Diagnostic Test GMAT (73 Questions and Solutions)

A revolutionary solution to GMAT math problems
[Diagnostic Test 73 questions]
[Answer Key]
1 C 2 C 3 D 4 E
5 D 6 C 7 D 8 A
9 A 10 D 11 C 12 B 1
13 B 14 C 15 A 16 B
17 C 18 B 19 D 20 D
21 A 22 D 23 B 24 B
25 B 26 A 27 E 28 E
29 A 30 D 31 A 32 E
33 B 34 A 35 A 36 B
37 E 38 E 39 D 40 C
41 B 42 D 43 C 44 D
45 B 46 A 47 E 48 D
49 B 50 B 51 C 52 D
53 C 54 B 55 B 56 D
57 C 58 A 59 C 60 B
61 B 62 C 63 D 64 B
65 E 66 C 67 E 68 A
69 D 70 B 71 B 72 B
73 B
Copyright@Math Revolution. All rights reserved www.mathrevolution.com

[Solution]
1. (PS, Arithmetic, Integer, ~34) When n is divided by 5, the quotient is 9, and
the remainder is 4. What is the value of n?
A. 39 B. 45 C. 49 D. 59 E. 69 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Since 𝟎 ≤ 𝟒 < |𝟓| = 𝟓, we can write
n = 9·5 + 4
= 45 + 4
= 49.
Therefore, C is the correct answer.
Answer: C
2. (PS, Arithmetic, Integers, 35~40) If n is the sum of the first 40 positive
integers, what is the largest prime factor of n?
A. 29 B. 37 C. 41 D. 17 E. 19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
The sum is an arithmetic series with a common difference of 1, so

𝟒𝟎
1 + 2 + … + 40 = (1 + 40) = 20·41
𝟐
We do not need to multiply 20 and 41 as we are looking for the factors. So,
we can simply break down 20, because 41 is a prime number.
3
The prime factorization of the sum is:
n = 20·41 = 4·5·41 = 2·2·5·41 = 22·5·41.
So, the largest prime factor of n is 41.
Answer: C
3. (PS, Algebra, Integer, 41~44) If 310 - n is divisible by 4, which of the
following could be the value of integer n?
I. 0 II. 1 III. 5
A. I only B. II only C. III only D. II and III only E. I, II and III
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
When a question gives us options, the best method for solving is often
checking each one separately.
Therefore, let’s check each option separately:
I. n = 0: 310 – 0 = 310, which only has powers of 3 as its factors and so is

NOT divisible by 4. So, this option is not true.
II. n = 1: 310 – 1 = (35 – 1)(35 + 1) = 242·244. Since 244 is divisible by 4,
𝟑𝟏𝟎 − 𝟏 is divisible by 4. So, this option is true.
III. n = 5: Now 310 – 5 = 310 – 1 – 4. Since 310 – 1 is divisible by 4 and 4

4
is divisible by 4, 310 – 5 is divisible by 4. So, this option is true.
Thus, only options II and III are true.
Therefore, D is the correct answer.
Answer: D
4. (PS, Arithmetic, Integer, 45~48) If 220n is the square of a positive integer,
what is the smallest possible value of n?
A. 15 B. 25 C. 35 D. 45 E. 55
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
First, we need to factorize 220n:
220n = 22·10·n = 2·11·2·5·n = 22·5·11·n
The number 22 is a perfect square, so n must contribute factors of 5 and 11
to the product. So, n = 5·11·t2, for some positive integer t. Then, the
smallest possible value of n is n = 5·11·12 = 55.
Therefore, E is the correct answer.
Answer: E

5. (PS, Arithmetic, Integer, 49~51) If x and y are integers such that xy = 256,
how many different values can yx have?
A. 4 B. 5 C. 6 D. 7 E. 8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
5
(Solution)
First, consider the possible positive values of x and y. Start with the prime
factorization of 𝟐𝟓𝟔:
256 = 2·128
= 2·2·64
= 2·2·2·32
= 2·2·2·2·16
= 2·2·2·2·2·8
= 2·2·2·2·2·2·4
= 2·2·2·2·2·2·2·2
= 28
Next, group the factors of 2 to write:
256 = 22·22·22·22 = 44
256 = 24·24 = 162
256 = 28 = 2561 (hidden 1)
Finally, remember that expressions with even exponents can also be written
as powers of negative numbers. So,

256 = (-2)8
256 = (-4)4
256 = (-16)2
This gives us a total of 7 different pairs of values for x and y, and 7 different
6
values for yx.
Answer: D
6. (DS, Algebra, Integer, ~34) When a positive integer m is divided by 20,
what is the remainder?
(1) When m is divided by 5, the remainder is 3.
(2) When m is divided by 8, the remainder is 3.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Now let's solve this DS question using the Variable Approach.
When we are dealing with remainder questions in general, there are two
methods we can follow:
First Method – Direct Substitution
Find the first overlapping number and add the least common multiple of the
divisors to that number.

Second Method – Short Cut
When the divisor in the original condition is a factor of the divisor in the
condition, that condition is sufficient.
Let’s apply the 3 steps suggested previously.

7
Let’s follow the first step of the Variable Approach by modifying and
rechecking the original condition and the question.
We have to find the remainder when m is divided by 20.
Follow the second and the third steps: From the original condition, we have 1
variable (m). To match the number of variables with the number of
equations, we need 1 equation. Since conditions (1) and (2) will provide 1
equation each, it is about 60% likely that D is the answer.
Let’s look at each condition separately.
Condition (1) tells us that when m is divided by 5, the remainder is 3. Thus,
m = 5k + 3, and, therefore, the different values of m are 3, 8, 13, etc. In
each case, the remainder will be different when divided by 20. The
remainders are 3, 8, 13, etc., respectively. Thus, this condition has no unique
answer, and so this condition is not sufficient according to Common Mistake
Type 2, which states that the number of answers must be one.
Condition (2) tells us that when m is divided by 8, the remainder is 3. Thus,
m = 8x + 3, and, therefore, the different values of m are 3, 11, 19, etc.
When 3 or 11 or 19 are divided by 20, the remainder will be 3 or 11 or 19,

respectively. Thus, this condition also does not have a unique answer, and
so this condition is not sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2,
which states that the number of answers must be one.
Let’s look at conditions (1) and (2) combined. We have to find the first
8
overlapping number, which is 3. Since the least common multiple of 5 and 8
is 40, the next overlapping number will be 3 + LCM(5, 8) = 3 + 40 = 43, and
next will be 43 + 40 = 83. Now, in each case, 3, 43, 83, etc., the remainder is
3, when divided by 20. Therefore, both conditions (1) and (2) combined are
sufficient by using the Variable Approach, direct substitution and Common
Mistake Type 2.
This is the standard approach to solve a remainder question.
Now, let us look at another way (Method Two, as mentioned above) to solve
this question.
Below is the short cut to solve the question very quickly. It is great, so
memorize this.
The divisor in the original condition is 20, and the divisor in condition (1) is 5.
Since the divisor 20 in the original condition is not a factor of the divisor 5 in
condition (1), condition (1) is not sufficient.
Also, the divisor 20 in the original condition is not a factor of the divisor 8 in
condition (2), so condition (2) is also not sufficient.
The divisor 20 in the original condition is a factor of the least common

multiple 40 of divisors 5 and 8 in both conditions (1) and (2) together, so
both condition (1) and condition (2) together are sufficient.
Both conditions (1) and (2) together are sufficient.

9
Answer: C
7. (DS, Algebra, Integer, 35~40) We define ⌈𝒙⌉ to be the smallest integer
greater than or equal to x. ⌈𝒙 + 𝟏⌉ = ?
(1) ⌈𝒙⌉ = 𝟏.
(2) ⌈𝟐𝒙⌉ = 𝟏.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
The Gaussian function problems are unique to the GMAT, in which [x] is the
smallest integer greater than or equal to x, that is, x is rounded up.
We have to find the value of ⌈𝒙 + 𝟏⌉.

variable (x). To match the number of variables with the number of

10
Condition (1) tells us that ⌈𝒙⌉ = 𝟏, from which we get 0 < x ≤ 1. So, 1 < x
+ 1 ≤ 2 (by adding 1 to each part of the inequality equation) and ⌈𝒙 + 𝟏⌉ = 𝟐.
The answer is unique, and the condition is sufficient according to Common
Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of answers must be one.
Condition (2) tells us that ⌈𝟐𝒙⌉ = 𝟏, from which we get 0 < 2x ≤ 1. So, 0 < x
𝟏 𝟏 𝟑
≤ or, equivalently, 0 + 1 < x + 1 ≤ + 1, which becomes 1 < x + 1 ≤
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
≤ 2, and ⌈𝒙 + 𝟏⌉ = 𝟐. The answer is unique and the condition is sufficient
according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of
answers must be one.
Each condition alone is sufficient.
Remember, according to Tip 1, it is about 95% likely that D is the answer
when condition (1) is equivalent to condition (2).
Therefore, D is the correct answer, as expected.
Answer: D

8. (DS, Algebra, Integer, 41~44) If n is a positive integer, what is the
remainder when 3n is divided by 5?
(1) n is a multiple of 4.
(2) n is a multiple of 2.
11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
If a question asks for the value of the remainder after the division of a term
containing an exponent, p, by 5 or 10, then the remainder can be found by
direct computation, as the units digit repeats after every fourth power.
Units digit 3 - The digit 3 repeats after every fourth power, that is ~31 = ~3,
~32 = ~9, ~33 = ~7, ~34 = ~1, and ~35 = ~3, ... Thus, the pattern of the
remainders, when divided by 5, is 3, 4, 2, 1, 3, 4, 2, 1, …
We have to find the remainder when 3n is divided by 5.
Since the pattern of the remainders, when 3n is divided by 5, is 3, 4, 2, 1, 3, 4,
2, 1, …, that is, n has four-digit repeat intervals.

Thus, let’s look at condition (1), which tells us that n is a multiple of 4. We
get n = 4k (k = any positive integer), and then 3n = 34k = (34)k = (81)k = ~1.
12
Condition (2) tells us that n is a multiple of 𝟐, from which we cannot
determine the remainder when 3n is divided by 5. For example, if n = 2,
then 32 = 9 = 5·1 + 4 has a remainder of 4, but if n = 4, then 34 = 81 = 5·16
+ 1 has a remainder of 𝟏. The answer is not unique, and the condition is
not sufficient, according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the
number of answers must be one.
Condition (1) alone is sufficient.
Therefore, A is the correct answer.
Answer: A

9. (DS, Algebra, Integer, 45~48)
If m and n are positive integers, what is the remainder when 4·10n + m is
divided by 3?
(1) m = 1
13
(2) n = 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
The remainder after division by 3 or 9 is the same as the remainder after
dividing the sum of the digits of that number by 3 or 9.
We have to find the remainder when 4·10n + m is divided by 5 if m and n are
positive integers.
Now, let’s modify the question based on the property we learned above.
Let’s find out what happens when we expand the term 4·10n. The term will
always be 40, 400, 4000, …, that is 4, followed by any number of 0’s
depending on the value of n.
When we add the digits together, we get 4 + 0 + 0 … + 0 = 4. That is, the
sum of the digits of 4·10n is always 4.

Therefore, we need to check the divisibility of (4 + m) by 3. So, we have to
find the value of m.
Condition (1) tells us that m = 1. Then, the remainder, when 4 + m = 4 + 1,

14
that is 5, is divided by 3 will be 2. This condition has a unique answer. So,
this condition is sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states
that the number of answers must be one.
Condition (2) tells us that n = 2. However, we still cannot determine a
unique value of m. If m = 1, then, 410n + m = 4102 + 1 = 4100 + 1 = 400
+ 1 = 401, which has 2 as its remainder since 4 + 0 + 1 = 5 and 5 = 31 + 2.
However, if m = 2, then, 410n + m = 4102 + 2 = 4100 + 2 = 400 + 2 = 402,
which has 0 as its remainder since 4 + 0 + 2 = 6 and 6 = 32 + 0. The
answer is not unique and the condition is not sufficient according to
Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of answers must be
one.
Condition (1) ALONE is sufficient.
Answer: A

10. (DS, Arithmetic, Integer, 49~51)
A logistics service company sends out at least 2 packages every day. Does
the total number of packages sent on any 5 given days exceed 19?
(1) 12 packages are sent on one of the 5 days.

15
(2) A different number of packages is sent each day.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Hidden integers represent the amount or number of tangible materials that
cannot be further divided into fractions or decimals, i.e. the amount or
number of apples, stamps, etc. and are represented by variables.
The number of packages in this question is also represented by a hidden
integer.
We have to find out whether the total number of packages sent on any 5
given days exceeds 19.

