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If ab ≠ 0, does a=b?

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by M7MBA » Wed Jun 06, 2018 1:04 am

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If ab ≠ 0, does a=b?

(1) x^a = x^b
(2) x|a| = x|b|

The OA is the option E.

Why is not sufficient the first statement? Anyone, please clarify this to me. Thanks.
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Source: — Data Sufficiency |

by [email protected] » Wed Jun 06, 2018 8:31 pm
Hi All,

We're told that (A)(B) ≠ 0. We're asked if A = B. This is a YES/NO question. We can solve it by TESTing VALUES.

1) X^A = X^B

IF...
X=1, A=1, B=1, then the answer to the question is YES.
X=1, A=1, B= -1, then the answer to the question is NO.
Fact 1 is INSUFFICIENT

2) X|A| = X|B|

IF...
X=1, A=1, B=1, then the answer to the question is YES.
X=1, A=1, B= -1, then the answer to the question is NO.
Fact 2 is INSUFFICIENT

Combined, we already have two TESTs that 'fit' both Facts and provide different answers (one "YES" and one "NO"), so there's no additional work needed.
Combined, INSUFFICIENT

Final Answer: E

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at [email protected]
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