Problem Solving

If k^2 = m^2, which of the following must be true?

(A) k = m
(B) k = −m
(C) k = |m|
(D) k = −|m|
(E) |k| = |m|

Answer: Option E

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If k^2 = m^2, which of the following must be true?

(A) k = m
(B) k = −m
(C) k = |m|
(D) k = −|m|
(E) |k| = |m|



Since k^2=m^2 we have 0=k^2 - m^2 =(k-m)*(k+m). So k=m or k=-m.
So only (A) and only (B) cannot be an answer.
The choice (C) tells us that k should be greater than or equal to 0.
Similarly the choice (D) tells us that k should be less than or equal to 0.
So neither (C) nor (D) cannot be the answer.

The answer is, therefore, (E).


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