[GMAT math practice question]
If the median of 5 positive integers is 10, is their average (arithmetic mean) greater than 10?
1) The largest number is 40
2) The smallest number is 1
If the median of 5 positive integers is 10, is their average
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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.
The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question.
Suppose the numbers satisfy a ≤ b ≤ 10 ≤ c ≤ d. The question asks if ( a + b + 10 + c + d ) / 5 > 10 or a + b + c + d + 10 > 50.
This is equivalent to the inequality, a + b + c + d > 40.
If a question includes the words "greater than", then it asks us to look for a minimum.
Since a, b c, and d are positive, and d = 40 by condition 1), we must have a + b + c + d > 40.
Condition 1) is sufficient.
Condition 2)
If a = 1, b = 2, c = 11, and d = 40, then a + b + c + d > 40, and the answer is 'yes'.
If a = 1, b = 2, c = 11, and d = 12, then a + b + c + d < 40, and the answer is 'no'.
Thus, condition 2) is not sufficient since it does not yield a unique solution.
Therefore, A is the answer.
Answer: A
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.
The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question.
Suppose the numbers satisfy a ≤ b ≤ 10 ≤ c ≤ d. The question asks if ( a + b + 10 + c + d ) / 5 > 10 or a + b + c + d + 10 > 50.
This is equivalent to the inequality, a + b + c + d > 40.
If a question includes the words "greater than", then it asks us to look for a minimum.
Since a, b c, and d are positive, and d = 40 by condition 1), we must have a + b + c + d > 40.
Condition 1) is sufficient.
Condition 2)
If a = 1, b = 2, c = 11, and d = 40, then a + b + c + d > 40, and the answer is 'yes'.
If a = 1, b = 2, c = 11, and d = 12, then a + b + c + d < 40, and the answer is 'no'.
Thus, condition 2) is not sufficient since it does not yield a unique solution.
Therefore, A is the answer.
Answer: A
Math Revolution
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Score an excellent Q49-51 just like 70% of our students.
[Free] Full on-demand course (7 days) - 100 hours of video lessons, 490 lesson topics, and 2,000 questions.
[Course] Starting $79 for on-demand and $60 for tutoring per hour and $390 only for Live Online.
Email to : [email protected]