need help with a particular phrase with a Guide3 sample prob

[skD]

Hi,
In a question of Statistics (chapter 3, page 61) in Manahattan GMAT Word problem (5th edn.) book, it's said that 'If each data point in a set is increased by a factor of 7...' means each data point in that set is multiplied by 7.

Not getting it at all...factors of 7 are 1 and 7 ONLY. So, 'increased by a factor of 7' should mean increased by 1 or 7 that is either 1 or 7 is added (not multiplied by 7) to each data point in that set, I guess!

Please help!

[tim]

You're using a different concept of how the word "factor" is applied. You just need to learn that this is another way the word can be used.

[skD]

You're using a different concept of how the word "factor" is applied. You just need to learn that this is another way the word can be used.

Hi Tim,
Thanks for your reply. But could you please clarify to help me understand the same.

Much appreciate your feedback.

[RonPurewal]

"Increased by a factor of N" only has one meaning: multiplication by N.

It's true that "factor" can mean other things in other contexts, but "increased by a factor of..." can't.


(this is true of other words/phrases as well. for instance, "square" has several meanings -- a geometric shape, a number that is the square of an integer, etc. -- but, if you put "root" after it, you get a "square root", which is not any of those things.)

[skD]

"Increased by a factor of N" only has one meaning: multiplication by N.

It's true that "factor" can mean other things in other contexts, but "increased by a factor of..." can't.


(this is true of other words/phrases as well. for instance, "square" has several meanings -- a geometric shape, a number that is the square of an integer, etc. -- but, if you put "root" after it, you get a "square root", which is not any of those things.)

Thank you so much Ron!

[tim]

:)