If x and y are integers, and xy < 0, what is the value of x?

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Source: — Data Sufficiency |

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BTGmoderatorDC wrote:
Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:04 pm
If x and y are integers, and xy < 0, what is the value of x?

Statement 1: Five times the value of x is 17 more than 3 times the value of y
Statement 2. x is a perfect square

OA A

Source: e-GMAT
Given that xy < 0; one between x and y is positive and the other is negative,

Let's take each statement one by one.

1: Five times the value of x is 17 more than 3 times the value of y.

5x = 3y + 17

Note that y cannot be positive, else x would also be positive. Thus, y is negative and x is positive.

Let's compute the value of x from 5x = 3y + 17.

Case 1: Say y = –1

At y = –1, we have x = 14/5; invalid value as x is an integer

Case 2: Say y = –2

At y = –2, we have x = 11/5; invalid value as x is an integer

Case 3: Say y = –3

At y = –3, we have x = 8/5; invalid value as x is an integer

Case 4: Say y = –4

At y = –4, we have x = 1; valid value as x is an integer

So, we have x = 1. Sufficient.

2. x is a perfect square.

Certainly insufficient.

The correct answer: A

Hope this helps!

-Jay
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