ISEE Quantitative Comparisons Question 155: Answer and Explanation

Home > ISEE Test > ISEE Quantitative Comparisons Practice Tests

Test Information

Use your browser's back button to return to your test results.
Do more ISEE Quantitative Comparisons Practice Tests.

Question: 155

A. The quantity in Column A is greater.
B. The quantity in Column B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The answer is C

Distribute both the a and b into the second factor: (a³ + a²b + ab² - a²b - ab² - b³). Combine like terms, and all of the middle terms cancel out: a³ - b³.

Plug in values for a and b, such as a = 5 and b = 2. Both columns yield the value 117. Because the value of Column A is not always greater than the value of Column B, and the value of Column B is not always the value of Column A, eliminate choices (A) and (B). Now try weird values for a and b, such as 0, 1, negatives, and/or fractions. Each trial yields the same values for the two columns. Therefore, choice (C) is correct.

Previous Next