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Functions - Veritas

Expert replies
by bml1105 » Sun May 25, 2014 4:03 pm
For which of the following does f(a)−f(b)=f(a−b) for all values of a and b?

(A) f(x)=x2
(B) f(x)=x2
(C) f(x)=x+5
(D) f(x)=2x−1
(E) f(x)=|x|


OA: B
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Source: — Problem Solving |

by GMATGuruNY » Sun May 25, 2014 5:01 pm
The answer choices should read as posted below:
For which of the following does f(a)-f(b)=f(a-b) for all values of a and b?

A) f(x)=x²
B) f(x)=x/2
C) f(x)=x+5
D) f(x)=2x−1
E) f(x)=|x|
Let a=2 and b=3.
Then:
f(a) = f(2).
f(b) = f(3).
f(a-b) = f(2-3) = f(-1).
The question stem becomes:
For which of the following does f(2) - f(3) = f(-1)?

A) f(x)=x²
f(2) = 2² = 4.
f(3) = 3² = 9.
f(-1) = (-1)² = 1.
Substituting these values into f(2) - f(3) = f(-1), we get:
4-9 = 1
-5 = 1.
Doesn't work.
Eliminate A.

B) f(x)=x/2
f(2) = 2/2.
f(3) = 3/2.
f(-1) = -1/2.
Substituting these values into f(2) - f(3) = f(-1), we get:
2/2 - 3/2 = -1/2
-1/2 = -1/2.
This works.
Hold onto B.

C) f(x)=x+5
f(2) = 2+5 = 7.
f(3) = 3+5 = 8.
f(-1) = -1+5 = 4.
Substituting these values into f(2) - f(3) = f(-1), we get:
7+8 = 4
15 = 4.
Doesn't work.
Eliminate C.

D) f(x)=2x−1
f(2) = 2*2 - 1 = 3.
f(3) = 2*3 - 1 = 5.
f(-1) = 2(-1) - 1 = -3.
Substituting these values into f(2) - f(3) = f(-1), we get:
3-5 = -3
-2 = -3.
Doesn't work.
Eliminate D.

E) f(x)=|x|
f(2) = |2| = 2.
f(3) = |3| = 3.
f(-1) = |-1| = 1.
Substituting these values into f(2) - f(3) = f(-1), we get:
2-3 = 1
-1 = 1.
Doesn't work.
Eliminate E.

The correct answer is B.
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Sun May 25, 2014 9:46 pm
Here's are two similar function questions to practice with:

https://www.beatthegmat.com/number-systems-t270738.html
https://www.beatthegmat.com/function-f-x ... tml#719140

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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by confused13 » Mon May 26, 2014 9:33 am
Could an expert rate the difficulty level of this question?
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Mon May 26, 2014 1:15 pm
confused13 wrote:Could an expert rate the difficulty level of this question?
I'd say around the 600-level.

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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by bml1105 » Mon May 26, 2014 7:47 pm
Thanks! These functions = functions, apply the pattern questions always mess me up!
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by confused13 » Mon May 26, 2014 10:45 pm
Thanks, Brent !
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by [email protected] » Tue May 27, 2014 11:31 am
Hi bml1105,

"Function" questions are essentially graphing questions, it's just that most Test Takers won't go to the trouble of graphing each of the 5 answer choices. The subject is a sub-category in Geometry and, by itself, is not a big part of the GMAT. You'll likely see just 1 question on Test Day that's written in this way (although you could see more than 1, depending on your performance and the Randomizer). As such, it's not a big "point gainer" or "point loser." Before you spend too much time on any rare subject, make sure that you're comfortable with the big categories (e.g. Algebra, Arithmetic, Number Properties, etc.).

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at [email protected]
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