If (3 - 2x)^(1/2) = (2x)^(1/2) + 1, then 4x^2 =? GMAT Problem-Solving

Question: If (3 - 2x)^(1/2) = (2x)^(1/2) + 1, then 4x^2 =

(A) 1
(B) 4
(C) 2 − 2x
(D) 4x − 2
(E) 6x − 1

Approach Solution 1

This is a GMAT Problem solving question. Here, the data given in the questions has to be analyzed to answer the question. Several areas of mathematics can be involved in the process. The way options are given is very close to correct answer, and normal guessing can lead to mistakes. Students need to understand the question properly and use proper methods to approach the answer.
Only one of the five options is correct.

\(\sqrt{3-2x} = \sqrt{2x} + 1\)
Squaring both sides, \((\sqrt{3-2x})^2 = (\sqrt{2x} + 1)^2\)
3-2x = 2x + 2*\(\sqrt2x\) + 1

Rearranging, so that to have root at one side : 2- 4x = 2 *\(\sqrt2x\)
Reducing by 2
1 - 2x = \(\sqrt2x\)
Square again : (1 - 2x)^2 = \((\sqrt2x)^2\)
\(1 - 4x + 4x^2 = 2x\)
Rearranging again :\( 4x^2 = 6x - 1\)

E the correct answer.

Approach Solution 2

This is a GMAT Problem solving question. Here, the data given in the questions has to be analyzed to answer the question. Several areas of mathematics can be involved in the process. The way options are given is very close to correct answer, and normal guessing can lead to mistakes. Students need to understand the question properly and use proper methods to approach the answer.
Only one of the five options is correct.

Given
\( \sqrt{3-2x }= \sqrt2x + 1 \)
Square both sides: \( (\sqrt{3-2x })^2=(\sqrt2x+1)\)
=>\((\sqrt{3-2x^2 })^2 = (\sqrt2x + 1)(\sqrt2x + 1)\)
=> \( (\sqrt{3-2x })^2 = (\sqrt2x)^2 + 1\sqrt2x + 1\sqrt2x + 1^2\)
=> \(3 -2x = 2x + 2\sqrt2x + 1\)
=> \(2- 2x = 2x + 2\sqrt2x\)
=> \(2-4x = 2\sqrt2x\)
=> \(1 -2x = \sqrt2x\)
=> \((1-2x)^2 = \sqrt2x^2\)
=>\( 1- 4x + 4x^2 = 2x\)
=> \(1 + 4x^2 = 6x\)
=>\( 4x^2 = 6x -1\)

E is the correct answer.

Approach Solution 3

This is a GMAT Problem solving question. Here, the data given in the questions has to be analyzed to answer the question. Several areas of mathematics can be involved in the process. The way options are given is very close to correct answer, and normal guessing can lead to mistakes. Students need to understand the question properly and use proper methods to approach the answer.
Only one of the five options is correct.

Let x = 1
LHS = 1
RHS = 2.414

LHS < RHS

Let x = 0
LHS = 1.732
RHS = 1

LHS > RHS

Thus 0 < x < 1 for the equality to hold true.
0 < 2x < 2
0 < 4x^2 < 4
Lets see the options now.

  1. 1 (wrong)
  2. 0 (wrong)
  3. 2 - 2x ( 0 < x < 1 and 0 < 2 - 2x < 2 ) wrong
  4. 4x - 2 (0 < x <1 and -2 < 4x -2 < 2) wrong
  5. 6x - 1 (0 < x < 1 thus -1< 6x - 1 < 5) correct

Therefore, choice E is right.


“If (3 - 2x)^(1/2) = (2x)^(1/2) + 1, then 4x^2 =?" - is a topic of the GMAT Quantitative reasoning section of GMAT. This question has been borrowed from the book “GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review”.
To understand GMAT Problem Solving questions, applicants must possess fundamental qualitative skills. Quant tests a candidate's aptitude in reasoning and mathematics. The GMAT Quantitative test's problem-solving phase consists of a question and a list of possible responses. By using mathematics to answer the question, the candidate must select the appropriate response. The problem-solving section of the GMAT Quant topic is made up of very complicated math problems that must be solved by using the right math facts.

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