. We''re asked to find the height of the shorter tree in terms of X. This question can be approached in a couple of different ways, including by TESTing VALUES. IF ...”
December 22, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Two water pumps, working simultaneously at their respective in the Problem Solving forum
“Let''s pick some nice numbers that adhere to the given information. ...the constant rate of one pump was 1.5 times the constant rate of the other So, the fast pump has a pumping rate that''s 1.5 faster then the slow pump. So, let''s say the SLOW pump pumps at 2 gallons per hour This means ...”
December 22, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Fractions/Ratios in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: There are two types of rolls on a counter, plain rolls and seeded rolls. Let P = # of plain rolls Let S = # of seeded rolls Target question: What is the value of P + S? Statement 1: The ratio of the number of seeded rolls on the counter to the number of plain rolls on the ...”
December 21, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Five friends - Ross, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey and Monica - in the Problem Solving forum
“Take the task of feeding the 5 friends and break it into stages. We’ll begin with the most restrictive stage(s). Stage 1: Select a pizza for Phoebe Since Phoebe will only eat Margherita pizza, there''s only 1 pizza we can serve her. So, we can complete stage 1 in 1 way Stage 2: ...”
December 21, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A list kept at Town Hall contains that town's average daily in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: Does this month have 30 or 31 days? IMPORTANT: Notice that the question does not ask "How many days are in this month?" If that were the case, then we''d have to consider February. Instead, the question is ruling out February by basically telling us that the month in ...”
December 20, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In how many ways can the letters D, I, G, I, T be arranged in the Problem Solving forum
“One approach is to count all possible arrangements (that may or may not break the given rule) and then subtract all outcomes the break the rule. Here''s another approach. Take the task of arranging the 5 letters and break it into stages. Stage 1: Arrange the 3 CONSONANTS (D, G and T) in a ...”
December 20, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Inequalities in the GMAT Math forum
“Target question: Is x² > y²? Statement 2: x > y There are several values of x and y that satisfy statement 2. Here are two: Case a: x = 2 and y = 1. In this case, x² = 4 and y² = 1. So, the answer to the target question is YES, x² IS greater than y² Case b: x = -2 and y = -3. ...”
December 20, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A certain company charges $6 per package to ship packages in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that a certain company charges$6 per package to ship packages weighing less than 2 pounds each. However, for a package weighing 2 pounds or more, the company charges an initial fee of $6 plus$2 per pound. We''re told that a certain package cost $38 to ship. We''re asked for ...” December 20, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to One woman and one man can build a wall together in two hours in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, Each of the other explanations explains the ''math'' behind this prompt, so I won''t rehash any of that here. Instead, I want to talk about the ''patterns'' behind this question, and how you can answer it without doing much math at all. To start, we have to sort through a lot of ...” December 20, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Before being simplified, the instructions for computing in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, This question can be solved by TESTing VALUES. I''m going to use the variable "J" instead of an "I" (since that might be mistaken for the number 1)... We''re told to add "2% of one''s income" to "the average of 100 and 1% of one''s income" ...” December 20, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to At the Trenchard Oaks apartment complex, a two-bedroom apart in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that a two-bedroom apartment costs 50% more to rent than a one-bedroom apartment. If Alex were to rent a two-bedroom apartment for X months it would cost him the same amount as it would to rent a one-bedroom for 12 months. We''re asked for the value of X. This question can be ...” December 20, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to 90 Day Flexible Plan for a decent verbal/low quant old score in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi LDCross, This 610 is a strong initial CAT Score (the average Score on the Official GMAT hovers around 550 most years) - and your Verbal Scaled Score is fantastic. As such, you might just need to put the proper focus/effort into building up your Quant knowledge and learning/practicing the ...” December 20, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If sequence S has 120 terms, what is the 105th term of S? in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the 105th term of S? Given: Sequence S has 120 terms Statement 1: The first term of S is −8. We have no information about the nature of the sequence. So, knowing the value of term 1 won''t help is determine the value of term 105 Since we cannot answer the ...” December 20, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Two dice, each with six sides numbered 1 through 6, are toss in the Problem Solving forum “P(both dice will come up with either a 1 or a 2) = P(1st die is 1 or 2 AND 2nd die is 1 or 2) = P(1st die is 1 or 2) x P(2nd die is 1 or 2) = 2/6 x 2/6 = 1/3 x 1/3 = 1/9 Answer: C Cheers, Brent” December 20, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to At the Trenchard Oaks apartment complex, a two-bedroom apart in the Problem Solving forum “A fast and easy approach is to assign a "nice" value to the monthly rent of a ONE-bedroom apartment. Let''s say the rent on a ONE-bedroom apartment is$100 per month A two-bedroom apartment costs 50% more to rent than a one-bedroom apartment 50% of $100 =$50 So, the rent on a ...”
December 20, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If the remainder when positive integer x is divided by 7 is in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: What is the value of x? Given: If the remainder when positive integer x is divided by 7 is 4 When it comes to remainders, we have a nice rule that says: If N divided by D leaves remainder R, then the possible values of N are R, R+D, R+2D, R+3D,. . . etc. For ...”
December 20, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The value of a share was 25% less in the 2nd quarter over in the Problem Solving forum
“Let''s assign a nice value to the share value in the 1st quarter. Let''s say the share value in the 1st quarter = $100 The value of a share was 25% less in the 2nd quarter over the 1st quarter . . . So, the share value in the 2nd quarter =$100 - (25% of $100) =$100 - $25 =$75 . . . ...”
December 20, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The usual price of a bagel was reduced during a sale. How in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: How much money could be saved by purchasing 10 bagels at the sale price rather than at the usual price? Statement 1: The usual price for a bagel is $0.50 per bagel. Since there''s no information about the SALE price, there''s no way to calculate the amount saved. Since we ...” December 20, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to One woman and one man can build a wall together in two hours in the Problem Solving forum “One approach is to determine the size of the job One woman and one man can build a wall together in two hours, but the woman would need the help of two girls in order to complete the same job in the same amount of time. The part in blue tells us that 2 girls have the same output as 1 man. ...” December 19, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Is x > 0 ? (1) |x+3| < 4 (2) |x-3| < 4 in the Data Sufficiency forum “When solving inequalities involving ABSOLUTE VALUE, there are 2 things you need to know: Rule #1: If |something| < k, then –k < something < k Rule #2: If |something| > k, then EITHER something > k OR something < -k Target question: Is x > 0 ? Statement 1: |x+3| < ...” December 19, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In the xy-plane, what is the y-intercept of line l? in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the y-intercept of line L? IMPORTANT: When I scan the two statements, I see that they are strongly related. If the x-intercept is -1/3 (as per statement 2), the slope of the line is GUARANTEED to be 3 times its y-intercept (as per statement 1). Here''s why... ...” December 19, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to At garage sale, all of the prices of the items sold were in the Problem Solving forum “The price of the radio was the 15th highest price So, there were 14 items that were more expensive than the radio. In other words, if we listed all of the prices in ascending order, we''d get something like: ........... radio, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X The price of the radio ...” December 19, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A certain company charges$6 per package to ship packages in the Problem Solving forum
“Let x = the weight of the package (in pounds) So, the shipping cost = $6 + 2x We''re told the shipping cost is$38. So, we can write: 6 + 2x = 38 Subtract 6 from both sides: 2x = 32 Solve: x = 32/2 = 16 Answer: A Cheers, Brent”
December 19, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Is x/y>1? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: Is x/y > 1? Statement 1: x > y Let''s TEST some values. There are several values of x and y that satisfy statement 1. Here are two: Case a: x = 3 and y = 1. In this case, x/y = 3/1 = 3. So, the answer to the target question is YES, x/y IS greater than 1 Case b: x = ...”
December 19, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to How many 4-digit numbers greater than 3,000 have the digits: in the Problem Solving forum
“Take the task of creating 4-digit numbers and break it into stages. We’ll begin with the most restrictive stage. Stage 1: Select the first digit (to go in the thousands place) Since the 4-digit number must be GREATER THAN 3000, the first digit must be greater than or equal to 3 This means ...”
December 19, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Bite-sized video lessons from GMAT Prep Now in the GMAT Math forum
December 18, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In the set of positive integers from 1 to 500, what is the s in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re asked for the sum of all the ODD multiples of 5 from 1 to 500. This question is essentially about Arithmetic and can be solved with ''bunching.'' There are 100 multiples of 5 between 1 and 500: 1(5)..... (100)(5), but the question asks for only the ODD multiples of 5 (meaning ...”
December 18, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to At a certain university, the ratio of the number of teaching in the Problem Solving forum
“We can solve this using equivalent ratios We''re comparing teaching assistants/number of students Let x = number of students possible We can write: 5/x = 3/80 Cross multiply to get: 3x = (5)(80) Simplify: 3x = 400 Solve: x = 400/3 = 133 1/3 = 133.3333 Since 134 students would exceed ...”
December 18, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Automobile A is traveling at two-thirds the speed that in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: Automobile A is traveling at two-thirds the speed that Automobile B is traveling. Let A = Car A''s speed Let B = Car B''s speed So, we can write: A = (2/3)B Target question: What is the value of A? Statement 1: If both automobiles increased their speed by 10 miles per hour, ...”
December 18, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Seven students are trying out for the school soccer team, on in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi alanforde800Maximus, This question uses what''s called "Formal Logic" (a concept that you would see repeatedly on the LSAT, but rarely on the GMAT). You can answer it with some drawings and careful note-taking. Based on the information in the prompt, we have seven players ...”
December 17, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Pam and Robin each roll a pair of fair, six-sided dice. What in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi alanforde800Maximus, This is a tougher probability question than average (and you likely will not see this exact situation on Test Day). This is meant to say that you shouldn''t be too concerned about this prompt until you''re picking up points in all the other ''gettable'' areas first. ...”
December 17, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to If every boy in a kindergarten class buys a soda and every g in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi alanforde800Maximus, This is a thick, layered question, and would likely take most Test Takers more time than average to solve correctly. The key to solving it is to realize that we don''t know the prices of each soda and each juice box - they MIGHT be integers, but they MIGHT NOT. Also, we ...”
December 17, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Post-First Exam: What are my next steps? in the GMAT Strategy forum
December 17, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to 90 Day Flexible Plan for a decent verbal/low quant old score in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi LDCross, Earlier this year, GMAC made a formal announcement defining some changes that would be taking place to the format of the Official GMAT (which began April 16, 2018). These changes primarily impact the overall length of the Exam (meaning the number of questions in the Quant and Verbal ...”
December 17, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If every boy in a kindergarten class buys a soda and every g in the Problem Solving forum
“Let B = # of boys in kindergarten Let G = # of girls in kindergarten Let J = price (in CENTS) of ONE juice box Let S = price (in CENTS) of ONE soda If every boy in a kindergarten class buys a soda and every girl in the same class buys a juice box, the class will spend 1¢ less in total than it ...”
December 17, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Sanjana jogged uphill for a while at an average speed of 3 m in the Problem Solving forum
“You could also try testing the answer choices. Cheers, Brent”
December 17, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If 3x + 12 = 21, then x + 4 = A. 3 B. 4 C. 5 D. 7 E. 9 in the Problem Solving forum
“One option is to first solve the equation, 3x + 12 = 21, for x, and then determine the value of x+4. Alternatively, we can factor the left side to get: 3(x + 4) = 21 Now divide both sides by 3 to get: x + 4 = 7 Answer: D Cheers, Brent”
December 17, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If a, b & c are integers, is abc odd? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Some important rules: #1. (ODD)(ODD) = ODD #2. (ODD)(EVEN) = EVEN #3. (EVEN)(EVEN) = EVEN Given: a, b & c are integers Target question: Is abc odd? Statement 1: ab is odd This tells us that a and b are both odd. However, we have no information about c. Consider these two ...”
December 17, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In the coordinate plane, the y-intercept of the line k is eq in the Problem Solving forum
“One approach is to choose some values that meet the given information. In the coordinate plane, the y-intercept of the line k is equal to twice its slope. Okay, so let''s say the y-intercept of line k is 6. We get: https://i.imgur.com/qJ5GeRQ.png Since the y-intercept (6) is TWICE the ...”
December 17, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Sanjana jogged uphill for a while at an average speed of 3 m in the Problem Solving forum
“Let''s start with a "Word Equation" (distance traveled uphill) + (distance traveled downhill) = TOTAL DISTANCE Let t = the time spent jogging UPHILL (in hours) The total travel time = 40 minutes = 2/3 HOURS So, 2/3 - t = the time spent jogging DOWNHILL (in hours) Distance = ...”
December 16, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If one manual weighs 400 grams, how many kilograms does a in the Problem Solving forum
“Since the answer choices are VERY SPREAD APART, we can be quite aggressive with our ESTIMATION. (400 grams)(50 manuals) = 20,000 grams = 20 KILOgrams So, the answer is approximately 20 Answer: C Cheers, Brent”
December 16, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In 1991, the price of a house was 80% of its original price. in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that in 1991, the price of a house was 80% of its original price and in 1992, the price of the house was 60% of its original price. We''re asked by what percent the price of the house decreased from 1991 to 1992. This question can be solved in a couple of different ways, ...”
December 16, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A mathematician has devised a formula that produces a series in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, In this question, we''re given the ''rules'' for a particular sequence. We have the values of the first 3 terms and instructions for how to calculate each term afterwards (re: the 4th term is the sum of TWICE the term before it and the term ''2 terms'' before it - re: 2(3rd term) + 2nd ...”
December 16, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Each Machine of type A has 3 steel parts and 2 chrome parts. in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that each Machine of type A has 3 steel parts and 2 chrome parts, each machine of type B has 4 steel parts and 7 chrome parts and a certain group of type A and type B machines has a total of 20 steel parts and 22 chrome parts. We''re asked for the total number of machines. ...”
