What is the minimum value of a?

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What is the minimum value of a?

by Max@Math Revolution » Mon Dec 23, 2019 11:09 pm
[GMAT math practice question]

What is the minimum value of a?

1) The solution of 3 - 3x ≥ 2x - 7 and x + 3 > a is ø.
2) a is an integer.
Source: — Data Sufficiency |

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by Max@Math Revolution » Thu Dec 26, 2019 2:29 am
=>

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.
Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question. We should simplify conditions if necessary.

Since we have 1 variable (a) and 0 equations, D is most likely the answer. So, we should consider each condition on its own first.

Condition 1)
3 - 3x ≥ 2x - 7
=> 10 ≥ 5x
=> x ≤ 2

X + 3 > a
=> x > a - 3

Looking at the intersection of x ≤ 2 and x > a - 3, we have a - 3 ≥ 2 or a ≥ 5.
Thus, the minimum value of a is 5.



Since condition 1) yields a unique solution, it is sufficient.

Condition 2)
Condition 2) tells us that a is an integer, which gives us an infinite number of possibilities.

Since condition 2) does not yield a unique solution, it is not sufficient.

Therefore, A is the answer.
Answer: A

If the original condition includes "1 variable", or "2 variables and 1 equation", or "3 variables and 2 equations," etc., one more equation is required to answer the question. If each of conditions 1) and 2) provide an additional equation, there is a 59% chance that D is the answer, a 38% chance that A or B is the answer, and a 3% chance that the answer is C or E. Thus, answer D (conditions 1) and 2), when applied separately, are sufficient to answer the question) is most likely, but there may be cases where the answer is A,B,C or E.