Official Guide Explanation:
Problem Solving #22

 

 

Background

This is just one of hundreds of free explanations I've created to the quantitative questions in The Official Guide for GMAT Review (12th ed.). Click the links on the question number, difficulty level, and categories to find explanations for other problems.

These are the same explanations that are featured in my "Guides to the Official Guide" PDF booklets. However, because of the limitations of HTML and cross-browser compatibility, some mathematical concepts, such as fractions and roots, do not display as clearly online.

Click here for an example of the PDF booklets. Click here to purchase a PDF copy.

 

Solution and Metadata

Question: 22
Page: 155
Difficulty: 3 (Very Easy)
Category 1: Algebra > Absolute Value >

Explanation: Absolute value is just the mathematical term for "distance from zero." So, given a number line, it should be easy to see which point is farthest from zero. Point A is a full 2 units to the left of zero, while Point E is not quite 2 units to the right of zero. Thus, Point A is the farthest from zero and has the greatest absolute value. Choice (A) is correct.

Click here for the full list of GMAT OG12 explanations.

 

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