Is ab = a^2 ?, This can be rephrased as Is a = 0 or a = b ?
Statement 1) a^2 = b ^2
a = +b or - b, Not Sufficient!!
Statement 2) a^3 = b ^3
a can only be equal to b, Sufficient!!!
Answer B.
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Does ab = a^2
Source: Beat The GMAT — Data Sufficiency |
Statement I:
Possible solutions are a= b or a=-b. So, ab= a^2 or (-a^2). We cannot definitely answer the question. Not sufficient.
Statement II:
a^3 = b^3 means a=b. So, ab=a^2. Sufficient.
Possible solutions are a= b or a=-b. So, ab= a^2 or (-a^2). We cannot definitely answer the question. Not sufficient.
Statement II:
a^3 = b^3 means a=b. So, ab=a^2. Sufficient.
