GMAT OFFICIAL GUIDE PS

Solution:

The phrase “4 is one solution of the equation” means that one value of x is 4. Thus, we first must plug 4 for x into the given equation to determine the value of k. So we have

4^2 + (3)(4) + k = 10

16 + 12 + k = 10

28 + k = 10

k = -18

Next we plug -18 into the given equation for k and then solve for x.

x^2 + 3x – 18 = 10

x^2 + 3x – 28 = 0

(x+7)(x-4) = 0

x = -7 or x = 4

Thus, -7 is the other solution.

Answer: A

You May Also Like...

About The Author

Scott Woodbury-Stewart is the founder & CEO of Target Test Prep. A passionate teacher who is deeply invested in the success of his students, Scott began his career teaching physics, chemistry, math, and biology. Since then, he has spent more than a decade helping students gain entry into the world’s top business schools, logging 10,000+ hours of GMAT, EA, GRE and SAT instruction. Scott also served as lead content developer and curriculum architect for the revolutionary courses Target Test Prep GMAT, Target Test Prep EA, Target Test Prep GRE and Target Test Prep SAT Quant.