S is a set of integers such that i) if a is in S, then

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S is a set of integers such that
i) if a is in S, then -a is in S, and
ii) if each of a and b is in S, then ab is in S.
Is -4 in S?

(1) 1 is in S.
(2) 2 is in S.

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by Ian Stewart » Sun Apr 28, 2019 12:16 am

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Using Statement 1 alone, if '1' is in the set, then from rule i), we can deduce that -1 is in the set. But then using rule ii), we can't generate any new values besides 1 and -1. So there are only two values, 1 and -1, that we can be certain are in the set, and we have no way to know if -4 is in the set.

Using Statement 2 alone, if '2' is in the set, then from rule i), we know that -2 is in the set, and then since 2 and -2 are both in the set, from rule ii) we know (2)(-2) = -4 is in the set. So Statement 2 is sufficient alone.
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