Simple Strategy Question

Expert replies

rmvsds02: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2011 10:33 am

by rmvsds02 » Tue Jul 05, 2011 10:38 am

If 2(x-3)=2(x/2-1/3), x=?

I have the kaplan online course, and through most explanations of fraction problems, I am finding that they don't use mixed terms in their work.. .i.e. 7x=16/3 as opposed to 7x=5 1/3..

Should I always use non-mixed terms when working with fractions? Any other simple tips that will help?

Thanks!

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — Problem Solving | Tue Jul 05, 2011 10:38 am

GMAT/MBA Expert

Ian Stewart: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 2623; Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2008 3:17 amFollowed by: 355 members; Location: Montreal; Thanked: 1090 times; GMAT Score:780

by Ian Stewart » Tue Jul 05, 2011 3:03 pm

If you need to do any arithmetic (especially any division or multiplication), you'd always want to use the expression '16/3', and not '5 1/3', unless you're only concerned with getting an estimate. I can't see how you'd easily go about dividing, say, 5 1/3 by 7 1/5, but if you write those fractions as 16/3 and 36/5 it's straightforward enough:

(16/3)/(36/5) = (16/3)*(5/36) = 20/27

You infrequently see mixed fractions on the GMAT, typically only in word problems.

For online GMAT math tutoring, or to buy my higher-level Quant books and problem sets, contact me at ianstewartgmat at gmail.com

ianstewartgmat.com

Like this post

Post new topic Post Reply

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

559 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (560 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review