If y^2 - (y + 2)^2 = b, what is y in terms of… | GMAT Sprint

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PS · Problem Solving

sub-505

Algebra

If $y^2 - (y + 2)^2 = b$ , what is $y$ in terms of $b$ ?

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

b + 4

\frac{b + 2}{2}

-\frac{b + 4}{4}

Correct

\frac{b + 4}{2}

-\frac{b - 4}{2}

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Comments

deekshaJan 28, 2025

thanks

ChristopherFeb 25, 2025

thanks!

AymenApr 30, 2025

Amazing

JuanJan 15, 2025

Great

PatrickApr 13, 2024

taking my GMAT next month, this helps!

TJul 30

where do you get a 4y when expanding the square?

GuidoSep 3

thanks, this one was quick once you expand and combine the y terms

EndeAug 23

hmm i got a positive fraction, where did the negative come from? did i mess up moving things to the other side?

MirayaSep 6

check your signs when you bring the y^2 terms together, one of them ends up negative

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−(y+2)2=by^2 - (y + 2)^2 = by2−(y+2)2=b, what is yyy in terms of bbb ?