What is the value of x?

This topic has expert replies
Source: — Data Sufficiency |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 3008
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2016 6:19 am
Location: Grand Central / New York
Thanked: 470 times
Followed by:34 members

by Jay@ManhattanReview » Wed Jul 25, 2018 9:38 pm

Timer

00:00

Your Answer

A

B

C

D

E

Global Stats

BTGmoderatorDC wrote:What is the value of x?

(1) |y| ≤ −3x
(2) |5x − 1| = x + 7
We have to determine the value of x.

Let's take each statement one by one.

(1) |y| ≤ −3x

Since |y| is a non-negative number and −3x is greater than |y|, −3x must also be a non-negative number. For that to happen x ≤ 0, or x must be a non-positive number. But we can't get the value of x. Insufficient.

(2) |5x − 1| = x + 7

Case 1: 5x − 1 = x + 7 => x = 2
Case 2: -5x + 1 = x + 7 => x = -1

No unique value of x. Insufficient.

(1) and (2) together

Since from (1), we know that x is a non-positive number, x cannot be 2, thus x = -1. Sufficient.

The correct answer: C

Hope this helps!

-Jay
_________________
Manhattan Review Test Prep

Locations: Manhattan Review Himayatnagar | Free GMAT Practice Test | GRE Prep Jayanagar | Madhapur GRE Coaching | and many more...

Schedule your free consultation with an experienced GMAT Prep Advisor! Click here.