Yes, it can. It can also be zero.Mo2men wrote: Can a multiple be negative?
So, for example, the multiples of 11 are: . . . -44, -33, -22, -11, 0, 11, 22, 33, 44, 55...
Cheers,
Brent
Is b<0?..........Veritas question
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Source: Beat The GMAT — Data Sufficiency |
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So, for example, the multiples of 11 are: . . . -44, -33, -22, -11, 0, 11, 22, 33, 44, 55...
Cheers,
Brent
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Target question: Is b less than 0?Mo2men wrote:Is b < 0?
(1) Integer b is a multiple of 13
(2) b³ < 13
Statement 1: Integer b is a multiple of 13
There are several values of b that satisfy statement 1. Here are two:
Case a: b = -13, in which case x IS less than 0
Case b: b = 0, in which case x is NOT less than 0
Since we cannot answer the target question with certainty, statement 1 is NOT SUFFICIENT
Statement 2: b³ < 13
There are several values of b that satisfy statement 2. Here are two:
Case a: b = -13, in which case x IS less than 0
Case b: b = 0, in which case x is NOT less than 0
Since we cannot answer the target question with certainty, statement 2 is NOT SUFFICIENT
Statements 1 and 2 combined
IMPORTANT: Notice that I was able to use the same counter-examples to show that each statement ALONE is not sufficient. So, the same counter-examples will satisfy the two statements COMBINED.
In other words,
Case a: b = -13, in which case x IS less than 0
Case b: b = 0, in which case x is NOT less than 0
Since we cannot answer the target question with certainty, the combined statements are NOT SUFFICIENT
Answer: E
Cheers,
Brent
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Mo2men
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Dear Brent,Brent@GMATPrepNow wrote:Yes, it can. It can also be zero.Mo2men wrote: Can a multiple be negative?
So, for example, the multiples of 11 are: . . . -44, -33, -22, -11, 0, 11, 22, 33, 44, 55...
Cheers,
Brent
Thanks for your repose but my question maybe was not clear.
Does GMAT deals with multiples in negative? I have seen it only in positive forms. Likewise, in dealing with factors, we deal with only positive numbers and I have not seen it in Negative form.
My concern is that GMAT does not accept some forms, while mathematically it is correct.
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From the Official GuideMo2men wrote: Dear Brent,
Thanks for your repose but my question maybe was not clear.
Does GMAT deals with multiples in negative? I have seen it only in positive forms. Likewise, in dealing with factors, we deal with only positive numbers and I have not seen it in Negative form.
My concern is that GMAT does not accept some forms, while mathematically it is correct.
If x and y are integers and x ≠0, then x is a divisor (factor) of y provided that y = xn for some integer n. In this case, y is also said to be divisible by x or to be a multiple of x. For example, 7 is a divisor or factor of 28 since 28 = (7)(4), but 8 is not a divisor of 28 since there is no integer n such that 28 = 8n
So, as you said, divisors and multiples can be negative.
You're also right in that official GMAT questions restrict the divisors and multiples to positive values.
Cheers,
Brent
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Offhand, I cannot cite an official problem that involves negative multiples.Mo2men wrote:Does GMAT deals with multiples in negative?.
Any official problem that includes the term multiple is typically constrained to nonnegative values.
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Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
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