data sufficiency - level:700-800

[mneeti]

The mode of a set of integers is x. What is the difference between the median of this set of integers and x?
(1) The difference between any two integers in the set is less than 3.
(2) The average of the set of integers is x.

Please explain. Thanks !

[tim]

Before we help with this question, we need you to show some effort of your own. What did you try on this question? Where did you get stuck?

[mneeti]

Before we help with this question, we need you to show some effort of your own. What did you try on this question? Where did you get stuck?

Here is what I tried:

Info given:
Mode = x and we need to find out M-x = ?

1) Difference between any two integers is 3.
If it is and odd set i.e count of integers in the set is odd then, M-X = 3, but if the set is even, the median would be average of two middle terms which not necessarily be an integer and M-x may or may not = 3
Since here we don't know whether the set is odd or even, its insufficient

2) Mean = x
Mean = mode = x, It does not give any info about the median and therefore I don't see it of any help. Insufficient

Combining 1) and 2) tells us that mean= mode= x and m-x can be 3. But my confusion here is, if it is an even set then as explained in 1) even combining 1) and 2) does not suffice.

Please explain where I am going wrong?

[tim]

i can't find this question in our CAT database, and the problem looks a little fishy. can you post a screenshot of it from our website so i can verify that you've transcribed it properly?

[mneeti]

i can't find this question in our CAT database, and the problem looks a little fishy. can you post a screenshot of it from our website so i can verify that you've transcribed it properly?

This question is not from your CAT database, I found it in a hand book. I guess I have posted at a wrong place, but I have rechecked and there is no mistake in the question. I have anyways got explanation to the solution on some other forum. Would be happy to share the same in case anyone needs it.

[tim]

unfortunately we can't give you any help on this question, because the question itself is flawed in a way that you won't see on the GMAT. please understand that using practice questions from dubious sources can actually hurt your performance, and be careful which problem sources you use..