December 16, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The main ingredient in a certain prescription drug capsule in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that the main ingredient in a certain prescription drug capsule cost $500 per kilogram. If each capsule contains 600 milligrams of ingredient, what is the cost of the ingredient in a capsule? (1 kilogram = 10^6 milligrams). This is a ''unit conversion'' question and comes ...” December 16, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to how to ace GMAT in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi Sana Mehra, Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you''ve been studying and your goals: Studies: 1) What type of study routine have you followed? How many hours do you typically study each ...” December 16, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Madge paid A dollars for R bananas. Dean paid B dollars for in the Data Sufficiency forum “ Given: Madge paid A dollars for R bananas. Dean paid B dollars for S bananas. Target question: Which one of them paid a higher price-per-banana? Statement 1: B > A This tells us that Dean PAID more than Madge paid. However, we don''t know HOW MANY bananas each person bought. ...” December 15, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Jason's salary and Karen's salary were each p percent in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the value of p? Given: Jason''s salary and Karen''s salary were each p percent greater in 1998 than in 1995. IMPORTANT: If my 1998 salary is p percent greater than my 1995 salary, then: 1998 salary = (1 + p/100)(1995 salary) For example, if my 1998 salary is 7 percent ...” December 15, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If w + 2x = 150, 2w + 3y = 100, and x + 3z = 50, what is the in the Problem Solving forum “GIVEN: w + 2x = 150 2w + 3y = 100 x + 3z = 50 If we add all 3 equations, we get: 3w + 3x + 3y + 3z = 300 Divide both sides by 3 to get: w + x + y + z = 100 Answer: D Cheers, Brent” December 15, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If A is the center of the circle shown above and AB = BC in the Problem Solving forum “First recognize that all radii (indicated with BLUE lines) have equal length https://i.imgur.com/iz8ur0Z.png Since BC and CD are both equal to the radius AB, we can see that all BLUE lines have equal length https://i.imgur.com/mF0UxTp.png This means the 2 blue triangles are EQUILATERAL ...” December 13, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If m and n are positive integers, is mn an even number? in the Data Sufficiency forum “Some important rules: #1. ODD +/- ODD = EVEN #2. ODD +/- EVEN = ODD #3. EVEN +/- EVEN = EVEN #4. (ODD)(ODD) = ODD #5. (ODD)(EVEN) = EVEN #6. (EVEN)(EVEN) = EVEN Target question: Is mn an even number? Given: m and n are positive integers Statement 1: m/n is an even number. ...” December 13, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to What distance did Jane travel? in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What distance did Jane travel? Statement 1: Bill traveled 40 miles in 40 minutes. No info about Jane Statement 1 is NOT SUFFICIENT Statement 2: Jane traveled at the same average rate as Bill We don''t know Bill''s speed (rate) Statement 2 is NOT SUFFICIENT ...” December 13, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Test day in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi Esteban, I received your email and wrote back with an analysis of your ESR and some additional questions. GMAT assassins aren''t born, they''re made, Rich” December 13, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If Mike buys a biclycle and a helmet for a total cost of in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: How much does the helmet cost? Given: bicycle + helmet =$315 Statement 1: The bicycle costs twice as much as the helmet. Let x = cost of helmet So, 2x = cost of bicycle Since the total cost is $315, we can write: x + 2x = 315 Simplify: 3x = 315 Solve: x = 315/3 = ...” December 13, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Test day in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi Esteban, Is your Official Score in the ''competitive range'' of what those Schools are looking for? If it''s not, and you want to retest, then you''ll have to be really efficient with the time that you have remaining before the Round 2 application deadlines. You might choose to purchase ...” December 13, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In isosceles triangle DEF, what is the measure of angle E? in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the measure of ∠E? Given: Triangle DEF is an ISOSCELES triangle This tells us that there are 2 equal angles Statement 1: ∠D measures 42 degrees Here it''s hard to tell whether there''s a second 42-degree angle or whether the other two angles are different. ...” December 12, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Ramon wants to cut a rectangular board into identical square in the Problem Solving forum “If we aren''t wasting any wood, the length and width must be divisible by one side of the square So, this question is a clever way of asking us what the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 18 and 30 The GCD of 18 and 30 is 6, so if we cut squares that are 6 x 6, then we won''t waste any wood. We ...” December 12, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to How many perfect squares lie between 2^4 and 2^8, inclusive? in the Problem Solving forum “First rewrite 2^4 and 2^8 as SQUARES of integers (aka perfect squares) 2^4 = (2²)² = 4² 2^8 = (2^4)² = 16² So, we want to find the number of perfect squares FROM 4² to 16² inclusive Let''s list them: 4², 5², 6², 7², 8², 9², 10², 11², 12², 13², 14², 15², and 16² There are ...” December 12, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If 5x + 3y = 17, what is the value of x? in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the value of x? Given: 5x + 3y = 17 Statement 1: x is a positive integer Let''s TEST some values. There are several values of x and y that satisfy statement 1. Here are two: Case a: x = 1 and y = 4 (these values satisfy the given equation, 5x + 3y = 17). In ...” December 12, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to If the ratio of the present age of Anna and Paula is 1 : 2, in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that the ratio of Anna''s and Paula''s CURRENT ages is 1:2. We''re asked which of the following COULD have been the ratio of their respective ages 8 years ago. This question can be solved in a couple of different ways, including by ''brute force'' Arithmetic. Since we''re ...” December 11, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The table above shows the number of students in three clubs in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, 3-Group Overlapping Sets questions are relatively rare on the Official GMAT (you likely will NOT see this version of Overlapping Sets on Test Day). However, there is a formula that you can use to solve it. Total = (1st group) + (2nd group) + (3rd group) - (1st and 2nd) - (1st and ...” December 11, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Test day in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi Esteban, How did you Score (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)? And are you planning to apply soon (sometime in the next couple of months)? GMAT assassins aren''t born, they''re made, Rich” December 11, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to How many integers between 324,700 and 458,600 have tens in the Problem Solving forum “We want to determine how many integers end in 13 For example, 324713, 324813, 324913, 325013, . . . etc. Recognize that, for every 100 consecutive integers, only 1 will end in 13. There are 133,900 integers between 324,700 and 458,600 (since 458,600 - 324,700 = 133,900) Of those 133,900 ...” December 11, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The quadrilateral ABCD is a square with sides of length 12. in the Problem Solving forum “This question could take a while to answer (especially if you don''t know where to begin! :-). Fortunately, we can take advantage of an IMPORTANT feature about geometric diagrams on the GMAT: The diagrams in GMAT problem solving questions are DRAWN TO SCALE unless stated otherwise. We have ...” December 11, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A palindrome is a number that reads the same forward and in the Problem Solving forum “Take the task of building palindromes and break it into stages. Stage 1: Select the ten-thousands digit We can choose 1, 2, or 3 So, we can complete stage 1 in 3 ways Stage 2: Select the thousands digit We can choose 1, 2, or 3 So, we can complete stage 2 in 3 ways Stage 3: Select ...” December 11, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to This year, a woman has a lucrative one-year position. During in the Problem Solving forum “Let T = the woman''s total salary for the year During this year, she will give a fraction f of her salary to her husband, a private investor, to invest and they will live this year on the remainder. So, the amount SAVED (and then given to huspand)= fT This means the amount SPENT = T - fT ...” December 11, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A frog is climbing a greasy pole. The frog can climb 2 in the Problem Solving forum “Let''s solve this by making table Time elapsed | height 1 hours | 4 cm 2 hours | 8 cm REST (slide) 2.5 hours | 7 cm 3.5 hours | 11 cm 4.5 hours | 15 cm REST (slide) 5 hours | 14 cm 6 hours | 18 cm 7 hours | 22 cm REST (slide) 7.5 hours | 21 cm 8.5 hours | 25 cm 9.5 hours | 29 cm ...” December 11, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Oil, vinegar, and water are mixed in a 3 to 2 to 1 ratio to in the Problem Solving forum “GIVEN: oil: vinegar : water = 3 : 2 : 1 Let''s first try to use ALL 8 cups of oil Take 3 : 2 : 1 and multiply all 3 parts by 8/3 to get the EQUIVALENT ratio 8 : 16/3 : 8/3 Simplify to get: 8 : 5 1/3 : 2 2/3 So, in this case, the dressing is comprised of 8 cups of oil, 5 1/3 cups of vinegar, ...” December 10, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Line DB divides Rectangle ABCD into two equal triangles. Is in the Data Sufficiency forum “IF all 4 sides of the rectangle have EQUAL length (i.e,, the shape is a square), then the diagonal will create two 45-45-90 right triangles. However, if the sides are not all the same length, the resulting triangles will NOT be 45-45-90 right triangles. Cheers, Brent” December 10, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A father distributed his total wealth to his two sons. How in the Data Sufficiency forum “ Given: A father distributed his total wealth to his two sons. Target question: How much wealth did the father have? Statement 1: The elder son received 3/5 of the wealth. Without any dollar values, there''s no way to answer the target question with certainty. So, statement 1 is NOT ...” December 10, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to At what speed was Erik running when he was at the halfway po in the Data Sufficiency forum “IMPORTANT: The two statements essentially provide the exact same information. If it took Erik 2 hours to travel 10 miles, we can conclude that his average speed was 5 miles per hour. When the two statements provide the same information in a Data Sufficiency question, the correct answer must be ...” December 10, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to [x] is the greatest integer less than or equal to x. What is in the Data Sufficiency forum “Here are a few similar questions to practice with: - https://www.beatthegmat.com/if-is-the-greatest-integer-less-than-or-equal-to-x-what-t302459.html - https://www.beatthegmat.com/g-x-is-the-greatest-integer-less-than-or-equal-to-x-t298237.html - ...” December 10, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Test day in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi Esteban, The Program has a searchable database, so you don''t have to memorize any codes for the Schools that you want to send your Official GMAT Score to. Is your Official Test Date coming up (and when are you scheduled to take the Test?)? GMAT assassins aren''t born, they''re made, Rich” December 10, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to When 6 is multiplied by x, the result is the same as when x in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that when 6 is multiplied by X, the result is the SAME as when X is added to 9. We''re asked for the value of X/3. When dealing with GMAT questions, it''s important to make sure that you answer the question that is ASKED. Here, we''re NOT asked for the value of X, we''re ...” December 9, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When 6 is multiplied by x, the result is the same as when x in the Problem Solving forum “When 6 is multiplied by x, the result is the same as when x is added to 9 In other words: 6x = 9 + x Subtract x from both sides: 5x = 9 Divide both sides by 5 to get: x = 9/5 Answer: E Cheers, Brent” December 9, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Three photographers, Lisa, Mike and Norm, take photos of a w in the Problem Solving forum “We can also solve the question using 1 variable Norms photos number 10 more than twice the number of Lisa''s photos Let x = the number of photographs that Lisa took. So, 2x + 10 = the number of photographs that Norm took. The total of Lisa and Mikes photos is 50 less than the sum of ...” December 9, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to At a certain factory, each employee working the second shift in the Problem Solving forum “Let''s assign a "nice" value to the number of widgets made by ONE employee. We''ll also assign a nice value to the number of employees on each shift. At a certain factory, each employee working the SECOND shift produced 2/3 as many widgets as each employee working the FIRST shift. ...” December 9, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If two of the four expressions x+y, x+5y, x-y, and 5x-y are in the Problem Solving forum “Okay, first recognize that x² - (by)² is a DIFFERENCE OF SQUARES. Here are some examples of differences of squares: x² - 25y² 4x² - 9y² 49m² - 100k² In general, we can factor differences of squares as follows: a² - b² = (a-b)(a+b) So . . . x² - 25y² = (x+5y)(x-5y) 4x² - ...” December 8, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a new topic called CHALLENGE: What is the value of k? in the Data Sufficiency forum “What is the value of k? $$(1) k^2-5k-66=0$$ $$(2) \frac{2k}{k^2+5k}=\frac{1}{8}$$ Source: www.gmatprepnow.com Answer: B Estimated difficulty level: 600-650” December 7, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Circle question help in the Problem Solving forum “We''ll begin by arbitrarily placing point A somewhere on the circumference. https://i.imgur.com/hRHtq4o.png So, we want to know the probability that a randomly-placed point B will yield a chord AB that is at least 2 cm long. So, let''s first find a location for point B that creates a chord ...” December 7, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Let C be defined as the sum of all prime numbers between in the Problem Solving forum “C = 2 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 11 + 13 + 17 + 19 + 23 + 29 = 129 So, C/3 = 129/3 = 43 Answer: E Cheers, Brent” December 7, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to 2k years ago Frank was 3k years old. In k years Frank's age, in the Problem Solving forum “These kinds of questions (Variables in the Answer Choices - VIACs) can be answered algebraically or using the input-output approach. Mitch has solved the question using the input-output approach, so let''s use the algebraic approach. 2k years ago Frank was 3k years old. We''re given Frank''s ...” December 7, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to During a special promotion, a certain filling station is off in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that during a special promotion, a certain filling station is offering a 10 percent discount on gas purchased AFTER the first 10 gallons. Kim purchased 20 gallons of gas, and Isabella purchased 25 gallons of gas. We''re asked for Isabella''s total PER-GALLON DISCOUNT as a ...” December 7, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In a 200 member association consisting of men and women, exa in the Problem Solving forum “In order to minimize the number of homeowners, we must MAXIMIZE the number of men in the group, since the proportion of male homeowners (20%) is less than the proportion of female homeowners (25%) So, let''s see what happens if there are 199 men and 1 woman. If 20% (aka 1/5) of the men are ...” December 6, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If all of the telephone extensions in a certain company must in the Problem Solving forum “NOTE: Always SCAN the answer choices before performing any calculations. Here, we notice that the answer choices are pretty small, so if we don''t come up a full solution, we should consider LISTING AND COUNTING We get the following extensions: 1236 1326 1362 1632 2136 2316 3126 3162 ...” December 6, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If all of the telephone extensions in a certain company must in the Problem Solving forum “Take the task of arranging the 4 digits and break it into stages. We’ll begin with the most restrictive stage. Stage 1: Select the digit in the units position Since the 4-digit extension must be EVEN, the unit digit must be either 2 or 6 So, we can complete stage 1 in 2 ways Stage ...” December 6, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to What was the revenue that a theater received from the sale in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What was the revenue that a theater received from the sale of 400 tickets Jump straight to . . . Statements 1 and 2 combined The combined statements tell us that 100 tickets sold for the full price of$25 each. The remaining 300 tickets were sold at some reduced price. ...”
December 6, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A certain high school offers two foreign languages, Spanish in the Problem Solving forum
“Another approach is to use the Double Matrix Method. This technique can be used for most questions featuring a population in which each member has two characteristics associated with it (aka overlapping sets questions). Here, we have a population of students, and the two characteristics are: - ...”
December 6, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In year x, it rained on 40% of all Mondays and 20% of all in the Data Sufficiency forum
“In any given year, there will be 52 or 53 Mondays, 52 or 53 Tuesdays, etc. So, it''s impossible to say that it rained on 40% of all Mondays or 20% of all Tuesdays, etc. For example, if there are 52 Mondays, then 40% of 52 = 20.8, which means that it rained on 20.8 days (impossible). Cheers, ...”
