Math questions from any Manhattan Prep GMAT Computer Adaptive Test.
dhruvlakhani
Students
 
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Aug 20, 2011 6:58 am
 

can you pls explain the solution to this problem?

by dhruvlakhani Mon Sep 26, 2011 1:42 am

Each of the following equations has at least one solution EXCEPT

-2n = (-2)-n

2-n = (-2)n

2n = (-2)-n

(-2)n = -2n

(-2)-n = -2-

(A) The left side is always negative. Notice that in -2n, you apply the exponent first, then the negative sign. 2 raised to any power is always positive, so the negative sign makes the whole left side negative.

The right side is positive for even values of n and negative for odd values of n. Therefore, the two sides of this equation are reciprocals when n is odd, and opposite reciprocals when n is even; the absolute values won’t be the same unless n = 0 (in which case the left side is -1 and the right side is 1). The signs won’t be the same unless n is odd. Therefore, the equation has no solution. Try a few numbers to see the patterns at work.

(B) The left side is always positive, while the right side is positive for even values of n and negative for odd values of n. Therefore, the two sides of the equation are reciprocals when n is even, and opposite reciprocals when n is odd. The only solution to the equation is n = 0, which produces 1 on both sides.

(C) The left side is always positive, while the right side is positive for even values of n and negative for odd values of n. Therefore, the two sides of the equation are reciprocals when n is even, and opposite reciprocals when n is odd. The only solution to the equation is n = 0, which produces 1 on both sides.

(D) The left side is positive for even values of n and negative for odd values of n, while the right side is always negative; the absolute values of the two sides are always the same (= 2n). Therefore, any odd value of n will solve this equation.

(E) The left side is positive for even values of n and negative for odd values of n, while the right side is always negative; the absolute values of the two sides are always the same (= 2-n). Therefore, any odd value of n will solve this equation.
blink005
Students
 
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Oct 03, 2010 2:22 am
 

Re: can you pls explain the solution to this problem?

by blink005 Sat Oct 01, 2011 5:28 am

What's your doubt?
HTH
jnelson0612
ManhattanGMAT Staff
 
Posts: 2664
Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2010 10:57 am
 

Re: can you pls explain the solution to this problem?

by jnelson0612 Sun Nov 13, 2011 11:40 pm

Please see this thread: each-of-the-following-equations-has-at-least-one-solution-t8182.html

I wrote an explanation about halfway down--hope it helps you! :-)
Jamie Nelson
ManhattanGMAT Instructor