Math problems from the *free* official practice tests and
problems from mba.com
angie
 
 

If x > 3000, then the value of x / (2x+1) is closest to

by angie Sun Apr 20, 2008 2:38 am

[Problem deleted. Please follow the forum guidelines - OG is a banned source. You can search to see if the problem was already discussed before the ban took effect; if so, the problem will still be listed in the archive.]

I narrowed the choices down to c. 10/21 and d. 1/2.

I chose c. because I thought the answer will always be just a little bit smaller than 1/2, and 10/21 is a little bit smaller than 1/2.

The OA is d. 1/2, and the explanation is that for all large values of x, the value of x / (2x+1) is going to be very close to the value of x/2x, which is equal to 1/2.

The answer makes sense to me, but I'm not sure that my thought process would change on another similar problem. How do I logically get to conclusion that 10/21 is too far off, and that although x/(2x+1) is always going to be less than 1/2, it's closer to 1/2 than it is to 10/21?

By the way, I am taking Math Foundations I & II, and have found the I workshop very helpful (haven't taken the II yet).
Sudhan
 
 

by Sudhan Sun Apr 20, 2008 3:05 am

This could be solved like this:-
x/2x+1= 1/2+1/x

Sub for x>3000 put x=3001

1/2+1/3001= 1/3001 can be approxed to negligible for larger values of x

Hence 1/2 (Choice D)

When comparing which is one is greater for multiple fractions. use Brute force method

1/2 10/21

Cross multiply 1*21 2*10
Which means 1/2 >10/21

Hence D

Thanks
StaceyKoprince
ManhattanGMAT Staff
 
Posts: 9360
Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2005 9:05 am
Location: Montreal
 

by StaceyKoprince Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:52 am

Hi, guys, please remember to read (and follow!) the forum guidelines. OG is a banned source - GMAC does not permit OG questions to be posted online, anywhere. Thanks!
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep