BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Confusing PS

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 934
Joined: Tue Nov 09, 2010 5:16 am
Location: AAMCHI MUMBAI LOCAL
Thanked: 63 times
Followed by:14 members

Confusing PS

by [email protected] » Wed Jun 15, 2011 4:33 am
If x, y, and z are negative integers and 3x - 3y = -3z, then which of the following statements must be true?

I. x > y
II. x > y > z
III. x = z

A I and II

B I only

C II only

D III only

E None


OA Later.... first some discussions..
IT IS TIME TO BEAT THE GMAT

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.
Top
Source: — Problem Solving |
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 52
Joined: Wed May 18, 2011 8:48 pm
Thanked: 4 times

by newgmattest » Wed Jun 15, 2011 4:45 am
Post official answer please....
Top
Legendary Member
Posts: 1448
Joined: Tue May 17, 2011 9:55 am
Location: India
Thanked: 375 times
Followed by:53 members

by Frankenstein » Wed Jun 15, 2011 4:45 am
Hi,
3x - 3y = -3z => x+z = y
As, x,y,z are negative. y should be smaller than x and z.
eg: if x = -2, z=-3, y = -5.
The relation between x and z cannot be established though.
y<x and y<z

Hence, B
Cheers!

Things are not what they appear to be... nor are they otherwise
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 659
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:12 am
Thanked: 32 times
Followed by:3 members

by Gurpinder » Wed Jun 15, 2011 5:03 am
3x - 3y = -3z

simplify the equation first to ->> x - y = -z -->

x = -z + y ..... since the integers are negative....lets see what it would look like in real....x(-1) = -z(-1) + y(-1)

-x = z - y

x = -z + y <---- equation withouting worrying about plugging in negative numbers now.


Clearly here y > x, hence A,B is out

If the above is false, then so is D.

We are left with C and E.

C is also false because x does not = z.

IMO E

Let me know if I went wrong some where....
"Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress."
- Alfred A. Montapert, Philosopher.
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 934
Joined: Tue Nov 09, 2010 5:16 am
Location: AAMCHI MUMBAI LOCAL
Thanked: 63 times
Followed by:14 members

by [email protected] » Wed Jun 15, 2011 5:03 am
Yes Frank is right.. The answer is B.
IT IS TIME TO BEAT THE GMAT

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.
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 659
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:12 am
Thanked: 32 times
Followed by:3 members

by Gurpinder » Wed Jun 15, 2011 5:06 am
@ Frank

Where did I go wrong?
"Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress."
- Alfred A. Montapert, Philosopher.
Top
Legendary Member
Posts: 1448
Joined: Tue May 17, 2011 9:55 am
Location: India
Thanked: 375 times
Followed by:53 members

by Frankenstein » Wed Jun 15, 2011 5:25 am
Gurpinder wrote:@ Frank

Where did I go wrong?
Hi,
-x = z - y

x = -z + y <---- equation withouting worrying about plugging in negative numbers now.

Clearly here y > x, hence A,B is out
-z is positive. So, when you add a positive quantity(-z) to a negative quantity(y), the resulting number(x) will increase. So, x > y
eg. -2 = 3 + (-5). Here x = -2, z= -3, y =-5
Cheers!

Things are not what they appear to be... nor are they otherwise
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 1325
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2009 6:24 am
Thanked: 105 times
Followed by:14 members

by vikram4689 » Wed Jun 15, 2011 5:37 am
Well this is NOT so confusing, did it in 60sec, apply it this way

3x -3y = -3z
x - y = -z
x + z = y .... This is the equation we need to evaluate.

Since all are -ve, y will always be more -ve than x and hence x > y
from equation you can easily say that II & III are not essentially true.
Bingo!! Answer is B.
Premise: If you like my post
Conclusion : Press the Thanks Button ;)
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 659
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:12 am
Thanked: 32 times
Followed by:3 members

by Gurpinder » Wed Jun 15, 2011 6:21 am
Frankenstein wrote:
Gurpinder wrote:@ Frank

Where did I go wrong?
Hi,
-x = z - y

x = -z + y <---- equation withouting worrying about plugging in negative numbers now.

Clearly here y > x, hence A,B is out
-z is positive. So, when you add a positive quantity(-z) to a negative quantity(y), the resulting number(x) will increase. So, x > y
eg. -2 = 3 + (-5). Here x = -2, z= -3, y =-5
Ahh...I confused my self....

yes, y=x+z and since they are negative, x>y

thanks buddy!
"Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress."
- Alfred A. Montapert, Philosopher.
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1