GmatPrep6

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by niksworth » Wed Sep 22, 2010 10:24 am
y = (x+a)(x+b) ----------(A)


At the intersection with X axis, y=0
So, We need to solve the equation (x+a)(x+b) = 0
or, x^2 + (a+b)x + ab = 0 ---------------(B)

Statement 1:
a+b = -1
Substituting in B,
=> x^2 - x +ab = 0 --------------(C)

We cannot solve C as ab is unknown

Insufficient.

Statement 2:
The graph intersects y axis at (0, -6)
=> Substituting in (A),
- 6 = (0 + a)(0 + b)
=> ab = -6 ------------(D)

Substituting in B,
x^2 + (a+b)x - 6 = 0 ---------------(E)

We cannot solve E as a+b is unknown.

Insufficient.

Statements 1 and 2 together:
From Statement 1,
a+b = -1,
From Statement 2,
ab = -6
Substituting in (B),
x^2 - x - 6 = 0

This equation can be solved to get x (3,-2).

Thus the points are (3,0) and (-2,0).

Thus 1 and 2 together are sufficient.

Ans C.
scio me nihil scire