Cheeky approach to few tricky problems-4

This topic has expert replies
User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 134
Joined: Fri Apr 06, 2012 3:11 am
Thanked: 35 times
Followed by:5 members
If X = [(1728)^2 (392) + (392)^2 (532) + (532)^2 (1728)] & Y = 3.1728.392.532, then

A. X > Y
B. X < Y
C. X > Y
D. X < Y
E. X = Y
-----------------------------------------------------
Hit & Trial Approach...


This question wants to test your knowledge about relationship betn. (a^2 b + b^2 c + c^2 a) & 3abc.

Whether (a^2 b + b^2 c + c^2 a) < > = 3abc ?

Simple take random values of a, b, & c as say 1, 2, & 3.

This gives (a^2 b + b^2 c + c^2 a) = 23;

Whereas 3abc = 3.1.2.3 = 18.

So (a^2 b + b^2 c + c^2 a) > 3abc for this set of values. You may try for other sets of smaller values. If X > Y is true always,

then [(1728)^2 (392) + (392)^2 (532) + (532)^2 (1728)] > 3.1728.392.532

Take Away...

For any set of +ive values of a, b, & c => (a^2 b + b^2 c + c^2 a) > 3abc
Shalabh Jain,
e-GMAT Instructor
Source: — Problem Solving |

Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2011 4:47 am

by ankitarath » Mon Apr 09, 2012 11:12 am
Hi ,

Approach is easy one.

But, I have a doubt. What is the answer? Is it x>= y ( as stated in your take away) or x>y?

User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 134
Joined: Fri Apr 06, 2012 3:11 am
Thanked: 35 times
Followed by:5 members

by Shalabh's Quants » Wed Apr 11, 2012 4:34 am
ankitarath wrote:Hi ,

Approach is easy one.

But, I have a doubt. What is the answer? Is it x>= y ( as stated in your take away) or x>y?
In the present case...Answer is x > y. X = Y only if a = b = c, which is not the case in this qustion.
Shalabh Jain,
e-GMAT Instructor