If y^2 + 6y + 8 is odd, then which one of the… | GMAT Sprint

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PS · Problem Solving

505-555

Algebra

If $y^2 + 6y + 8$ is odd, then which one of the following could be the value of $y$ ?

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Explanation

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Official Explanation

Official

To determine which value of y makes the expression

y^2 + 6y + 8

odd, we first analyze the expression. The expression can be rewritten as follows:

The expression

y^2 + 6y + 8

is a quadratic polynomial.

We need to find when this expression is odd. An expression is odd if it equals 1 modulo 2.

We can check the parity (odd or even) of the expression based on the parity of y:

- If y is even, then y^2 is even, 6y is even, and 8 is even. Thus, the sum of even numbers is even.

- If y is odd, then y^2 is odd, 6y is even, and 8 is even. Thus, the sum of an odd number and two even numbers is odd.…

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Comments

2020MEB098Jan 2, 2025

good question

sprinkieeFeb 13, 2025

Can someone explain it other way?

MeiirkhanApr 10, 2025

Great!

ChynnaJan 18, 2025

got this wrong on my practice

FlorianAug 1, 2024

thank you taking time to upload it!

PalakJun 5, 2024

Great 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 y2+6y+8y^2 + 6y + 8y2+6y+8 is odd, then which one of the following could be the value of yyy?