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If X and Y are both integers different from zero,

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by Vincen » Mon Oct 16, 2017 6:37 am
If X and Y are both integers different from zero, what is the value of (X + 2Y)?

$$(1)\ X^4=Y^4\ .$$
$$(2)\ X=5\ .$$

The OA is E. Why is E?

Statement (1) tell us that X=Y and statement (2) tell us X=5=Y. So, X+2Y=15. Am I wrong?
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Source: — Data Sufficiency |

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Mon Oct 16, 2017 6:43 am
Vincen wrote:If X and Y are both integers different from zero, what is the value of (X + 2Y)?

$$(1)\ X^4=Y^4\ .$$
$$(2)\ X=5\ .$$

The OA is E. Why is E?

Statement (1) tell us that X=Y and statement (2) tell us X=5=Y. So, X+2Y=15. Am I wrong?
Even though X^4 = Y^4, we cannot conclude that X = Y
For example, (5)^4 = (-5)^4, but we can't say that 5 = -5

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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