We need to find a minimum value, rather than a precise number of packages
delivered. If the minimum value is more than 19, then the actual number of
packages delivered must be more than 19.
16
variables (5 given days) and 1 equation (at least 2 packages). To match the
number of variables with the number of equations, we need 4 more
equations. Since conditions (1) and (2) will provide 1 equation each, E is over
80% likely to be the answer.
Let’s look at conditions (1) and (2) together.
Then, the minimum number of packages delivered is 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 12 = 26
> 19, so, we get yes as an answer. The answer is unique, yes, and conditions
(1) and (2) combined are sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 1,
which states that the answer will be in terms of a unique yes or no.
So, C seems to be the answer.
However, since this question is a hidden integer question, which is also one
of the key questions, we should apply CMT 4(A), which states that if an
answer C is found too easily, either A or B should be considered as the
answer.
Let’s look at each condition separately,

Condition (1) tells us that 12 packages are sent on one of the 5 days. Since
the minimum delivered each day is 𝟐 packages, the smallest number of
packages delivered on the 5 days is 12 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 20 > 19, and we
get yes as an answer. The answer is unique, yes, and condition (1) is
17
sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 1, which states that the answer
will be in terms of a unique yes or no.
Condition (2) tells us that a different number of packages is sent each day.
Since the minimum delivered each day is 2 packages, the smallest number of
packages delivered on the 5 days is 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 = 20 > 19. The
answer is unique, yes, and condition (2) is sufficient according to Common
Mistake Type 1, which states that the answer will be in terms of a unique yes
or no.
If the question has both A and B as its answer, then D is the answer rather
than A or B, according to the definition of DS questions.
Answer: D

11. (PS, Arithmetic, Statistics, ~34)
If the average (arithmetic mean) of 25 consecutive multiples of 5 is m and
their median is n, what is the value of m - n?
A. -10 B. -5 C. 0 D. 5 E. 10
18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
We might recall that the median and mean of a set of consecutive integer
multiples are always equal. So, m – n = 0 and C is the correct answer.
Otherwise, we can assume that the first integer multiple is 5 (if not, the mean
and median will both be increased by the same amount, so their difference
will be unchanged). So the numbers are:
5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, …, 120, 125.
The median of these numbers is the 13th number, or 65. Their average
𝟓 + 𝟏𝟐𝟓 𝟏𝟎 + 𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝟓𝟓 + 𝟕𝟓
(arithmetic mean) is also 65, since = = …… = =
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
𝟔𝟎 + 𝟕𝟎
= 65. So, m – n = 65 – 65 = 0.
𝟐
Answer: C

12. (PS, Arithmetic, Statistics, 45~48)
Six integers a, b, c, d, e, and f satisfy a ≤ b ≤ c ≤ d ≤ e ≤ f. If their
median is 30 and their average (arithmetic mean) is 40, what is the smallest
possible value of f?
19
A. 55 B. 60 C. 65 D. 70 E. 80
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
𝒂+𝒃+𝒄+𝒅+𝒆+𝒇
The average (arithmetic mean)of the numbers is = 40.
𝟔
So, a + b + c + d + e + f = 240.
If we want to find the smallest possible value of f, we need to maximize a +
b + c + d.
𝒄+𝒅
Since the median is 𝟑𝟎, = 30 and c + d = 60. The maximum value of a
𝟐
+ b + c + d is then 60 + 60 = 120. So 120 + e + f = 240, or e + f = 120.
Maximizing e now gives us the minimum value of f. Since e ≤ f, we must
have e = f = 60.
Therefore, B is the correct answer.
Answer: B

Score a a+1 a+2 a+3 a+4
Frequency 8 12 x 16 7
20
The above table shows a set of scores and their frequencies. If none of the
scores shown in the table is the median, which of the following scores could
be the value of x?
A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 6 E. 8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
If the median is not one of the scores represented in the table, the number of
data points must be even. Using the frequency values from the table, this
tells us that
8 + 12 + x + 16 + 7 = 43 + x
is an even number. The only answer choice for which this occurs is x = 3,
since 43 + 3 = 46, an even number.
Really, if we compute the median, we get:
𝟐𝟑𝒓𝒅 + 𝟐𝟒𝒕𝒉 (𝒂 + 𝟐) + (𝒂 + 𝟑) 𝟐𝒂 + 𝟓
Median = = = = a + 2.5.
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
which is not shown in the table.
Therefore, B is the correct answer. Answer: B

The range of set A is 25, and the range of set B is 30. What is the
smallest possible range of the union of sets A and B?
A. 20 B. 25 C. 30 D. 40 E. 45
21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Since the union of sets A and B is formed by combining the elements of sets
A and B, the smallest possible range will occur when set A is contained in set
B. The range of A ∪B will then be equal to the range of B. For example, if
A = {0, 25} and B = {0. 30}, then A ∪B = {0, 25, 30} and the range of A ∪B is
30 – 0 = 30.
Answer: C
15. (PS, Algebra, Statistics, 49~51)
The following is a well-known approximation technique for calculating the
square root of a positive integer n:
Step 1: Choose a positive integer a and divide n by a.
Step 2: Take the average (arithmetic mean) of the quotient from Step 1 and
the divisor a.

Which of the following expressions represents the resulting approximation
for the square root of the positive integer n, in terms of a and n?
𝒂𝟐 + 𝒏 𝒂𝟐 + 𝒏 𝒂𝟐 − 𝒏 𝒂𝟐 + 𝒏 𝒂𝟐 + 𝟐𝒏
A. B. C. D. E.
𝟐𝒂 𝟐 𝒂 𝒂 𝒂
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
(Solution)
𝒏
Step 1: Choose a divisor a and calculate the quotient .
𝒂
Step 2: √𝒏 ≈
𝒏
𝒂+
𝒂
𝟐
𝒂𝟐 𝒏
𝒂
+ 𝒂
=
𝟐
𝒂𝟐 + 𝒏
= / 2
𝒂
𝒂𝟐 + 𝒏 𝟏
= ·
𝒂 𝟐
𝒂𝟐 + 𝒏
=
𝟐𝒂
Answer: A

16. (DS, Algebra, Statistics, ~34)
What is the median of 5 numbers?
(1) The 5 numbers include 1 and 10.
(2) 3 of the numbers are equal to 5.

23
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
We have to find the median of 5 numbers.
If we list 5 integers, the median becomes the 3rd integer, so we need to find
the 3rd integer of 5 integers.
So, let’s look at condition (2), which tells us that 3 of the integers have the
same value of 5. This states that we have:

5, 5, 5, a, b
or
a, 5, 5, 5, b
or
24
a, b, 5, 5, 5 where a and b are any integers.
In all the cases mentioned above, the median of the 5 integers is always 5.
So, the condition is sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2, which
states that the number of answers must be one.
That’s right. Always start with Modification, which is the first step of the
Variable Approach.
Condition (1) tells us that the 5 numbers include 1 and 10, from which we
cannot get the unique value of the 3rd integer, or median. For example,
1, 3, 4, 5, 10 (median = 4)
1, 4, 5, 10, 11 (median = 5)
The answer is not unique, and the condition is not sufficient, according to
one.
Answer: B

17. (DS, Algebra, Statistics, 35~40)
Is the standard deviation of {w, x, y} equal to the standard deviation of {3, 6,
9}?
(1) y – x = 3.
25
(2) w – y = -6.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
We have to find out whether the standard deviation of {w, x, y} is equal to
the standard deviation of {3, 6, 9}.
variables (w, x, and y). To match the number of variables with the number
of equations, we need 3 equations. Since conditions (1) and (2) will provide
1 equation each, it is about 80% likely that E is the answer.
Let’s look at both conditions (1) and (2) together,
The conditions tell us that y – x = 3 and w – y = -6. Since both equations
contain the variable y, let’s put everything in terms of y to make the solving

process easier. Then we get x = y – 3, and w = y - 6, from which we get {w,
x, y} = {y – 6, y – 3, y}. Note that {y – 6, y – 3, y} is simply a translation of {3,
6, 9} since y – 6 = 3 – 9 + y, y – 3 = 6 – 9 + y, and y = 9 – 9 + y. So {w, x, y}
has the same standard deviation as {3, 6, 9}, and we get yes as an answer.
26
The answer is unique, yes, and the conditions combined are sufficient
according to Common Mistake Type 1, which states that the answer will be in
terms of a unique yes or no.
Answer: C

18. (DS, Arithmetic, Statistics, 41~44)
Number of pets Number of people
0 4
27
1 5
2 6
𝑨 7
5 𝑩
The table above shows the number of pets owned by the respondents to a
survey where A > 2. What was the median number of pets owned by the
people surveyed?
(1) A = 3.
(2) B = 2.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
We have to find the median number of pets owned by the people surveyed.

variables (A and B). To match the number of variables with the number of
equations, we need 2 equations. Since conditions (1) and (2) will provide 1
equation each, it is about 70% likely that C is the answer.

28
Let’s look at both conditions (1) and (2) together.
The conditions tell us that A = 3 and B = 2, from which we get that there
were 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 2 = 24 respondents, and
𝟏𝟐𝒕𝒉 + 𝟏𝟑𝒕𝒉 𝟐+𝟐

Median = = = 2.
𝟐 𝟐
So, C seems to be the answer.
However, according to Tip 4, if it is too trivial to arrive at the answer, C is not
the answer. Also, since this question is a statistics question, which is also
one of the key questions, we should apply CMT 4(A), which states that if the
answer C is found too easily, either A or B should be considered as an answer.
Condition (1) tells us that A = 3. Since we do not know the value of B, we
do not know how many respondents there were, and so we cannot determine
the median. The answer is not unique, and the condition is not sufficient,

Condition (2) tells us that B = 2, from which we get that there are
𝟐𝟒 respondents. Since the median is the average of the 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 and 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡 values,
we get
𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉
𝟏𝟐 + 𝟏𝟑 𝟐+𝟐
𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 = = = 𝟐.
𝟐 𝟐 29
If the question has both C and B as its answer, then B is the answer rather
than C, according to the definition of DS questions.
Answer: B
19. (DS, Algebra, Statistics, 45~48)
If the average (arithmetic mean) of 9 numbers is 51, what is the standard
deviation of the numbers?
(1) The smallest number is 51.
(2) The largest number is 51.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)

If range = 0, max = average, or min = average, then all terms in the set must
be equal, and therefore, the standard deviation will be 0 and median =
average.

30
We have to find the standard deviation of the 9 numbers whose average is
51.
variables (9 numbers) and 1 equation (the average of the 9 numbers is 51).
To match the number of variables with the number of equations, we need 8
more equations. Since conditions (1) and (2) will provide 1 equation each, it
is over 80% likely that E is the answer.
Let’s look at both conditions together. However, since the value of condition
(1) is equal to the value of condition (2), by Tip 1, we get D as the most likely
answer.
Condition (1) tells us that the smallest number is 51, from which we get that
the average is 51, which is equal to the smallest number. So, by the
property mentioned above, all of the numbers must equal 51. Thus, their

standard deviation is 0. The answer is unique, and the condition is sufficient
Condition (2) tells us that the largest number is 51, from which we get that
31
the average is 51, which is equal to the largest number. So, by the property
mentioned above, all of the numbers must equal 51. Thus, their standard
deviation is 0. The answer is unique, and the condition is sufficient
Also, according to Tip 1, it is about 95% likely that D is the answer when
condition (1) = condition (2).
Answer: D

20. (DS, Arithmetic, Statistics, 49~51)
The temperature (in Fahrenheit) was measured once daily for 400 days. On
76% of these days, the temperature was less than or equal to 141.3⁰F. Was
the median temperature less than 100⁰F?