December 6, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Three men sit at a table. One dollar is placed in front of in the Problem Solving forum
“Let''s see what happens if a man waits until the last (5th) round to take the money. Round #1: $1 placed in front of the man (but he doesn''t take it) Round #2: Now,$2 placed in front of the man (but he doesn''t take it) Round #3: Now, $4 placed in front of the man (but he doesn''t take it) ...” December 5, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If a, b, and c are positive integers such that a < b < in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: Is a% of b% of c an integer? This is a great candidate for rephrasing the target question. Aside: We have a free video with tips on rephrasing the target question: a% of b% of c is the same as (a/100)(b/100)(c), which equals abc/10,000 So, we can rephrase the target ...” December 5, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to 190 students go to a school bake sale. 95 buy a chocolate in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that 190 students go to a school bake sale. Of those students, 95 buy a chocolate chip cookie, 75 buy a peanut butter cookie, and AT LEAST 12 buy both. We''re asked for the LEAST number of students who could have bought NEITHER type of cookie. This question is a variation on ...” December 5, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to What is the difference between the number of three-member in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, To start, I agree with Brent; the wording of this prompt is ''clunky'' - and the GMAT writers word their questions in a far more rigorous and specific fashion than what we see here. That having been said, the basic concepts involved here are Combinations and Permutations. We''re ...” December 5, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Mr. McCall selects a number that is two-digit and positive. in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that Mr. McCall selects a number that is two-digit and positive: If the number is prime, then he assigns that many problems for homework. If the number is NOT prime, then he assigns 8 MORE problems than the number for homework. We''re told he assigns 97 problems for homework. ...” December 5, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If w, x, and y are consecutive odd positive integers and w & in the Problem Solving forum “Here''s a 3rd approach: GIVEN: w, x, and y are consecutive odd positive integers and w < x < y Since consecutive odd integers go up by 2, we can write: x = w + 2, and y = w + 2 + 2 = w + 4 So, y - x - w = (w + 4) - (w + 2) - w = w + 4 - w - 2 - w = 2 - w Since w is an ODD integer, ...” December 5, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to What is the difference between the number of three-member in the Problem Solving forum “The number of three-member committees that can be formed from a group of nine members Since the order in which we select the 3 people does not matter, we can use combinations. We can choose 3 people from 9 people in 9C3 ways 9C3 = (9)(8)(7)/(3)(2)(1) = 84 three-member committees The total ...” December 5, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to All the 7 books of the fictional character series Horry in the Problem Solving forum “At$8 per book, the 8 books SHOULD have cost $64 (8 x$8 = $64) However, Harry bought the 8 books for$60 So, the amount Harry saved = $64 -$60 = $4 What is savings percentage for Harry, who bought the whole set together? Percent savings = 100(amount saved)/(original price) = 100(4)/64 = ...” December 5, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to If s and t are two different numbers on the number line, is in the Data Sufficiency forum “Hi All, We''re told that S and T are two DIFFERENT numbers on the number line. We''re asked if S + T = 0. This is a YES/NO question and can be solved by TESTing VALUES and a bit of Number Property logic. 1) The distance between S and 0 is the SAME as the distance between T and 0 Since S ...” December 4, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In a certain company, 25% of the women and 17% of the men in the Data Sufficiency forum “Hi All, This question involves some subtle Number Property rules that you have to consider to get the correct answer. Those rules, along with TESTing VALUES, can help you to quickly answer the question... We''re told that 25% of the women and 17% of the men participate in the voluntary equity ...” December 4, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In her position as a real estate agent, Sarah receives a bon in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that Sarah receives a bonus for EACH sale she makes - and that last week, she earned a$4,000 bonus, which decreased her AVERAGE bonus amount to $4800 (which represents a decrease of 4%). We''re asked for the number of sales Sarah made. This question can be solved in a couple ...” December 4, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Charlie takes 2.5 hours to fly from Los Angeles to Mexico Ci in the Problem Solving forum “Average speed = (total distance traveled)/(total travel time) So, Average speed = 1200/2.5 = 2400/5 = 4800/10 = 480 mph Answer: D Cheers, Brent” December 4, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In her position as a real estate agent, Sarah receives a bon in the Problem Solving forum “Last week, Sarah earned a$4,000 bonus, which decreased her average bonus amount to $4800. This represents a decrease of 4%. Let x = OLD average bonus amount We can write: x - 0.04x =$4800 Simplify: 0.96x = $4800 Solve: x =$4800/(0.96) = $5000 How many sales has Sarah made? Let n = the ...” December 4, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to If x^3 < x^2, what is the value of the integer x? in the Data Sufficiency forum “Hi All, We''re told that X is an INTEGER and X^3 is LESS than X^2. We''re asked for the value of X. This question can be solved with a mix of Number Properties and TESTing VALUES. To start, there are only certain types of values that will fit the given information that X^3 is less than X^2: ...” December 3, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A certain company that sells only cars and trucks reported in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that a certain company that sells only cars and trucks reported that revenues from car sales in 1997 were down 11 percent from 1996 and revenues from truck sales in 1997 were up 7 percent from 1996. If total revenues from car sales and trucks sales in 1997 were up 1 percent ...” December 3, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Mary is building a pyramid out of stacked rows of soup cans. in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that Mary is building a pyramid out of stacked rows of soup cans; the top row of the pyramid contains a single soup can, each row below the top row contains 6 MORE cans than the one above it and the completed pyramid contains 16 rows. We''re asked for the TOTAL number of soup ...” December 3, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If there are 4 pairs of twins, and a committee will be in the Problem Solving forum “Here''s another approach. Take the task of selecting the 3 committee members and break it into stages. Stage 1: Select the 3 twins from which we will select 1 spouse each. There are 4 sets of twins, and we must select 3 of them. Since the order in which we select the 3 twins does not ...” December 3, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to When running a mile during a recent track meet, Nuria was in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that when running a mile during a recent track meet, Nuria was initially credited with a final time of 5 minutes, 44 seconds. Shortly after her run, officials realized that the timing mechanism malfunctioned. The stopwatch did not begin timing her until 11/25 of a MINUTE ...” December 1, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to When a certain tree was first planted, it was 4 feet tall in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, TESTing the ANSWERS is a great way to tackle this question. The "fast" way to solve a problem can still sometimes take time, but regardless of how you approach a prompt, you still need to take notes and stay organized. From the screen capture, you chose answer C (1/2). If ...” December 1, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Portia purchased a laptop for$480, but after checking the in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that Portia purchased a laptop for $480, but after checking the merchant''s website realized that she had been overcharged by 20%. We''re asked how many dollars she was overcharged. This question can be solved in a couple of different ways, including by TESTing THE ANSWERS. ...” December 1, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to For each of her sales, a saleswoman receives a commission in the Problem Solving forum “Saleswoman receives a commission equal to 20 percent of the first$500 of the total amount of the sale, plus 30 percent of the total amount in excess of $500 If she sold$800, then... Commission = (20 percent of $500) + (30 percent of$300) = $100 +$90 = $190 The saleswoman''s commission ...” December 1, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Portia purchased a laptop for$480, but after checking the in the Problem Solving forum
“Let x = the INTENDED price of the laptop Portia was overcharged by 20% So, x + (20% of x) = the amount Portia paid In other words: x + 0.2x = $480 Simplify: 1.2x = 480 Solve: x = 480/1.2 = 400 So, Portia was SUPPOSED to pay$400, but she actually paid $480 So, Portia was overcharged ...” December 1, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When a certain tree was first planted, it was 4 feet tall in the Problem Solving forum “Height of tree on day 0 = 4 Let d = the height increase each year Height of tree at the end of the 1st year = 4+d Height of tree at the end of the 2nd year = 4+d+d = 4 + 2d Height of tree at the end of the 3rd year = 4+d+d+d = 4 + 3d Height of tree at the end of the 4th year = 4+d+d+d+d = 4 + ...” December 1, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Reggie purchased a car costing$8,700. As a down payment he in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that Reggie purchased a car costing $8,700 and as a down payment he used a$2,300 insurance settlement and an amount from his savings equal to 15 percent of the difference between the cost of the car and the insurance settlement. He borrowed the rest of the money needed to ...”
November 30, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Of the employees at a company, 60 percent were men and, of in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi swerve, We''re told that of the employees at a company, 60 percent were men and, of these, 1/10 were still employed after a recent corporate restructuring and the number of women who were still employed after the restructuring was FIVE TIMES the number of men who were employed after it. ...”
November 30, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Last Friday a certain shop sold 3/4 of the sweaters in its in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: Last Friday a certain shop sold 3/4 of the sweaters in its inventory. Each sweater sold for $20. Target question: What was the total revenue last Friday from the sale of this sweaters? Statement 1: When the shop opened last Friday, there were 160 sweaters in its inventory. 3/4 ...” November 30, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When running a mile during a recent track meet, Nuria was in the Problem Solving forum “The long approach is to meticulously convert 11/25 of a minute to seconds, and then ADD that unaccounted time to Nuria''s recorded time (of 5 minutes, 44 seconds) However, when we check the answer choices before performing any calculations (ALWAYS check the answer choices before performing any ...” November 30, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A box contains red and blue balls only. If there are 8 balls in the Data Sufficiency forum “Hi All, We''re told that a box contains red and blue balls only and that there are 8 balls in total. We''re asked for the number of RED balls are in the box. 1) If two balls are randomly selected without replacement, the probability that both balls are red is 5/14 To start, since we''re ...” November 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Inequality in the Data Sufficiency forum “Hi All, We''re asked for the value of |X - 2|. This question comes down to a specific math concept (Absolute Value), some basic arithmetic and thoroughness on your part - meaning that you have to make sure that you answer the question that is ASKED. 1) |X - 4| = 2 Since we''re dealing ...” November 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to 3 Month Study Plan? in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi intelligenthuman171, Since it sounds like you''re just beginning your studies, then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can take 2 for free at www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). If you want to do a little studying first, so ...” November 29, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to GMAT PREP CR... why is A wrong? in the Critical Reasoning forum “A student asked me to answer this question, so here it goes . . . 1) Read the question stem to determine the question type. Tricky! With fill-in-the-blank questions, it''s often difficult to determine the question type. The last sentence reads Unitron is not going to hire department heads ...” November 29, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to New cars leave a car factory in a repeating pattern of red, in the Problem Solving forum “Let''s examine the pattern. CAR # | color 1 | red 2 | blue 3 | black 4 | gray 5 | red 6 | blue 7 | black 8 | gray 9 | red . . . The pattern REPEATS EVERY 4 CARS. So, we say the pattern has CYCLE 4 Also, notice that every car # that''s divisible by 4 is gray So, let''s find a ...” November 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to If each of the two digits X and Y is distinct, is the two di in the Data Sufficiency forum “Hi All, We''re told that each of the two DIGITS X and Y is distinct. We''re asked if the two-digit integer XY is PRIME. This is a YES/NO question and can be solved by TESTing VALUES. 1) Each of the digits X and Y is the sum of 2 distinct single digit prime numbers. The single-digit ...” November 29, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If each of the two digits X and Y is distinct, is the two di in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: Is the two-digit integer xy prime? Given: Each of the two digits x and y is distinct Statement 1: Each of the digits x and y is the sum of 2 distinct single digit prime numbers. Let''s TEST some values. There are several values of x and y that satisfy statement 1. Here ...” November 29, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Joan spent$10 to buy at least one piece each of apples and in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: How many apples did Joan buy? Given: Joan spent $10 to buy at least one piece each of apples and oranges at a store where each apple cost$2 and each orange cost $1. Since there are only a handful of possible outcomes, we might benefit from quickly listing them: i) Joan ...” November 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A casino pays players with chips that are either turquoise in the Data Sufficiency forum “Hi All, We''re told that a casino pays players with chips that are either turquoise- or violet- colored; each turquoise- colored chip is worth T dollars, and each violet- colored chip is worth V dollars, where T and V are INTEGERS. We''re asked for the combined value of four turquoise- colored ...” November 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to On a partly cloudy day, Derek decides to walk back from work in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, This question can be solved by TESTing THE ANSWERS. To start, the prompt provides a few clues about why the speeds have to be 2 miles/hour and 3 miles/hour: 1) The two speeds are S miles/hour and (S+1) miles/hour, so the two numbers must differ by EXACTLY 1. 2) We''re told that S ...” November 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to 12 year out of college, GMAT study plans? in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi KDR83, Your Essay and IR Scores are both nice achievements - but most Programs do much put much of a ''premium'' on either of those Scores (although depending on the number of applicants and the situation, it''s possible that those Scores could serve as ''tie breakers'' in your favor). I''d ...” November 28, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If 320 people attended the wedding and 200 attendees drank in the Data Sufficiency forum “This question is somewhat ambiguous, since it''s hard to say whether "nondrinkers" in statement 1 refers to people who drank neither beer nor wine, or did not drink beer. I''m assuming that it means to not drink beer, so I''ve add that to the question below. One approach is to use ...” November 28, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Difficult Manhatan Problem in the Problem Solving forum “Target question: What is the hundreds digit of the product AB? Given: The difference between positive two-digit integer A and the smaller two-digit integer B is twice A‘s units digit Let x = the tens digit of A, and let y = the units digit of A So, the VALUE of A = 10x + y From the ...” November 28, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If a child is randomly selected from Columbus Elementary in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the probability that the child will be a boy? This is a good candidate for rephrasing the target question. Let G = # of girls in the school Let B = # of boys in the school So, G + B = total number of children in the school So, P(selected child is a boy) = B/(G + B) ...” November 28, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A club has 10 members. One president and two vice-presidents in the Problem Solving forum “Take the task of selecting the president and two vice-presidents and break it into stages. Stage 1: Select the president There are 10 people to choose from. So, we can complete stage 1 in 10 ways Stage 2: Select two people to be the vice-presidents Since the order in which we select the ...” November 28, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to On a partly cloudy day, Derek decides to walk back from work in the Problem Solving forum “Let''s PLUG IN a nice value for the total distance traveled. If Derek''s average speed is 2.8 mph, then let''s say that he traveled a total of 28 miles. At an average rate of 2.8 mph, a 28 mile trip will take 10 hours. Since Derek''s average speed is BETWEEN 2 and 3 mph, we can conclude that ...” November 28, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A company accountant estimates that airfares next year for in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that a company accountant estimates that airfares next year for business trips of a thousand miles or less will increase by 20 percent and airfares for all other business trips will increase by 10 percent. This year, total airfares for business trips of a thousand miles or ...” November 28, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to An urn contains 10 balls, numbered from 1 to 10. If 2 balls in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that an urn contains 10 balls, numbered from 1 to 10 and we''re told that 2 balls are selected at random WITH replacement. We''re asked for the probability that the SUM of the 2 numbers on the balls will be EVEN. This question can be solved in a couple of different ways, ...” November 28, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In a group of 20 people, 5 of them belong to the golf club, in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, 3-Group Overlapping Sets questions are relatively rare on the Official GMAT (you likely will NOT see this version of Overlapping Sets on Test Day). However, there is a formula that you can use to solve it. Total = (Those in none of the groups) + (1st group) + (2nd group) + (3rd ...” November 27, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Between the first day of May and last day in June, the price in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that a between the first day of May and last day in June, the price per kilogram of Melange, a seasoning mix, first DECLINED by 20 percent and then INCREASED by 50 percent and during this same period, the price per liter of Blue, a spring water, first INCREASED by 20 percent ...” November 27, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Bobby bought 2 shares, and which he sold for$96 each. If he in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that Bobby bought 2 shares, which he sold for $96 each, he had a profit of 20% on the sale of one of the shares but a loss of 20% on the sale of the other share. We''re asked to find the TOTAL profit or loss on the sale of the two shares. This question essentially comes down ...” November 27, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to GMAT Experience: 540 to 640 in one month in the I just Beat The GMAT! forum “Hi utdallas2019, That''s absolutely fantastic news! A 100-point improvement in such a short period of time is a terrific achievement - and since this 640 puts you well above your Goal Score, this sounds like a bit ''win'' overall! You clearly have a strong work ethic and capacity to improve, so I ...” November 27, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The weights of four packages are 1, 3, 5, and 7 pounds, resp in the Problem Solving forum “That''s MUCH better than my solution!! Cheers, Brent<i class="em em---1"></i>” November 27, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The weights of four packages are 1, 3, 5, and 7 pounds, resp in the Problem Solving forum “For each answer choice, if we CAN create the total given weight, then we can ELIMINATE that answer choice. a) 9 = 1 + 3 + 5 ELIMINATE b) 10 = 3 + 7 ELIMINATE c) 12 = 5 + 7 ELIMINATE d) 13 = 1 + 5 + 7 ELIMINATE By the process of elimination, the correct answer is E Cheers, Brent” November 27, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If 1+2+2^2+... +2^n=2^{n+1}-1, what is the largest prime fac in the Problem Solving forum “GIVEN: 1 + 2 + 2^2 + ... + 2^n = 2^{n+1} - 1 So, 1 + 2 + 2^2 + ... + 2^7 = 2^{7+1} - 1 = 2^8 - 1 If we recognize that the above expression is a difference of squares, we can factor it to get.... 2^8 - 1 = (2^4 + 1)(2^4 - 1) = (2^4 + 1)(2^2 + 1)(2^2 - 1) = (16 + 1)(4 + 1)(4 - 1) = ...” November 27, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to How many integers from 0 to 50, inclusive, have a remainder in the Problem Solving forum “When it comes to remainders, we have a nice rule that says: If N divided by D leaves remainder R, then the possible values of N are R, R+D, R+2D, R+3D,. . . etc. For example, if k divided by 5 leaves a remainder of 1, then the possible values of k are: 1, 1+5, 1+(2)(5), 1+(3)(5), ...” November 27, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In a certain state, gasoline stations compute the price per in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, This question can be solved by TESTing VALUES. P = Price per gallon CHARGED D = Price per gallon for the Dealer We''re told that the Dealer price has a 4% tax AND 18 cents per gallon added on. So, I''m going to pick a nice round number for D. D =$10 P = $10 +4%($10) + ...”
November 27, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to At an auto detailing company, it takes 15 minutes for an in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that at an auto detailing company, it takes 15 minutes for an employee to service a car and 24 minutes to service a truck and the company needs to service all 300 trucks and 360 cars on a lot during a 6-hour shift. We''re asked for the number of employees needed to complete ...”
November 27, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A certain recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar and 3 1/2 cups of in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that a certain recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar and 3 1/2 cups of flour. We''re asked for the ratio of sugar to flour in this recipe. This question can be solved in a couple of different ways. The answer choices are sufficiently ''spread out'' that we can actually answer this ...”
