Hi All,
We're told that If (X)(Y)(Z) ≠0. We're asked for the value of (X^4)(Z^2) / (Z^2)(Y^2). This question can be approached in a number of different ways, including Algebra and TESTing VALUES.
To start, it's worth noting that none of the given variables can equal 0 and the term (Z^2) appears in both the numerator and denominator (meaning that it essentially 'cancels out' - and we're ultimately asked for the value of (X^4)/(Y^2).
1) Y^2 = X^4
The information in Fact 1 matches the two 'terms' that we need to have values for to answer the given question. Since these two items are equal, the question can be rewritten as "What is the value of (X^4)/(X^4)?" Since the numerator is divided by itself, the answer to the question is clearly "1." You can also use TEST IT to prove that the answer is always 1...
IF...
X=2 and Y=4, then the question becomes "What is the value of 16/16?" That fraction simplifies to 1 - and it will always simplify to 1 as long as you choose values that fit the given information.
Fact 1 is SUFFICIENT
(2) X = 2 and Y = 4
We can 'plug in' the values from Fact 2 - which would give us 16/16 = 1. Even if we didn't cancel out the Z^2 terms, we would have 16(Z^2)/16(Z^2), which is still 1.
Fact 2 is SUFFICIENT
Final Answer: D
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich