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Inequality problem

Expert replies
Source: — Data Sufficiency |

by kvcpk » Tue Jul 06, 2010 5:39 am
What is the value of y?

(1) 3|x^2 - 4| = y - 2

let x=2 -> y-2=0 -> y=2
let x=0 ->y-2=12 ->y=14

(2) |3 - y| = 11
let y>3
then -(3-y) = 11 ->y=14
let y<3
then (3-y)=11
y=-8

combining:
y=2+3|x^2 - 4|
there are only 2 possible values for y
14 and -8
let y=14
then 3|x^2 - 4|=12
|x^2 - 4|=4
this is possible only when x=0

let y=-8
then 3|x^2 - 4|=-10
|x^2 - 4| is positive.. SO product of 2 positives cannot equal -10

hence y is only 14

pick C
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