In the figure above, what is the value of z

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Last Updated on May 11, 2023

GMAT OFFICIAL GUIDE DS

Solution:

We need to determine the value of z in the following diagram:

In the figure above, what is the value of z

Note that z is equal to the length of the rectangle and the base of the triangle. If we let the base of the triangle = b, z = b + y.

Statement One Alone:

x = y = 1

Although we know that x = 1, we do not know the value of b or the base of the triangle. Statement one alone is not sufficient to answer the question.

Statement Two Alone:

w = 2

Knowing only the value of w does not allow us to determine z. Statement two alone is not sufficient to answer the question.

Statements One and Two Together:

Using the information from statements one and two, we know that x = y = 1 and w = 2, and we can determine b using the Pythagorean theorem.

x^2 + b^2 = w^2

1^2 + b^2 = 2^2

1 + b^2 = 4

b^2 = 3

b = √3

Thus, z = y + b = 1 + √3.

Answer: C

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