An official question

[tomslawsky]

This is a question form the official GRE free practice test. I am doing these just to get a bit of a different flavor The options are:

Ann’s class has x students this semester. Paul’s class has one less than three times the number of students in Ann’s class.

Question:
Column 1: X(squared)
Column 2: 2X


A) Quantity in column 1 is greater
B) the Quantity in column 2 is greater
C) the quantities are equal
D) Can't tell from the given info

My answer is "D" because if Ann has 1 student, Paul has 2.

Column 1: X (squared) = 1(squared)=1
Column 2: 2(X) =2(2) =4

and column 2 is bigger

However, if Ann has 12 students, then Paul has 35 students. This leads to
Column 1 = 12(squared) =144
Column 2 = 32 (2)= 70

and column 1 is bigger.


here is the official answer:
"1. The correct answer is (A). To solve, substitute a value for x. If = 12, then Paul has 35 students."

12(squared) = 144
2(35) =70


Where am I going wrong here, why is the correct answer not D????
Thank you for your help.
http://www.greprepinfo.com/GRE_Practice_Test.pdf

[tomslawsky]

Never-mind, I tried to call the ETS and then realized that this is an unofficial GRE sight and I believe a bad official answer. That site must be run by a bunch of A$$Clowns and I really shouldn't stray from REAL sites. Thank you guys for having a real site!
Tom

[Ben Ku]

Sorry. this is a GRE question. The quantitative comparison format does not show up on the GMAT.

[tomslawsky]

I'm aware of this, Ben. No need to apologize, it's OK! :)

[esledge]

.