Is n divisible by 11 with no remainder?

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Is n divisible by 11 with no remainder?

by 2togo » Mon Apr 20, 2009 4:33 am
I got following question:
Is n divisible by 11 with no remainder?
(1) n is divisible by m with integer result
(2) m is divisible by 5.5 with integer result
A. 1 alone, not 2 alone
B. 2 alone, not 1 alone
C. 1 and 2 together (need both) Answer
D. 1 alone or 2 alone
E. 1 and 2 together are not sufficient

I would say answer E is correct. But the official answer is C.
They argue that if n is divisible by m and m itself is divisible by 5.5, then n must be divisible by 5.5 and hence also by 11.

This is incorrect in my opinion, as both m and n could be 5.5, hence m is divisible by 5.5 with an integer as a result, n is divisible by m with an integer as a result (both 1), but if you divide n=5.5 by 11, you get .5 which is not an integer.

Please tell me where i am wrong,

Thanks guys!
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by rossmj » Mon Apr 20, 2009 6:56 am
I don't think you are wrong I think you were given a bad question. Make sure to use reliable sources

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by Ian Stewart » Mon Apr 20, 2009 3:28 pm
We only talk about divisibility in the context of integers, so the phrase "divisible by 5.5" is not something you'll see on the GMAT. Not sure where you saw the question (where is it from?), but your answer is correct, in any case, and the source is wrong. As rossmj suggests, you'll be better off with better material.
For online GMAT math tutoring, or to buy my higher-level Quant books and problem sets, contact me at ianstewartgmat at gmail.com

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by 2togo » Mon Apr 20, 2009 10:47 pm
Thanks for your replies.

The question is from the book "How to pass the GMAT" by Mike Bryon (Kogan Page).

It is not the first question, where I am pretty sure that the given solution is incorrect, so i best follow your advice and throw it in the dumpster.

And since your are mentioning "reliable sources", is there any qualitative difference between the Manhattan, Kaplan, etc. Material or am I good with either one of them?