If (x+3)(x-5) < 0, which of the following must be true?

A x < -3

B x > 5

C -3 < x < 5

D x < -3 or x > 5

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

The product of two terms is negative when one term is positive and the other is negative. This occurs when x+3 > 0 and x-5 < 0 (x > -3 and x < 5) or x+3 < 0 and x-5 > 0 (x < -3 and x > 5, which is impossible). Thus, -3 < x < 5.

💡 Why is C) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "If (x+3)(x-5) < 0, which of the following must be true?" is Option C: -3 < x < 5.

The other options — A) x < -3, B) x > 5, D) x < -3 or x > 5 — are incorrect for this GMAT Exam Prep question. As explained above: The product of two terms is negative when one term is positive and the other is negative. This occurs when x+3 > 0 and x-5 < 0 (x > -3 and x < 5) or x+3 < 0 and x-5 > 0 (x < -3 and x > 5, which is im…

📚 About This GMAT Exam Prep Practice Question

This 2-level GMAT Exam Prep question from the Quantitative Reasoning topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free GMAT Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

Practice GMAT Exam Prep Quizzes → Browse All Questions Study Flashcards

If (x+3)(x-5) < 0, which of the following must be true?

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

📚 About This GMAT Exam Prep Practice Question

Related GMAT Exam Prep Questions