If ab ≠0, does a=b?
(1) x^a = x^b
(2) x|a| = x|b|
The OA is the option E.
Why is not sufficient the first statement? Anyone, please clarify this to me. Thanks.
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If ab ≠0, does a=b?
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Hi All,
We're told that (A)(B) ≠0. We're asked if A = B. This is a YES/NO question. We can solve it by TESTing VALUES.
1) X^A = X^B
IF...
X=1, A=1, B=1, then the answer to the question is YES.
X=1, A=1, B= -1, then the answer to the question is NO.
Fact 1 is INSUFFICIENT
2) X|A| = X|B|
IF...
X=1, A=1, B=1, then the answer to the question is YES.
X=1, A=1, B= -1, then the answer to the question is NO.
Fact 2 is INSUFFICIENT
Combined, we already have two TESTs that 'fit' both Facts and provide different answers (one "YES" and one "NO"), so there's no additional work needed.
Combined, INSUFFICIENT
Final Answer: E
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
We're told that (A)(B) ≠0. We're asked if A = B. This is a YES/NO question. We can solve it by TESTing VALUES.
1) X^A = X^B
IF...
X=1, A=1, B=1, then the answer to the question is YES.
X=1, A=1, B= -1, then the answer to the question is NO.
Fact 1 is INSUFFICIENT
2) X|A| = X|B|
IF...
X=1, A=1, B=1, then the answer to the question is YES.
X=1, A=1, B= -1, then the answer to the question is NO.
Fact 2 is INSUFFICIENT
Combined, we already have two TESTs that 'fit' both Facts and provide different answers (one "YES" and one "NO"), so there's no additional work needed.
Combined, INSUFFICIENT
Final Answer: E
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
