GMAT Math : Solving linear equations with one unknown

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Math

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Solving Linear Equations With One Unknown

For what value of  would the following equation have no solution?

Possible Answers:

The equation must always have at least one solution regardless of the value of  .

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Simplify both sides of the equation as much as possible, and solve for  in the equation in terms of :

 has exactly one solution unless the denominator is 0 - that is, . We make sure that this value renders no solution by substituting:

The equation has no solution, and  is the correct answer.

Example Question #1 : Solving Linear Equations With One Unknown

Solve for :

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #2 : Solving Linear Equations With One Unknown

Solve for :

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #3 : Solving Linear Equations With One Unknown

Solve for :

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #1 : Solving Linear Equations With One Unknown

What is the midpoint coordinate of  and ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Midpoint formula:

Example Question #5 : Linear Equations, One Unknown

What is the midpoint coordinate of and ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Midpoint formula:

Example Question #286 : Algebra

What is the midpoint coordinate of  and ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Midpoint formula:

Example Question #4 : Solving Linear Equations With One Unknown

Solve the following equation:

.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

We start by isolating the absolute value expression:

This gives us two cases when we remove the absolute value:

 and 

Then we solve for each case:

Example Question #287 : Algebra

Solve for :

Possible Answers:

The equation has no solution.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #288 : Algebra

Solve for :

Possible Answers:

The equation has no solution.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Tired of practice problems?

Try live online GMAT prep today.

1-on-1 Tutoring
Live Online Class
1-on-1 + Class
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors