GMAT Quant Chapter 2: Linear & Quadratic Equations

Question 1

What are the two methods we can use to solve algebraic equations?

Answer 1

Substitution or combination.

Question 2

When multiplying algebraic expressions together, in what order should we perform the operations?

Answer 2

FOIL - First, Outside, Inside, Last.

Question 3

What is the following expression equivalent to?
x-y / y-x

Answer 3

-1.

Question 4

What are the 6 most common equation traps that students fall for?

Answer 4

1. 2 equations appear different but are actually the same.
2. 1 equation can be sufficient to determine values for both variables
3. Part of an equation can be substituted into another equation
4. Quadratic equation is present
5. An equation has 3 or more solutions
6. Assume the value of a variable cannot be 0

Question 5

When solving quadratic equations what must we know about a variable (or variable expression) if we want to divide the whole equation by it?

Answer 5

We must know that the variable is not equal to 0

Question 6

What is 0 divided by an integer?

What is an integer divided by 0?

(links to Chapter 18 - coordinate geometry).

Answer 6

0.

Undefined.