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jesse
 
 

Data sufficiency question re: Lab #1, Slide #25, Q #37

by jesse Thu Jan 31, 2008 7:57 pm

The following is asked:
What is the value of x?

1) -(x+y) = x-y
2) x+y = 2

I first look to #2 as the easy statement. I rebalance the equation so that x= 2-y. Why is this not a sufficient value for x? The question does not ask for a numeric value of x, but simple a value. Even if I haven't solved for y, doesn't 2-y represent a value?
shaji
 
 

Re: Data sufficiency question re: Lab #1, Slide #25, Q #37

by shaji Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:31 am

jesse Wrote:The following is asked:
What is the value of x?

1) -(x+y) = x-y
2) x+y = 2

I first look to #2 as the easy statement. I rebalance the equation so that x= 2-y. Why is this not a sufficient value for x? The question does not ask for a numeric value of x, but simple a value. Even if I haven't solved for y, doesn't 2-y represent a value?


The question implies the numrical value indeed!!!
StaceyKoprince
ManhattanGMAT Staff
 
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by StaceyKoprince Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:25 am

Any time the test asks for a value, it is referring to a numerical value. To be sufficient, a statement has to provide a definitive numerical value (if it asked for a value - some questions are worded as yes/no questions instead).
Stacey Koprince
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Director, Content & Curriculum
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