If (x + 4)(x - 2) = 0 and x > 1, what is the… | GMAT Sprint

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PS · Problem Solving

sub-505

Algebra

If $(x + 4)(x - 2) = 0$ and $x > 1$ , what is the value of $x^{-2}$ ?

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

-1/16

-1/4

1/4

Correct

1/16

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Explanation

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Official Explanation

Official

To solve the equation

(x + 4)(x - 2) = 0

, we set each factor to zero:

x + 4 = 0

x - 2 = 0

. This gives us the solutions

x = -4

and

x = 2

. Since we are…

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Comments

SmritiJan 19, 2025

Great

AkashApr 12, 2025

Thank for sharing!!!

MathewApr 1, 2025

Good question

ElleMar 6, 2025

this helped me

GabrielFeb 10, 2025

Can someone explain it other way?

PratyushMar 18, 2024

Thanks

BatOct 8

thanks, this one was quick. just plugged in the x>1 condition and got it right away

JeremiOct 16

same, the inequality basically hands you the answer lol

AnshumanOct 12

yeah once you see which x works it's smooth

KousanyaSep 30

wait i initially got a negative exponent value bc i used the wrong x. the x>1 part is key here

GauthamOct 4

exactly, that condition rules out one of the two solutions

NikodemSep 14

why is it 1/4 and not 1/16? i feel like i squared something twice

OrgilSep 26

careful with the exponent sign, x^-2 isn't the same as x^2

HassanOct 8

easy but the negative answer choices are sneaky traps. solid sub-500 question

What this question tests

What it tests

Your ability to manipulate linear and quadratic expressions, substitute unknowns, and solve equations under time pressure.

Common trap

Losing a sign when moving terms across the equals sign, or dividing both sides by a variable that could equal zero.

If (x+4)(x−2)=0(x + 4)(x - 2) = 0(x+4)(x−2)=0 and x>1x > 1x>1, what is the value of x−2x^{-2}x−2?