Is triangle MNP isosceles?

This topic has expert replies
Legendary Member
Posts: 1223
Joined: Sat Feb 15, 2020 2:23 pm
Followed by:1 members

Is triangle MNP isosceles?

by BTGModeratorVI » Sat Feb 15, 2020 2:43 pm
Is triangle MNP isosceles?

(1) Exactly two of the angles, M and N, have the same measure.
(2) Angles N and P do not have the same measure.

Source: Official Guide
Answer: A

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 16207
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC
Thanked: 5254 times
Followed by:1268 members
GMAT Score:770

Re: Is triangle MNP isosceles?

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Mon Feb 17, 2020 11:06 am
BTGModeratorVI wrote:
Sat Feb 15, 2020 2:43 pm
Is triangle MNP isosceles?

(1) Exactly two of the angles, M and N, have the same measure.
(2) Angles N and P do not have the same measure.

Source: Official Guide
Answer: A
Target question: Is triangle MNP isosceles?

Statement 1: Exactly two of the angles, M and N, have the same measure.
Perfect. This is the precise definition of an isosceles triangle
The answer to the target question is YES, triangle MNP is isosceles
Since we can answer the target question with certainty, statement 1 is SUFFICIENT

Statement 2: Angles N and P do not have the same measure
Here are two conflicting scenarios that satisfied statement 2
Case a: ∠N = 50°, ∠P = 80°, and ∠M = 50°. In this case, the answer to the target question is YES, triangle MNP is isosceles
Case b: ∠N = 50°, ∠P = 70°, and ∠M = 60°. In this case, the answer to the target question is NO, triangle MNP is not isosceles
Since we cannot answer the target question with certainty, statement 2 is NOT SUFFICIENT

Answer: A

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
Image