November 27, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A chili recipe calls for the final mixture to consist of 1/2 in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi vinni.k, We''re told that a chili recipe calls for the final mixture to consist of 1/2 meat and 1/3 beans, with the remainder an even mixture of sauce and various spices (and a total of 6 pounds of sauce and spices are used). We''re asked how many pounds of beans are used. This question can ...”
November 27, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to GMAT Mistake Tracker Tool from EMPOWERgmat in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi nnennaj, We''ve been unable to recreate the error that you are experiencing. One of our Engineers suggested that you might try using Apple Numbers. GMAT assassins aren''t born, they''re made, Rich”
November 27, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to GMAT Error Logs Suggestions and Feedback in the Suggestions and Feedback forum
“Hi nnennaj, We''ve been unable to recreate the error that you are experiencing. One of our Engineers suggested that you might try using Apple Numbers. GMAT assassins aren''t born, they''re made, Rich”
November 27, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Is b even? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: Is b even? KEY POINT: We are not told that a and b are INTEGERS. As such, we can jump straight to. . . . Statements 1 and 2 combined There are several values of a and b that satisfy BOTH statements. Here are two: Case a: a = 4 and b = 2. Notice that a/b = 4/2 = 2, ...”
November 27, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In the rectangular coordinate system shown above, does the in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: Does line k intersect quadrant II? Statement 1: The slope of k is -1/6 Here are a few lines with slope -1/6 https://i.imgur.com/1p6USLh.png KEY CONCEPT: As we travel from right to left along a line with slope -1/6, we keep moving up. So, at some point, the line will ...”
November 27, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A certain recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar and 3 1/2 cups of in the Problem Solving forum
“Judging from the OA, I''ve added some key text below A certain recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar and 3 1/2 cups of flour So sugar/flour = 2/3.5 Check answer choices . . . . not there. Looks like we need to create a ratio that''s EQUIVALENT to 2/3.5 Multiply top and bottom by 2 to get ...”
November 27, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When the positive integer x is divided by 6, the remainder in the Problem Solving forum
“Good catch - thanks Fabio! I''ve edited my response accordingly. Cheers, Brent”
November 26, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In a certain state, gasoline stations compute the price per in the Problem Solving forum
“In a certain state, gasoline stations compute the price per gallon "p", in dollars, charged at the pump by adding a 4 percent sales tax to the dealer''s price per gallon "d", in dollars . . . We can write: p = d + 4% of d = d + 0.04d = 1.04d So, we have: p = 1.04d . . . ...”
November 26, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When the positive integer x is divided by 6, the remainder in the Problem Solving forum
“APPROACH#2 When the positive integer x is divided by 6, the remainder is 4 In other words, x is 4 greater than some multiple of 6 We can write: x = 6k + 4, where k is an integer If x = 6k + 4, we can also write: x = 6k + 3 + 1 Factor to get: x = 3(2k + 1) + 1 Since 2k+1 must be an integer, ...”
November 26, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When the positive integer x is divided by 6, the remainder in the Problem Solving forum
“----ASIDE------------------- When it comes to remainders, we have a nice rule that says: If N divided by D leaves remainder R, then the possible values of N are R, R+D, R+2D, R+3D,. . . etc. For example, if k divided by 5 leaves a remainder of 1, then the possible values of k are: 1, ...”
November 26, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A chili recipe calls for the final mixture to consist of 1/2 in the Problem Solving forum
“A chili recipe calls for the final mixture to consist of 1/2 meat and 1/3 beans, with the remainder an even mixture of sauce and various spices Let''s see what fraction of the final mixture is sauce and various spices 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6 If 5/6 of the mixture is meat and beans, then the ...”
November 26, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A store sells only two types of shirts, branded and in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: All the branded shirts are priced at $60 per unit and all the non-branded shirts are priced at$20 per unit. On a certain day, the store sold a total of 30 shirts. Let B = # of branded shirts sold Let N = # of non-branded shirts sold If a TOTAL of 30 shirts were sold, we can write: N + ...”
November 26, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Of the 4,800 voters who voted for or against Resolution K, in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: What was the total number of female voters who voted for Resolution K? When solving Data Sufficiency questions, it''s important that you don''t perform more calculations than are necessary. So, for this question, we need only determine whether or not we have sufficient ...”
November 26, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If x and y are nonnegative integers, what is the value of y? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“The above solutions are great. I just wanted to add that whenever you''re told that a value is non-negative on the GMAT, you should be sure to consider what happens when that value equals zero Keep in mind that, if the test-makers wanted to restrict a value to POSITIVE values only, then they''d ...”
November 25, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If n is the smallest integer such that 432 times n is the in the Problem Solving forum
“IMPORTANT CONCEPT: The prime factorization of a perfect square (the square of an integer) will have an even number of each prime For example: 400 is a perfect square. 400 = 2x2x2x2x5x5. Here, we have four 2''s and two 5''s This should make sense, because the even numbers allow us to split the ...”
November 25, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Set P {a, b, c, d, e, f, g} Set Q {a, b, c, d, e, f} If a, b in the Problem Solving forum
“The key here is MUST be true. So, if we can find an example in which a statement is NOT true, then we can ELIMINATE it. We have: Set P {a, b, c, d, e, f, g} Set Q {a, b, c, d, e, f} I''ll make the extra value red so it''s easier to compare the two sets So, the sets COULD be: Set P {1, 2, ...”
November 25, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Every object in a box is either a sphere or a cube, and ever in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: How many objects are in the box? Given: Every object in a box is either a sphere or a cube, and every object in the box is either red or green. We can solve this using the Double Matrix Method. This technique can be used for most questions featuring a population in which ...”
November 25, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Last month, a florist gave 7 percent of her sales revenue to in the Problem Solving forum
“Choose a "nice" number for the sales revenue Let $100 = LAST MONTH''s revenue So,$120 = THIS MONTH''s revenue (since sales were up 20 percent from last month) LAST month, a florist gave 7 percent of her sales revenue to her employees in bonuses So, bonuses = 7% of $100 =$7 ...”
November 23, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In a plane, there are two parallel lines. One line has 5 in the Problem Solving forum
“There are two ways in which we can create a triangle. #1) Select 2 points from the 5-point line and select 1 point from the 4-point line. #2) Select 2 points from the 4-point line and select 1 point from the 5-point line. #1) Select 2 points from the 5-point line and select 1 point from the ...”
November 23, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A retailer sells only radios and clocks. If she currently in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that a retailer sells only radios and clocks and she currently has 44 total items in inventory. We''re asked how many of those items are radios. This question can be solved by TESTing VALUES. 1) The retailer has MORE than 28 radios in inventory. With 44 total items, ...”
November 23, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A certain telephone company offers two plans, A and B. Under in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that a certain telephone company offers two plans, A and B. Under plan A, the company charges a total of $0.60 for the FIRST 7 minutes of each call and$0.06 per minute thereafter. Under plan B, the company charges $0.08 per minute of each call. We''re asked for the duration ...” November 23, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to R and S can complete a certain job in 6 and 4 days respectiv in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that R and S can complete a certain job in 6 and 4 days respectively, while they work individually. We''re asked for the LEAST number of days they will take to complete the same job, if they work on alternate days. Although the wording of this question is a bit ''clunky'', ...” November 23, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Twelve identical machines, running continuously at the same in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that twelve identical machines, running continuously at the same constant rate, take 8 days to complete a shipment. We''re asked how many ADDITIONAL machines, each running at the same constant rate, would be needed to REDUCE the time required to complete a shipment BY two ...” November 23, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to GMAT PREP KAPLAN VIDEO in the The 60-Day GMAT Study Guide forum “Thanks for the heads up. This video should serve as a replacement: https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/general-gmat-strategies/video/1250 Cheers, Brent” November 23, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Alan and Peter are cycling at different constant rates on a in the Data Sufficiency forum “ Given: Alan is NOW 3 miles ahead of Peter Target question: How many minutes from now will Peter be 1 mile ahead of Alan? Statement 1: ONE HOUR AGO, Alan was 7 miles ahead of Peter. Alan is NOW 3 miles ahead of Peter So, in one hour, the GAP between Alan and Peter decreased by 4 miles ...” November 23, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to List M consists of 50 decimals, each of which has a value be in the Problem Solving forum “Let''s examine the EXTREME CASES S - T = x percent of T So, S - T = (x/100)T Divide both sides by to get: (S - T)/T = x/100 Multiply both sides by 100 to get: x = 100(S - T)/T First, we we''ll MINIMIZE the value of x by minimizing the value of S - T and maximizing the value of T. This ...” November 23, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to R and S can complete a certain job in 6 and 4 days respectiv in the Problem Solving forum “Let''s assign a "nice" value to the job, a value that works well with the given values (6 days and 4 days ). So, let''s say the ENTIRE job is to make 24 widgets R can complete a certain job in 6 days In other words, R can make 24 widgets in 6 days So, R can make 4 widgets per day ...” November 23, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A certain telephone company offers two plans, A and B. Under in the Problem Solving forum “Let x = the duration of the phone call (in minutes) Under plan A, the company charges a total of$0.60 for the first 7 minutes of each call and $0.06 per minute thereafter. So, the TOTAL cost =$0.60 + (x - 7 minutes)($0.06) = 0.60 + (0.06x - 0.42) = 0.06x + 0.18 Under plan B, the company ...” November 23, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Gmat Journey... 690 - 640 -710 in the I just Beat The GMAT! forum “Hi gmat king, The other posts in this thread are over 5 years old, so you might not receive a response from any of the posters. If you''re looking to improve your GMAT Score, then I''ll be happy to analyze your situation/Scores. Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking ...” November 22, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to 30 Days to Improve My Score. Can it be done? in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi clubber112358, To start, if you have taken any other practice CATs besides the two that you listed, then that information is important. If you''ve been scoring in the low-500s for some time, then it''s possible that you have gotten ''stuck'' at this particular score level - and your ''next ...” November 21, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Help me Beat the GMAT in the I just Beat The GMAT! forum “Hi melisaaslan, I''m sorry to hear that Test Day didn''t go as well as planned. When these types of score drops occur, the two likely "causes" involve either something that was unrealistic during practice or something that was surprising (or not accounted for) on Test Day. If you can ...” November 21, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Bite-sized video lessons from GMAT Prep Now in the GMAT Math forum “The Something Method for solving certain equations Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmTisgtNfTI Cheers, Brent” November 21, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If m represents the slope of a line in the coordinate geomet in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: Does the line intersect quadrant III? Jump straight to... Statements 1 and 2 combined Here are two scenarios that satisfy BOTH statements: Case a: m = 3 https://i.imgur.com/2SVui9E.png In this case, the answer to the target question is YES, the line DOES intersect ...” November 21, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In the first year of a pyramid scheme, John convinced y of in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What was the value of y? Statement 1: The revenue for the website that year was$36,000. First round of "investors": y people paying $30 each = 30y dollars Second round of "investors": y² people paying$15 each = 15y² dollars Total revenue = 15y² + ...”
November 21, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Missing day 20 in the The 60-Day GMAT Study Guide forum
“Done! Cheers, Brent”
November 21, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to 30 Days to Improve My Score. Can it be done? in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi clubber112358, Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you''ve been studying and your goals: Studies: 1) What study materials have you used so far? 2) How have you scored on EACH of your CATs ...”
November 21, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to How to Get a 700+ on the GMAT? in the I just Beat The GMAT! forum
“Hi hitmanov, You should start a new post-thread (instead of piggy-backing on this one) and provide a bit more information on how you''ve been studying and your goals: https://www.beatthegmat.com/gmat-strategy-f3.html Click the orange "Create New Topic" Button above the forum ...”
November 21, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Luxo paint contains only alcohol and pigment. What is the in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: What is the ratio of alcohol to pigment in Luxo paint? Given: Luxo paint contains ONLY alcohol and pigment. Statement 1: Exactly 7 ounces of pigment are contained in a 12-ounce can of Luxo paint. If 7 of the 12 ounces of paint are PIGMENT, then the remaining 5 ounces ...”
November 21, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A children's theater sels tickets to a show. Tickets for in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: Tickets for children cost $10 and tickets for adults cost$35. Ticket revenues from the last performance were $390 Let A = # of adults in attendance Let C = # of children in attendance So, we can write: 35A + 10C = 390 Since A and C must be POSITIVE INTEGERS, there are not many ...” November 20, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A number when divided by 4 and 5 leaves remainders 1 and 4 in the Problem Solving forum “When it comes to remainders, we have a nice rule that says: If N divided by D, leaves remainder R, then the possible values of N are R, R+D, R+2D, R+3D,. . . etc. For example, if k divided by 5 leaves a remainder of 1, then the possible values of k are: 1, 1+5, 1+(2)(5), 1+(3)(5), ...” November 20, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to When m is divided by 7, the remainder is 5. When m is in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that when M is divided by 7, the remainder is 5, when M is divided by 13, the remainder is 6 and 1 < m < 200. We''re asked for the GREATEST possible value of M. This question can be solved rather easily by TESTing THE ANSWERS. Let''s TEST Answer E first (if it fits what ...” November 20, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The number line above represents which of the following in the Problem Solving forum “We can also solve the question by testing the answer choices Here''s what I mean: The diagram tells us that x= 0 is a solution to the inequality. When we check the answer choices, we see that answer choice D (1 < 2x < 3) does NOT have x = 0 as a solution. When we let x = 0, the ...” November 19, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The number line above represents which of the following in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, The given Number line shows us a set of numbers from -3 to +1, NOT inclusive. We can TEST VALUES against the 5 answer choices to find the answer that includes JUST that range of numbers... To start, both Answer A and Answer E include an open-ended range of values, so neither of those ...” November 19, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If n is an integer between 30 and 50 inclusive, what is the in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the value of n? Given: n is an integer between 30 and 50 inclusive Statement 1: When n is divided by 8, the remainder is 7 ------ASIDE-------------------------------------- When it comes to remainders, we have a nice rule that says: If N divided by D leaves ...” November 19, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When sold at a 40% discount, a sweater nets the merchant a in the Problem Solving forum “Let''s work BACKWARDS. Let''s say the WHOLESALE price was$100 the merchant made a net profit of 20% on the wholesale cost (which was $100) So, the merchant sold the sweater for$120 Let M = the markup price on the label (before any discounts). So, 40% less than M = $120 In other ...” November 19, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to New to GMAT prep! Need help! in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi pratj05, It''s been almost 2 weeks since your first post; have you done any studying since then (and if you have, then what materials have you used so far?)? The 730+ score is one that over 90% of Test Takers never achieve (regardless of how long they study or the number of times that they ...” November 19, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A chef mixes P ounces of 60% sugar solution with Q ounces of in the Data Sufficiency forum “Hi All, To start, you have to be very careful about your assumptions with this question. You will likely find that doing a little bit of extra work will help you to be sure that you have the correct answer. From the prompt, we know that we''re mixing P ounces of a 60% sugar solution with Q ounces ...” November 17, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Can the positive integer p be expressed as the product of in the Data Sufficiency forum “Hi All, We''re told that P is a positive integer. We''re asked if P can be expressed as the PRODUCT of two integers, each of which is greater than 1. This is a YES/NO question can be be solved by TESTing VALUES. 1) 31 < p < 37 With the range given in Fact 1, P can only be 5 ...” November 17, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to If p is the sum of the reciprocals of the consecutive intege in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, Based on the wording of the prompt, you might think that you should add up the fractions 1/91 + 1/92 + .... 1/100, but the GMAT would NEVER require that you do that math. Instead, lets do some real basic estimation of what that sum would be LESS than and GREATER than.... Note that we''re ...” November 17, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A dealer originally bought 100 identical batteries at a tota in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that a dealer originally bought 100 identical batteries at a total cost of Q dollars and that each battery was sold at 50 percent above the original cost per battery. We''re asked for the amount, in dollars, that each battery was sold, in terms of Q. This question can also be ...” November 17, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to OG DS in the GMAT Math forum “Hi rashedhbs, To start, you would like receive more of a response if you make sure to post your questions in the proper forums. For example, the DS forum can be found here: https://www.beatthegmat.com/data-sufficiency-f7.html We''re told that 230 single-family homes that were BUILT in City ...” November 17, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Kevin buys beer in bottles and cans. He pays$1.00 for each in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: How many bottles of beer did Kevin buy? Given: Kevin pays $1.00 for each can of beer and$1.50 for each bottle of beer. Kevin buys a total of 15 bottles and cans of beer Let C = the NUMBER of Cans that Kevin bought Let B = the NUMBER of Bottles that Kevin bought So, we can ...”
