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

Redeem

Abstract number problem

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 85
Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2012 11:12 am
Thanked: 8 times
Followed by:2 members

Abstract number problem

by Anindya Madhudor » Wed Nov 14, 2012 8:25 pm
I am wondering whether there is any systematic approach to the following problem. I am afraid if i start with numbers for similar problems, i am going to miss something out.

If x>y^2>z^4, which of the following statement could be true?
I. x>y>y
II. z>y>x
III. x>z>y

a) I only
b) I and II only
c) I and III only
d) II and III only
e) I, II, and III

OA: E
Top
Source: — Problem Solving |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 3835
Joined: Fri Apr 02, 2010 10:00 pm
Location: Milpitas, CA
Thanked: 1854 times
Followed by:523 members
GMAT Score:770

by Anurag@Gurome » Thu Nov 15, 2012 4:55 am
Anindya Madhudor wrote:I am wondering whether there is any systematic approach to the following problem. I am afraid if i start with numbers for similar problems, i am going to miss something out.

If x>y^2>z^4, which of the following statement could be true?
I. x>y>y
II. z>y>x
III. x>z>y

a) I only
b) I and II only
c) I and III only
d) II and III only
e) I, II, and III

OA: E
(I) x > y^2
  • Certainly for integer values of x and y, x is always greater than y. But what about fractional values> f y is a fraction then y^2 is < y. Now always there is a fraction x, such that y > x > y^2. Thus for fractional values x may be less than y. Therefore regarding the relation between x and y all of the options could be true.
(II) x > z^4
  • Same logic as above.
(II) y^2 > z^4
  • This directly implies y > z^2. Now again apply same logic as above.
The correct answer is E.
Anurag Mairal, Ph.D., MBA
GMAT Expert, Admissions and Career Guidance
Gurome, Inc.
1-800-566-4043 (USA)

Join Our Facebook Groups
GMAT with Gurome
https://www.facebook.com/groups/272466352793633/
Admissions with Gurome
https://www.facebook.com/groups/461459690536574/
Career Advising with Gurome
https://www.facebook.com/groups/360435787349781/
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1