Live GMAT classes with Target Test Prep start Nov 21 and Nov 22. First class free.

See classes
Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 winner: Target Test Prep, #1 Test Prep

Target Test Prep was voted #1 Best Test Prep in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards.

★★★★★5.0563 reviews
GMATLiveTeachStarts Nov 22
Josh Braslow, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE CLASSES

Get Ready for GMAT Test Day Faster with Live Online Classes

with Josh Braslow, 20+ years in test prep

Nov 22 · Josh Braslow
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Attend the first class for free
  • Every class is recorded, so you never fall behind
View classes & enroll
Limited seats availableTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeachOnDemandStart anytime
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Target Test Prep EA OnDemand

Self-paced EA prep. Study on your schedule.

EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

with

165+ EA score guarantee
$05-day trial no automatic billing
Schedule
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll Start free 5-day trial
Limited cohort · enrollment openTrial includes full course accessTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemandStart anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions
Start free 5-day trial
Read 563 reviewsTarget Test Prep

Modulus question!! got stuck

Expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Subscribe topic
Previous Topic Next Topic
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2012 9:53 am
by nroy347 » Mon Aug 27, 2012 3:31 am
Hello...
The question I am unabe to solve..PLEASE HELP !!

If x is an integer, how many possible values of x exist for x^2+|5|x+6 ?
[A] 4
2
[C] 3
[D] 1
[E] 0
Top
Join the discussion
Source: — Problem Solving |
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 502
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:36 pmFollowed by: 21 members
Thanked: 99 times

by vk_vinayak » Mon Aug 27, 2012 6:33 am
nroy347 wrote:Hello...
The question I am unabe to solve..PLEASE HELP !!

If x is an integer, how many possible values of x exist for x^2+|5|x+6 ?
[A] 4
2
[C] 3
[D] 1
[E] 0


Not sure if it is a correct method, but let me try:

I think the equation is x^2+|5|x+6 = 0.

Two cases arise: 5 can be either -5 or +5

Case 1: If +5 => x^2+5x+6 = 0 => x=-2 or x=-3. Plug back these two values in original equation and you can see they work.

Case2: If -5 => x^2-5x+6 = 0 => x=+2 or x=+3. Plug back these two values in original equation and you can see they DO NOT work.

So, we have two solutions. Ans B.
- VK

I will (Learn. Recognize. Apply)
Top
Join the discussion
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2012 9:53 am

by nroy347 » Mon Aug 27, 2012 7:03 am
Hi..

No the answer which was given was E!! I got the answer B but I dont know how come E!!
Top
Join the discussion
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 502
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:36 pmFollowed by: 21 members
Thanked: 99 times

by vk_vinayak » Mon Aug 27, 2012 7:25 am
I don't think 0 is the answer because the Determinant (b^2 - 4ac) is positive. Therefore two solutions exist.

Maybe experts can help.
- VK

I will (Learn. Recognize. Apply)
Top
Join the discussion
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 94
Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2012 3:39 am
Location: Calcutta
Thanked: 8 times

by cypherskull » Mon Aug 27, 2012 8:54 am
Hey Vinayak

I got B as the answer too.

However, I wanted to point out (or rather confirm) the following:
Two cases arise: 5 can be either -5 or +5
As far as I know, |5| cannot have +5 or -5 as its value. Modulus of any positive or negative value is always positive.

This applies to the cases where the value within the modulus is unknown - say |X|. If X (without mods) < 0, |X| = -X. If X > 0, |X| = X.

Besides, I think this question as it stands will always yield B as the answer. Its just a guess but maybe the question is - x^2 + |5x| + 6 = 0.
Regards,
Sunit

________________________________

Kill all my demons..And my angels might die too!
Top
Join the discussion
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 502
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:36 pmFollowed by: 21 members
Thanked: 99 times

by vk_vinayak » Mon Aug 27, 2012 8:58 am
Thanks, Sunit. I applied + and - by seeing the modulus. You are right, if it is |5| it is just simply 5 not -5.
- VK

I will (Learn. Recognize. Apply)
Top
Join the discussion