November 16, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to When a certain tree was first planted, it was 4 feet tall, in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, TESTing the ANSWERS is a great way to tackle this question. The "fast" way to solve a problem can still sometimes take time, but regardless of how you approach a prompt, you still need to take notes and stay organized. From the screen capture, you chose answer C (1/2). If ...”
November 16, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A reatil appliance store priced a video recorder at 20 in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that a retail appliance store priced a video recorder at 20 percent above the wholesale cost of $200 and a store employee applied the 10 percent employee discount to the retail price to buy the recorder. We''re asked for the total price the employee paid for the recorder. The ...” November 16, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In a certain toy store, 20% of the international branded in the Problem Solving forum “Hi swerve, We''re told that in a certain toy store, 20% of the INTERNATIONAL branded toys are the ONLY premium category toys and that premium toys make up 10% of the TOTAL number of toys in the store. We''re asked to find the percentage of toys in the store that are international brands. This ...” November 16, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to GMAT retake in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi BHUPENDRA, First off, a 640/Q49 is a solid score (it''s right around the 70th percentile overall), so it could be enough to get you into your first-choice School. GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score that you earn on Test Day is within +/- 30 points of actual ability. Assuming a ...” November 16, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to What is the least possible product of 4 different integers, in the Problem Solving forum “We want values with the greatest MAGNITUDE So (10)(9)(8)(-5) = -3600 Answer: -3600 Answer: B” November 16, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A reatil appliance store priced a video recorder at 20 in the Problem Solving forum “A retail appliance store priced a video recorder at 20 percent above the wholesale cost of$200 20% of $200 =$40 So, the retail price = $200 +$40 = $240 If a store employee applied the 10 percent employee discount to the retail price to buy the recorder, how much did the employee pay for the ...” November 16, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Planning is in progress for a fenced, rectangular playground in the Problem Solving forum “It''s a good idea to first try to understand what the graph is telling us. For example, the leftmost point on the curve has the coordinates (10, 340) This tells us that, if the length of the playground is 10 meters, then a total of 340 meters of fencing is required. This makes sense, since we ...” November 16, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When a certain tree was first planted, it was 4 feet tall, in the Problem Solving forum “Height of tree on day 0 = 4 Let d = the height increase each year Height of tree at the end of the 1st year = 4+d Height of tree at the end of the 2nd year = 4+d+d = 4 + 2d Height of tree at the end of the 3rd year = 4+d+d+d = 4 + 3d Height of tree at the end of the 4th year = 4+d+d+d+d = 4 + ...” November 16, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In the rhombus ABCD, the length of diagonal BD is 6 and the in the Problem Solving forum “In a rhombus, the diagonals are perpendicular bisectors. http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/GMATPrepNow/rhmbs1_zps1nyufj6q.png So, we can add our lengths as follows. http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/GMATPrepNow/rhmbs2_zpskyv3wwkl.png From here, if we focus on one of the 4 ...” November 16, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Planning is in progress for a fenced, rectangular playground in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, While this prompt is wordy, the relevant facts are not too hard to pull out. We''re told that a rectangular playground will have an area of 1,600 square meters and we want to MINIMIZE the perimeter of the playground. We''re asked for the LENGTH of the playground under those ...” November 16, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to At the Trenchard Oaks apartment complex, a two-bedroom in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that a two-bedroom apartment costs 50% more to rent than a one-bedroom apartment. If Alex were to rent a two-bedroom apartment for X months it would cost him the same amount as it would to rent a one-bedroom for 12 months. We''re asked for the value of X. This question can be ...” November 16, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Is it possible to score a 700 in 30 days ? in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi anish_025, Have you taken the Official GMAT yet? If you have, then how did you Score (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)? Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you''ve been studying ...” November 16, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If xy is not equal to zero, what is the ratio of x to y? in the Data Sufficiency forum “NOTE: We can write the ratio x:y as a fraction x/y Target question: What is the value of x/y ? Statement 1: 3x = 4y Divide both sides by y to get: 3x/y = 4 Divide both sides by 3 to get: x/y = 4/3 So, the answer to the target question is x/y = 4/3 Since we can answer the target question ...” November 16, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to At the Trenchard Oaks apartment complex, a two-bedroom in the Problem Solving forum “A fast and easy approach is to assign a "nice" value to the monthly rent of a ONE-bedroom apartment. Let''s say the rent on a ONE-bedroom apartment is$100 per month A two-bedroom apartment costs 50% more to rent than a one-bedroom apartment 50% of $100 =$50 So, the rent on a ...”
November 15, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In a certain game, a large bag is filled with blue, green, in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, This question involves a bit of logical thinking and factoring skills. You have to take notes and stay organized though, if you want to answer this question correctly. We''re told: Blue chips = 1 point each Green chips = 5 points each Purple chips = X points each (more than ...”
November 15, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If line k in the xy-coordinate plane has the equation Ax + B in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: Line k has the equation Ax + By = C Target question: What is the slope of line k ? This is a good candidate for rephrasing the target question. Let''s take the given equation Ax + By = C and rewrite it in slope y-intercept form, y = mx + b, where m = slope and b = y-intercept ...”
November 15, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to What is the ratio of x:y:z? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: What is the ratio of x:y:z? Statement 1: xy = 14 In information about z Statement 1 is NOT SUFFICIENT Statement 2: yz = 21 In information about x Statement 2 is NOT SUFFICIENT Statements 1 and 2 combined There are several values of x, y and z that satisfy BOTH ...”
November 15, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If xy : yz : zx = 1:2:3, then what is x : y : z ? in the Problem Solving forum
“Let''s focus on pairs of values If xy : yz : zx = 1:2:3, then we know that xy : yz = 1:2 Take xy : yz and divide both sides by y to get the EQUIVALENT ratio x:z This means x:z = 1:2 Check the answer choices... A. 2 : 3 : 6 this answer choice says x:z = 2:6. We need x:z = 1:2 ELIMINATE A ...”
November 15, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Over a four-game stretch, Dennis's bowling scope average 240 in the Problem Solving forum
“In other words, an increase from 240 to 300 represents what kind of percent increase? Percent increase = (100)(new - old)/old = (100)(300 - 240)/240 = (100)(60)/240 = (100)(1/4) = 25% Answer: B Cheers, Brent”
November 15, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to GMAT Prep Experience with EMPOWERgmat in the I just Beat The GMAT! forum
“Hi Shubrat, That''s FANTASTIC news! With this 690, you can apply to any Schools that interest you (and it sounds as if this score puts you above the average Scores at the Programs that you''re considering - which is great news). I hope you reach out and let us know how your applications go. We ...”
November 15, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to retake gmat in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi Sarat, Studying 12 hours a day would probably be too much studying - and would likely lead to an increased chance of ''burning out'' before your Exam (and that is something that we want to avoid). If you want to study 6-8 hours a day, then that would probably be fine - but you must build in ...”
November 15, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Self Study Materials - All Areas - 4 month preparation in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi Gopi, To start, a 570 is a strong ''baseline'' score (the average score on the Official GMAT hovers around 550 most years). You''ve also given yourself plenty of time to study - which is good. Given your Score Goal, you would likely find it beneficial to invest in a GMAT Course of some type ...”
November 15, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The table above shows the distribution of tests scores for a in the Problem Solving forum
“Since we have an ODD number of values, the median will be the MIDDLEMOST value. In other words, if we arrange all 73 values in ASCENDING order, the median will be the 37th value (i.e., 36 values are below and 36 values are above). The table says the first 2 scores in the 50-59 range. So, the 1st ...”
November 15, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to # X-Axis Intercepts in the Problem Solving forum
“Let''s find some points that lie on each of the curves. So, for each equation, we''ll find a pair of values (an x-value and a y-value) that satisfy each equation. We''ll do so by plugging in some x-values and calculating the corresponding y-values. Let''s start with x = 0 Plug x = 0 into ...”
November 14, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to How many positive two-digit numbers yield a remainder of 1 in the Problem Solving forum
“When it comes to remainders, we have a nice rule that says: If N divided by D leaves remainder R, then the possible values of N are R, R+D, R+2D, R+3D,. . . etc. For example, if k divided by 5 leaves a remainder of 1, then the possible values of k are: 1, 1+5, 1+(2)(5), 1+(3)(5), ...”
November 14, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Distance Problem in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that A, B and C each drive 100-mile legs of a 300-mile course at speeds of 40, 50 and 60 miles per hour, respectively. We''re asked what FRACTION of the total drive time did A drive. This question can be solved in a couple of different ways; there''s actually a great ''ratio ...”
November 13, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Paul sells encyclopedias door-to-door. He earns $160 on in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that Paul sells encyclopedias door-to-door. He earns$160 on every paycheck, regardless of how many sets he sells and a commission as follows: 10% on the first $10,000.00 and 5% for any additional sales beyond that. His largest paycheck of the year was$1,320. We''re ...”
November 13, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to On a wedding catering service, An experienced chef can in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that on a wedding catering service, an experienced chef can prepare a service for a wedding in 8 hours while an novice chef would finish the preparations in 12 hours. If the catering service employs the SAME number of novice and experienced chefs, then how many chefs would it ...”
November 13, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to GMATPrep in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that 3^(X) - 3^(X-1) = 162. We''re asked for the value of then (X)(X-1). This question can be solved rather easily with a bit of ''brute force'' arithmetic. Since we''re dealing with ''powers of 3'', let''s map out the first several values: 3^1 = 3 3^2 = 9 3^3 = 27 3^4 ...”
November 13, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The ratio of the degree measures of the angles of a triangle in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that the ratio of the degree measures of the angles of a triangle is 2:3:4. We''re asked which of the following is the sum of the degree measures of the SMALLEST and LARGEST angles. Since the ratio of the angles is 2:3:4, we can refer to those 3 angles as 2X, 3X and 4X, ...”
November 13, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to When Leo imported a certain item, he paid a 7 percent import in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, You can approach this question by TESTing THE ANSWERS. Instead of setting this up algebraically, you can use the ''spread'' of the answer choices to your advantage. Here, if the total value of the item were $2,000, then the tax would only apply to the amount over$1,000.... $1,000 x ...” November 13, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A chemical supply company has 60 liters of a 40% HNO3 in the Problem Solving forum “Hi swerve, We''re told that a chemical supply company has 60 liters of a 40% HNO3 solution. We''re asked for the number of liters of pure undiluted (meaning 100%) HNO3 the chemists must add so that the resultant solution is a 50% solution. This question is essentially a ''Weighted Average'' ...” November 13, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When Leo imported a certain item, he paid a 7 percent import in the Problem Solving forum “Here''s a step-by-step algebraic solution. Let T = the TOTAL value of the item. Leo paid a 7% import tax on the portion of the total value of the item in EXCESS of$1000 So, Leo pays tax on the amount that''s GREATER then $1000 So, Leo pays 7% tax on (T - 1000) We can write: import tax = ...” November 13, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If xy ≠ 0 and x^2+4y^2=4xy, (x+y)/(x-y)=? in the Problem Solving forum “GIVEN: x² + 4y² = 4xy Subtract 4xy from both sides to get: x² - 4xy + 4y² = 0 Factor left side to get: (x - 2y)(x - 2y) = 0 So, we can conclude that (x - 2y) = 0, which means x = 2y Now take (x+y)/(x-y) and replace x with 2y to get: (x + y)/(x - y) = (2y + y)/(2y - y) = 3y/y = 3 ...” November 13, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to During the four years that Mrs. Lopez owned her car, she in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, While this question IS wordy, the math behind it is just arithmetic. If you break the prompt into ''pieces'', then the work shouldn''t be too difficult. The first two sentences tell us that the total car expenses were$18,000, fuel and maintenance costs accounted for 1/3 of THAT total and ...”
November 12, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to 490 to 740, Verbal 45 - The GMAT Crush Fest in the I just Beat The GMAT! forum
“Hi clubber112358, You might find it useful to start your own post-thread (instead of piggy-backing on this one) and providing a more-detailed description of how you''ve been studying. If you would rather keep the discussion private, then you can feel free to PM or email me directly. Before I ...”
November 12, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to retake gmat in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi sarat0994, From what you have described, it sounds as if you worked through lots of practice questions, but it''s not clear whether you were actually practicing Tactics and training to take advantage of all of the built-in patterns that GMAT question-writers put into the Exam or not. Raising ...”
November 12, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to [ADVICE IS WELCOME!] Post GMAT Debrief in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi Leo, To start, since you have named some highly-competitive Schools, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and application plans. There''s a Forum full of those Experts here: ...”
November 12, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to OG #217 question in the Problem Solving forum
“P(selecting a sibling pair) = P(select a junior with a sibling AND select the senior who is that junior''s sibling) = P(select a junior with a sibling) x P(select the senior who is that junior''s siblingx 1/800 = 60/800,000 = 3/40,000 = A Note: P(select a junior with a sibling) = 60/1000, ...”
November 12, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In the figure AB and CD are two diameters of circle. in the Problem Solving forum
“Let''s use some useful circle properties First let''s add a blue line, to divide ∠CEB into 2 angles https://i.imgur.com/xe05QIU.png CD is the DIAMETER of the circle Since ∠CED is an inscribed angle containing (aka "holding") the diameter, we can conclude that ∠CED = 90° ...”
November 12, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Is the tallest child in Class A taller than tallest child in in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: Is the tallest child in Class A is taller than tallest child in Class B? Jump to . . . Statements 1 and 2 COMBINED There are several scenarios that satisfy BOTH statements. Here are two: Case a: Class A heights = {1, 50} and Class B heights = {2, 40}. In this case, the ...”
November 12, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A gardener is going to plant 2 red rosebushes and 2 white in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, The math that''s required to answer this question can actually be done in a couple of different ways, depending on how you "see" probability questions. We''re given 2 red rosebushes (R1 and R2) and two white rosebushes (W1 and W2). We''re told to put these 4 rosebushes in a ...”
November 11, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Veritas Prep: is it significantly harder than others? in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi baldururikson, The scoring algorithm on the Official GMAT is far more complicated than most people realize. Since that algorithm is proprietary, no GMAT company has an exact match for it, thus CAT scores can vary a bit based on the ''biases'' involved in their respective designs. The most ...”
November 11, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to 12 year out of college, GMAT study plans? in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi KDR83, First off, a 640 is a solid score (it''s right around the 70th percentile overall), so it could be enough to get you into your first-choice School. As such, a retest might not be necessary. Depending on the Schools that you plan to apply to, you would likely find it beneficial to speak ...”
November 11, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Feel Demotivated in the The GMAT Avengers Study Group forum
“Hi Arun192097, Since this website is devoted to preparing for the GMAT and applying to Business School, we should focus on those areas of discussion. Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you''ve ...”
November 11, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to retake gmat in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi sarat0994, I''m sorry to hear that Test Day did not go as well as hoped. The ''swings'' in your practice CAT/mock Scores imply that you might have taken those Exams in an inconsistent fashion - and in ways that did not necessarily ''match up'' with what you faced on Test Day. Before we ...”
November 11, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Eight women and two men are available to serve on a in the Problem Solving forum
“When it comes to probability questions involving "at least," it''s best to try using the complement. That is, P(Event A happening) = 1 - P(Event A not happening) So, here we get: P(getting at least 1 man) = 1 - P(not getting at least 1 man) What does it mean to not get at least 1 man? ...”
