Live GMAT classes with Target Test Prep start Nov 21 and Nov 22. First class free.

See classes
Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 winner: Target Test Prep, #1 Test Prep

Target Test Prep was voted #1 Best Test Prep in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards.

★★★★★5.0563 reviews
GMATLiveTeachStarts Nov 22
Josh Braslow, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE CLASSES

Get Ready for GMAT Test Day Faster with Live Online Classes

with Josh Braslow, 20+ years in test prep

Nov 22 · Josh Braslow
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Attend the first class for free
  • Every class is recorded, so you never fall behind
View classes & enroll
Limited seats availableTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeachOnDemandStart anytime
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Target Test Prep EA OnDemand

Self-paced EA prep. Study on your schedule.

EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

with

165+ EA score guarantee
$05-day trial no automatic billing
Schedule
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll Start free 5-day trial
Limited cohort · enrollment openTrial includes full course accessTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemandStart anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions

Scale that measures

Expert replies
by sal2 » Fri Dec 25, 2009 8:35 am
This is an OG question.

On a scale that measures the intensity of a certain phenomenon, a reading of n+1 corresponds to an intensity that is 10 times the intensity corresponding to a reading of n. On that scale, the intensity corresponding to a reading of 8 is how many times as great as the intensity corresponding to a reading of 3?

The way the question is phrased, I see 2 ways to set it up, each producing a very different answer.

How would you do it?
Sal
Join the discussion
Source: — Problem Solving |

by papgust » Fri Dec 25, 2009 9:44 am
This question is already discussed. Please check this,
https://www.beatthegmat.com/og-intensity ... 49553.html
Join the discussion

by sal2 » Fri Dec 25, 2009 10:15 am
I understand that's the way they want you to set it up, but the language of the question was unclear to me. I wasn't sure if it should set up as follows:
n is the base value on the scale, so solve n+1=n*10, which gives you a value of 10/9=n. Then do 1/9 + 8 = 73/9 and 1/9 + 3 = 28/9. Final answer 73/28
All it says is that n+1 is 10 times n on a scale. Please explain.
Join the discussion

by papgust » Fri Dec 25, 2009 7:17 pm
Ok. Let me try to make it clear. Be ready to visualize! :)

"..a reading of n+1 corresponds to an intensity that is 10 times the intensity corresponding to a reading of n."

You may have seen a normal traditional scale with both centimeter and millimeter readings. Assume the scale (in problem) as centimeter-millimeter scale. 10 millimeters = 1 centimeter.

Consider a centimeter as n here and millimeter as intensity level. According to the question, it says that 2 centimeters (i.e. n+1) is 10 times 1 centimeter (i.e. n). You can visualize the term (10 times) as millimeter reading. Ideally on a millimeter scale, 2 centimeters is 10 times 1 centimeter.

--- Here, you would raise a question that 2 centimeters is actually NOT 10 times 1 centimeter on a millimeter reading. But for the sake of understanding this question better, just visualize this concept and do not dive deep into the centimeter-millimeter concept. I really can't think of any better real-time example. This just came from top of my head.----

In a similar way, 3 centimeters is 10*10 times 1 centimeter on a millimeter scale.... and so on.

We are now asked to find "On that scale, the intensity corresponding to a reading of 8 is how many times as great as the intensity corresponding to a reading of 3?"

On a centimeter-millimeter scale, they have asked us to find "8 centimeters is how many times as great as 3 centimeters on a millimeter scale"

So, 8 centimeters is 10*10*10*10*10 times 3 centimeters on a millimeter scale. which is nothing but 10^5 times. Here is your answer.

Hope you understood the method now!
Join the discussion