Official Guide Explanation:
Problem Solving #134

 

 

Background

This is just one of hundreds of free explanations I've created to the quantitative questions in The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review (2nd 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: 134
Page: 79
Difficulty: 6 (Moderately Difficult)
Category 1: Algebra > Inequalities > Negatives
Category 2: Algebra > Simplifying Algebraic Expressions >

Explanation: To focus in on the values of c and d, simplify the inequalities by first subtracting one from each part:

0 - 1 < 1 - ((c)/(d)) - 1 < 1 - 1

-1< - ((c)/(d)) < 0

Now, divide each part by -1, remembering to reverse the inequality signs:

1 > ((c)/(d)) > 0

If ((c)/(d)) is between 0 and 1, c and d must have the same sign; if they are both positive, c < d, if they are both negative, c > d. Since the question tells us that d is positive, c must be positive as well. Armed with that knowledge, evaluate the statements:

I.    c must be positive..

II.    Yes, ((c)/(d)) is less than 1.

III.    This isn't clear: we don't know anything about the size of c and d, just their relationship with each other.

I and II must be true, so choice (C) is correct. Note that the statements were very easy to work through after doing all of the analysis beforehand. Roman numeral questions can be very similar to Data Sufficiency questions that way.

Click here for the full list of GMAT Quant Review explanations.

 

You should follow me on Twitter. While you're at it, take a moment to subscribe to GMAT Hacks via RSS or Email.

Total GMAT Math

The comprehensive guide to the GMAT Quant section. It's "far and away the best study material available," including over 300 realistic practice questions and more than 500 exercises!
Click to read more.