If xy+z = x(y+z) which of the following must be true?
A. x = 0 and Z = 0
B. x = 1 and y = 1
B. y = 1 and z = 0
D. x = 1 or y = 0
E. x = 1 or Z = 0
The key word here is
must.
So, for example, consider answer choice A. While it's possible that x = 0 and z = 0, it need not be the case.
For example, x=1, y=1 and z=1 is a solution to the equation. So, this eliminates A.
The solution . . .
Given: xy+z = x(y+z)
Expand: xy+z = xy + xz
Subtract xy from both sides: z = xz
Rearrange: xz - z = 0
Factor: z(x-1) = 0
This tells us that z = 0 or x = 1
Answer:
E
Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
