BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Is |m-n|=|m|-|n| ?

Expert replies
by Max@Math Revolution » Wed Dec 19, 2018 11:47 pm

Timer

00:00

Answers

A

B

C

D

E

Stats

Difficulty

[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

Is |m-n|=|m|-|n| ?

1) m-n = 0
2) n = 0
Join the discussion
Source: — Data Sufficiency |

Is |m-n|=|m|-|n| ?

by fskilnik@GMATH » Thu Dec 20, 2018 2:00 am
Max@Math Revolution wrote:[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

Is |m-n|=|m|-|n| ?

1) m-n = 0
2) n = 0
$$\left| {m - n} \right|\,\,\mathop = \limits^? \,\,\left| m \right| - \left| n \right|$$
$$\left( 1 \right)\,\,m - n = 0\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\,\left| {m - n} \right| = \left| 0 \right| = 0\,\,\,\mathop = \limits^{m = n} \,\,\,\left| m \right| - \left| m \right|\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\,\left\langle {{\rm{YES}}} \right\rangle $$
$$\left( 2 \right)\,\,n = 0\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\,\left| {m - n} \right| = \left| m \right| = \left| m \right| - \left| 0 \right|\,\,\,\mathop = \limits^{n = 0} \,\,\,\left| m \right| - \left| n \right|\,\,\,\, \Rightarrow \,\,\,\,\left\langle {{\rm{YES}}} \right\rangle $$

The correct answer is therefore (D).


This solution follows the notations and rationale taught in the GMATH method.

Regards,
Fabio.
Fabio Skilnik :: GMATH method creator ( Math for the GMAT)
English-speakers :: https://www.gmath.net
Portuguese-speakers :: https://www.gmath.com.br
Join the discussion

by Max@Math Revolution » Sun Dec 23, 2018 6:05 pm
=>

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question.

Squaring both sides of |m - n| = |m| - |n| yields
|m-n|^2=(|m|-|n|)^2
=> (m-n)^2=(|m|-|n|)^2
=> m^2+n^2-2mn=|m|^2+|n|^2-2|mn|
=> m^2+n^2-2mn=m^2+n^2-2|mn|
=> -2mn=-2|mn|
=> mn=|mn|
=> mn ≥ 0

Condition 1):
m - n = 0 implies that m = n. So mn = n^2 ≥ 0 for all values of n.
Condition 1) is sufficient.

Condition 2):
If n = 0, then 0 = mn ≥ 0.
Condition 2) is sufficient.
Therefore, the correct answer is D.
Answer: D
Join the discussion