If y = x^2 - 6x + 9, what is the value of x?

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BTGModeratorVI wrote:
Mon Dec 28, 2020 8:29 am
If y = x^2 - 6x + 9, what is the value of x?

(1) y = 0
(2) x + y = 3

Answer: A
Source: official guide
Target question: What is the value of x?

Given: y = x² - 6x + 9

Statement 1: y = 0
This tells us that 0 = x² - 6x + 9
Factor the right side to get: 0 = (x - 3)(x - 3)
So, it MUST be the case that x = 3
Since we can answer the target question with certainty, statement 1 is SUFFICIENT

Statement 2: x + y = 3
Rearrange this equation to get: y = 3 - x
We're also told that y = x² - 6x + 9
So, it must be true that x² - 6x + 9 = 3 - x
Rearrange to get: x² - 5x + 6 = 0
Factor: (x - 2)(x - 3) = 0
So, EITHER x = 2 OR x = 3
Since we cannot answer the target question with certainty, statement 2 is NOT SUFFICIENT

Answer: A
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