Data Sufficiency

If p is an integer and m= -p+(-2)^p

Is m^3 > 1 ?

1.p is even.

2.p^3 <= -1

We have to found whether m^3>1. If m^3>1 then we have a yes, if m^3<=1, then we have a no.

1. Put p=0 in the equation m= -p+(-2)^p, you get m=1, so m^3=1, so the answer is no.
Put p=2 in the equation m= -p+(-2)^p, you get m=2, so m^3=8, so the answer is yes.
Since we do not have a definite answer, statement 1 is not sufficient.

2. p^3<=-1 can be written as:
a. p^3=-1, so p=-1. Put p=-1 in the equation m= -p+(-2)^p, you get m=3/2, so m^3>1, so the answer is yes.
b. p^3<-1, so p<-1. Put p=-2 (since p could only be an integer) in the equation m= -p+(-2)^p, you get m=9/4, so m^3>1, so the answer is yes.
Since we have a definite yes, statement 2 is sufficient.

So, the answer is B .

Hi Sahil,

Thanks for your ans & that is the correct ans.

but my Q is zero is neither even nor odd

so how can we put p=0 ?


Please suggest

thanks & Regards
~Himu.

himu wrote:Hi Sahil,

Thanks for your ans & that is the correct ans.

but my Q is zero is neither even nor odd

so how can we put p=0 ?


Please suggest

thanks & Regards
~Himu.

Hi Himu,

Any number divisible by 2 is even. So, 0 is even.
Any number not divisible by 2 is odd.

I would recommend everyone to read page 108 of OG 13 at least once before going for the actual GMAT exam.