November 11, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If the positive integer n is greater than 6, what is the in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Here''s a somewhat long approach (but it works!): Target question: What is the remainder when n is divided by 6? Given: Positive integer n is greater than 6 Statement 1: When n is divided by 9, the remainder is 2. ------ASIDE---------------- When it comes to remainders, we have a ...”
November 11, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If x and y are positive integers, what is the remainder when in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Hi Swerve, To avoid ambiguity, you might want to add some spaces or brackets to the original expression. As it stands, 10^x+y could be interpreted as either 10^(x+y) or (10^x) + y Cheers, Brent”
November 11, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If x and y are positive integers such that x = 8y + 12, what in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: What is the greatest common divisor of x and y? Given: x = 8y + 12 Statement 1: x = 12u, where u is an integer. There are several pairs of values that satisfy the given conditions. Here are two: Case a: x=36 and y=3, in which case the GCD of x and y is 3 Case b: x=60 ...”
November 11, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Which of the following is closest to the value of (2^23) in the Problem Solving forum
“(2^23)(5^26) = (2^23)(5^23)(5^3) = (2^23)(5^23)(5^3) = (10^23)(5^3) = (10^23)(125) ≈ (10^23)(100) ≈(10^23)(10^2) ≈10^25 Answer: C Cheers, Brent”
November 11, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A gardener is going to plant 2 red rosebushes and 2 white in the Problem Solving forum
“We can also apply probability rules: P(2 middle bushes are red) = P(1st bush is white AND 2nd bush is red AND 3rd bush is red AND 4th bush is white) = P(1st bush is white) x P(2nd bush is red) x P(3rd bush is red) x P(4th bush is white) = 2/4 x 2/3 x 1/2 x 1/1 = 1/6 = B Cheers, Brent”
November 11, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A gardener is going to plant 2 red rosebushes and 2 white in the Problem Solving forum
“As with many probability questions, we can also solve this using counting techniques. P(2 middle are red) = (# of outcomes with 2 red in middle)/(total number of outcomes) Label the 4 bushes as W1, W2, R1, R2 total number of outcomes We have 4 plants, so we can arrange them in 4! ways = ...”
November 11, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Of the first three dozen cookies baked at a bake shop on a in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: Of the first three dozen (36) cookies baked at a bake shop on a certain day, 1/3 were chocolate chip cookies. 1/2 of the remaining cookies that were baked that day were chocolate chip cookies, 1/3 of 36 = 12. So, 12 chocolate cookies were baked in the first round of baking. Let x = ...”
November 10, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to There were 36,000 hardback copies of a certain novel sold in the Problem Solving forum
“From the time the first paperback copy was sold until the last copy of the novel was sold 9 times as many paperback copies as hardback copies were sold Let x = number of hardback copies sold during this time So 9x = number of paperback copies sold during this time So, x + 9x = total number of ...”
November 10, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A box contains 10 balls numbered from 1 to 10 inclusive. If in the Problem Solving forum
“P(Ann and Jane remove same ball) = P(Ann removes ANY ball AND Jane''s ball matches Ann''s ball) = P(Ann removes ANY ball) x P(Jane''s ball matches Ann''s ball) = 1 x 1/10 = 1/10 Answer: D Aside: Once Jane removes her ball (and then replaces it), we have 10 balls, and 1 of them is the one ...”
November 10, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If CD = 6, what is the length of BC? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Is there an image? Cheers, Brent”
November 9, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Andrew has a certain number of coins in his pocket. He has in the Problem Solving forum
“Let x = number of QUARTERS in pocket So, 0.25x = VALUE of quarters in pocket He has three times as many dimes as quarters So, 3x = number of DIMES in pocket So, 0.10(3x) = 0.3x = VALUE of dimes in pocket He has six times as many nickels as dimes. So, (6)(3x) = number of NICKELS in ...”
November 8, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Challenge: Al, Bob, Cal and Don each own 1 hat. If the 4... in the Problem Solving forum
“I created this question to highlight many students'' tendency to avoid listing and counting as a possible approach. As you''ll see, the approach is probably the fastest approach. P(no one receives his own hat) = (# of outcomes in which no one receives his own hat)/(TOTAL number of outcomes) ...”
November 8, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to There are 27 different three-digit integers that can be in the Problem Solving forum
“Yes, great work, Mitch! I thought I''d mention that, once we know the correct answer is a multiple of 222 (which is also a multiple of 3), then the correct answer will be a multiple of 3. Useful property: If a number is a multiple of 3, then the sum of its digits is also a multiple of 3. When we ...”
November 7, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a new topic called Challenge: Al, Bob, Cal and Don each own 1 hat. If the 4... in the Problem Solving forum
“Al, Bob, Cal and Don each own 1 hat. If the 4 hats are randomly distributed so that each man receives exactly 1 hat, what is the probability that no one receives his own hat? A) 1/8 B) 1/4 C) 1/3 D) 3/8 E) 1/2 Answer: D Difficulty level: 650 – 700 Source: www.gmatprepnow.com”
November 7, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If x, y and z are non-negative integers such that x < y & in the Problem Solving forum
“I created this question to show that there can be times when the best (i.e., fastest) way to solve a counting question is by listing and counting How do we know when it''s not a bad idea to use listing and counting? The answer choices will tell us (ALWAYS scan the answer choices before ...”
November 7, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to How many men are in a certain company's vanpool program? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: How many men are in a certain company''s vanpool program? Statement 1: The ratio of men to women in the program is 3 to 2. Let''s TEST some values. There are several scenarios that satisfy statement 1. Here are two: Case a: There are 3 men and 2 women in the program. In ...”
November 7, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Speed Time Distance MGMAT in the Problem Solving forum
“GIVEN: When the men start walking, Brian has a 30-mile lead Let B = Brian''s walking speed (in miles per hour) Let A = Ashok''s walking speed (in miles per hour) Since Ashok''s speed is greater than Brian''s speed, the rate at which the gap shrinks = (A - B) miles per hour For example, if A ...”
November 6, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to 2019 GMAC Official Guide applicable for 60-Day Study Guide? in the The 60-Day GMAT Study Guide forum
“If you go here (https://www.gmatprepnow.com/content/improvement-chart) and download the Improvement Chart for the OG2016, you''ll see the question breakdown for each topic. This should help. Cheers, Brent”
November 6, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In a certain game, a large bag is filled with blue, green, in the Problem Solving forum
“This question begs for some prime factorization. 88,000 = (2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)(5)(5)(5)(11) First, we can see that there must be one (11-point) red chip. Now, what role do these 2''s play? Since there are no 2''s hiding among the 5-point chips or the 11-point chips, the 2''s must be associated ...”
November 6, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to [x] is the greatest integer less than or equal x, what is th in the Problem Solving forum
“GIVEN: For example, [3.2] = 3, since 3 is the greatest integer that is less than (or equal) to 3.2 Likewise, [8.7] = 8, since 8 is the greatest integer that is less than (or equal to) 8.7 Now onto the question.... √25 = 5 √36 = 6 √49= 7 √64 = 8 Since √30 is BETWEEN √25 ...”
November 6, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If in k+1 years from now John will be m years old, then how in the Problem Solving forum
“In k+1 years from now John will be m years old So, m - (k + 1) = John''s PRESENT age How old was John t-1 years ago? So, m - (k + 1) - (t - 1) = John''s age (t-1) YEARS AGO Simplify m - (k + 1) - (t - 1) to get: m - k - t Answer: A Cheers, Brent”
November 6, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Pipe A runs 30 liters of water per minute into a pool that in the Problem Solving forum
“Let''s determine the COMBINED RATE of the two pipes Given: Pipe A''s RATE = 30 liters per minute This is equivalent to 1800 liters per HOUR Pipe B fills a third of the pool in 6 hours So, Pipe B fills the ENTIRE pool (3600 liters) in 18 hours Rate = Output/time = 3600/18 = 200 liters ...”
November 6, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a new topic called If x, y and z are non-negative integers such that x < y < z, in the Problem Solving forum
“If x, y and z are non-negative integers such that x < y < z, then the equation x + y + z = 11 has how many distinct solutions? A) 5 B) 10 C) 11 D) 22 E) 78 Answer: B Difficulty level: 600-650 Source: www.gmatprepnow.com”
November 5, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Challenge question: Is |1 - 4k| < k? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: Is |1 - 4k| < k? Statement 1: k > 4x³ This pretty much tells is that k can have ANY value. For example, notice that, if x = -100, then 4x³ = -4,000,000 So, for this value of x, k can be any number greater than -4,000,000 Let''s TEST some values. There are ...”
November 5, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Which sport utility vehicle has a higher list price, the in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: Which sport utility vehicle has a higher list price, the Touristo of the Leisure? Statement 1: The list price of the Leisure is 5/6 the list price of the Touristo. If the Leisure''s price is 5/6 of the Touristo''s price, then the answer to the target question is the Touristo ...”
November 5, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Bite-sized video lessons from GMAT Prep Now in the GMAT Math forum
“Here''s our video on Range and Standard Deviation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbAlIjw2fwY Cheers, Brent”
November 5, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If xy=-18, is x less than y? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: xy = -18 Target question: is x less than y? Statement 1: x < 0 In other words, x is NEGATIVE So, our given information (xy = -18) becomes: (NEGATIVE)(y) = -18 In other words: (NEGATIVE)(y) = NEGATIVE This tells us that y is POSITIVE If y is POSITIVE, and x is NEGATIVE, the ...”
November 4, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Challenge #2: If x and y are different positive integers, wh in the Problem Solving forum
“i) When x is divided by y, the remainder is 2x The remainder cannot be greater than the dividend (the number we''re dividing) For example, it CANNOT be the case that 17 divided by 5 leaves a remainder of 34 Statement i can never be true Check the answer choices. . . . ELIMINATE A and D ii) ...”
November 3, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a new topic called Challenge question: Is |1 - 4k| < k? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Is |1 - 4k| < k? (1) k > 4x³ (2) k < 2x – x² - 2 Answer: B Difficulty level: 700+ Source: www.gmatprepnow.com”
November 3, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A post on a website gains a point if a user choose to in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that a post on a website gains a point if a user chooses to upvote it and loses a point if a user chooses to downvote it and that a particular post has a total of 60 points (with 40% of the votes being downvotes). We''re asked for the total number of votes that have been cast ...”
November 2, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The hexagonal face of the in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that the hexagonal face of the block shown in the figure above has sides of equal length and angles of equal measure and each lateral face is rectangular. We''re asked for the area, in square inches, of one lateral face. This question is based on a Geometry pattern - and if ...”
November 2, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Cars J and K are making the trip from City A to City B. in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that Cars J and K are making the trip from City A to City B. Car J departs from City A 15 minutes AFTER Car K does, both cars travel along the same route and Car K travels at a constant speed that is 80% the constant speed of Car J. We''re asked for the number of MINUTES that ...”
November 2, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If the average (arithmetic mean) of p, q, and r is 6, what i in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: The average (arithmetic mean) of p, q, and r is 6 We can write: (p + q + r)/3 = 6 This means: p + q + r = 18 Target question: What is the value of r? Statement 1: p = -r Given: p + q + r = 18 Replace p with -r to get: -r + q + r = 18 Simplify: q = 18 What about the value of ...”
November 2, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Cars J and K are making the trip from City A to City B. in the Problem Solving forum
“Car K travels at a constant speed that is 80% the constant speed of Car J Let''s assign some nice values to the speeds. Let''s say Car J travels 40 miles per hour So, Car K travels 32 miles per hour Car J departs from City A 15 minutes after Car K does Let''s calculate the distance that Car ...”
November 2, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to At a family summer party, each of the x members of the in the Problem Solving forum
“Let''s use the INPUT-OUTPUT approach. It might be useful to choose a number that works well with the fractions given in the question (1/3 and 1/7). So, let''s say there are 21 family members at the party. In other words, we''re saying that x = 21 1/3 chose to have a hamburger, and of ...”
November 1, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When a positive integer n is divided by 19, what is the rema in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: When n is divided by 19, what is the remainder? Statement 1: n-17 is a multiple of 19 ----ASIDE------------------------------------------- If N is a multiple of d, then we can write N = dk (for some integer k) For example, if N is a multiple of 5, then we can write N = 5k ...”
November 1, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In the diagram above, points A, B, C, D, and E represent the in the Problem Solving forum
“points A, B, C, D, and E represent the five teams in a certain league in which each team must play each of the other teams exactly once. Let''s first determine the total number of games that will be played. There are 5 teams, so each team will play 4 games (since a team can''t play itself) So, ...”
November 1, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In four years, Andy will be twice as old as Betsy. How old in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: In four years, Andy will be twice as old as Betsy. Let A = Andy''s PRESENT age Let B = Betsy''s PRESENT age So, A+4 = Andy''s age IN 4 YEARS And so, B+4 = Betsy''s age IN 4 YEARS If Andy will be twice as old as Betsy IN 4 YEARS, we can write: A+4 = 2(B+4) Expand: A + 4 = 2B + 8 ...”
October 31, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If m and n are integers, is m+m^2-n an even number? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“ Given: m and n are integers Target question: Is m + m² - n an even number? This is a good candidate for rephrasing the target question Aside: Here’s a video with tips on rephrasing the target question: We can take the expression, m + m² - n and rewrite it as m(1 + m) - n Now notice ...”
