As the figure below shows, lines BD and CE are perpendicular to l. What is the length of DE?

This topic has expert replies
User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 3991
Joined: Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:28 am
Location: Las Vegas, USA
Thanked: 19 times
Followed by:37 members
[GMAT math practice question]

As the figure below shows, lines BD and CE are perpendicular to l. What is the length of DE?
2.10DS.png
1) Triangle ABC is a right isosceles triangle with AB = AC.
2) BD = 7 and CE = 15.

User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 3991
Joined: Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:28 am
Location: Las Vegas, USA
Thanked: 19 times
Followed by:37 members
=>

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

Since a triangle has 3 variables, E is most likely the answer. So, we should consider conditions 1) & 2) together first. After comparing the number of variables and the number of equations, we can save time by considering conditions 1) & 2) together first.

Conditions 1) & 2)
2.10(A).png
Since we have AB = CA, ∠ADB = ∠CEA = 90° and ∠BAD = 90° - ∠CAE = ∠ACE, triangles ABD and CAE are congruent.
Then we have BD = AE = 7 and AD = CE = 15.
Thus, DE = AD – AE = 15 – 7 = 8.

Since both conditions together yield a unique solution, they are sufficient.

Therefore, C is the answer.
Answer: C

In cases where 3 or more additional equations are required, such as for original conditions with “3 variables”, or “4 variables and 1 equation”, or “5 variables and 2 equations”, conditions 1) and 2) usually supply only one additional equation. Therefore, there is an 80% chance that E is the answer, a 15% chance that C is the answer, and a 5% chance that the answer is A, B, or D. Since E (i.e. conditions 1) & 2) are NOT sufficient when taken together) is most likely to be the answer, it is generally most efficient to begin by checking the sufficiency of conditions 1) and 2) when taken together. Obviously, there may be occasions on which the answer is A, B, C, or D.