GRE

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of the Sectional_Algebra
correct answer, Answer
such as 2.5 and 2.50, Key Fractions do
are all correct.
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16. Machine A, working alone at its constant rate, produces x pounds of peanut butter in 12 minutes.
Machine B, working alone at its constant rate, produces x pounds of peanut butter in 18 minutes.
How many minutes will it take machines A and B, working simultaneously at their respective
constant rates, to produce x pounds of peanut butter?

17. The function f has the property that f(x) = f(x + 1) for all numbers x. If f (4) = 17, what is the
value of f(8) ?

ANSWER KEY
1. Choice A: Quantity A is greater.
2. Choice B: Quantity B is greater.
3. Choice D: The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
4. Choice A: Quantity A is greater.
5. Choice C: The two quantities are equal.
6. Choice B: Quantity B is greater.
7. Choice A: Quantity A is greater.
8. Choice E:

9. Choice D:

10. Choice B: 4–y

11. Choice D: Seven
12. Choice B: 1,000–r
13. Choice E: 25m = -16n
14. Choice B: (5, 12)
AND
Choice D: (12, 3)
15. Choice A:
AND
Choice B:

16. 7.2
17. 17

Answers and Explanations

1.

Explanation
To compare x with –2, you should first solve the equation for x.

To solve the equation, recall that a fraction is equal to 0 only if a = 0 and b ≠ 0.

So the fraction is equal to 0 only if x(x – 2) is equal to 0 and (x + 3)(x – 4)2 is not

equal to 0. Note that the only values of x for which x(x – 2) = 0 are x = 0 and x = 2, and for these
two values, (x + 3)(x – 4)2 is not equal to 0. Therefore the only values of x for which the fraction
is equal to 0 are x = 0 and x = 2. Since both 0 and 2 are greater than Quantity B, –

2, the correct answer is Choice A.

This explanation uses the following strategy.

Strategy 8: Search for a Mathematical Relationship

x>0

2.

Explanation