32
(1) 60% of the days on which the temperature was greater than or equal to
100⁰F had a temperature higher than 141.3⁰F.
(2) 40% of the days on which the temperature was greater than or equal to
100⁰F had a temperature less than or equal to 141.3⁰F.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
We have to find out whether the median temperature was less than 100⁰F.
Follow the second and the third steps: From the original condition, we have
many variables (the number of days per all temperatures). To match the
number of variables with the number of equations, we need many equations.
Since conditions (1) and (2) will provide 1 equation each, it is over 80% likely
that E is the answer.
Let’s look at both conditions together. However, since the value of condition
(1) is equal to the value of condition (2), by Tip 1, we get D as the most likely
answer.
Condition (1) tells us that 60% of the days on which the temperature was
33
greater than or equal to 100⁰F had a temperature higher than 141.3⁰F, from
which we get that 40% of all the days had a temperature greater than or
equal to 100⁰F as shown below:
<----------- 76% -----------><-- 24% -->
<- 16% -><-- 24% --> ( 16 : 24 = 40 : 60 )
---------------------|-----------|-------------
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝒐 𝐅 𝟏𝟒𝟏. 𝟑𝒐 𝐅
<--------- 40% ------->
Since the median exists around 50%, the median is lower than 100⁰F, and we
get yes as an answer. The answer is unique, yes, and the condition is
Condition (2) tells us that 40% of the days on which the temperature was
greater than or equal to 100⁰F had a temperature less than or equal to
141.3⁰F, from which we get that 40% of all the days had a temperature
greater than or equal to 100⁰F as shown below:
<----------- 76% -----------><-- 24% -->

<- 16% -><-- 24% --> ( 16 : 24 = 40 : 60 )
---------------------|-----------|-------------
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝒐 𝐅 𝟏𝟒𝟏. 𝟑𝒐 𝐅
<--------- 40% ------->
Since the median exists around 50%, the median is lower than 100⁰F, and we 34
get yes as an answer. The answer is unique, yes, and the condition is
Also, according to Tip 1, it is about 95% likely that D is the answer when
condition (1) = condition (2).
Therefore, as expected, D is the correct answer.
Answer: D
21. (PS, Arithmetic, Probability, 35~40)
The probability that event A occurs is k, and the probability that event B
occurs is k. If events A and B are independent, what is the probability that
event A occurs, but event B does not?
A. k – k2 B. k2 - k C. 2k D. k2 E. 2k2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Solution)
First, calculate P(Bc) = 1 – P(B) = 1 – k. Since events A and B are
independent,
P(A and not B) = P(A ∩ Bc) = P(A) · P(Bc) = k(1 – k) = k – k2 .

35
Answer: A
John has 6 pictures, including picture X. In how many ways can he exhibit
one or more of his pictures, including picture X?
A. 26 B. 28 C. 30 D. 32 E. 34
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Note that the order of the exhibition is not important, and John has 5 works
of art other than picture X.
He can exhibit only picture X in 5C0 = 1 way.
He can exhibit one more picture and picture X in 5C1 = 5 ways.
He can exhibit two more pictures and picture X in 5C2 = 10 ways.
He can exhibit three more pictures and picture X in 5C3 = 10 ways.
He can exhibit four more pictures and picture X in 5C4 = 5 ways.

He can exhibit five more pictures and picture X in 5C5 = 1 way.
The total number of ways in which John can exhibit his artwork is 1 + 5 + 10
+ 10 + 5 + 1 = 32 ways.
Therefore, D is the correct answer. 36
Answer: D
What is the greatest number of points at which 8 different circles can
intersect?
A. 48 B. 56 C. 64 D. 70 E. 80
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
If we have 1 circle, no points of intersection are possible.
If we have 2 circles, they can intersect at most twice.
Adding 1 more circle to the previous collection of 2 circles introduces 4
further possible points of intersection. So, 3 circles have a maximum of 2 +
4 = 6 possible points of intersection.
Similarly, adding another circle to a collection of 3 circles introduces 6 further

possible points of intersection. So, there are 6 + 6 = 12 total possible points
of intersection for 4 circles.
Continuing in this fashion, 5 circles have 8 more possible points of
intersection than 4 circles, while 6 circles have 10 more possible points of

37
intersection than 5 circles. Seven circles have 12 more possible points of
intersection than 6 circles, and eight circles have 14 more possible points of
intersection than 7 circles.
So, 8 circles have a maximum number of:
2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 10 + 12 + 14 = 56
points of intersection.
Answer: B
24. (DS, Arithmetic, Probability, 49~51)
In school X, students study either French or Spanish, but not both. If one
student is selected at random, what is the probability that he or she will
study Spanish?
(1) 30 students attend school X.
(2) The number of students who study French is 50% of the number of
students who study Spanish.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
If one condition contains a ratio and the other condition contains only a
38
number, then the condition including the ratio is likely to be sufficient. Thus,
B is most likely to be the answer.
We have to find the probability that the student selected will study Spanish.
Let f and s be the number of students who study French and Spanish,
𝒔
respectively. The question asks for the value of .
𝒔+𝒇
variables (f and s). To match the number of variables with the number of
Let’s look at both conditions together. However, since if one condition is a
ratio and the other condition is a number, the ratio becomes the answer, as
mentioned above.
So, we should look at condition (2).

Condition (2) tells us that the number of students who study French is 50%
of the number of students who study Spanish, from which we get
𝟏
s= · f or f = 2s
𝟐
Thus, 39
𝒔 𝒔
=
𝒔+𝒇 𝒔 + 𝟐𝒔
𝒔 𝟏
= = .
𝟑𝒔 𝟑
Condition (1) tells us that 30 students attend school X, from which we get s
𝒔
+ f = 30. We cannot determine the unique value of . The answer is
𝒔+𝒇
not unique, and the condition is not sufficient, according to Common Mistake
Type 2, which states that the number of answers must be one.
Answer: B

25. (PS, Arithmetic, Inequality, 35~40)
Points w, x, y, and z lie on the number line in ascending order from left to
right. If wxyz < 0, which of the following must be positive?
I. wx II. xy III. yz
40
A. Ⅰonly B. Ⅱ only C. Ⅲ only D. Ⅰ & Ⅲ only E. Ⅱ & Ⅲ only
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Since the product wxyz is negative, either one or three of the numbers must
be negative.
If one number is negative, then w < 0 < x < y < z, and wx < 0, xy > 0, and
yz > 0.
If three of the numbers are negative, w < x < y < 0 < z. This implies that
wx > 0, xy > 0, and yz < 0.
The only product that is positive in both cases is xy.
Answer: B

26. (PS, Arithmetic, Inequality, 41~44)
𝟐𝐱
If is NOT a real number, which of the following specifies all the
√−𝟑𝐱 𝟐 + 𝟐𝟕
possible values of x?
A. x ≤ -3 or x ≥ 3 B. x ≤ -3 C. x ≥ 3
41
D. x ≤ -4 or x ≥ 4 E. -3 ≤ x ≤ 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
𝟐𝐱
If is NOT a real number, then -3x2 + 27 ≤ 0, or, equivalently, 3x2
√−𝟑𝐱 𝟐 + 𝟐𝟕
– 27 ≥ 0. So, x2 - 9 ≥ 0, or (x + 3)(x – 3) ≥ 0. This occurs when x ≤ -3 or
x ≥ 3.
Answer: A
27. (PS, Algebra, Inequality, 49~51)
If 0.01 < a < 0.02 and 100 < b < 200, which of the following could be the
𝒂𝟑 𝒃 + 𝒃𝟑 𝒂
value of ?
𝒂𝟑 𝒃𝟑
A. 0.02 B. 0.05 C. 775 D. 1,525 E. 5,725
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Solution)
𝒂𝟑 𝒃 + 𝒃𝟑 𝒂 𝒂𝟑 𝒃 𝒃𝟑 𝒂 𝟏 𝟏
First, simplify = + = + . Now we need to
𝒂𝟑 𝒃𝟑 𝒂𝟑 𝒃𝟑 𝒂𝟑 𝒃𝟑 𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐
𝟏 𝟏
determine the possible values of and .
𝒂𝟐 𝒃𝟐
Recall that taking reciprocals reverses the direction of inequalities. So, 50 < 42
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
< 100 and < < . Since all values of a and b are positive,
𝒂 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝒃 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
squaring the inequalities yields 𝟐, 𝟓𝟎𝟎 < < 𝟏𝟎, 𝟎𝟎𝟎 and < <
𝒂𝟐 𝟒𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒃𝟐
𝟏
.
𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝟏
Since is close to 0,
𝒃𝟐
𝒂𝟑 𝒃 + 𝒃𝟑 𝒂 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= + ≈ ,
𝒂𝟑 𝒃𝟑 𝒃𝟐 𝒂𝟐 𝒂𝟐
𝒂𝟑 𝒃 + 𝒃𝟑 𝒂
and so the values of must approximately lie between 2,500 and
𝒂𝟑 𝒃𝟑
10,000. The only answer choice that lies in this range is 5,725.
Answer: E
28. (DS, Algebra, Inequality, 35~40)
Is uv + st > 0?
(1) us + vt > 0.
(2) ut + vs > 0.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)

43
We have to find out whether uv + st > 0.
variables (u, v, s, and t). To match the number of variables with the number
of equations, we need 4 equations. Since conditions (1) and (2) will provide
1 equation each, it is over 80% likely that E is the answer.
Let’s look at both conditions together.
They tell us that us + vt > 0 and ut + vs > 0, from which we cannot
determine whether uv + st > 0. For example, if u = 1, s = 1, v = 1, and t = 1,
we get uv + st = 1·1 + 1·1 = 2 > 0 and yes as an answer. However, if u = 3,
s = -1, v = -4, and t = -1, we get uv + st = 3·(-4) + (-1)·(-1) = -12 + 1 = -11
< 0 and no as an answer. The answer is not unique, yes and no, so the
conditions combined are not sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 1,
which states if we get both yes and no as an answer, it is not sufficient.
Both conditions (1) and (2) together are not sufficient.

Therefore, E is the correct answer, as expected.
Answer: E
44
29. (DS, Algebra, Inequality, 41~44)
If a3b4c7 > 0, is abc < 0?
(1) b < 0.
(2) a > 0.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Square factors and even exponent factors are always positive. So,
multiplying or dividing a term by a non-zero square factor or a non-zero
even exponent factor does not affect the direction of the inequality sign.
We should ignore the square factor or even exponent factor, whether it is in
the denominator or the numerator.
Although square or even exponents are also important, when one side of an
inequality is multiplication, and the other side is 0, only odd exponents
remain. This is because squares or even exponents are always positive. Thus,
the sign of a product is determined by the odd exponents.

We are given that a3b4c7 > 0. Now, only the odd exponents remain, and by
45
ignoring the even exponent factor, a3b4c7 > 0 becomes ac > 0. So, we are
given that ac > 0, meaning that both a and c have the same sign.
Also, we are required to verify whether abc < 0. We can divide abc < 0 by
𝒂𝒃𝒄 𝟎
ac to get < or b < 0. So, we have to verify whether b < 0.
𝒂𝒄 𝒂𝒄
Condition (1) tells us that b < 0, which is exactly what we are looking for, and
we get yes as an answer. The answer is unique, yes, and the condition is
Condition (2) tells us that a > 0, from which we cannot determine whether b
< 0. The answer is not unique, and the condition is not sufficient, according
to Common Mistake Type 1, which states that the answer will be in terms of
a unique yes or no.
Answer: A

30. (DS, Arithmetic, Inequality, 49~51)
If a > b > 0, is b < 2?
𝟏 𝟏
(1) >
𝒂 𝟐
𝟏 𝟏
(2) + =1 46
𝒂 𝒃
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
We have to find out whether b < 2, if a > b > 0.
variables (a and b) and 1 equation (a > b > 0). To match the number of
variables with the number of equations, we need 1 more equation. Since
conditions (1) and (2) will provide 1 equation each, it is about 60% likely that
D is the answer.
𝟏 𝟏
Condition (1) tells us that > , which is equivalent to a < 2. Since 2 > a >
𝒂 𝟐
b from the original condition, we get b < 2 and yes as an answer. The
answer is unique, yes, and the condition is sufficient according to Common

Mistake Type 1, which states that the answer will be in terms of a unique yes
or no.
Here, we apply CMT 4(B), which says that if you get A or B as an answer too
easily, you should consider D as the answer. Also, condition (1) is EASY, and
47
condition (2) is HARD, so the most likely answer is D.
𝟏 𝟏
Condition (2) tells us that + = 1 and from the original condition, since a
𝒂 𝒃
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
> b > 0, we have < . Also, + = 1 implies that =1- and
𝒂 𝒃 𝒂 𝒃 𝒂 𝒃
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟐
substituting =1- into < gives us 1 - < , 𝟏 < , or b < 2,
𝒂 𝒃 𝒂 𝒃 𝒃 𝒃 𝒃
and we get yes as an answer. The answer is unique, yes, and the condition is
Answer: D
31. (PS, Arithmetic, Absolute Value, 35~40)
a b c d e
-2 -1 0 1 2

