If the median and the range of the data set 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3

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

Timer

00:00

Your Answer

A

B

C

D

E

Global Stats

[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

If the median and the range of the data set 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, m are the same, which of the following could be the value of m?

A. -1
B. 0
C. 1
D. 2
E. 3

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 15539
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pm
Location: New York, NY
Thanked: 13060 times
Followed by:1906 members
GMAT Score:790

by GMATGuruNY » Wed Jan 16, 2019 3:14 am
Max@Math Revolution wrote:[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

If the median and the range of the data set 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, m are the same, which of the following could be the value of m?

A. -1
B. 0
C. 1
D. 2
E. 3
We can PLUG IN THE ANSWERS, which represent the value of m.
When the correct answer is plugged in, the median will be equal to the range.
Note:
When the prompt includes the phrase which of the following, the correct answer is likely to be D or E.

E: m=3
Resulting set: 1, 1, 2, 2, m=3, 3, 3, 4, 4
Median = 3
Range = 4-1 = 3
Success!


The correct answer is E.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.

As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.

For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 1449
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2010 2:16 pm
Thanked: 59 times
Followed by:33 members
Max@Math Revolution wrote:[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

If the median and the range of the data set 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, m are the same, which of the following could be the value of m?

A. -1
B. 0
C. 1
D. 2
E. 3
$$?\,\, = m\,\,\,\,\,\,\left( {{\rm{range = median}}} \right)$$
$$m < 4\,\,\,\left( {{\rm{alternative}}\,\,{\rm{choices}}} \right)\,\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\,\,\,{\rm{range}} = \left\{ \matrix{
\,4 - 1 = 3\,\,\,{\rm{if}}\,\,\,m \in \left\{ {1,2,3} \right\}\,\,\,\,\left( * \right) \hfill \cr
\,4 - 0 = 4\,\,\,{\rm{if}}\,\,\,m = 0 \hfill \cr
\,4 - \left( { - 1} \right) = 5\,\,\,{\rm{if}}\,\,\,m = - 1 \hfill \cr} \right.$$
$$m = 3\,\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\,\,{\rm{range}}\mathop = \limits^{\left( * \right)} 3 = {\rm{median}}\left( {\left\{ {1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4} \right\} \cup \left\{ 3 \right\}} \right)\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,\left( {\rm{E}} \right)$$


This solution follows the notations and rationale taught in the GMATH method.

Regards,
Fabio.
Fabio Skilnik :: GMATH method creator ( Math for the GMAT)
English-speakers :: https://www.gmath.net
Portuguese-speakers :: https://www.gmath.com.br

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

by Max@Math Revolution » Fri Jan 18, 2019 3:54 am
=>

If 3 ≤ m ≤ 4, then the median is 3 and the range of the data is 3. Thus, any number between 3 and 4, inclusive, is possible.
If 2 ≤ m < 3, then the median is m and the range of the data is 3. Thus, there is no possible value of m in the interval 2 ≤ m < 3.
If m < 2, then the median is 2 and the range of the data is greater than 2. Thus, there is no possible value of m less than 2.
If m > 4, then the median is 3 and the range of the data is greater than 3. Thus, there is no possible value of m greater than 4.


Therefore, the answer is E.
Answer: E

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 7223
Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2015 10:56 am
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Thanked: 43 times
Followed by:29 members

by Scott@TargetTestPrep » Sun Jan 27, 2019 6:24 pm
Max@Math Revolution wrote:[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

If the median and the range of the data set 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, m are the same, which of the following could be the value of m?

A. -1
B. 0
C. 1
D. 2
E. 3
If we let m = -1, then the median is 2, but the range is 4 - (-1) = 5.
If we let m = 0, then the median is 2, but the range is 4 - 0 = 4.
If we let m = 1, then the median is 2, but the range is 4 - 1 = 3.
If we let m = 2, then the median is 2, but the rage is 4 - 1 = 3.
If we let m = 3, then the median is 3 and the range is 3.

Answer: E

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder and CEO
[email protected]

Image

See why Target Test Prep is rated 5 out of 5 stars on BEAT the GMAT. Read our reviews

ImageImage