Is a<b<c ?

This topic has expert replies
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 366
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2015 3:35 am
Thanked: 3 times
Followed by:2 members

Is a<b<c ?

by NandishSS » Wed Oct 05, 2016 9:42 pm
Is a<b<c ?

1. a-1 < b < c+1

2. a+1 < b< c-1

OA:B

Source-Math Revolution

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 15539
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pm
Location: New York, NY
Thanked: 13060 times
Followed by:1906 members
GMAT Score:790

by GMATGuruNY » Thu Oct 06, 2016 2:05 am
NandishSS wrote:Is a<b<c ?

1. a-1 < b < c+1

2. a+1 < b< c-1
Statement 1:
Let b=0.

Then:
a-1 < 0
a < 1.
c+1 > 0
c > -1.

Result:
a<1, b=0, c>-1.
It's possible that a=b=c=0, in which case the answer to the question stem is NO.
It's possible that a=-1, b=0 and c=1, in which case the answer to the question stem is YES.
INSUFFICIENT.

Statement 2:
Let b=0.

Then:
a+1 < 0
a < -1.
c-1 > 0
c > 1.

Since a<-1, b=0 and c>1, a<b<c.
The relationships in blue indicate that -- on a number line, regardless of the value of b -- a will always be MORE THAN ONE PLACE TO THE LEFT of b, and c will always be MORE THAN ONE PLACE TO THE RIGHT of b.
Thus, in every case, a<b<c.
SUFFICIENT.

The correct answer is B.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.

As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.

For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3