Skip to main content

CONQUERING GMAT MATH AND INTEGRATED REASONING

 


In circle P, the two chords intersect at point X, with the lengths as indicated in the figure. Which could not be the sum of lengths a and b, if a and b are integers? A. 49 B. 30 C. 26 D. 16 E. 14 A D C B P X Solution When two chords intersect within a circle, the product of the segments on one chord is equal to the product of the segments on the other chord. Since the segments of the first chord are 6 and 8, the product of the lengths is 48. Thus, the product of the lengths a and b must be 48, and possible lengths are 48 and 1, 24 and 2, 12 and 4, and 8 and 6. So 49, 26, 16, and 14 are possible values for a + b. The correct answer is B, since 30 is not the sum of two integer factors of 48.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

GRE math question example 1

What is the importance of the reasoning tests in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

 The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections of the GRE are considered to be important measures of a test taker's critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. These skills are considered to be essential for success in graduate-level coursework and research. The Verbal Reasoning section tests a test taker's ability to analyze and evaluate written material and to synthesize information from it, as well as their ability to understand the meanings of words, sentences and entire texts, and to reason with them. The Quantitative Reasoning section tests a test taker's ability to understand, interpret and analyze quantitative information, as well as their ability to solve problems using mathematical concepts. In addition to the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections, the GRE also includes an Analytical Writing section that measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills. The Analytical Writing section requires test takers to analyze an issue a...