Points a, b, c, d, and e are arranged on the number line, as shown above.
Which of the following has the largest absolute value?
A. a + b B. b + d C. c + e D. c + d E. b + e
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
48
(Solution)
Substitute in numbers that reflect the approximate positions of the points on
the number line. We have chosen a = -1.8, b = -1.2, c = -0.4, d = 0.6, and e
= 1.1.
Now, evaluate the absolute values of the expressions from the answer choices:
Option A. | 𝒂 + 𝒃 | = | − 𝟏. 𝟖 + (−𝟏. 𝟐)| = | − 𝟑. 𝟎| = 𝟑
Option B. | 𝒃 + 𝒅 | = | − 𝟏. 𝟐 + 𝟎. 𝟔| = | − 𝟎. 𝟔| = 𝟎. 𝟔
Option C. | 𝒄 + 𝒆 | = | − 𝟎. 𝟒 + 𝟏. 𝟏| = |𝟎. 𝟕| = 𝟎. 𝟕
Option D. | 𝒄 + 𝒅 | = | − 𝟎. 𝟒 + 𝟎. 𝟔| = |𝟎. 𝟐| = 𝟎. 𝟐
Option E. | 𝒃 + 𝒆 | = | − 𝟏. 𝟐 + 𝟏. 𝟏| = | − 𝟎. 𝟏| = 𝟎. 𝟏
As | 𝒂 + 𝒃 | has the largest value, A is the correct answer. Answer: A
32. (PS, Algebra, Absolute Value, 41~48)
Which of the following is the sum of the solutions of |𝒙 + 𝟏| = 𝟐|𝒙 − 𝟏|?
𝟐𝟎 𝟏𝟎
A. 4 B. 6 C. 8 D. E.
𝟑 𝟑
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Solution)
Remove the absolute value signs to create an equivalent equation that is
easier to solve:
|𝒙 + 𝟏| = 𝟐|𝒙 − 𝟏|
49
⇔ |𝒙 + 𝟏| = (𝟐|𝒙 − 𝟏|)
𝟐 𝟐
⇔ (x + 1)2 = 4(x – 1)2 (Since |A|2 = A2)
⇔ (x + 1)(x + 1) = 4(x – 1)(x – 1) (Expanding each side)
⇔ x2 + x + x + 1 = 4(x2 – x – x + 1) (Multiplying out each side)
⇔ x2 + 2x + 1 = 4(x2 - 2x +1) (Adding like terms)
⇔ x 2 + 2x + 1 = 4x 2 – 8 x + 4 (Multiplying 4 through the bracket)
⇔ 3x2 – 10x + 3 = 0 (Bringing all terms to one side)
⇔ (3x – 1)(x – 3) = 0 (Factoring)
𝟏
⇔ x= or x = 3. (Solving for x)
𝟑
𝟏 𝟏 𝟗 𝟏𝟎
The sum of the solutions is +3= + = .
𝟑 𝟑 𝟑 𝟑
Answer: E

33. (PS, Arithmetic, Absolute Value, 49~51)
𝒙
If | | < 1 then which of the following must be true?
𝒚
|𝒙 + 𝟏| |𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏| |𝒙 − 𝟏|
I. <𝟏 II. <𝟏 III. <𝟏
|𝒚 + 𝟏| |𝒚𝟐 + 𝟏| |𝒚 − 𝟏|
A. I only B. II only C. III only D. I & II only E. II & III only 50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
𝐚 |𝐚|
Absolute values are the same as squares: |ab| = |a||b|, | | = , and a2 = |a2|
𝐛 |𝐛|
= |a ∙ a| = |a||a| = |a|2.
Let’s check each option separately.
|𝒙 + 𝟏| 𝒙 𝟐 𝟐
Option I. < 𝟏: If x = 2 and y = -3, then | |=| |= < 1, but
|𝒚 + 𝟏| 𝒚 −𝟑 𝟑
|𝒙 + 𝟏| |𝟐 + 𝟏| 𝟑
= = ≮ 1. This option is not true.
|𝒚 + 𝟏| |(−𝟑)+ 𝟏| 𝟐
|𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏| 𝒙 𝒙 𝟐 𝒙 𝟐
Option II. < 𝟏: Note that for y ≠ 0, | | < 1 => | | = (𝒚) < 1.
|𝒚𝟐 + 𝟏| 𝒚 𝒚
(Since |A|2 = A2)
=> 𝒙𝟐 < 𝒚𝟐
=> 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏 < 𝒚𝟐 + 𝟏.
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏
Since y2 + 1 > 0, this is equivalent to < 𝟏.
𝒚𝟐 + 𝟏
Moreover, since x2 + 1 > 0 and y2 + 1 > 0, we must
|𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏|
have < 𝟏. This option is true.
|𝒚𝟐 + 𝟏|
|𝒙 − 𝟏| 𝒙 −𝟐 𝟐
Option III. < 𝟏: If x= -2 and y = 3, then | | = | | = < 1, but
|𝒚 − 𝟏| 𝒚 𝟑 𝟑

|𝒙 − 𝟏| |−𝟐 − 𝟏| 𝟑
= = ≮ 1. This option is not true.
|𝒚 − 𝟏| |𝟑 − 𝟏| 𝟐
Thus, only option II is true.
Answer: B
51
34. (DS, Arithmetic, Absolute Value, 35~40)
Is |𝒙 + 𝒚| < |𝒙| + |𝒚|?
(1) xy < 0.
(2) y > 0.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
𝐚 |𝐚|
𝐛 |𝐛|
= |a ∙ a| = |a||a| = |a|2.
We have to find out whether |𝒙 + 𝒚| < |𝒙| + |𝒚|, which is equivalent to
|𝒙 + 𝒚| < |𝒙| + |𝒚|

⇔ |𝒙 + 𝒚| < (|𝒙| + |𝒚|)2
⇔ (x + y)2 < (|𝒙| + |𝒚|)2 (Since |A|2 = A2)
⇔ (x + y)(x + y) < (|𝒙| + |𝒚|) (|𝒙| + |𝒚|) (Expanding both sides)
⇔ x2 + xy + xy + y2 < |𝒙|2 + |𝒙||𝒚| + |𝒙||𝒚| + |𝒚|2 (Multiplying)

52
⇔ x2 + 2xy + y2 < |𝒙|2 + 2|𝒙||𝒚| + |𝒚|2 (Combining like terms)
⇔ x2 + 2xy + y2 < x2 + 2|𝒙𝒚| + y2 (Since |a|2 = a2)
⇔ 2xy < 2|𝒙𝒚| (Subtracting x2 and y2
from both sides)
⇔ xy < |𝒙𝒚| (Dividing both sides by 2)
⇔ xy < 0
So, we should verify whether xy < 0.
Condition (1) tells us that xy < 0, which is exactly what we are looking for, so
Condition (2) tells us that y > 0, from which we cannot determine whether xy
< 0. For example, if x = -3 and y = 3, then |−𝟑 + 𝟑| = 𝟎 < |−𝟑| + |𝟑| =
𝟔, and we get yes as an answer. However, if x = 0 and y = 0, then |𝟎 + 𝟑| =
𝟑 ≮ |𝟎| + |𝟑| = 𝟑, and we get no as an answer. The answer is not unique, yes

and no, so the condition is not sufficient according to Common Mistake Type
1, which states if we get both yes and no as an answer, it is not sufficient.

53
Answer: A
Is |𝒙 + 𝟏| > |𝒙 + 𝟑|?
(1) x < -2.
(2) x < 0.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
𝐚 |𝐚|
𝐛 |𝐛|
= |a ∙ a| = |a||a| = |a|2.
We have to find out whether |𝒙 + 𝟏| > |𝒙 + 𝟑|.

For this question, the modification already shows the answer. This question
really shows how effective the Variable Approach is.
As we know |a|2 = a2, so modifying the question gives us:
|𝒙 + 𝟏| > |𝒙 + 𝟑|
⇔ |𝒙 + 𝟏|2 > |𝒙 + 𝟑|2 54
⇔ (x + 1)2 > (x + 3)2 (Since |a|2 = a2)
⇔ x2 + x + x + 1 > x2 + 3x + 3x + 9 (Multiplying)
⇔ x 2 + 2x + 1 > x 2 + 6x + 9 (Adding like terms)
⇔ 2 x + 1 > 6x + 9 (Subtracting x2 from both sides)
⇔ -8 > 4x (Subtracting 2x and 9 from both sides)
⇔ x < -2 (Dividing both sides by 4 and
rearranging the equation)
So, we should verify whether x < -2.
Condition (1) tells us that x < -2, which is exactly what we are looking for, so
Condition (2) tells us that x < 0, from which we cannot determine whether x
< -2. For example, if x = -3, then -3 < -2, and we get yes as an answer.
However, if x = -1, then -1 ≰ -2, and we get no as an answer. The answer is

not unique, yes and no, so condition (2) is not sufficient according to
Common Mistake Type 1, which states if we get both yes and no as an
answer, it is not sufficient.

55
Answer: A
If |𝒓| > |𝒕|, is r > t ?
(1) t > 0.
(2) r > 0.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Second property of absolute value: A ≤ |A| or –A ≤ |A|. These cases are
true for all values of A (first observation).
We have to find out whether r > t, if |r| > |t|.

variables (r and t) and 1 equation (|r| > |t|). To match the number of
variables with the number of equations, we need 1 equation. Since
56
D is the answer.
Condition (1) tells us that t > 0, from which we cannot determine whether r
> t. For example, if r = 2 and t = 1, we get |𝒓| = |𝟐| = 2 > |𝒕| = |𝟏| = 1 and
r = 2 > t = 1, so we get yes as an answer. However, if r = -2 and t = 1, we
get |𝒓| = |−𝟐| = 2 > |𝒕| = |𝟏| = 1 and r = -2 ≱ 1, so we get no as an
answer. The answer is not unique, yes and no, so condition (1) is not
sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 1, which states if we get both
yes and no as an answer, it is not sufficient.
Condition (2) tells us that r > 0, from which we get |𝒓| = 𝒓, since r > |𝒕| ≥ t
(by the first observation mentioned above). We also get r > t and yes as an
answer. The answer is unique, yes, and the condition is sufficient according to
Common Mistake Type 1, which states that the answer will be in terms of a
unique yes or no.
Answer: B

37. (PS, Geometry, 35~40)
R1
R2
57
A B
The two circles in the above diagram touch at one point. Line AB is tangent
to both circles. If R1 = 18 and R2 = 8, what is the length of AB?
A. 12 B. 15 C. 18 D. 21 E. 24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Let O1 be the center of the larger circle, and let O2 be the center of the
smaller circle. Note that line AB is perpendicular to radii O1A and O2B since
it is tangent to both circles. Draw a line from O2, parallel to AB, to meet the
radius O2A at the point C, as shown in the following diagram:

Since line O1O2 joins the centers of the two circles, it has a length of:
R1 + R2 = 18 + 8 = 26.
Line CO1 has a length of:
R1 - R2 = 18 - 8 = 10.
58
Also, 𝑨𝑩 = 𝑪𝑶𝟐 since they are opposite sides of a rectangle.
So, we can use Pythagorean Theorem for the right triangle O1CO2 to find the
length of AB:
𝟐
𝑨𝑩2 = (𝑪𝑶𝟐 )
𝟐
= (𝑶𝟏 𝑶𝟐 )𝟐 − (𝑪𝑶𝟏 )
= 𝟐𝟔𝟐 − 𝟏𝟎𝟐
= (𝟐𝟔 − 𝟏𝟎)(𝟐𝟔 + 𝟏𝟎)
= (𝟏𝟔)(𝟑𝟔)
= 𝟐𝟒 (𝟐𝟐 𝟑𝟐 )
= 𝟐𝟔 𝟑𝟐 .
So 𝐀𝐁 = √𝟐𝟔 𝟑𝟐 = 𝟐𝟑  𝟑 = 𝟐𝟒.
Answer: E

A 13-meter long ladder leans against a wall. If the distance between the
bottom of the ladder and the wall is 5 meters, what is the angle between the
ground and the ladder?

59
A. 𝟎𝒐 − 𝟏𝟓𝒐 B. 𝟏𝟓𝒐 − 𝟑𝟎𝒐 C. 𝟑𝟎𝒐 − 𝟒𝟓𝒐 D. 𝟒𝟓𝒐 − 𝟔𝟎𝒐 E. 𝟔𝟎𝒐 − 𝟗𝟎𝒐
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
In the 30o-60o-90o triangle, the ratio of the lengths of the sides is 1 : √𝟑 : 2,
that is, a : √𝟑a : 2a, as shown in the triangle below on the left.
60o xo
a 2a 5 10 13
30o
√3𝑎
(hyp
oten
If a = 5, then 2a =use)
25 = 10 which is less than 13, so we get xo > 60o as
shown in the triangle above on the right.
Answer: E

The length of one side of a parallelogram is 8, and the length of another side
is 7. Which of the following could be the area of the parallelogram?
I. 47 II. 56 III. 58
60
A. I. only B. II. only C. III. only D. I and II only E. I, II and III
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
The area of a parallelogram is given by the product of its base and height,
which is equivalent to Area = bh as shown in the figure below.
A B
h h
D b C
We can see from the diagram that the height of the parallelogram is less
than the length of its sloping sides.
Rectangle
width = 7 Parallelogram
height ≤ 7
Parallelogram
one side = 7
Rectangle length
= Parallelogram base
=8

A rectangle is a parallelogram that has been pushed upright so that its height
is equal to the length of one of its pairs of sides, and its base is equal to the
length of its other pair of sides. So, the area of a rectangle with side lengths
of 7 and 8 will be 7·8 = 56.

