Simple maths question

This topic has expert replies
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 46
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2006 10:04 am

Simple maths question

by GMAT? » Wed Dec 20, 2006 12:19 pm
DS question: What is the value of x?

1) x^2= 4x. I thought that from this statement x = 4. As x^2 = x.x. So x.x/x = 4. So x = 4. Why is this not right? The book says consider what if x = 0.

2) x is even. Well obviously doesnt give the answer.

Thanks all for ur help.

Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 354
Joined: Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:20 pm
Thanked: 11 times
Followed by:5 members

Re: Simple maths question

by 800guy » Thu Dec 21, 2006 3:38 pm
GMAT? wrote:DS question: What is the value of x?

1) x^2= 4x. I thought that from this statement x = 4. As x^2 = x.x. So x.x/x = 4. So x = 4. Why is this not right? The book says consider what if x = 0.

2) x is even. Well obviously doesnt give the answer.

Thanks all for ur help.
note: according to eric's flashcards, 0 is an even number

1) alone is not sufficient because x could equal 0 or 4

2) alone is not sufficient because x could equal 0 or 4

my guess is E

User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 2469
Joined: Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:09 pm
Location: BtG Underground
Thanked: 85 times
Followed by:14 members

by aim-wsc » Thu Dec 21, 2006 6:56 pm
i can understand how frustrating it could get when one sees the answer :lol:

remember. always consider zero, one, negative values and fractions (in power) while dealing with quant.
hope that helps everybody.