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Is integer y > 0?

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Is integer y > 0?

by Vincen » Tue Dec 19, 2017 7:38 am
Is integer y > 0?

(1) -(2 + y) > 0

(2) (2 + y)^2 > 0

The OA is the option A.

How can I use statement (1) to get an answer? Can I get something from statement (2)? I need some help.
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by [email protected] » Tue Dec 19, 2017 12:31 pm
Hi Vincen,

To start, this question should really be posted in the DS Forum here: https://www.beatthegmat.com/data-sufficiency-f7.html

We're told that Y is an integer. We're asked if Y is greater than 0. This is a YES/NO question.

1) -(2 + Y) > 0

We can 'simplify' this inequality by multiplying both sides by -1, BUT we must 'flip' the inequality:

(2+Y) < 0
Y < -2

Since Y is LESS then -2, the answer to the question is ALWAYS NO.
Fact 1 is SUFFICIENT

2) (2 + Y)^2 > 0

Fact 2 gives us a 'squared term', meaning that the end result of that square will always be either 0 or positive. There's only one value that will NOT fit the given inequality: Y = -2 (meaning that Y can be ANYTHING except -2.
IF...
Y=1, then the answer to the question is YES
Y= -1, then the answer to the question is NO
Fact 2 is INSUFFICIENT

Final Answer: A

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Rich
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