You need to plug in the value of b for each option and solve for a
If you get a as integer and not equal to 1 or -2, that option stands correct.
I. b=1
a^2 +3a-18 = 0
(a+6)(a-3) = 0
a = -6 or 3
This is correct
Eliminate B
II. b=2
4a^2 +6a-18 = 0
2a^2 +3a-9 = 0
2a^2 +6a-3a-9=0
(2a-3)(a+3)=0
a=3/2 or -3
b=2 is correct
Eliminate A and D
III. b=3
9a^2 +9a-18 = 0
a^2 +a-2=0
a^2 +2a-a-2=0
(a+2)(a-1)=0
a=-2 or 1
b=3 is possible
Option E is correct
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Value of b
Source: Beat The GMAT — Problem Solving |
rijul007 wrote:You need to plug in the value of b for each option and solve for a
If you get a as integer and not equal to 1 or -2, that option stands correct.
I. b=1
a^2 +3a-18 = 0
(a+6)(a-3) = 0
a = -6 or 3
This is correct
Eliminate B
II. b=2
4a^2 +6a-18 = 0
2a^2 +3a-9 = 0
2a^2 +6a-3a-9=0
(2a-3)(a+3)=0
a=3/2 or -3
b=2 is correct
Eliminate A and D
III. b=3
9a^2 +9a-18 = 0
a^2 +a-2=0
a^2 +2a-a-2=0
(a+2)(a-1)=0
a=-2 or 1
Option E is correct
III. a= 1 or -2
hence b cannot be equal to 3
Option C
II. b=2
4a^2 +6a-18 = 0
2a^2 +3a-9 = 0
2a^2 +6a-3a-9=0
(2a-3)(a+3)=0
a=3/2 ??????? or -3
How can the answer be c. According to me the answer should be A. Tell me guyzzz how can the value of a be 3/2 when it is specified that a and b are integers....
Plss get back to this sum...
4a^2 +6a-18 = 0
2a^2 +3a-9 = 0
2a^2 +6a-3a-9=0
(2a-3)(a+3)=0
a=3/2 ??????? or -3
How can the answer be c. According to me the answer should be A. Tell me guyzzz how can the value of a be 3/2 when it is specified that a and b are integers....
Plss get back to this sum...
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LEARNING, APPLICATION AND TIMING IS THE FACT OF GMAT AND LIFE AS WELL... KEEP PLAYING!!!
Whenever you feel that my post really helped you to learn something new, please press on the 'THANK' button.
'a' need not to be 3/2, as it can be -3
[email protected] wrote:II. b=2
4a^2 +6a-18 = 0
2a^2 +3a-9 = 0
2a^2 +6a-3a-9=0
(2a-3)(a+3)=0
a=3/2 ??????? or -3
How can the answer be c. According to me the answer should be A. Tell me guyzzz how can the value of a be 3/2 when it is specified that a and b are integers....
Plss get back to this sum...
Success doesn't come overnight!
The numerator must be equal to 0.((ab)² + 3ab - 18) / (a-1)(a+2) = 0
Which of the following could be the value of b?
I: 1
II: 2
III: 3
A) I
B) II
C) I and II
D) I and III
E) I, II and III
The denominator cannot be equal to 0, requiring that a≠1 and a≠-2.
(ab)² + 3ab - 18 = 0
(ab + 6)(ab - 3) = 0
ab = -6 or ab = 3.
I: b=1
If ab = -6, then a = -6.
This works.
Eliminate B, which does not include I.
II: b=2.
If ab = -6, then a = -3.
This works.
Eliminate A and D, which do not include II.
III: b=3
If ab = -6, then a = -2.
Not possible, since a≠-2.
If ab = 3, then a=1.
Not possible, since a≠1.
Eliminate E, which includes III.
The correct answer is C.
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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
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Student Review #3












