I can't figure out how to simplify this fraction

[adamstorch]

Hi all...

It's been a long time since i played around with fractions, and I'm having a really tough time with this question. I got it from PP Test #1. I think i need to simplify the fraction before i can fugure out if the data given is sufficient:


S = (2/n) / (1/x + 2/3x)

(1) x=2n
(2) n = 1/2


I know that when you have a fraction in the denominator, you just flip it and then multiply. However, I'm having a hard time because the denominator is (1/x + 2/3x). Am i supposed to just simplify the equation by multiplying (2/n) / (x/1 + 3x/2)???

Thanks guys, Adam

[adonis]

hey adam
Let's take it one at a time.

First the denominator

(1/x + 2/3x)

ON simplifying this u get 5/3x

Now the question reads

S= (2/n) / ( 5/3x)

Now, this can be written as

S = ( 2/n) * (3x/5 )

S= 6x/5n

[adamstorch]

thanks so much, it's 100% clear to me now

what would happen if the denominator was something that you could'nt easily simplify.

for example:

what if it was S = (2/n) / (1/x + 2/3)?

[shaq]

Denominator 1/x + 2/3 = (3 + 2x) / 3x
Numerator = 2/n
Fraction= (2/n) / ((3 + 2x) / 3x) = 6x/n(3 + 2x)
In order to figure the value of S you would need the value of both n and x, so the answer would be C ( both stmt 1 and stmt 2 are required)

Hope this helps...

[GMAT-HELP]

Denominator 1/x + 2/3 = (3 + 2x) / 3x
Numerator = 2/n
Fraction= (2/n) / ((3 + 2x) / 3x) = 6x/n(3 + 2x)
In order to figure the value of S you would need the value of both n and x, so the answer would be C ( both stmt 1 and stmt 2 are required)

Hope this helps...

Shaq,
U've missed x in the denominator of the fraction 2/3x..
I guess, the ans is A:
(2/n)/ (1/x + 2/3x) = (2/n) / (5/3x)

If x = 2n from Stmt 1, then
S = (2/n) / (5/6n) = 12/5 => Sufficient.

Thanks,
GMAT-HELP

[shaq]

thanks so much, it's 100% clear to me now

what would happen if the denominator was something that you could'nt easily simplify.

for example:

what if it was S = (2/n) / (1/x + 2/3)?

GMAT-HELP, I was answering adamstorch's question.

[GMAT-HELP]

GMAT-HELP, I was answering adamstorch's question.

Really sorry abt that!

[shaq]

Really sorry abt that!

No worries!