MGMT CAT4 absolute values question

[badpit]

Hello,

here is what I got on the Manhattan GMAT CAT 4 test:

If a and b are integers, and |a| > |b|, is a · |b| < a – b?

(1) a < 0
(2) ab >= 0

OA E

Ian, Stuart, can you resolve the question in the GMAT specified time of about 2-3 minutes per q and what strategies can we use on so extensive questions ?

[bluementor]

Hello,

here is what I got on the Manhattan GMAT CAT 4 test:

If a and b are integers, and |a| > |b|, is a · |b| < a – b?

(1) a < 0
(2) ab >= 0

OA E

Ian, Stuart, can you resolve the question in the GMAT specified time of about 2-3 minutes per q and what strategies can we use on so extensive questions ?

is a • |b| < a – b?

statement 1: a<0

if a = -2, b = -1, then a • |b| = -2 and (a-b) = -1. so, a • |b| < a – b. YES.
if a = -2, b = 0, then a • |b| = 0 and (a-b) = -2. so, a • |b| > a – b. NO.

insufficient.

statement 2: ab>= 0

again, there is a possibility of b=0. using the same reasoning for statement 1, statement 2 can be concluded as insufficient.

both statements together:

no new info provided. hence insufficient.

choose e.

-bm-

[badpit]

Thanks!!! this explanation helps a lot