Inequalities question

This topic has expert replies
Source: — Data Sufficiency |

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 » Wed Aug 07, 2013 8:57 am
If x, y, and z are integers and xy+z is an odd integer, is x an even integer?

1) xy+xz is an even integer
2) y+xz is an odd integer
Statement 1: xy + xz is even
(xy + xz) - (xy + z) = even - odd
xz - z = odd
z(x-1) = odd.
Since odd*odd = odd, x-1 must be odd, implying that x itself is even.
SUFFICIENT.

Statement 2: y + xz is odd
(y + xz) + (xy + z) = odd + odd
y + x(z+y) + z = even
x(y+z) + (y+z) = even
(y+z)(x+1) = even.
Since it's possible that x+1 is even or that x+1 is odd, we cannot determine whether x is even.
INSUFFICIENT.

The correct answer is A.
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