Data Sufficiency

BTGmoderatorDC wrote:If x is not equal to -y, is (x-y)/(x+y) > 1?

(1) x > 0
(2) y < 0

OA E

Source: Official Guide

Given: x ≠ -y or x + y ≠ 0.

We have to determine whether (x - y)/(x + y) > 1

Let's take each statement one by one.

(1) x > 0

Case 1: Say x = 1 and y = 2

Thus, we have (x - y)/(x + y) = (1 - 2)/(1 + 2) = -1/3 < 1. The asnwer is no.

Case 2: Say x = 2 and y = -1

Thus, we have (x - y)/(x + y) = (2 + 1)/(2 - 1) = 3 > 1. The asnwer is yes.

No unique answer. Insufficient.

(2) y < 0

Case 2: Say y = -1 and x = 2

Thus, we have (x - y)/(x + y) = (2 + 1)/(2 - 1) = 3 > 1. The asnwer is yes.

Case 2: Say y = -2 and x = 1

Thus, we have (x - y)/(x + y) = (1 + 2)/(1 - 2) = -3 < 1. The asnwer is no.

No unique answer. Insufficient.

(1) and (2) together

Both the cases discussed in Statement 2 are applicable here, too. Insufficient.

The correct answer: E

Hope this helps!

-Jay
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