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Last Updated on May 10, 2023
GMAT OFFICIAL GUIDE PS
Solution:
To solve, we must determine the values of a and b.
We are given a(a+2) = 24 So:
a^2 + 2a – 24 = 0
(a + 6)(a – 4) = 0
a = -6 or a = 4
The second equation containing variable b is algebraically identical to the first one, so b = -6 or b = 4.
Since a cannot equal b, the sum a + b = -6 + 4, or the sum is 4 + (-6), which, in both cases, equals -2.
Answer: B
