mariofelixpasku wrote:Is √(x-5)² = 5-x?
(1) -x|x| > 0
(2) 5 - x > 0
It helps to know the following:
√ means the POSITIVE ROOT ONLY.
Thus, √(x²) = |x|.
|x-y| = the DISTANCE between x and y.
In the problem at hand:
√(x-5)² = |x-5| = the DISTANCE between x and 5.
A distance must be greater than or equal to 0.
5-x = the DIFFERENCE between 5 and x.
A difference can be negative, 0, or positive.
The DIFFERENCE between two values will be equal to the DISTANCE between the two values whenever the DIFFERENCE is greater than or equal to 0.
Thus, |x-5| = 5-x whenever 5-x≥0.
Question rephrased: Is x≤5?
Statement 1: -x|x| > 0
Since |x| cannot be negative, both factors (-x and |x|) must be positive.
Thus:
-x > 0
x<0.
Since x<0, we know that x≤5.
SUFFICIENT.
Statement 2: 5-x > 0
Thus, x<5.
SUFFICIENT.
The correct answer is
D.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at
[email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3