BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem
TTP OnDemand GMAT Video Course
Featured Course

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Scott Woodbury-Stewart’s private virtual classroom — 400 hours of master-class video lessons for the GMAT Focus Edition.

  • 715+ score guarantee — highest in the industry (99th percentile)
  • 52 chapters · 1,500+ lessons · 4,000+ practice questions
  • 400 hours of video · 1,500+ instructor-led HD smartboard lessons
  • 300,000+ students accepted to Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Booth & Sloan & more
  • 24/7 live support + weekly Zoom office hours with GMAT instructors
  • TTP AI Assist — 24/7 AI-powered virtual tutor for instant help
  • 1,200+ flashcards + AI-powered study assistant & daily calendar
  • OnDemand, LiveTeach & GMAT Bootcamp formats available
  • Also: GRE, SAT Math & Executive Assessment courses
  • MBA Admissions Consulting now available
  • 🏆 2025 EdTech Breakthrough Award: Test Prep Solution Provider of the Year
  • 200,000+ students served
  • 5-day free trial — $0 to start, no auto-billing, cancel anytime
★★★★★ 5.0 (559 reviews)
130-pt guarantee
$0 to start then $127/mo
Start Free 5-Day Trial Read 559 Reviews →

Modulus question!! got stuck

Expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Source: — Problem Solving |
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 502
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:36 pmFollowed by: 21 members
Thanked: 99 times

by vk_vinayak » Mon Aug 27, 2012 6:33 am
nroy347 wrote:Hello...
The question I am unabe to solve..PLEASE HELP !!

If x is an integer, how many possible values of x exist for x^2+|5|x+6 ?
[A] 4
2
[C] 3
[D] 1
[E] 0


Not sure if it is a correct method, but let me try:

I think the equation is x^2+|5|x+6 = 0.

Two cases arise: 5 can be either -5 or +5

Case 1: If +5 => x^2+5x+6 = 0 => x=-2 or x=-3. Plug back these two values in original equation and you can see they work.

Case2: If -5 => x^2-5x+6 = 0 => x=+2 or x=+3. Plug back these two values in original equation and you can see they DO NOT work.

So, we have two solutions. Ans B.
- VK

I will (Learn. Recognize. Apply)
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2012 9:53 am

by nroy347 » Mon Aug 27, 2012 7:03 am
Hi..

No the answer which was given was E!! I got the answer B but I dont know how come E!!
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 502
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:36 pmFollowed by: 21 members
Thanked: 99 times

by vk_vinayak » Mon Aug 27, 2012 7:25 am
I don't think 0 is the answer because the Determinant (b^2 - 4ac) is positive. Therefore two solutions exist.

Maybe experts can help.
- VK

I will (Learn. Recognize. Apply)
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
User avatar
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 94
Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2012 3:39 am
Location: Calcutta
Thanked: 8 times

by cypherskull » Mon Aug 27, 2012 8:54 am
Hey Vinayak

I got B as the answer too.

However, I wanted to point out (or rather confirm) the following:
Two cases arise: 5 can be either -5 or +5
As far as I know, |5| cannot have +5 or -5 as its value. Modulus of any positive or negative value is always positive.

This applies to the cases where the value within the modulus is unknown - say |X|. If X (without mods) < 0, |X| = -X. If X > 0, |X| = X.

Besides, I think this question as it stands will always yield B as the answer. Its just a guess but maybe the question is - x^2 + |5x| + 6 = 0.
Regards,
Sunit

________________________________

Kill all my demons..And my angels might die too!
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 502
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:36 pmFollowed by: 21 members
Thanked: 99 times

by vk_vinayak » Mon Aug 27, 2012 8:58 am
Thanks, Sunit. I applied + and - by seeing the modulus. You are right, if it is |5| it is just simply 5 not -5.
- VK

I will (Learn. Recognize. Apply)
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1