Is M < 0?

[vittalgmat]

Is M < 0 ?

1. -M = |-M|
2. M^2 = 9


[spoiler]OA: C.
The explanation for 1 says M should be -ve or 0.
Though I guessed C !!, I am not perfectly clear with stmt 1.
How can I test it by plugging in values??
Someone pls explain.
thanks[/spoiler]
Source: Gmatclub: m01 q17

[cramya]

Stmt I

-M = |-M|

Take any positive value this will not be true

M= 2

-M = -2

|-M| = |-2| = 2

-M <> |-M|

It will be true for only 0 and negative values

M=-2

-M = -(-2) = 2

|-M| = |-(-2)| = |2| = 2

-M = |-M|


I am sure u got smt II insufficiency already

Using stmt II together wiht stmt I u cal eliminate M being 0 or +3 therefore M is negative and < 0.


Hope this helps!

[vittalgmat]

Thanks Cramya. Now it is clear. When I initially looked at the problem, I started questioning "how can the Absolute of number be -ve"!! . Now I am clear.