(1) q = -s

This tells us that q and s are on opposite sides of zero, and that they are each equidistant from zero. For example, if q = -2, then s = 2. Then, r is clearly the variable that is closest to zero. In fact, if we assume that the distance between each letter is equal (which "looks" to be the case), then r IS zero.

Sufficient.

(2) -t< q

Then, either r or s can be closest to zero.

Insufficient.

The first statement is sufficient by itself while the second one is not.

Choose A.

1. q = -s. which means that q is a negative of s.

i.e. q+s = 0

if q = -3, s = 3, q+s = -3+3 = 0
if q = -5, s = 5, q+s = -5+5 = 0
.
.

Now coming to the prob, r is placed in between q and s. In the number line, 0 is in between negatives and positives. r is in between a negative and a positive. So, among the four values (q,r,s,t), r is the closest to 0.

Sufficient.

2. -t<q

q + t > 0. This gives us no useful information to determine whether r is closest to 0 or not.

Insufficient.

Hence A.

Is this question from GMAT Paper test?

irfan_m1973 wrote:

Of the four numbers represented on the number line above, is r closest to zero?

(1) q = -s

(2) -t< q


OA is A. pls explain