61
In general, the area of a parallelogram with these side lengths will be less
than or equal to 56.
So, only options I and II are possible.
Answer: D
40. (DS, Geometry, 35~40)
What is the volume of the right circular cylinder shown in the figure above?
(1) The radius of the cylinder is 5.
(2) The height of the cylinder is 10.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
62
We have to find the volume of the right circular cylinder, which is equal to
𝝅𝒓𝟐 𝒉, where r is the radius, and h is the height of the right circular cylinder.
variables (r and h). To match the number of variables with the number of
Let’s look at both conditions together.
The question tells us that r = 5 and h = 10, from which we get the volume of
the cylinder = 𝝅𝒓𝟐 𝒉 = 𝝅 𝟓𝟐 · 𝟏𝟎 = 250𝝅. The answer is unique, and the
conditions combined are sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2,
Therefore, C is the correct answer, as expected.
Answer: C

A triangle is inscribed in a circle. The length of one of its sides is 3. Is the
triangle a right triangle?
(1) The triangle is isosceles.

63
(2) The circumference of the circle is 𝟑𝝅.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
The measure of the central angle is twice the measure of the angle at the
circumference, as shown in the figure below.
xo
O
2x
o
We have to find out whether the triangle is a right triangle if the triangle is
inscribed in a circle, and the length of one of its sides is 3. Remember, the
measure of the central angle is twice the measure of the angle at the
circumference, as mentioned above, and a triangle with a diameter as its side

O B
A •
has a central angle of 180o as shown in the figure below. 64
In order for a triangle inscribed in a circle to be a right triangle, its longest
side must be a diameter of the circle.
Condition (2) tells us that the circumference of the circle is 𝟑𝝅, which means
that the diameter of the circle is 3, and the inscribed triangle has 3 as its
longest side. So, we get yes an answer. The answer is unique, yes, and the
condition is sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 1, which states
that the answer will be in terms of a unique yes or no.
Condition (1) tells us that the triangle is isosceles, from which we cannot
determine whether the inscribed triangle is a right triangle. For example, if
the circle has a diameter of 3, then an isosceles right triangle, with equal
sides of length 3 can be inscribed in it as shown below, and we get yes as an
answer.
C
3 3
√2 O √2
A •3 B

However, it is also possible to inscribe an isosceles triangle, which is not a
right triangle, in a circle. Draw a circle of sufficiently large enough radius to
have a chord of length 𝟑 that is not a diameter, that is, an equilateral
triangle is inscribed in the circle, as shown below. We get no as an answer.
C 65
3 3
•
O
A 3 B
The answer is not unique, yes and no, so the condition is not sufficient
according to Common Mistake Type 1, which states if we get both yes and
no as an answer, it is not sufficient.
Condition (2) alone is sufficient
Answer: B

Is the perimeter of a triangle greater than 30?
(1) The shortest side’s length is greater than 10.
(2) The longest side’s length is greater than 15.

66
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Assume that a, b, and c are the sides of the triangle, where a ≤ b ≤ c. Then,
we have a + b > c.
We have to find out whether the perimeter of a triangle is greater than 30.
variables (a, b, and c). To match the number of variables with the number of
equation each, it is about 80% likely that E is the answer.
However, since the value of condition (1) is equal to the value of condition
(2), by Tip 1, we get D as the most likely answer.

Therefore, let’s look at each condition separately.
Condition (1) tells us that the shortest side’s length is greater than 10,
which means a > 10. Since 10 < a ≤ b ≤ c, we get 10 < a, 10 < b, and 10 <
c. If we add these 3 inequalities, we get 10 + 10 + 10 < a + b + c, or 30 <

67
the perimeter of a triangle, so we get yes as an answer. The answer is
unique, yes, and the condition is sufficient according to Common Mistake
Type 1, which states that the answer will be in terms of a unique yes or no.
Condition (2) tells us that the longest side’s length is greater than 15, which
means c > 15. Since a + b > c > 15, we have a + b > 15 and c > 15. If we
add these 2 inequalities, we get a + b + c > 15 + 15 = 30, or the perimeter
of a triangle > 30, so we get yes as an answer. The answer is unique, yes,
and the condition is sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 1, which
states that the answer will be in terms of a unique yes or no.
Answer: D

43. (PS, Arithmetic, Sequence, 35~40)
How many multiples of 7 lie between -49 and 99, inclusive?
A. 20 B. 21 C. 22 D. 23 E. 24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
68
(Solution)
The required multiples of 7 are -49, -42, …, -7, 0, 7, …, 98.
To avoid writing them all down, we can use the following counting argument:
1. There are 14 multiples of 7 between 7 and 99, inclusive as 7·14 = 98.
2. There are 7 multiples of 7 between -49 and -7, inclusive as 7·(-7) = -49.
3. 0 is a multiple of 7, which has not been counted elsewhere.
So, there are 14 + 7 + 1 = 22 multiples of 7 between -49 and -7, inclusive.
Answer: C
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
The sum + + + ⋯+ is between
𝟐𝟏 𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟑 𝟑𝟎
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
A. and B. and C. and
𝟔 𝟓 𝟓 𝟒 𝟒 𝟑
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
D. and E. and 1
𝟑 𝟐 𝟐
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
Each term of the sequence { , , , …, } is greater than or equal
𝟐𝟏 𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟑 𝟑𝟎
𝟏
to . As the sequence has 10 terms,
𝟑𝟎
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= 𝟏𝟎 ( ) = + + ⋯+ + ≤ + + ⋯+ + 69
𝟑 𝟑𝟎 𝟑𝟎 𝟑𝟎 𝟑𝟎 𝟑𝟎 𝟐𝟏 𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟗 𝟑𝟎
𝟏
Each term of the sequence is also less than or equal to , so
𝟐𝟏
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏𝟎 𝟏𝟎 𝟏
+ + ⋯+ + ≤ + +⋯+ + ≤ 𝟏𝟎 ( ) = < = .
𝟐𝟏 𝟐𝟐 𝟐𝟗 𝟑𝟎 𝟐𝟏 𝟐𝟏 𝟐𝟏 𝟐𝟏 𝟐𝟏 𝟐𝟏 𝟐𝟎 𝟐
𝟏 𝟏
Therefore, the sum lies between and .
𝟑 𝟐
Answer: D
A group of buildings is numbered using all even numbers between 412 and
680, inclusive. How many buildings are in the group?
A. 134 B. 135 C. 137 D. 139 E. 143
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Counting the buildings is equivalent to counting the consecutive even
integers between 412 and 680. The number of the consecutive even integers

is given by
𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 − 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝟔𝟖𝟎 − 𝟒𝟏𝟐 𝟐𝟔𝟖

+ 1 = + 1 = + 1 = 134 + 1 =
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
135.

70
Answer: B
46. (DS, Algebra, Sequence, 45~48)
In a certain sequence, term an can be found using the formula an = an-2 + 12,
where n ≥ 2 is an integer. Is 417 a term in this sequence?
(1) a1 = 21.
(2) a2 = 23.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Modifying the original condition and question gives us:
a3 = a1 + 12, a5 = a3 + 12 = a1 + 24, …
a4 = a2 + 12, a6 = a4 + 12 = a2 + 24, …
All terms ai with odd indices can be determined from a1.
All terms aj with even indices can be determined from a2.
We have to find out whether 417 is a term of this sequence. Since 417 = 12·
33 + 21 = 12·34 + 9, means that 417 is equal to a multiple of 12 plus 21. So,

71
we should verify whether the sequence has 21 as a term as an is an arithmetic
sequence with 12 as its common distance.
Condition (1) tells us that a1 = 21, which is exactly what we are looking for.
Then we have:
a1 = 21 = 9 + 12, a3 = 21 + 12 = 9 + 2·12, a5 = 21 + 2·12 = 9 + 3·12, …
So, each odd-numbered term is obtained from the preceding odd-numbered
term by adding 12 to it. Since 417 = 12·33 + 21, it is the 34th odd-
numbered term in the sequence. So, the answer is unique, yes, and the
Condition (2) tells us that a2 = 23 from which we get:
a2 = 23 = 11 + 12, a4 = 35 = 11 + 2·12, …
Note that all terms with even indices have a remainder of 11 when divided by
12. As 417 has a remainder of 9 when divided by 12, it is not one of these
terms. Condition (2) tells us nothing about the terms with odd indices, so
we cannot use it to determine whether 417 is a term of the sequence with an

odd index. The answer is not unique, and the condition is not sufficient,
according to Common Mistake Type 1, which states that the answer will be in
terms of a unique yes or no.

72
Answer: A
47. (PS, Algebra, Exponent, 41~44)
If 5x + 5x + 5x + 5x + 5x = 25n, then x = ?
A. n - 1 B. n + 1 C. 2 - n D. 2n E. 2n - 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Recall the properties of exponents: (am)n = amn and aman = am+n.
Use them to simplify the left side of the equation:
5x + 5x + 5x + 5x + 5x = 5·5x = 5x+1.
Next, note that 25n = (52)n = 52n. So,
x + 1 = 2n
x = 2n - 1
Answer: E
48. (PS, Algebra, Exponent, 45~48)
If k = 381 and kk = 3m, what is the value of m?
A. 85 B. 24381 C. 354 D. 385 E. 372
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
73
(Solution)
Recall the properties of exponents: (am)n = amn and aman = am+n.
We use them to calculate:
kk = (𝟑𝟖𝟏 )𝟑 = 𝟑𝟖𝟏×𝟑 = 𝟑𝟑
𝟖𝟏 𝟖𝟏 𝟒 ×𝟑𝟖𝟏 𝟒+𝟖𝟏 𝟖𝟓
= 𝟑𝟑 = 𝟑𝟑 = 𝟑𝒎 .
Therefore, m = 385.
Answer: D
49. (DS, Algebra, Exponent, 41~44)
𝟐𝒙+𝒚
= ?
𝟐𝒙−𝒚
(1) x = 1.
(2) y = 2.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Solution)
𝒂𝒎
Recall the properties of exponents: = am-n.
𝒂𝒏
Let’s apply the 3 steps suggested previously. 74
Modifying the question gives us:
𝟐𝒙+𝒚
= 2(x+y)-(x-y) = 2x+y-x+y = 22y,
𝟐𝒙−𝒚
which depends only on the variable y.
𝟐𝒙+𝒚
Condition (2) tells us that y = 2, from which we get = 22y = 22·2 = 24 =
𝟐𝒙−𝒚
16. The answer is unique, and the condition is sufficient according to
one.
Condition (1) tells us that x = 1, from which we cannot determine the value
of y. The answer is not unique, and the condition is not sufficient, according
to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of answers must
be one.

Answer: B
75
50. (DS, Algebra, Exponent, 45~48)
x=?
(1) x4x = 1.
(2) x-x = -1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Recall the properties of exponents: ab = 1, when (i) b = 0, (ii) a = 1, and (iii) a
= -1 and b = even.
We have to find the value of x.
variable (x). To match the number of variables with the number of

equation each, it is about 60% likely that E is the answer.
Condition (1) tells us that x4x = 1, from which we get x = 1 or x = -1 since 14
= 1 or (-1)-4 = 1. The answer is not unique, and the condition is not

76
sufficient, according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the
Condition (2) tells us that x-x = -1, from which we get x = -1 since (-1)-(-1) = (-
1)1 = -1. The answer is unique, and the condition is sufficient according to
one.
Answer: B

51. (PS, Algebra, Set, 35~40)
60% of house purchasers are influenced by landscaping, and 80% are
influenced by the color of the house. If 10% of house purchasers are
influenced by neither landscaping nor the color of the house, what percent of
77
house purchasers are influenced by both landscaping and the color of the
house?
A. 40% B. 45% C. 50% D. 55% E. 60%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
The 2 by 2 table, which is a recent trend on the GMAT exam, summarizes the
influences on house purchasers, and we can use a Venn diagram as shown
below. We need to find the value of entry a, which reflects the percent of
house purchasers who are influenced by BOTH landscaping and the color of
the house.
Landscaping No Landscaping
Color a b
No Color c d
Landscaping Color
c a b d

Using the variables from the table, we can form the equations:
a + b + c + d = 100% (total house purchasers)
a + b = 80% (influenced by landscaping)
a + c = 60% (influenced by color)

78
d = 10% (influenced by neither)
Adding the last three equations gives us:
⇔ a + b + a + c + d = 80% + 60% + 10%
⇔ a + (a + b + c + d) = 150% (rearranging the equation)
⇔ a + 100% = 150% (substituting in a + b + c + d =
100%)
⇔ a = 50%
Answer: C
52. (DS, Arithmetic, Set, 41~44)
80% of students study subject A, and 60% of students study subject B.
What percent of all students study both subjects A and B?
(1) 30% of students study subject A, but not subject B.
(2) 20% of students study neither subject A nor subject B.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)

