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Is x + y > 6?

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by Vincen » Mon Sep 25, 2017 7:18 pm
Is x + y > 6?

(1) x + 2y > 8

(2) 2x + y > 8

The OA is E.

If we take both statements we can add each equation and we'll get 3x+3y>16, so x+y > 5.3333.
So we can conclude that x+y is not greater than 6. So, the answer should be C. Where did I a mistake?
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Source: — Data Sufficiency |

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Tue Sep 26, 2017 7:15 am
Vincen wrote:Is x + y > 6?

(1) x + 2y > 8

(2) 2x + y > 8

The OA is E.

If we take both statements we can add each equation and we'll get 3x+3y>16, so x+y > 5.3333.
So we can conclude that x+y is not greater than 6. So, the answer should be C. Where did I a mistake?
Your analysis is perfect.
When we combine the statements, we learn that x+y > 5.3333...
So, x+y could equal 5.5 , in which case x+y is NOT greater than 6
Or x+y could equal 7 , in which case x+y IS greater than 6

Since we cannot answer the target question with certainty, the statements COMBINED are not sufficient.

Answer: E

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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