October 31, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In 1995 a certain store had 1,800 tools in stock that had in the Problem Solving forum
“1,000 of these tools were sold in 1995 for $40 each So, the REVENUE = (1000)($40) = $40,000 The 1000 tools were purchased for$30 each. So, the EXPENSE = (1000)($30) =$30,000 PROFIT for 1995 = $40,000 -$30,000 = $10,000 ----------------------------------------------- The remaining 800 ...” October 31, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Tom, Bill, Robert, Roger, and Terry are standing in a row in the Problem Solving forum “One approach is to ignore the rule and determine the total number of ways to arrange all 5 people, and then subtract the number of arrangements that BREAK the rule. I''m sure someone will post that kind of solution shortly. Here''s another approach: Take the task of arranging the 5 men and ...” October 30, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a new topic called Challenge #2: If x and y are different positive integers, wh in the Problem Solving forum “If x and y are different positive integers, which of the following COULD be true: i) When x is divided by y, the remainder is 2x ii) When x is divided by 2y, the remainder is y iii) When (2x + y) is divided by (x + y), the remainder is y A) i only B) ii only C) iii only D) i & ii ...” October 30, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Challenge: If x and y are different positive integers, which in the Problem Solving forum “i) When x is divided by y, the remainder is x This occurs any time x < y For example, if x = 5 and y = 7, then statement i becomes: When 5 is divided by 7, the remainder is 5 So true! Scan the answer choices....eliminate D ----------------------------------------------------- ii) When 2x ...” October 30, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Carmelo and LeBron participate in a seven-person footrace on in the Problem Solving forum “Here are three similar questions to practice with: - http://www.beatthegmat.com/counting-six-mobsters-t47167.html - http://www.beatthegmat.com/permutation-and-combination-t273916.html - http://www.beatthegmat.com/permutations-with-waiting-line-t274020.html Cheers, Brent” October 30, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A certain basket contains 10 apples, 7 of which are red and in the Problem Solving forum “Jay has demonstrated a solution that involves counting techniques. Here''s one that involves probability rules. Let''s find the probability of selecting a red apple 1st, a red apple 2nd, and a green apple 3rd (aka RRG) P(red apple 1st AND red apple 2nd AND green apple 3rd) = P(red apple 1st) x ...” October 30, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A salesperson for an automobile dealer earns an annual in the Problem Solving forum “Total earnings = (base salary) + (commission) base salary =$25,000 commission = 10% of total sales OVER $100,000 = 10% of (x -$100,000) = 0.1(x - $100,000) So, total earnings =$25,000 + 0.1(x - $100,000) Answer: E Cheers, Brent” October 30, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to There are 16 teams in a soccer league, and team plays each in the Problem Solving forum “Another approach: The question is really asking, "In how many different ways can we create 2-team pairings from 16 teams?" Since the order of the selections does not matter (i.e., selecting teams A and B to play, is the same as selecting teams B and A to play), we can use combinations. ...” October 30, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to There are 16 teams in a soccer league, and team plays each in the Problem Solving forum “There are 16 teams. If we ask each team, "How many teams did you play?" we''ll find that each team played 15 teams, which gives us a total of 240 games (since 16 x 15 = 240). From here we need to recognize that each game has been COUNTED TWICE. For example, if Team A and Team B play ...” October 30, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The figure above represents a rectangular garden bordered by in the Data Sufficiency forum “Hi All, We''re told that the figure above represents a rectangular garden bordered by a walkway that has a uniform width of 3 feet. We''re asked for the PERIMETER of the garden. This question can be solved with a mix of Arithmetic and TESTing VALUES. 1) The outer perimeter of the walkway is ...” October 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Economist Gmat Tutor review in the The GMAT Avengers Study Group forum “Hi saurabh_sha, From your post, it sounds like you''re just starting out. Is that true? Have you done any studying for the GMAT so far? If you have, then what materials have you used and how have you scored on your practice CATs/mocks? If you''re just beginning, then it would be a good idea to ...” October 29, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to For integers a, b, c, a/(b - c)=1 what is the value of (b-c) in the Data Sufficiency forum “ Given: a/(b - c) = 1 Target question: What is the value of (b-c)/b ? This is a good candidate for rephrasing the target question. Aside: Here’s a video with tips on rephrasing the target question: If a/(b - c) = 1, then we know that a = b - c The target question asks "What is the ...” October 29, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If a and b are integers such that a > b > 1, which of in the Problem Solving forum “Let''s make an important observation. Some positive multiples of 3 are: 3, 6, 9, 12, . . . . Some positive multiples of 5 are: 5, 10, 15, 20, . . . . Some positive multiples of 12 are: 12, 24, 36, 48, . . . . General observation: the positive multiples of k are all greater than or equal to k ...” October 29, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a new topic called Challenge: If x and y are different positive integers, which in the Problem Solving forum “If x and y are different positive integers, which of the following COULD be true: i) When x is divided by y, the remainder is x ii) When 2x is divided by y, the remainder is x iii) When x+y is divided by x , the remainder is x-y A) i only B) i & ii only C) i & iii only D) ii & ...” October 29, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to What is the value of x? in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the value of x? Statement 1: (x + 2)(x + 3) = 0 This means that EITHER x = -2 OR x = -3 Since we cannot answer the target question with certainty, statement 1 is NOT SUFFICIENT Statement 2: x² + 5x + 6 = 0 Factor the left side of the equation to get: (x + 2)(x ...” October 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to If a certain wheel turns at a constant rate of x revolutions in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that a certain wheel turns at a constant rate of X revolutions per MINUTE. We''re asked for the number of revolutions that the wheel will make in K SECONDS. This question can be solved in a number of different ways, including by TESTing VALUES. IF.... X=2 and K=60... The ...” October 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Jonah drove the first half of a 100-mile trip in x hours and in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that Jonah drove the first half of a 100-mile trip in X hours and the second half in Y hours. We''re asked which of the following is equal to Jonah’s average speed, in miles per hour, for the entire trip. This question can be solved in a couple of different ways, including ...” October 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to If a and b are integers such that a > b > 1, which of in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that A and B are integers such that A > B > 1. We''re asked which of the following CANNOT be a multiple of either A or B. This question can be solved with some basic concept knowledge of the rules behind ''multiples.'' With the exception of "0", multiples ...” October 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Both car A and car B set out from their original locations in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that both car A and car B set out from their original locations at exactly the SAME time and on exactly the SAME route. Car A drives from Morse to Houston at an average speed of 65 miles per hour and Car B drives from Houston to Morse at 50 miles per hour, and then ...” October 29, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The average age of a group of n people is 15 yrs. One more in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that the average age of a group of N people is 15 yrs and when one more person aged 39 joins the group, the new average is 17 yrs. We''re asked for the value of N. This question can be solved in a number of different ways, including with a bit of ''number logic'' and a little ...” October 29, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A length of rope is cut into three different lengths. What in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the length of the shortest rope? Let''s assign some variables. Let x = length of shortest rope Let y = length of middle rope Let z = length of longest rope Statement 1: The combined length of the longest two pieces is 6 feet. In other words, y + z = 6 Since we ...” October 28, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Challenge question: At noon, Joe and a hummingbird leave in the Problem Solving forum “The main idea here is that all 3 travelers travel for the SAME amount of time. So, let''s first determine the time it takes for Joe and Sue to meet. This is a shrinking gap question. To determine the rate at which the gap shrinks, we''ll ADD the travel speeds of Joe and Sue That is, ...” October 28, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If x and y are positive, what is the value of y ? in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the value of y? Given: x and y are positive Statement 1: xy is the square of an integer. There are several values of x and y that satisfy this condition. Here are two: Case a: x = 1 and y = 1. Here xy = (1)(1) = 1, which is the square of an integer. In this ...” October 28, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a new topic called Challenge question: At noon, Joe and a hummingbird leave in the Problem Solving forum “At noon, Joe and a hummingbird leave point A and travel towards point B, which is 12 miles away. At the same time Sue leaves point B and travels toward point A. Joe, Sue and the hummingbird travel at constant speeds of 3 miles per hour, 4 miles per hour, and 84 miles per hour respectively. When the ...” October 27, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to There are n students in a class. Of them, k boys and k girls in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the probability that Harvey will be paired with Jessica? Given: There are n students in a class. Of them, k boys and k girls (including Harvey and Jessica) are selected for a dance performance in which students will dance in pairs of one boy and one girl. ...” October 27, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When the positive integer n is divided by 25, the remainder in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the value of n? Given: When the positive integer n is divided by 25, the remainder is 13. -------ASIDE------------- When it comes to remainders, we have a nice rule that says: If N divided by D leaves remainder R, then the possible values of N are R, R+D, R+2D, ...” October 27, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A circus clown is entertaining kids by making balloon in the Problem Solving forum “As with many probability questions, we can solve this by using counting techniques or rules of probability. Let''s use rules of probability P(balloon animal is an elephant) = 1/4 P(balloon animal is purple) = 1/5 P(clown makes a purple elephant balloon animal) = P(balloon animal is ...” October 27, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In a right triangle, the longer leg is two more than three in the Problem Solving forum “In a right triangle, the longest side is called the hypotenuse, and the two sides that meet to create a 90-degree angle are called the legs. So, one leg will be the triangle''s base, and the other leg will be the triangle''s height. Let x = length of the triangle''s base (which, for this ...” October 27, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If a and b are two positive numbers, what is the product of in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the value of ab? Statement 1: The LCM of a and b is 16 Let''s TEST some values. There are several values of a and b that satisfy statement 1. Here are two: Case a: a = 1 and b = 16 (the LCM of 1 and 16 is 16). In this case, the answer to the target question is ab = ...” October 26, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In the mid-1960's a newly installed radar warning system in the Sentence Correction forum “The idiom here is "Mistake x FOR y" So, we can eliminate A, C and E We''re left with B and D D conveys an ambiguous message, because it suggests that the moon was rising for an attack. ELIMINATE D Answer: B Cheers, Brent” October 26, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to What is the largest prime factor of the expression 3^8 − 2 in the Problem Solving forum “There''s a difference of squares "hiding" in the expression 3^8 − 2^12 That is 3^8 − 2^12 = (3^4)² − (2^6)² We know that: x² - y² = (x + y)(x - y) So, we get: (3^4)² − (2^6)² = (3^4 + 2^6)(3^4 - 2^6) = (81 + 64)(81 - 64) = (145)(17) = (5)(29)(17) The greatest ...” October 26, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When Q is divided by W, the quotient is R and the remainder in the Problem Solving forum “-----ASIDE----------------------- There''s a nice rule that says, "If N divided by D equals Q with remainder R, then N = DQ + R" For example, since 17 divided by 5 equals 3 with remainder 2, then we can write 17 = (5)(3) + 2 Likewise, since 53 divided by 10 equals 5 with remainder 3, ...” October 26, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Cars J and K are making the trip from City A to City B. Car in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that Cars J and K are making the trip from City A to City B. Car J departs from City A 15 minutes AFTER Car K does, both cars travel along the same route and Car K travels at a constant speed that is 80% the constant speed of Car J. We''re asked for the number of MINUTES that ...” October 26, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Carmelo and LeBron participate in a seven-person footrace on in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that Carmelo and LeBron participate in a seven-person footrace on the basketball court during All-Star Weekend, all seven contestants finish and there are no ties. We''re asked for the number of different arrangements in which Carmelo defeats LeBron. This question is a ...” October 26, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to What is the largest prime factor of the expression 3^8 − 2 in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re asked to find the LARGEST prime factor of the expression 3^8 - 2^12. Certain Quant questions ultimately come down to ''rewriting'' information that you''ve been given. By rewriting 3^8 and 2^12 as "squared" terms, we''ll have a ''difference of squares'', which is a ...” October 26, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to GMAT Retake?? in the I just Beat The GMAT! forum “Hi GMAT_quest92, To start, a 710/Q50 is an outstanding score (it''s right around the 90th percentile overall), so you can comfortably apply to any Business Schools that interest you. Your question - in the broader sense - is about AFTER Business School though - so you might not find the exact ...” October 26, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Tricky: If AB || DE, and AB = 10, what is the length of DE? in the Data Sufficiency forum “Let''s first add the given information (and their implications) to the diagram If AB || DE, we know that ∠BAC = ∠CED and ∠ABC = ∠DCE Also, since vertically opposite angles are equal, we know that ∠ACB = ∠DCE https://i.imgur.com/fgDp7Yh.png Now that we''ve identified 3 pairs of ...” October 26, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a new topic called Tricky: If AB || DE, and AB = 10, what is the length of DE? in the Data Sufficiency forum “https://i.imgur.com/jyTAK6n.png If AB || DE, and AB = 10, what is the length of DE? (1) BC = 6 and CE = 4 (2) DC = 3 and CB = 6 Answer: B Difficulty level: 650 – 700 Source: www.gmatprepnow.com” October 25, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If |x-6|=2x, then x=? in the Problem Solving forum “There are 3 steps to solving equations involving ABSOLUTE VALUE: 1. Apply the rule that says: If |x| = k, then x = k or x = -k 2. Solve the resulting equations 3. Plug solutions into original equation to check for extraneous roots Step 1: x - 6 = 2x or x - 6 = -2x case a: x - 6 = 2x Step ...” October 25, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to GMAT with NO background in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi Rex, Studying for (and taking) the GMAT in the near-term - years before you might actually need it - is a really smart move. By focusing on the GMAT now, you can avoid the external pressure of a looming deadline and give yourself plenty of time to learn the content, patterns and little ...” October 25, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Where is the registration offer?? in the Suggestions and Feedback forum “Hi gmat800live, The current free Account that we offer through BeatTheGMAT is not for the full Course - it''s for some specific resources within the Course (including the Grammar Master Course). You can access the entire EMPOWERgmat Course for free through the free trial on our website though. ...” October 25, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to CHALLENGE: 10 teams (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and J) partic in the Problem Solving forum “First determine the TOTAL number of games played. We can select 2 teams from 10 teams in 10C2 ways (= 45 ways) So, there will be 45 games in TOTAL IMPORTANT: Each team plays 9 games For each game, 2 points are awarded. So, the TOTAL number of POINTS awarded = (2)(45) = 90 Teams A, B, C, ...” October 24, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Noelle walks from point A to point B at an average speed of in the Problem Solving forum “For these kinds of questions, I typically follow the approach that Fabio used (assign a nice value to the distance). But we can also solve the question algebraically: Let d = the distance between Points A and B. Let x = the Noelle''s speed from Point B to Point A. We want the average ...” October 24, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to What is the median number of employees assigned per project in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What is the median number of employees assigned per project? Statement 1: 25 percent of the projects at Company Z have 4 or more employees assigned to each project. Let''s pretend that there are 4 projects altogether. There are several sets of values that meet this condition. ...” October 24, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In a certain company, the ratio of the number of manager to in the Problem Solving forum “Hi swerve, We''re told that the ratio of the number of manager to the number of production-line workers is 5 to 72 - and IF 8 additional production-line workers were to be hired, then the ratio of the number of managers to the number of production-line workers would be 5 to 74. We''re asked for ...” October 23, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to GMAT with NO background in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi Rex, Since it sounds like you''re just beginning your studies, then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can take 2 for free at www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). If you want to do a little studying first, so that you can ...” October 23, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Which CATs should I buy? MGMAT/Kaplan/Veritas....etc in the GMAT Strategy forum “Hi omkarnikte, The scoring algorithm on the Official GMAT is far more complicated than most people realize. Since that algorithm is proprietary, no GMAT company has an exact match for it, thus CAT scores can vary a bit based on the ''biases'' involved in their respective designs. The most ...” October 23, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In a certain company, the ratio of the number of manager to in the Problem Solving forum “One option is to use TWO VARIABLES Let M = CURRENT # of managers Let W = CURRENT # of production-line workers The ratio of the number of managers to the number of production-line workers is 5 to 72. So, we can write: M/W = 5/72 Cross multiply to get: 5W = 72M If 8 additional ...” October 23, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When 100 is divided by positive integer x, the remainder is in the Problem Solving forum “A fast approach is to find a value of x that meets the given condition: When 100 is divided by positive integer x, the remainder is 2 Well, x = 98 satisfies that condition, since 100 divided by 98 = 1 with remainder 2 What is the remainder when 198 is divided by x? Well, 198 divided by 98 ...” October 23, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Bite-sized video lessons from GMAT Prep Now in the GMAT Math forum “Range and Standard Deviation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbAlIjw2fwY Cheers, Brent” October 23, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Which of the following values, when inserted into the set of in the Problem Solving forum “Let''s test each answer choice.... A. 2 The new set becomes {2, 5, 10, 12, 13, 17, 22, 22} Since we have an EVEN number of values in the set, the median equals the average of the two middlemost numbers. So, median = (12 + 13)/2 = 25/2 = 12.5 No good - we want the median to be 15 B. ...” October 23, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to What are the coordinates of point B in the figure above ? in the Data Sufficiency forum “IMPORTANT: For geometry Data Sufficiency questions, we are typically checking to see whether the statements "lock" a particular angle, length, or shape into having just one possible measurement. This concept is discussed in much greater detail in the video below. Target question: What ...” October 23, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The range of set A is 24 and the range of set B is 20. What in the Problem Solving forum “If the range of set A is 24, and we add more values (from set B) to set A, then the range of the resulting set must be greater than or equal to 24 (that is, the range of a set cannot get smaller upon adding MORE numbers to that set). For this reason, we can ELIMINATE answer choice A. From ...” October 23, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If x and y are positive integers, what is the remainder when in the Data Sufficiency forum “ Given: x and y are positive integers Target question: What is the remainder when x^y is divided by 10? This is a good candidate for rephrasing the target question. Notice that 43 divided by 10 leaves remainder 3, and 127 divided by 10 leaves remainder 7, and 618 divided by 10 leaves ...” October 23, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a new topic called CHALLENGE: 10 teams (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and J) partic in the Problem Solving forum “10 teams (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and J) participate in a soccer tournament in which each team plays every other team once. For each game played, points are awarded to the teams as follows: 0 points for losing the game 1 point each for tying the game 2 points for winning the game After ...” October 22, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Clarissa will create her summer reading list by randomly in the Problem Solving forum “Take the task of creating the reading list and break it into stages. Stage 1: Select a book to read 1st There are 10 books to choose from. So, we can complete stage 1 in 10 ways Stage 2: Select a book to read 2nd There are 9 books remaining to choose from (since we already chose a book ...” October 22, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A jar contains only green pencils and red pencils. If the in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: What percentage of the pencils are green? Given: The jar contains only green pencils and red pencils. Statement 1: The jar contains 75 red pencils. If 75 of the 225 pencils are red, then the remaining 150 pencils are GREEN. 150/225 = 2/3 = 66 2/3%, so the answer to ...” October 22, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Challenge Question: In the x-y coordinate plane, does line k in the Data Sufficiency forum “Target question: Does line k have a positive x-intercept? Statement 1: (slope of line k)(y-intercept of line k) > 0 There are two possible cases that that satisfy statement 1: - the slope and y-intercept are both positive - the slope and y-intercept are both negative Let''s examine ...” October 21, 2018 Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to What is the area of the triangle formed by the intersection in the Problem Solving forum “Here''s a similar question to practice with: https://www.beatthegmat.com/area-of-triangle-formed-by-intersections-of-3-lines-t276079.html Cheers, Brent” October 21, 2018 Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Brian purchased a bouquet of 40 flowers for his mother for in the Problem Solving forum “Hi All, We''re told that Brian purchased a bouquet of 40 flowers for his mother for her birthday; roses cost$1.50 each and tulips cost $1.00 each , and he spent$48 in total buying only those two types of flowers. We''re asked for the number of tulips that he bought. This question can be solved ...”
