If \(-1 < x < 0,\) which of the following is correct?

This topic has expert replies
Moderator
Posts: 2058
Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2017 4:24 am
Thanked: 1 times
Followed by:5 members

Timer

00:00

Your Answer

A

B

C

D

E

Global Stats

If \(-1 < x < 0,\) which of the following is correct?

A. \(x^{−3} < x^{−2} < x^{−1}\)

B. \(x^{−1} < x^{−2} < x^{−3}\)

C. \(x^{−1} < x^{−3} < x^{−2}\)

D. \(x^{−2} < x^{−3} < x^{−1}\)

E. \(x^{−3} < x^{−1} < x^{−2}\)

[spoiler]OA=E[/spoiler]

Source: Magoosh
Source: — Problem Solving |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 3008
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2016 6:19 am
Location: Grand Central / New York
Thanked: 470 times
Followed by:34 members
M7MBA wrote:
Sun Jun 21, 2020 2:11 pm
If \(-1 < x < 0,\) which of the following is correct?

A. \(x^{−3} < x^{−2} < x^{−1}\)

B. \(x^{−1} < x^{−2} < x^{−3}\)

C. \(x^{−1} < x^{−3} < x^{−2}\)

D. \(x^{−2} < x^{−3} < x^{−1}\)

E. \(x^{−3} < x^{−1} < x^{−2}\)

[spoiler]OA=E[/spoiler]

Source: Magoosh
Let's assume a suitable value within the range of \(-1 < x < 0\). Say \(x=-1/3\)

So, we have

\(x^{−1}= {(-1/3)}^{(-1)} = -3\);
\(x^{−2}= {(-1/3)}^{(-2)} = 9\);
\(x^{−3}= {(-1/3)}^{(-3)} = -27\)

We see that\(x^{−3} < x^{−1} < x^{−2}\), i.e. option E.

Correct answer: E

Hope this helps!

-Jay
_________________
Manhattan Review GMAT Prep

Locations: Manhattan SAT | GMAT Practice Questions | GRE Practice Test | LSAT Info | and many more...

Schedule your free consultation with an experienced GMAT Prep Advisor! Click here.