Algebra

[treker]

Let a, b, and c be negative integers. Is a^b - c^b < 0?

(1) b is an even integer.
(2) a < c

Pls explain your answers. Thanks

[Phirozz]

Let a, b, and c be negative integers. Is a^b - c^b < 0?

(1) b is an even integer.
(2) a < c

Pls explain your answers. Thanks

It cannot be answered from 1 alone because we dont know the relation between a and c

It cannot be answerd from 2 alone because we dont know whether b is even or odd
eg -3^-1 > -2^-1 but -3^-2 < -2^-2

So by combining both it can be answered