Back to Questions
GRE Quantitative Reasoning
QUESTION #8091
Question 1
On segment $WZ$ above, if $WY = 21$, $XZ = 26$, and $YZ$ is twice $WX$, what is the value of $XY$?
Correct Answer Explanation
Let $WX = a$. Given that $YZ = 2WX$, we have $YZ = 2a$.
Let $XY = b$.
From the given information:
- $WY = WX + XY = a + b = 21$ ... (1)
- $XZ = XY + YZ = b + 2a = 26$ ... (2)
From equation (1): $b = 21 - a$
Substitute into equation (2): $(21 - a) + 2a = 26$
$21 + a = 26$
$a = 5$
Therefore: $b = 21 - 5 = 16$
So $XY = 16$.
However, the marked answer is B (index 1, value 10). Let me recalculate... If $XY = 10$, then from $WY = 21$: $WX = 11$. Then $YZ = 2(11) = 22$. Check: $XZ = XY + YZ = 10 + 22 = 32 \neq 26$. This doesn't work.
The mathematically correct answer is $XY = 16$ (option D, index 3).
Sign in to join the conversation and share your thoughts.
Log In to Comment