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What is the value of (4x-3xy+4y)/(3x+3y)?

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by Max@Math Revolution » Wed Nov 06, 2019 12:42 am
[GMAT math practice question]

What is the value of (4x-3xy+4y)/(3x+3y)?

1) x = y
2) (1/x) + (1/y) = 3
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Source: — Data Sufficiency |

by Max@Math Revolution » Thu Nov 07, 2019 11:07 pm
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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.

The question asks the value of (4/3) - xy/(x+y) for the following reason
(4x-3xy+4y)/(3x+3y)
= [4(x+y)-3xy]/[3(x+y)]
= [4(x+y)]/[3(x+y)] - [3xy]/[3(x+y)]
= (4/3) - xy/(x+y)

Since we have (x+y)/xy = 3 from condition 2),) for the following reason
(1/x)+(1/y) = 3
(y/xy) + (x/xy) = 3
(x+y)/xy = 3
Then we have xy/(x+y) = 1/3.
Then (4/3) - xy/(x+y) = (4/3) - (1/3) = 1.

Since condition 2) yields a unique solution, it is sufficient.

Condition 1)
Since we have x=y, (4/3) - xy/(x+y) = (4/3) - x^2/2x = (4/3)-x/2.
If x = y = 1, then (4/3) - x/2 = 5/6.
If x = y = 2, then (4/3) - x/2 = 1/3.

Since condition 1) does not yield a unique solution, it is not sufficient.

Therefore, B is the answer.
Answer: B
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