79
Use a 2 by 2 table, which is a recent trend on the GMAT exam, to write down
the variables and equations from the original condition:
A Not A
B a b
Not B c d
a + b + c + d = 100%
a + c = 80%
a + b = 60%
We have to find the percent of all students who study both subjects A and B,
which is equivalent to the value of a.
variables (a, b, c, and d) and 3 equations (a + b + c + d = 100%, a + c = 80%,

and a + b = 60%). To match the number of variables with the number of
Let’s look at each condition separately

80
Condition (1) tells us that 30% of the students study subject A, but not
subject B, which means c = 30%. From a + c = 80%, we get a + 30% = 80%
and a = 50%. The answer is unique and the condition is sufficient according
to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the number of answers must
be one.
Condition (2) tells us that 10% of the students study neither subject A nor
subject B, which means d = 10%, and substituting d = 10% into a + b + c +
d = 100% gives us a + b + c + 10% = 100% or a + b + c = 90%.
Substituting in a + c = 80% gives us b + 80% = 90% and b = 10%. Finally,
substituting b = 10% into a + b = 60% gives us a + 10% = 60% and a = 50%.
The answer is unique and the condition is sufficient according to Common
Answer: D

53. (PS, Word Problem, Ratio, 41~44)
If 1 gallon of paint is needed to paint 450 square feet, how many gallons are
needed to paint 600 square yards? (Note: 1 yard = 3 feet.)
A. 4 B. 8 C. 12 D. 16 E. 20
81
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Note : 1 square yard = 1 yard2 = 1 · (3 feet)2 = 3 feet  3 feet = 9 feet2
Set up a ratio to solve the problem :
450 feet2 : 1 gallon = 600 yards2 : x gallons
= 600 · (9 feet2) : x gallons
= 5,400 feet2 : x gallons
So, we get 450 feet2 : 1 gallon = 5,400 feet2 : x gallons
Cross multiplying gives us (450 feet2) · (x gallons) = (5,400 feet2) · (1 gallon)
Canceling out (feet2) · (gallon) on both sides gives us:
450x = 5,400
𝟓,𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝟓𝟒𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟖

x= = = = 12.
𝟒𝟓𝟎 𝟒𝟓 𝟗
Answer: C

54. (DS, Word Problem, Ratio, 45~48)
In one week, a certain store sold x TV sets for $p each. The next week, they
raised the price of each TV by y% and sold z% fewer TV sets. What was the
percent change in revenue from the sales of TV sets from the first week to
82
the second week?
(1) x = 200 and p = 40.
(2) y = 5 and z = 7.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Revenue in week one: $px

𝒚 𝒛
Revenue in week two: $p · (a + ) · x · (1 - )
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎
Percent change in revenue:
[ ]
𝒚 𝒛
$𝒑 · (𝟏 + 𝟏𝟎𝟎) · 𝒙 · (𝟏 − 𝟏𝟎𝟎) − $𝒑𝒙 𝒚 𝒛
· 100% = [(1 + ) · (1 - ) – 1] ·
$𝒑𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎
100%
𝒚 𝒛
So the question is asking for the value of (1 + ) · (1 - ) – 1. That is,
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎

we have to find the value of y and z.
Condition (2) tells us that y = 5 and z = 7, from which we can find the value
𝒚 𝒛
of (1 + ) · (1 - ) – 1, which is exactly what we are looking for. The
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎 83
answer is unique, and the condition is sufficient according to Common
Condition (1) tells us that x = 200 and p = 40, from which we cannot
determine the unique values of y and z. So, the condition is not sufficient
Answer: B
55. (PS, Word Problem, Proportion, 41~44)
The ratio of the number of pencils to the number of pens is 2 to 7, and the
ratio of the number of pads to the number of pens is 1 to 5. What is the
ratio of the number of pencils to the total number of pencils, pens, and pads?
A. 1 : 31 B. 5 : 26 C. 5 : 42 D. 6 : 25 E. 7 : 42
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Solution)
Use the information from the question to write down the ratios:
Pencils : pens = 2 : 7
Pads : pens = 1 : 5
84
Now, we need to combine these proportional equations:
Pencils : pads : pens
2 : : 7
1 : 5
We need each equation to include the same number of pens. Multiply the
first equation by 5 and the second equation by 7 to get:
Pencils : pads : pens
10 : : 35
7 : 35
So, the combined ratio is:
Pencils : pads : pens = 10 : 7 : 35.
Finally, we need to find the ratio of the number of pencils to the total
number of pencils, pads, and pens:
Pencils : (pencils + pads + pens) = 10 : (10 + 7 + 35)
= 10 : 52

= 5 : 26
Answer: B
85
56. (DS, Word Problem, Proportion, 45~48)
If the ratio of a to b to c to d is 1 to 2 to 3 to 4, what is the range of a, b, c,
and d?
(1) The average (arithmetic mean) of b and d is 9.
(2) The sum of a and d is 15.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Since the ratio of a to b to c to d is 1 to 2 to 3 to 4, we can let a, b, c, and d
be k, 2k, 3k, and 4k, respectively. We have to find the range of a, b, c, and d,
which is equal to the value of 4k – k = 3k.

variables (a, b, c, d, and k) and 4 equations (a = k, b = 2k, c = 3k, and d =
4k). To match the number of variables with the number of equations, we
need 1 more equation. Since conditions (1) and (2) will provide 1 equation
each, it is about 60% likely that D is the answer.

86
Condition (1) tells us that the average (arithmetic mean) of b and d is 9, from
which, we get:
𝒃+𝒅 𝟐𝒌 + 𝟒𝒌 𝟔𝒌
= = = 3k = 9, or k = 3.
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
So, the range of a, b, c, and d is 3k = 33 = 9. The answer is unique, and the
Condition (2) tells us that the sum of a and d is 15, from which we get a + d
= k + 4k = 5k = 15, or k = 3. So, the range of a, b, c, and d is 3k = 33 = 9.
Answer: D

57. (PS, Arithmetic, Equation, 35~40)
(1 + √𝟑)√𝟐 + √𝟑 = ?
A. √𝟐(𝟐 − √𝟑) B. √𝟐(𝟐 + √𝟐) C. √𝟐(𝟐 + √𝟑)
D. √𝟐(𝟑 + √𝟑) E. √𝟑(𝟐 + √𝟑)

87
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Recall the formulas: a√𝒃 = √𝒂𝟐 𝒃 (when a ≥ 0), and (a + b)2 = a2 + b2 + 2ab.
𝟐
(𝟏 + √𝟑)√𝟐 + √𝟑 = √(𝟏 + √𝟑) (𝟐 + √𝟑)
= √(𝟏 + 𝟑 + (𝟐 · 𝟏 · √𝟑))(𝟐 + √𝟑)
= √(𝟒 + 𝟐√𝟑)(𝟐 + √𝟑)
= √𝟐(𝟐 + √𝟑)(𝟐 + √𝟑)
𝟐
= √𝟐(𝟐 + √𝟑)
𝟐
= √𝟐√(𝟐 + √𝟑)
= √𝟐(𝟐 + √𝟑).
Answer: C

58. (DS, Algebra, Equation, 35~40)
(𝒙 + 𝒚)𝟐 − (𝒙 − 𝒚)𝟐 = ?
(1) xy = 5.
(2) x + y = 6.
88
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Recall the formulas (a + b)2 = a2 + b2 + 2ab, and (a - b)2 = a2 + b2 - 2ab.
We have to find the value of (𝒙 + 𝒚)𝟐 − (𝒙 − 𝒚)𝟐, which is equal to the value
of x2 + y2 + 2xy – (x2 + y2 - 2xy) = x2 + y2 + 2xy – x2 - y2 + 2xy = 4xy by using
the formulas mentioned above. So, we need to determine the value of xy.
Condition (1) tells us that xy = 5, which is exactly what we are looking for.
Condition (2) tells us that x + y = 6, from which we cannot determine the
unique value of xy. For example, if x = 1 and y = 5, then xy = 15 = 5, but if

x = 2 and y = 4, then xy = 24 = 8. The answer is not unique and the
condition is not sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states

89
Answer: A
59. (PS, Geometry, Function, 41~44)
Which of the following equations has only one integer root?
𝒙 𝟏
A. y = 2x B. y = C. y = √𝟓x D. y = x + 1 E. y =
𝟐 𝒙
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Let’s check each option to see which has only one integer root.
Option A. y = 2x: 0 = 2 · 0, so x = 0, y = 0 works. Also, 2 = 2 · 1, so x
= 1, y = 2 works. Therefore, this equation has at least
2 integer roots.
𝒙 𝟎 𝟐
Option B. y = : 0 = , so x = 0, y = 0 works. Also, 1 = , so x = 2, y
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
= 1 works. Therefore, this equation has at least 2
integer roots.

Option C. y = √𝟓x: As √𝟓 is an irrational number, this equation has only
one integer root of x = 0, y = 0.
Option D. y = x + 1: 1 = 0 + 1, so x = 0, y = 1 works. Also, 2 = 1 + 1, so x
= 1, y = 2 works. Therefore, this equation has at least

90
2 integer roots.
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
Option E. y = : 1= , so x = 1, y = 1 works. Also. -1 = , so x = -1,
𝒙 𝟏 −𝟏
y = -1 works. Thus, this equation has at least 2
integer roots.
Answer: C
60. (DS, Geometry, Function, 45~48)
Triangle ABC has vertices A(3, 0), B(6, 0), and C(a, b) in the xy-plane. What
is the area of triangle ABC?
(1) a = 4.
(2) b = 5.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)

Sketch the triangle in the xy-plane.

91
We have to find the area of triangle ABC, which is equal to
𝟏 𝟏 𝟑
(𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞) (𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭) = |𝒃|(𝟔 − 𝟑) = |𝒃| . So, the area depends only on the
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
value of b.
Condition (2) tells us that b = 5, from which we get the area of triangle ABC
𝟑 𝟑 𝟏𝟓
= 𝟐 |𝒃| = 𝟐 |𝟓| = . The answer is unique, and the condition is sufficient
𝟐
Condition (1) tells us that a = 4, from which we cannot determine the unique
area of the triangle ABC. The answer is not unique, and the condition is not
sufficient, according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the

Answer: B
92
61. (PS, Word Problem, Work Rate, 35~40)
Working alone at its constant rate, machine A produces 200 units of a
product in 40 hours. Working alone at its constant rate, machine B produces
200 units of the same product in 24 hours. How many hours will it take
machines A and B to produce 200 units of the product when working
simultaneously at their respective constant rates?
A. 12 hrs B. 15 hrs C. 18 hrs D. 20 hrs E. 22 hrs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Together and alone questions are best solved using the reciprocal method.
𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐬
Let the work rate of machine A be , the work rate of machine B be
𝟒𝟎 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬
𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔
, and the work rate of machines A and B combined be .
𝟐𝟒 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝒕 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬
𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔
Then, we get the following equation: + = .
𝟒𝟎 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝟐𝟒 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝒕 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬
𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝟏 𝟏
Canceling out from both sides of the equation gives us + =
𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝟒𝟎 𝟐𝟒
𝟏
.
𝒕

Solving the equation gives us :
𝟑 𝟓 𝟏
+ = (getting a common denominator)
𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝒕
𝟖 𝟏 𝟏
= =
𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝟏𝟓 𝒕
93
Then, t = 15.
Answer: B
62. (PS, Word Problem, Work Rate, 41~44)
Working alone at its constant rate, factory A produces 5,000 toys in 6 hours.
Working alone at its constant rate, factory B produces 5,000 toys in 2 hours.
If factories A and B continue to produce toys together at their respective
constant rates, what percent of their total output is produced by factory A?
A. 15% B. 20% C. 25% D. 30% E. 40%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Since the LCM of 2 and 6 is 6, we will assume that factories A and B work
simultaneously for 6 hours. During these 6 hours, factory A produces 5,000
toys, and factory B produces 3 · 5,000 toys = 15,000 toys. So, factories A

and B produce a total of 5,000 + 15,000 = 20,000 toys together. Of these,
(𝟐𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝟓,𝟎𝟎𝟎
) · 100 = 𝟐𝟎𝟓 · 100 = 𝟏𝟒 · 100 = 25% were produced by factory A.
94
Answer: C
63. (DS, Word Problem, Work Rate, 41~44)
When working together at their constant rates, machines A and B can
complete a certain task in 4 hours. How many hours would it take machine
B to complete the task when working alone at its constant rate?
(1) When working alone at its constant rate, machine A can complete the task
in 6 hours.
(2) When working alone at their respective constant rates, it takes machine B
6 hours longer than machine A to complete the task.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
When the work is already done, the together and alone questions will be
solved using the reciprocal method

We are dealing with two machines, A and B, working together at their

95
constant rates to complete a task. Let each machine individually take tA and
tB hours, respectively, to finish the same work.
Let the task to be completed be 1 work, and let the work rate of machine A
𝟏 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝟏 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤
be , the work rate of machine B be , and the work rate of
𝐭 𝐀 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐭 𝐁 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬
𝟏 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝟏 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝟏 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤

machines A and B combined be . Then we get +
𝟒 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐭 𝐀 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐭 𝐁 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬
𝟏 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝟏 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝟏
= . Now the unit cancels out from each term, so we get +
𝟒 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐀
𝟏 𝟏
= . We are looking for the value of tB.
𝐭𝐁 𝟒
The above formula is possible because of the word “complete.” That is, the
reciprocal method applies since the question does not mention the total
amount of work but does indicate the work is completed.
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
variables (tA and tB) and 1 equation ( + = ). To match the number
𝐭𝐀 𝐭𝐁 𝟒
of variables with the number of equations, we need 1 more equation. Since
D is the answer.

