If the operation @ is defined for all integers a and b by a@b=a+b-ab, which of the following statements must be true for all integers a, b and c?
I. a@b = b@a
II. a@0 = a
III. (a@b)@c = a@(b@c)
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) I and II only
(D) I and III only
(E) I, II and III
I know how to solve it using algebra or by number picking. But Im looking for a more perceptive approach here. Can someone provide an intuitive approach to III w/o resorting to number picking and algebra? maybe something in terms of commutativity and associativity? Thanks
statements must be true for all integers a, b and c?
This topic has expert replies
-
- GMAT Instructor
- Posts: 2630
- Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2012 3:32 pm
- Location: East Bay all the way
- Thanked: 625 times
- Followed by:119 members
- GMAT Score:780
Nina, you'd just do it algebraically. For instance
I::
a @ b = a + b - ab
b @ a = b + a - ba
Since a + b - ab = b + a - ba for all integers b, a, I is always true.
You'd repeat the process for the other two.
I::
a @ b = a + b - ab
b @ a = b + a - ba
Since a + b - ab = b + a - ba for all integers b, a, I is always true.
You'd repeat the process for the other two.
- sanju09
- GMAT Instructor
- Posts: 3650
- Joined: Wed Jan 21, 2009 4:27 am
- Location: India
- Thanked: 267 times
- Followed by:80 members
- GMAT Score:760
Commutative and Associative Laws are not good for minuses and divisions in general, but in the present case in particular, Commutative Law by chance works. Hence I & II can be taken in safely, leaving life-size doubts upon the legitimacy of Associative Law. Hence, [spoiler](C) I and II only[/spoiler] can be a smart answer.Nina1987 wrote:If the operation @ is defined for all integers a and b by a@b=a+b-ab, which of the following statements must be true for all integers a, b and c?
I. a@b = b@a
II. a@0 = a
III. (a@b)@c = a@(b@c)
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) I and II only
(D) I and III only
(E) I, II and III
I know how to solve it using algebra or by number picking. But Im looking for a more perceptive approach here. Can someone provide an intuitive approach to III w/o resorting to number picking and algebra? maybe something in terms of commutativity and associativity? Thanks
The mind is everything. What you think you become. -Lord Buddha
Sanjeev K Saxena
Quantitative Instructor
The Princeton Review - Manya Abroad
Lucknow-226001
www.manyagroup.com
Sanjeev K Saxena
Quantitative Instructor
The Princeton Review - Manya Abroad
Lucknow-226001
www.manyagroup.com
-
- Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
- Posts: 187
- Joined: Tue Sep 13, 2016 12:46 am
- GMATGuruNY
- GMAT Instructor
- Posts: 15539
- Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pm
- Location: New York, NY
- Thanked: 13060 times
- Followed by:1906 members
- GMAT Score:790
a@b = a + b - ab.If the operation @ is defined for all integers a and b by a@b = a+b-ab, which of the following statements must be true for all integers a, b, and c?
I. a@b = b@a
II. a@0 = a
III. (a@b) @ c = a @ (b@c)
Answers:
I only
II only
I and II only
I and III only
I, II, and III
In other words, a@b = SUM - PRODUCT.
Statement I is included in four of the five answer choices.
Thus, it is almost certain that statement I must be true.
Otherwise, a test-taker will be able to eliminate four answer choices simply by evaluating statement I.
To save time, start with statement II.
To make the process easier, plug in values.
Let a=2, b=3, and c=10.
Statement II: a@0 = a
2@0 = 2
2+0 - (2*0) = 2
2 = 2.
On the left side, we simply added and subtracted 0 from the value of a=2.
From this example, we can see that statement II will be true for any integer value of a.
Eliminate A and D, which do not include statement II.
Statement III: (a@b) @ c = a @ (b@c)
First calculate the values INSIDE THE PARENTHESES.
(2@3) @ 10 = 2 @ (3@10)
(2+3 - 2*3) @ 10 = 2 @ (3+10 - 3*10)
-1 @ 10 = 2 @ -17
-1 + 10 - (-1*10) = 2 + (-17) - (2)(-17)
19 = 19.
When a=2, b=3 and c=10, statement III is true.
While not a definitive proof, it seems VERY unlikely that these 3 randomly selected values would prove to be an exceptional case.
Eliminate B and C, which do not include statement III.
The correct answer is E.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3