manhatan gmat ds

Please confirm if I have got the question right...

Is Abs(A) + Abs(B) > Abs(A + B)?

The only cases this is possible are when A and B have different signs. If A & B have the same sign both sides of the equation will be equal.

St 1

A^2 > B^2

This statement reveals nothing about the sign of A & B. In other words all possible combinations of +ve and +ve numbers for A & B will satisfy St 1. So INSUFF, leaves us with B, C & E

St 2

Abs(A) * B < 0

So, B is -ve. But A could be both +Ve and -ve So INSUFF, leaves us with C & E

Taking 1 & 2 together, we still cannot determine the sign for A. So E

i got this question almost wrong. as I assumed a to be +ive (my fault)... Ian do u have a better soln? I prefer algebriac one..?

The best way to approach these problems is by using a number line and to think.

Basically you need to find out the signs of A and B. This is because if they are on opposite sides of the number line, the lAl + lBl will always = lA+Bl

If they are on the same side, lAl + lBl always > lA+Bl

1) Does not tell you about signs. Insignificant
2) Tells you B is negative, but does not tell you about A's sign

IMO E.
Just practice using number lines and these problems will get a lot easier.

mike22629 wrote:The best way to approach these problems is by using a number line and to think.

Basically you need to find out the signs of A and B. This is because if they are on opposite sides of the number line, the lAl + lBl will always = lA+Bl

If they are on the same side, lAl + lBl always > lA+Bl

1) Does not tell you about signs. Insignificant
2) Tells you B is negative, but does not tell you about A's sign

IMO E.
Just practice using number lines and these problems will get a lot easier.

Mike mentioned an important takeaway
I have highlighted it.

Thanks Mike.