Condition (1) tells us that when working alone at its constant rate, machine A
can complete the task in 6 hours, which means tA = 6. If we substitute tA =
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟑 𝟐 𝟏
6 into + = , we get + = , = - = - = ,
𝐭𝐀 𝐭𝐁 𝟒 𝟔 𝐭𝐁 𝟒 𝐭𝐁 𝟒 𝟔 𝟏𝟐 𝟏𝟐 𝟏𝟐
96
or tB = 12. The answer is unique, and the condition is sufficient according to
one.
Condition (2) tells us that when working alone at their respective constant
rates, it takes machine B 6 hours longer than machine A to complete the task,
𝟏
which means tB = tA + 6 or tA = tB – 6. If we substitute tA = tB – 6 into +
𝐭𝐀
𝟏 𝟏
= , we get:
𝐭𝐁 𝟒
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝒕𝑩 + 𝒕𝑩 − 𝟔 𝟐𝒕𝑩 − 𝟔
= + = =
𝟒 𝒕𝑩 − 𝟔 𝒕𝑩 𝒕𝑩 (𝒕𝑩 − 𝟔) 𝒕𝑩 (𝒕𝑩 − 𝟔)
Cross multiplying gives us:
4(2tB – 6) = (tB)2 – 6tB
8tB – 24 = (tB)2 – 6tB
(tB)2 – 14tB + 24 = 0
(tB – 2)(tB - 12) = 0
Since tB > 6 (tA = tB – 6 > 0), we must have tB = 12. The answer is unique


97
Answer: D
64. (DS, Word Problem, Work Rate, 45~48)
If machine M is required to make 3,000 units and machine N is required to
make 4,000 units, which of the two machines will finish earlier than the other
when both work at their respective constant rates?
(1) Machine N can make 1,000 more units than machine M per hour.
(2) The work rate of machine N is twice that of the machine M.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
If one condition involves a ratio and the other involves only a number, then
the condition involving the ratio is likely to be sufficient. Condition (2)
involves a ratio. Thus, B is most likely the answer.

Let RM and RN be the work rates of machines M and N, respectively, and let
98
TM and TN be their respective times to complete the task.
𝟑,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝟒,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔

Then we get RM = and RN = . Rearranging these
𝑻𝑴 𝑻𝑵
equations gives us:

TM = and TN = .
𝑹𝑴 𝑹𝑵
The question asks whether TM > TN, which is equivalent to asking whether

> , or 3,000RN > 4,000RM. So, we have to find out
𝑹𝑴 𝑹𝑵
whether 3RN > 4RM.
Since, if one condition is a ratio and the other condition is a number, the
ratio becomes the answer as mentioned above, let’s look at condition (2). It
tells us that the work rate of the machine N is twice that of the machine M,
which means RN = 2RM, so, we get 3RN = 3·2RM = 6RM, which is always
greater than 4RM and we get yes as an answer. The answer is unique, yes,
states that the answer will be in terms of a unique yes or no.
Condition (1) tells us that machine N can make 1,000 more units than

machine M per hour, which means RN = RM + 1,000, from which we cannot
determine whether 3RN > 4RM. If RN = 1,001, then RM = 1, and since 3RN =
31,001 = 3,003 > 4RM = 41 = 4, we get that machine N finishes earlier than
machine M and yes as an answer. However, If RN = 7,000, then RM =

99
6,000, and since 3RN = 37,000 = 21,000 ≱ 4RM = 46,000 = 24,000, we get
that machine M finishes earlier than machine N and no as an answer. The
answer is not unique, and the condition is not sufficient according to
Common Mistake Type 1, which states that if we get both yes and no as an
answer, it is not sufficient.
Answer: B
65. (PS, Word Problem, Speed Rate, 41~44)
Ship A departs dock X and heads towards dock Y at a constant speed of 10
miles per hour. Two hours later, ship B departs dock X and travels along the
same route at a constant speed of 14 miles per hour. Ship A does not reach
dock Y before ship B. How many hours will it take for ship B to catch up
with ship A?
A. 3 hrs B. 3.5 hrs C. 4 hrs D. 4.5 hrs E. 5 hrs

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Problems related to speed are seen quite often on the GMAT, and if the
question is related to two cars/persons meeting each other, more often than
100
not, it will be related to the same amount of time.
First, determine how far ship A travels in 2 hours.
Since d = vt, where d: distance moved, v: speed rate, and t: time taken,
d = vt =
𝟏𝟎 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬
 𝟐𝐡𝐫𝐬 = 𝟐𝟎 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬.
𝟏 𝐡𝐫
Ship B catches up with ship A
20 miles Ship A 10t miles
Dock X Dock Y
Ship B 14t miles
So, if we assume that ship B catches up to ship A after t hours, then ship A
will have traveled (20 + 10t) miles, and ship B will have traveled 14t miles by
the time they meet as we can see in the picture above. The same time (t
hours) has passed when ship B catches up with ship A.
To determine the time when ship B catches up with ship A, set these two
equations equal to each other and solve for the value of t:
20 miles + 10t miles = 14t miles

20 miles = 14t miles – 10t miles = 4t miles
𝟐𝟎
20 = 4t or t = = 5 hours.
𝟒
Answer: E 101
66. (PS, Word Problem, Speed Rate, 45~48)
Jane goes on a 60-mile trip. She travels the first 20 miles at x miles per
hour and the remaining 40 miles at 7 miles per hour. What is her average
speed for the trip?
𝟐𝒙𝒚 𝟐𝒙𝒚 𝟑𝒙𝒚 𝒙𝒚 𝒙𝒚

A. B. C. D. E.
𝟐𝒙 + 𝒚 𝟑𝒙 + 𝒚 𝟐𝒙 + 𝒚 𝟐𝒙 + 𝒚 𝒙 + 𝟐𝒚
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Jane’s average speed for the trip is given by
𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
Average Speed =
𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆
We are told that the total distance is 60 miles.
We need to remember the formula d = vt, where d: distance moved, v: speed
rate, and t: time taken.

We get:
𝐝 𝟐𝟎 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎
The first 20 miles: t = = = hours.
𝐯 𝐱 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝒙
𝐝 𝟒𝟎 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝟒𝟎
The remaining 40 miles: t = = = hours.
𝐯 𝐲 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝒚
102
The total time taken is given by:
𝟐𝟎 𝟒𝟎
+ (hours)
𝒙 𝒚
So, Jane’s average speed is:
𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝟔𝟎 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔

= 𝟐𝟎 𝟒𝟎
𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 (𝒙 + )𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔
𝒚
𝟑 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔
= 𝟏 𝟐 (Dividing numerator and denominator by
( + )
𝒙 𝒚
20)
Multiplying the numerator and denominator by xy gives us:
𝟑 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝟑𝒙𝒚 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬

𝟏 𝟐 = (𝒚 .
(𝒙 + 𝒚 )𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 + 𝟐𝒙)𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬
Answer: C

67. (DS, Word Problem, Speed Rate, 41~44)
Tom and Jane leave school to go to their (separate) houses at the same time.
Does Tom arrive home earlier than Jane?
(1) Tom’s house is 20 km farther from the school than Jane’s house.
103
(2) Jane’s speed is 80% of Tom’s speed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Let DJ and DT be the respective distances of Jane’s and Tom’s houses from the
school, and let VJ and VT be Jane’s and Tom’s respective speeds. The
𝑫𝑻 𝑫𝑱 𝒅
question asks whether is less than , since d = vt or t = , where d:
𝑽𝑻 𝑽𝑱 𝒗
distance moved, v: speed rate, and t: time taken.
variables (DJ, DT, VJ, and VT). To match the number of variables with the
number of equations, we need 4 equations. Since conditions (1) and (2) will
provide 1 equation each, it is over 80% likely that E is the answer.

They tell us that DT = DJ + 20 or DJ = DT - 20 and VJ = 80%VT = 0.8VT. So,
𝑫𝑻 𝑫𝑱
substituting these equations into = gives us
𝑽𝑻 𝑽𝑱
𝑫𝑻 𝑫𝑱 𝑫𝑻 𝑫𝑻 − 𝟐𝟎
- = -
𝑽𝑻 𝑽𝑱 𝑽𝑻 𝟎.𝟖𝑽𝑻
𝟎.𝟖𝑫𝑻 𝑫𝑻 − 𝟐𝟎 104
= - (getting a common denominator)
𝟎.𝟖𝑽𝑻 𝟎.𝟖𝑽𝑻
𝟎.𝟖𝑫𝑻 − (𝑫𝑻 − 𝟐𝟎)

= (adding fractions)
𝟎.𝟖𝑽𝑻
𝟎.𝟖𝑫𝑻 − 𝑫𝑻 + 𝟐𝟎
= (multiplying -1 through the bracket)
𝟎.𝟖𝑽𝑻
𝟐𝟎 − 𝟎.𝟐𝑫𝑻
= (adding like terms)
𝟎.𝟖𝑽𝑻
𝑫𝑻 𝑫𝑱
If DT > 10, since 20 - 0.2DT > 0, we get > . However, if DT < 10,
𝑽𝑻 𝑽𝑱
𝑫𝑻 𝑫𝑱
since 20 - 0.2DT < 0, we get < . The answer is not unique, and the
𝑽𝑻 𝑽𝑱
conditions combined are not sufficient, according to Common Mistake Type 2,
Both conditions (1) and (2) together are not sufficient.
Therefore, as expected, E is the correct answer.
Answer: E

68. (DS, Word Problem, Speed Rate, 45~48)
Aaron travels from town X to town Y and then back from town Y to town X,
taking different routes in each direction. If his speed when traveling from
town X to town Y is 36 miles per hour, and his speed when traveling in the
105
opposite direction is 48 miles per hour, what is his average speed for the
entire journey?
(1) The distance of the return trip is 24% of the entire distance traveled.
(2) The distance of the return trip is 100 miles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
If one condition involves a ratio and the other involves only a number, then
the condition involving the ratio is likely to be sufficient. Condition (1)
involves a ratio. Thus, A is most likely the answer.
Let the distance traveled from X to Y be A miles, and the distance traveled
from Y to X be B miles. Then, the total distance traveled is (A + B) miles.
Since d = vt, where d: distance moved, v: speed rate, and t: time taken,

we get:
𝐝 𝐀 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝑨
A miles (from X to Y): t = = = hours, and
𝐯 𝟑𝟔 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝟑𝟔
𝐝 𝐁 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝑩
B miles (from Y to X): t = = = hours.
𝐯 𝟒𝟖 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝟒𝟖
106
𝑨 𝑩 𝟒𝑨 + 𝟑𝑩
The total time taken is + = (hours)
𝟑𝟔 𝟒𝟖 𝟏𝟒𝟒
Thus, the average speed for the entire journey is
𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝑨 + 𝑩)𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝑨+𝑩

= 𝟒𝑨 + 𝟑𝑩 = 144( ).
𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝟏𝟒𝟒 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔
𝟒𝑨 + 𝟑𝑩
Any condition giving a relationship between A and B could be sufficient.
Since if one condition is a ratio and the other condition is a number, the ratio
becomes the answer as mentioned above, so let’s look at condition (1).
Condition (1) tells us that the distance of the return trip is 24% of the entire
distance traveled, from which we get:
B = 0.24(A + B)
𝟔
⇔ B= ( A + B)
𝟐𝟓
⇔ 25B = 6A + 6B
⇔ 19B = 6A
𝟏𝟗
⇔ A= ·V
𝟔
Thus, the average speed is

