GMAT Math : Arithmetic

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #23 : Powers & Roots Of Numbers

Which of the following is equivalent to  ?

You may assume  to be positive.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Convert the roots to fractional exponents, then back, as follows:

Example Question #24 : Powers & Roots Of Numbers

Evaluate .

Possible Answers:

The correct answer is not among the other responses.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

, so

 

For all integers  and all positive bases ,

 by definition. So set

:

Example Question #25 : Powers & Roots Of Numbers

Simplify by rationalizing the denominator:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Multiply both numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator, which is :

 

Example Question #26 : Powers & Roots Of Numbers

If , what is the value of ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

We need to put the expression under the format of 2 to the power of m:

Therefore the right answer is 7.

Example Question #27 : Powers & Roots Of Numbers

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

                                      

                                     

                                     

                                      

                                     

                                     

                                     

 

Example Question #28 : Powers & Roots Of Numbers

Evaluate , expressing the result as a simplified radical if applicable.

Possible Answers:

The correct answer is not among the other responses.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

For all integers  and all positive bases ,

 by definition.

Set :

Example Question #29 : Powers & Roots Of Numbers

Which of the following numbers is irrational?

Possible Answers:

None of the other answers.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

A square root of a number is irrational if the number inside the square root is not a perfect square. Since 2 is not a perfect square, is irrational

 

is rational, because is a perfect cube. ()

Example Question #1 : How To Factor A Common Factor Out Of Squares

Which of the following expression is equal to

 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When simplifying a square root, consider the factors of each of its component parts:

Combine like terms:

Remove the common factor, :

Pull the  outside of the equation as :

                       

Example Question #5 : How To Factor A Common Factor Out Of Squares

Which of the following is equal to the following expression?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, break down the components of the square root:

Combine like terms. Remember, when multiplying exponents, add them together:

Factor out the common factor of :

Factor the :

Combine the factored  with the :

Now, you can pull  out from underneath the square root sign as :

Example Question #6 : How To Factor A Common Factor Out Of Squares

Which of the following expressions is equal to the following expression?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, break down the component parts of the square root:

Combine like terms in a way that will let you pull some of them out from underneath the square root symbol:

Pull out the terms with even exponents and simplify:

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