October 20, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to At a constant speed of 72 kilometers per hour, a vehicle in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that a vehicles travels at a constant speed of 72 kilometers per HOUR. We''re asked what that speed is in kilometers per SECOND. This question is really just about ''unit conversions'', although at a certain point you can use the ''spread'' of the answer choices to your ...”
October 20, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to There are between 100 and 110 cards in a collection of cards in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi swerve, We''re told that there are between 100 and 110 cards in a collection of cards. If the cards are counted out 3 at a time, then there are 2 left over, but if they are counted out 4 at a time, then there is 1 left over. We''re asked for the total number of cards in the collection. This ...”
October 20, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Average of 4 practice test scores is 617; Can I cross 700? in the GMAT Strategy forum
“Hi anmkgmat2018, GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score that you earn on Test Day is within +/- 30 points of actual ability. Assuming a similar ''swing'' in how your CATs function, 3 of your last 4 CAT score results show that you essentially performed the same each time (about 600 +/- ...”
October 20, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a new topic called Challenge Question: In the x-y coordinate plane, does line k in the Data Sufficiency forum
“In the x-y coordinate plane, does line k have a positive x-intercept? (1) (slope of line k)(y-intercept of line k) > 0 (2) (slope of line k) - (y-intercept of line k) < 0 Answer: A Difficulty level: 650 – 700 Source: www.gmatprepnow.com”
October 19, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When positive integer N is divided by positive integer J, in the Problem Solving forum
“ASIDE: 7/2 = 3 1/2 = 3 + 0.5 = 3.5 Notice that 1 is the remainder when we divide 7 by 2. 23/5 = 4 3/5 = 4 + 0.6 = 4.6 Notice that 3 is the remainder when we divide 23 by 5. 31/4 = 7 3/4 = 7 + 0.75 = 7.75 Notice that 3 is the remainder when we divide 31 by 4. GIVEN: N/J = 134.08 This means ...”
October 19, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If there are more than two numbers in a certain list, is in the Data Sufficiency forum
“[quote="Jay@ManhattanReview"] Hey Jay, I thought I should point out that case 2 doesn''t satisfy the statement. If we choose 1 and 2 from the set, then the product isn''t 0. That said, {0, 0, 0, 0, 1} meets the given condition, as does {0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 3} etc Cheers, ...”
October 19, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If -1<x<0, Which of the following is listed in ascendi in the Problem Solving forum
“Let''s test a value of x. If -1 < x < 0, then x COULD equal -1/2 So, x^(-1) = (-1/2)^(-1) = 1/(-1/2) = -2 And, x^(-2) = (-1/2)^(-2) = 1/(-1/2)^2 = 1/(1/4) = 4 And, x^2 = (-1/2)^2 = 1/4 Listed in ascending order, we get: -2, 1/4, 4 In other words, x^(-1), x^2, x^(-2) Answer: A ...”
October 19, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to In a certain math department, students are required to in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, This question can be solved by TESTing VALUES and taking the proper notes. We''re told that there are two classes (Calculus and Trigonometry) and each is offered in beginner and advanced courses - and that each student is enrolled in just one course. The number of students enrolled in ...”
October 19, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to The rear wheels of a car crossed a certain line 0.5 second in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, Since this question is wordy and the answers are somewhat "crazy"-looking, it''s possible that you might feel overwhelmed by this prompt. If you stay calm though and do the unit conversions properly, then you can use the answer choices to your advantage (and eliminate most of ...”
October 19, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to When positive integer N is divided by positive integer J, in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, This question is a ''lift'' of an Official Guide question: OG2018 and OG2019 pg. 170, question #154 We''re told that P and J are positive INTEGERS, when P is divided by J, the REMAINDER is 14 and N/J = 134.08. We''re asked for the value of J. This question has a great ''math ...”
October 19, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to cost of package in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that the cost of sending a package is T cents for the FIRST 1/4 kilogram and T/5 cents for EACH additional 1/4 kilogram or fraction thereof. We''re asked for the cost, in cents, to send a P kilogram package at this rate, where P is an integer greater than 1. This question can ...”
October 19, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The latest model of space shuttle can achieve a maximum in the Problem Solving forum
“GIVEN: The shuttle can travel 25 miles in 1 second So, the shuttle can travel 1500 miles in 60 seconds In other words, the shuttle can travel 1500 miles in 1 MINUTE So, the shuttle can travel 90,000 miles in 60 MINUTES In other words, the shuttle can travel 90,000 miles in 1 HOUR In other ...”
October 18, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A jar contains 6 red marbles and 9 blue marbles. If Evelyn in the Problem Solving forum
“P(both are same color) = P(1st marble is red AND 2nd marble is red OR 1st marble is blue AND 2nd marble is blue) = x P(2nd marble is red)] + x P(2nd marble is blue)] = x 5/14] + x 8/14] = x 5/14] + x 8/14] = 10/70 + 24/70 = 34/70 = 17/35 Answer: D Cheers, Brent”
October 18, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Bite-sized video lessons from GMAT Prep Now in the GMAT Math forum
“Time management strategy for test day Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWrUiBT83PQ Cheers, Brent”
October 18, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In the x-y coordinate plane, line k passes through in the Problem Solving forum
“Notice that, if the line passes through the origin, then the line has slope -4/5 (aka a slope of -0.8), but the line will not have a negative x-intercept Notice that, if the line passes through the (0,4), then the line will have slope 0, BUT the line will not have a negative x-intercept. See ...”
October 18, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to f[f{f(x)}]=??? in the GMAT Math forum
“Useful property: 1/(a/b) = b/a We want: ff(5)}] = f1/6}] f{1/6} = 1/(1 + 1/6) = 1/(7/6) = 6/7 So, ff{1/6}] = f6/7] Finally, f[6/7] = 1/(1 + 6/7) = 1/(13/7) = 7/13 Answer: B (since 21/39 reduces to the equivalent fraction 7/13) Cheers, Brent”
October 18, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In the month of August, Pentheus Corporation made $200,000 in the Problem Solving forum “In the month of August, Pentheus Corporation made$200,000 in profit. Pentheus made 6% of that profit on the second Wednesday of August. 1% of $200,000 =$2,000, so 6% of $200,000 = (6)($2,000) = $12,000 So, the profit on that day =$12,000 If the profits that day were approximately 14.5% of ...”
October 18, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Brian purchased a bouquet of 40 flowers for his mother for in the Problem Solving forum
“We can solve this question using either 1 variable or 2 variables. Here''s an approach that involves 1 variable: Let t = # of tulips in bouquet So. 40 - t = # of roses in bouquet So, ($1.00)(t) = the total COST of all t tulips And ($1.50)(40 - t) = the total COST of all 40-t roses ...”
October 18, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In a town of 8,000 residents, 65 percent of all residents in the Problem Solving forum
“Another approach is to use the Double Matrix Method. This technique can be used for most questions featuring a population in which each member has two characteristics associated with it (aka overlapping sets questions). Here, we have a population of residents, and the two characteristics are: ...”
October 17, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to An automobile manufacturer offers a station wagon with in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, Sometimes Combination Formula questions come with answers that are relatively small. In this prompt, we know that there are at least 3 options, but no more than 8 options. In these situations, it''s usually pretty easy to "map out" all of the possible combinations, without ...”
October 17, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Maria wants to send a package overseas. She can either pay in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Hi All, We''re told that Maria wants to send a package overseas. She can either pay shipping company A an amount dependent on the DISTANCE of the delivery, or pay shipping company B an amount dependent on the WEIGHT of the package. We''re asked which option is less expensive. 1) Company A ...”
October 17, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to What is the remainder if 7^10 is divided by 100? in the Problem Solving forum
“Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet solution, Scott!! Cheers, Brent”
October 17, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to If x, y, and z are all nonzero numbers, and x = y + z, which in the Problem Solving forum
“NOTE: this is one of those questions that require us to check/test each answer choice. In these situations, always check the answer choices from E to A, because the correct answer is typically closer to the bottom than to the top. For more on this strategy, see my article: ...”
October 16, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Set X consists of different positive numbers arranged in in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: What is the arithmetic mean of set X? Given: Set X consists of different positive numbers arranged in ascending order: K, L, M, 5, 7. K, L and M are consecutive integers This means that EITHER K, L, M = 1, 2, 3 respectively, OR K, L, M = 2, 3, 4 respectively Head straight ...”
October 16, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A Martian bat flies at 60 yards per second from its nest to in the Problem Solving forum
“Rich''s approach is definitely the best (i.e., fastest) way to solve this question. However, if the answer choices weren''t so sweet, here''s an algebraic solution Average speed = (total distance traveled)/(total travel time) Let''s assign nice values to the distances. These values should ...”
October 16, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Charlie takes 2.5 hours to fly from Los Angeles to Mexico in the Problem Solving forum
“Average speed = (total distance traveled)/(total travel time) So, Average speed = 1200/2.5 = 2400/5 = 4800/10 = 480 mph Answer: D Cheers, Brent”
October 16, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A certain NYC taxi driver has decided to start charging a in the Problem Solving forum
“Here''s an algebraic approach: A certain taxi driver charges a rate of r CENTS per person per mile r CENTS = r/100 DOLLARS Since there are 3 people, the rate is (3)(r/100) DOLLARS per mile In other words, the rate is 3r/100 dollars per mile. With a 50% discount, the new rate = ...”
October 16, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a new topic called In the x-y coordinate plane, line k passes through in the Problem Solving forum
“In the x-y coordinate plane, line k passes through the point (5, -4) and has a negative x-intercept. Which of the following COULD be the equation of line k? i) y = -0.4x - 2 ii) y = 2 - 1.2x iii) y = -0.7x - 1.5 A) i only B) ii only C) iii only D) i & ii only E) i & iii only ...”
October 16, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A rectangular garden is to be twice as long as it is wide. in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that a rectangular garden is to be TWICE as long as it is wide and 360 total yards of fencing, including the gate, will completely enclose the garden. We''re asked for the length of the garden, in yards. This question can be solved in a couple of different ways, including by ...”
October 16, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to A Martian bat flies at 60 yards per second from its nest to in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that a Martian bat flies at 60 yards per second from its nest to a dry lake. When it arrives there, it immediately continues at 45 yards per second to a nearby cave. If the distance between the lake and the cave is HALF the distance between the nest and the lake, we''re asked ...”
October 16, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Charlie takes 2.5 hours to fly from Los Angeles to Mexico in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that Charlie takes 2.5 hours to fly from Los Angeles to Mexico City, which is a total distance of 1200 miles. We''re asked for the average speed of his plane in miles per hour. This is a straight-forward ''Average Speed'' question, so we can just plug in the numbers at get ...”
October 16, 2018
Rich.C@EMPOWERgmat.com posted a reply to Anna and Carol buy CDs and tapes at a music store that sells in the Problem Solving forum
“Hi All, We''re told that Anna and Carol buy CDs and tapes at a music store that sells each of its CDs for a certain price and each of its tapes for a certain price. Anna spends TWICE as much as Carol spends, buying THREE times as many CDs and the SAME number of tapes. If Carol spends \$50.00 on ...”
October 16, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Lindsay can paint 1/x of a certain room in one hour. If in the Problem Solving forum
“This appears to be a slightly different version of this official question: https://www.beatthegmat.com/work-rate-problem-5-t292679.html HOWEVER, unless I''m missing something, the correct answer is missing. Cheers, Brent”
October 15, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to How many factors does the number X have? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: How many factors does the number X have? Statement 1: X is divisible by 47 Let''s TEST some values. There are several values of X that satisfy statement 1. Here are two: Case a: X = 47. The factors of 47 are {1, 47}. So, the answer to the target question is X has 2 ...”
October 15, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to A rectangular solid S, has dimensions 4 by 9 by k. What is in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: What is the value of k? Given: A rectangular solid S, has dimensions 4 by 9 by k Statement 1: 4 < k < 9 Since k can have ANY value between 4 and 9, statement 1 is NOT SUFFICIENT Statement 2: A cube of side 6 has the same volume as rectangular solid S. So ...”
October 15, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In the rectangular coordinate system above, if the in the Data Sufficiency forum
“I think that, if this were an official GMAT question, the correct answer would be E (not B), because we aren''t specifically told that the dotted lines are parallel to the x-axis and the y-axis. If those dotted lines aren''t parallel to those axes, the we can''t determine the value of y. ...”
October 15, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to In the figure above, triangle ABC is equilateral, and point in the Problem Solving forum
“It may help to add some lines to the diagram. First add lines from the center to the 3 vertices. https://s8.postimg.cc/e412m8uq9/clk1.jpg Aside, we know that each angle is 120º since all three (equivalent) angles must add to 360.º Then draw a circle so that the triangles vertices are on ...”
October 15, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to The mass of 1 cubic meter of a substance is 800 kg under in the Problem Solving forum
“GIVEN: 1 cubic METER of the substance weighs 800 KILOGRAMS 1 kg =1,000 grams, so we can write: 1 cubic METER of the substance weighs 800,000 GRAMS 1 cubic meter = 1,000,000, so we can write: 1,000,000 cubic CENTIMETERS of the substance weighs 800,000 GRAMS What is the volume in cubic ...”
October 14, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to At a family summer party, each of the x members of the in the Problem Solving forum
“These kinds of questions (Variables in the Answer Choices - VIACs) can be answered algebraically or using the INPUT-OUTPUT approach. The Ash Mo solved the question algebraically, so let''s use the INPUT-OUTPUT approach. It might be useful to choose a number that works well with the fractions ...”
October 13, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to When A and B are positive integers, is AB a multiple of 4? in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: Is AB a multiple of 4? Useful property: If N is divisible by d, we can say that N = dk for some integer k For example, if N is divisible by 5, we can say that N = 5k for some integer k Statement 1: The greatest common divisor of A and B is 6 This means that A is divisible ...”
October 13, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to How much time did it take a certain car to travel 400 in the Data Sufficiency forum
“Target question: How long did it take to travel 400km To find the travel time, we need to know the average speed traveled. Let x = the average speed traveled. REPHRASED target question: What is the value of x? Statement 1: The car traveled the first 200 km in 2.5 hrs No info about the ...”
October 13, 2018
Brent@GMATPrepNow posted a reply to Challenge question: What is the sum of all in the Problem Solving forum
“Approach #1 If we recognize that x^(2/3) = u-substitution. Let u = x^(1/3) Now take original equation and replace x^(1/3) with u to get: u² - u - 2 = 4 Subtract 4 from both sides to get: to get: u² - u - 6 = 0 Factor: (u - 3)(u + 2) = 0 So, the two solutions here are u = 3 and u = -2 ...”
October 13, 2018