𝟏𝟗
⋅𝑩+𝑩 𝟐𝟒𝟏𝟗 + 𝟏𝟒𝟒
𝟏𝟒𝟒 ( 𝟔 )=
𝟏𝟗 𝟑𝟖
𝟒 ( 𝟔 ) 𝑩 + 𝟑𝑩 𝟑 +𝟑
𝟒𝟓𝟔 + 𝟏𝟒𝟒
=
𝟒𝟕
(𝟑)
𝟑
= 𝟔𝟎𝟎 ( )
𝟒𝟕 107
𝟏, 𝟖𝟎𝟎
= .
𝟒𝟕
Condition (2) tells us that the distance of the return trip is 100 miles, from
which we get B = 100. However, as we do not know the value of A, we
cannot determine the unique average speed. The answer is not unique, and
the condition is not sufficient, according to Common Mistake Type 2, which
Answer: A
69. (DS, Arithmetic, Integer, very hard)
If m and n are integers, is (mn + 2)(mn + 3)(mn + 4) divisible by 12?
(1) m is an even integer.
(2) (m + n) is an odd integer.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)

108
The question asks if (mn + 2)(mn + 3)(mn + 4) = 12t. Thus, the question
can be simplified to ask if (mn + 2)(mn + 3)(mn + 4) is a multiple of 4. This
is equivalent to asking if (mn + 2) is even or if mn is even. In order for mn
to be even, m or n must be even.
Since the value of condition (1) is equal to the value of condition (2), by Tip 1,
we get D as the most likely answer.
Condition (1) tells us that m is an even integer, from which we get that mn is
even. Moreover, both (mn + 2) and (mn + 4) are even. Thus, (mn + 2)(mn
+ 3)(mn + 4) a multiple of 4, which is exactly what we are looking for, and

Condition (2) tells us that m + n is odd, from which we get that one of m or
n must be even, and the other odd. So, mn is even, and both (mn + 2) and
(mn + 4) are even. Thus, (mn + 2)(mn + 3)(mn + 4) is a multiple of 4, which
is exactly what we are looking for, and we get yes as an answer. The answer
109
is unique, yes, and the condition is sufficient according to Common Mistake
Type 1, which states that the answer will be in terms of a unique yes or no.
Each condition ALONE is sufficient.
Answer: D
70. (DS, Arithmetic, Statistics, very hard)
Is the median of 3 different integers equal to their average (arithmetic mean)?
(1) The median of the 3 integers is 19.
(2) The range of the 3 integers is 19.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)

Let the different integers be m, x, and M, where m < x < M. Then their
median is x. The question asks if:
𝒎+𝒙+𝑴 110
x=
𝟑
3x = m + x + M
m = 2x - M
This is equivalent to asking if :
Range =M–m
= M – (2x – M)
= 2(M – x) = even
So, we should verify if the range is even.
Thus, let’s look at each condition separately.
Condition (2) tells us that the range of the 3 integers is 19, which is not even,
and we get no as an answer. The answer is unique, no, and the condition is
will be in terms of a unique yes or no; or no is also an answer.
Condition (1) tells us that the median of the 3 integers is 19, from which we
cannot determine if the range is even. For example, if (m, x, M) = (18, 19,
20) then their range = M – m = 20 – 18 = 2, which is even, and we get yes as

an answer. However, if (m, x, M) = (18, 19, 21), then their range = M – m =
21 – 18 = 3, which is odd, and we get no as an answer. The answer is not
unique, yes and no, so the condition is not sufficient according to Common
Mistake Type 1, which states that if we get both yes and no as an answer, it
111
is not sufficient.
Answer: B
71. (DS, Arithmetic, Statistics, very hard)
The sum of the elements of set A is 700. Does set A contain less than 6
elements?
(1) The average (arithmetic mean) of the 3 largest elements of set A is 150.
(2) No element of set A is less than 125.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)

We have to find the maximum number of elements in set A, since if the
maximum number of elements in A is less than 6, then all possible number of
elements in A must be less than 6.
Let A be the set {𝒂𝟏 , 𝒂𝟐 , … , 𝒂𝒏 }, where 𝒂𝟏 ≥ 𝒂𝟐 ≥ ⋯ ≥ 𝒂𝒏 .

112
The original condition gives the equation 𝒂𝟏 + 𝒂𝟐 + ⋯ + 𝒂𝒏 = 𝟕𝟎𝟎, and the
question asks if n < 6.
Follow the second and the third steps: From the original condition, we have
many variables (𝒂𝟏 , 𝒂𝟐 , … , 𝒂𝒏 ) and 1 equation (𝒂𝟏 + 𝒂𝟐 + ⋯ + 𝒂𝒏 = 𝟕𝟎𝟎). To
match the number of variables with the number of equations, we need many
more equations. Since conditions (1) and (2) will provide 1 equation each, it
is over 80% likely that E is the answer.
Condition (1) tells us that 𝒂𝟏 + 𝒂𝟐 + 𝒂𝟑 = 𝟒𝟓𝟎 and condition (2) tells us that
𝒂𝟒 ≥ 𝟏𝟐𝟓, 𝒂𝟓 ≥ 𝟏𝟐𝟓, … , 𝒂𝒏 ≥ 𝟏𝟐𝟓. Therefore, if n ≥ 6 we must have 𝒂𝟒 + 𝒂𝟓 +
𝒂𝟔 ≥ 𝟑𝟕𝟓. This gives us 𝒂𝟏 + 𝒂𝟐 + ⋯ + 𝒂𝟔 ≥ 𝟖𝟐𝟓 ≠ 𝟕𝟎𝟎 , which is impossible
since the sum of the elements of the set A is 700 in the original condition.
Thus, set A contains less than 6 elements, and C seems to be the answer.
However, since this question is a statistics question, which is also one of the
key questions, we should apply CMT 4(A), which states that if an answer C is
found too easily, either A or B should be considered as the answer.

Condition (1) tells us that the average (arithmetic mean) of the 3 largest
elements of A is 150, from which we cannot determine whether n > 6. For
example, if the elements are 100, 150, 150, 150, 150, then their sum is 700.
113
The sum of the 3 largest elements is 150 + 150 + 150 = 450, and the number
of elements is 5, which is less than 6, so we get yes as an answer. However,
if the elements are 50, 50, 50, 50, 50, 150, 150, 150, then their sum is 700.
The sum of the 3 largest elements is 150 + 150 + 150 = 450, and the number
of elements is 8, which is not less than 6, so we get no as an answer. The
answer is not unique, yes and no, so the condition is not sufficient according
to Common Mistake Type 1, which states that if we get both yes and no as
an answer, it is not sufficient.
Condition (2) tells us that each element of A is greater than or equal to 125.
Since 125 + 125 + 125 + 125 + 125 = 5·125 = 625 < 700 and 125 + 125 +
125 + 125 + 125 + 125 = 6·125 = 750 > 700, set A contains at most 𝟓
elements. So, we get yes as an answer. The answer is unique, yes, and the
If the question has both C and B as its answer, then B is the answer rather
than C, according to the definition of DS questions.

Answer: B
114
72. (DS, Algebra, Statistics, very hard)
The average height of the girls in a certain class is 160 cm, and the average
height of all children in the class is 164 cm. What is the ratio of the number
of girls in the class to the number of boys in the class?
(1) There are 15 girls in the class.
(2) The average height of the boys in the class is 170 cm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Use a 2 by 2 table, which is a recent trend on the GMAT exam, to write down
the variables and equations from the original condition, as shown below:
Girls Boys

Number a b
Avg. height 160 x
The original condition tells us that:
𝟏𝟔𝟎𝒂 + 𝒙𝒃 115
= 164
𝒂+𝒃
160a + xb = 164a + 164b
164a – 160a = 164b – xb
4a = b(x – 164)
𝒂 𝒙 − 𝟏𝟔𝟒
=
𝒃 𝟒
𝒂
The question asks for the value of 𝒃. This is easy to calculate if we know the
value of x.
Condition (2) tells us that the average height of the boys in the class is 170
cm, which means x = 170. Then, we get the ratio of the number of girls in
the class to the number of boys in the class:
𝒂 𝟏𝟕𝟎 − 𝟏𝟔𝟒 𝟑
= =
𝒃 𝟒 𝟐
The answer is unique, so the condition is sufficient according to Common
Condition (1) tells us that there are 15 girls in the class, which means a = 15,
𝒂
from which we cannot calculate the ratio, , since we do not know the value
𝒃
of b. The answer is not unique, so the condition is not sufficient, according to

one.

116
Answer: B
73. (DS, Algebra, Integer, very hard)
If x is a prime number, how many different factors does 18x have?
(1) x2 has 3 factors.
(2) x > 3.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Solution)
Two important points that you should take note of:
(I) Consider the same and different cases, and
(II) Exponents have no effect on the number of prime factors.
This is really an important part, so study hard. In particular, the two points
above are the most important when you find the words “factors and prime
factors.”

The prime factorization of 18x is 2132x. If x ≠ 2 or 3, then there are (1 +
1)(2 + 1)(1 + 1) = 12 factors of 18x. So, this question is really just asking
117
whether x = 2 or 3.
Condition (2) tells us that x > 3, which means that x is not 2 or 3. So, 18x
has 12 factors. The answer is unique, and the condition is sufficient
Condition (1) tells us that x2 has 3 factors, which means that x is a prime
number and we cannot determine the unique number of factors of 18x. For
example, if x = 2, then 18x = 36 = 22 · 32, and there are (2 + 1)(2 + 1) = 9
factors. However, if x = 5, then 18x = 90 = 21· 32 · 51, and there are (1 +
1)(2 + 1)(1 + 1) = 12 factors. The answer is not unique, so the condition is
not sufficient according to Common Mistake Type 2, which states that the
Answer: B

Diagnostic Test GMAT (73 Questions and Solutions)

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Diagnostic Test GMAT (73 Questions and Solutions)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

A revolutionary solution to GMAT math problems

[Diagnostic Test 73 questions]

Copyright@Math Revolution. All rights reserved www.mathrevolution.com

1. (PS, Arithmetic, Integer, ~34) When n is divided by 5, the quotient is 9, and

the remainder is 4. What is the value of n?

Since 𝟎 ≤ 𝟒 < |𝟓| = 𝟓, we can write

Therefore, C is the correct answer.

2. (PS, Arithmetic, Integers, 35~40) If n is the sum of the first 40 positive

integers, what is the largest prime factor of n?

The sum is an arithmetic series with a common difference of 1, so

Copyright@Math Revolution. All rights reserved www.mathrevolution.com

we can simply break down 20, because 41 is a prime number.

n = 20·41 = 4·5·41 = 2·2·5·41 = 22·5·41.

So, the largest prime factor of n is 41.

Therefore, C is the correct answer.

3. (PS, Algebra, Integer, 41~44) If 310 - n is divisible by 4, which of the

following could be the value of integer n?

A. I only B. II only C. III only D. II and III only E. I, II and III

checking each one separately.

Therefore, let’s check each option separately:

I. n = 0: 310 – 0 = 310, which only has powers of 3 as its factors and so is

Copyright@Math Revolution. All rights reserved www.mathrevolution.com

NOT divisible by 4. So, this option is not true.

II. n = 1: 310 – 1 = (35 – 1)(35 + 1) = 242·244. Since 244 is divisible by 4,

𝟑𝟏𝟎 − 𝟏 is divisible by 4. So, this option is true.

III. n = 5: Now 310 – 5 = 310 – 1 – 4. Since 310 – 1 is divisible by 4 and 4

Thus, only options II and III are true.

Therefore, D is the correct answer.

4. (PS, Arithmetic, Integer, 45~48) If 220n is the square of a positive integer,

what is the smallest possible value of n?

First, we need to factorize 220n:

220n = 22·10·n = 2·11·2·5·n = 22·5·11·n

The number 22 is a perfect square, so n must contribute factors of 5 and 11

smallest possible value of n is n = 5·11·12 = 55.

Therefore, E is the correct answer.

Copyright@Math Revolution. All rights reserved www.mathrevolution.com

how many different values can yx have?

Next, group the factors of 2 to write:

256 = 24·24 = 162

256 = 28 = 2561 (hidden 1)

as powers of negative numbers. So,

Copyright@Math Revolution. All rights reserved www.mathrevolution.com

Therefore, D is the correct answer.

6. (DS, Algebra, Integer, ~34) When a positive integer m is divided by 20,

what is the remainder?

(1) When m is divided by 5, the remainder is 3.

(2) When m is divided by 8, the remainder is 3.

Now let's solve this DS question using the Variable Approach.

methods we can follow:

First Method – Direct Substitution

divisors to that number.

Copyright@Math Revolution. All rights reserved www.mathrevolution.com

Second Method – Short Cut

condition, that condition is sufficient.

Let’s apply the 3 steps suggested previously.

rechecking the original condition and the question.

We have to find the remainder when m is divided by 20.

variable (m). To match the number of variables with the number of

equation each, it is about 60% likely that D is the answer.

Let’s look at each condition separately.

Condition (1) tells us that when m is divided by 5, the remainder is 3. Thus,

m = 5k + 3, and, therefore, the different values of m are 3, 8, 13, etc. In

answer, and so this condition is not sufficient according to Common Mistake