rommysingh wrote:Is xy > x²y²?
(1) 14x² = 3
(2) y² = 1
xy > x²y² only if xy≠0, with the result that x²y² > 0 (since the square of a nonzero value must be positive).
Thus, we can safely divide each side by x²y², which must be a POSITIVE value:
(xy)/(x²y²) > (x²y²)/(x²y²)
1/xy > 1.
1/xy > 1 only if xy is a POSITIVE FRACTION between 0 and 1.
Question stem, rephrased:
Is xy a positive fraction between 0 and 1?
Statement 1: x² = 3/14, implying that x = ±√(3/14).
Statement 2: y² = 1, implying that y = ±1.
Both statements are satisfied if x=√(3/14) and y=1.
In this case, xy = √(3/14), which is a positive fraction between 0 and 1.
Both statements are satisfied if x=√(3/14) and y=-1.
In this case, xy = -√(3/14), which is NOT a positive fraction between 0 and 1.
Thus, the two statements combined are INSUFFICIENT.
The correct answer is
E.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at
[email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3