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Number Line Word Problem

Expert replies
by Bens4vcobra » Tue Jul 05, 2011 6:10 am
If n denotes a number to the left of 0 on the number line such that the square of n is less than 1/100, then the reciprocal of n must be

A) less than -10

B) Between -1 and -1/10

C) between -1/10 and 10

D) between 0 and 1/10

E) Greater than 10


I understand the problem fairly well. n must be at least -1/11. But here's where I am confused: doesn't the reciprocal also mean the sign changes? So -1/11 becomes 11 so E should be the answer, but A is the answer. The only way A is correct is if the sign doesn't change. But when dealing with reciprocals of negative exponents, the sign changes. This is causing confusion for me.
"It takes no ability to give effort. Toughness is not God-given; it's a choice. The discipline to execute is a habit." - Nick Saban
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Source: — Problem Solving |

by testprepDublin » Tue Jul 05, 2011 6:27 am
If the square of n < 1/100 and n < 0, then -1/10 < n < 0. (square root of 1/100 is +/-1/10)

Since a reciprocal multiplies a number into 1, the reciprocal < 1/(-1/10) => < -10.

The answer is A.
Last edited by testprepDublin on Tue Jul 05, 2011 6:43 am, edited 1 time in total.
Deirdre at testprepdublin.com
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by Frankenstein » Tue Jul 05, 2011 6:27 am
Bens4vcobra wrote: I understand the problem fairly well. n must be at least -1/11. But here's where I am confused: doesn't the reciprocal also mean the sign changes? So -1/11 becomes 11 so E should be the answer, but A is the answer. The only way A is correct is if the sign doesn't change. But when dealing with reciprocals of negative exponents, the sign changes. This is causing confusion for me.
Hi,
I don't know where you read this. Reciprocal doesn't change sign(never). So, I think this resolves your confusion.
Cheers!

Things are not what they appear to be... nor are they otherwise
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by Frankenstein » Tue Jul 05, 2011 6:29 am
testprepDublin wrote:If the square of n < 1/100 and n < 0, then n < -1/10. (square root of 1/100 is +/-1/10)

Since a reciprocal multiplies a number into 1, the reciprocal < 1/(-1/10) => < -10.

The answer is A.
Hi,
Can you edit this. It should be -1/10 < n < 0.
Cheers!

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by Bens4vcobra » Tue Jul 05, 2011 9:09 am
Frankenstein wrote:
Bens4vcobra wrote: I understand the problem fairly well. n must be at least -1/11. But here's where I am confused: doesn't the reciprocal also mean the sign changes? So -1/11 becomes 11 so E should be the answer, but A is the answer. The only way A is correct is if the sign doesn't change. But when dealing with reciprocals of negative exponents, the sign changes. This is causing confusion for me.
Hi,
I don't know where you read this. Reciprocal doesn't change sign(never). So, I think this resolves your confusion.
Well, in dealing with negative exponents, it does.

4^-3 reciprocal = 1/4^3 = 1/64

Generally speaking though, a number multiplied by its reciprocal must be 1.
"It takes no ability to give effort. Toughness is not God-given; it's a choice. The discipline to execute is a habit." - Nick Saban
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by finance » Tue Jul 05, 2011 9:21 am
what's the OA?
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by Frankenstein » Tue Jul 05, 2011 9:22 am
Bens4vcobra wrote:
Frankenstein wrote:
Bens4vcobra wrote: I understand the problem fairly well. n must be at least -1/11. But here's where I am confused: doesn't the reciprocal also mean the sign changes? So -1/11 becomes 11 so E should be the answer, but A is the answer. The only way A is correct is if the sign doesn't change. But when dealing with reciprocals of negative exponents, the sign changes. This is causing confusion for me.
Hi,
I don't know where you read this. Reciprocal doesn't change sign(never). So, I think this resolves your confusion.
Well, in dealing with negative exponents, it does.

4^-3 reciprocal = 1/4^3 = 1/64

Generally speaking though, a number multiplied by its reciprocal must be 1.
Hi,
Exponent being negative is different from number itself being negative.
We are dealing with number being negative here.
So, reciprocal of -1/11 is -11 only, not +11.
Cheers!

Things are not what they appear to be... nor are they otherwise
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