greslayer2015

There is an algebraic approach to this problem and a "pick your own numbers approach." I went with the pick-your-own-numbers approach but I got the wrong answer by choosing x=2 and the right answer if x=3 Here's the question: The base of a rectangle is length x and the perimeter is 10, which of the following represents the rectangle's area? [a] 10-x^2 x(5-x) [c,d,e] The correct answer is x(5-x) but if I choose x=2 then options A and B work. Here are my questions: Is there any "rule" that would make me not pick x=2 for the base on a rectangle? (Does the base have to be greater than the height? I couldn't find any formal rule about that) If we use the pick-you-own-numbers approach, I guess it's true we MUST always check every answer choice right? If we get 2 answers that give the same result we then have to use different numbers. Does anyone have any insights about picking-your-own-numbers on a problem like this? Thank you so much I look forward to helping you!

Taking GRE at the end of October and am excited to help others as I am to hear about your approaches to problems