f2001290 wrote:2. Is �x - y�>�x - z�?
(1) �y�>�z�
(2) x < 0

The real question is:

Is |x - y| > |x - z|?

(1) |y| > |z|.
(2) x < 0.

(1) |y| > |z|. Let's plug-in values for y and z that satisfy this statement. If y = 5 and z = 4, then the relation |x - y| > |x - z| is NOT true when x > 0, but it's true when x < 0. Since we don't know x, hence (1) is insufficient.

(2) If x < 0, let's plug-in x = -2, y = 5, z = 4, the relation |x - y| > |x - z| is TRUE, but when we plug-in x = -2, y = -5, z = 4, the relation |x - y| > |x - z| is NOT TRUE. Hence (2) is insufficient.

When taken together, it only amounts to what we've already tested and found in statement (2). Hence [spoiler](1) & (2) together is insufficient.

Tak(e, E).[/spoiler]