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Is x^2>y^2?

Expert replies
by Max@Math Revolution » Sun Jul 03, 2016 4:54 am
Is x^2>y^2?
1) x<y
2) -y>x

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Source: — Data Sufficiency |

by 800_or_bust » Sun Jul 03, 2016 10:23 am
Max@Math Revolution wrote:Is x^2>y^2?
1) x<y
2) -y>x

*An answer will be posted in 2 days.
(1) Not suffiient. x = -3, y = 1, answer to prompt: YES; x = 1, y = 3, answer to prompt: NO
(2) Not sufficient. x = 2, y = -3, answer to prompt: NO; x = -3, y = 2; answer to prompt: YES

Combined (1) & (2): +/-y > x --> Implies x must be a negative number with an absolute value greater than y, since y is greater than x even if we multiple it by -1. Since |x| > |y|, the prompt question must always be true. Answer: C
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by Max@Math Revolution » Mon Jul 04, 2016 10:36 pm
From the original condition, we can see that there are 2 variables. 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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