Hello, everyone:

I just received another student question that I think could benefit everyone. The question:

I am trying to solve a question, which is


Is mp greater than m?
(1) m>p>0
(2) p<1


> (1) Ins as if p and m are both fractions than mp <m and if p and m
> are integers than mp>m


> (2) Ins as no info re m.


Together I still think they are INS as m (eg ¾) could still be less
than 1 but greater than p (eg ½) so that mp
(3/8) is
less than m. But also mp could be greater than 1 if m (eg 50)


> Answer choice is C and not E(which I think is the correct answer)




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My response:

You'll kick yourself after this one, because I think it's a simple mistake you're making:

When you take them both together, knowing that p is between 0 and 1, then multiplying m by p will always make m smaller.

The question asks if mp is greater than m, but the way you're describing it it sounds like you're trying to determine whether mp is greater than 1.

Think of it this way - if p is between 0 and 1, it's like a percentage (say, from 1% or 1/100 to 99% or 99/100). Whatever the value of m, if you take 1% of it or 99% of it, you're taking less than all of it, and it will be smaller as a result.

I hope that helps... Ultimately, I think you talked yourself by the end into answering the wrong question (is mp > 1 and not is mp > m).

Cheers,
Brian