Data Sufficiency

81. What is the value of | (x+5)/(x+7) |?
(1) x2 + 7x - 18 = 0
(2) 3x2 + 46x + 171 = 0


Hello, below is the explanation they gave but in the problem it says the absolute value of the given equation so I assumed when I solved Statement 1 it would be ok. Is it because it is 2 differnt numbers? Please explain your approach or logical thoughts



Statement (1)
x2 + 7x - 18 = 0
x = -9 and 2
For x = -9, | (x+5)/(x+7) | = 2
For x = 2, | (x+5)/(x+7) | = 7/9
Hence, NOT SUFFICIENT
Statement (2)
3x2 + 46x + 171 = 0
x = -19/3 or -9
For x = -19/3, | (x+5)/(x+7) | = 2
For x = -9, | (x+5)/(x+7) | = 2
In this question, if you assume that for different x, the value of | (x+5)/(x+7) | would be different every time you would be wrong. Be very careful with modulus.
Hence SUFFICIENT.
The correct answer is B;
statement 2 alone is sufficient.

Honestly, this question is not really something that you are going to see on the exam. The math is too laborious. Focus on questions that challenge you understanding of concepts, not complex math.