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Is (r^2)x>0?

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by Max@Math Revolution » Mon Jun 20, 2016 4:50 pm
Is (r^2)x>0?
1) r^5=1
2) x>0

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Source: — Data Sufficiency |

by Max@Math Revolution » Wed Jun 22, 2016 7:41 pm
There are two variables (r and x) in the original condition. In order to match the number of variables and the number of equations, we need 2 equations. Hence, the correct answer is C.


- Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. In DS, Variable approach is the easiest and quickest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember equal number of variables and independent equations ensures a solution.
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Fri Jun 24, 2016 10:16 am
Max@Math Revolution wrote:Is (r³)(x) > 0?

1) r� = 1
2) x > 0
Target question: Is (r³)(x) > 0?

Statement 1: r� = 1
This tells us that r = 1, however we don't know the value of x.
Let's TEST some values.
Case a: r = 1 and x = 1, in which case (r³)(x) = (1³)(1) = 1. Here, (r³)(x) > 0
Case b: r = 1 and x = -1, in which case (r³)(x) = (1³)(-1) = -1. Here, (r³)(x) < 0
Since we cannot answer the target question with certainty, statement 1 is NOT SUFFICIENT

Statement 2: x > 0
Okay, x is POSITIVE, however we don't know the value of r.
Let's TEST some values.
Case a: r = 1 and x = 1, in which case (r³)(x) = (1³)(1) = 1. Here, (r³)(x) > 0
Case b: r = -1 and x = 1, in which case (r³)(x) = (-1)³(1) = -1. Here, (r³)(x) < 0
Since we cannot answer the target question with certainty, statement 2 is NOT SUFFICIENT

Statements 1 and 2 combined
Statement 1 tells us that r = 1, which means r³ = 1
Statement 2 tells us that x is POSITIVE
This means that (r³)(x) = (1³)(POSITIVE) = SOME POSITVE #. In other words, (r³)(x) > 0
Since we can answer the target question with certainty, the combined statements are SUFFICIENT

Answer = C

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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