Inequality problem

[selango]

Is x < z?

(1) x = (1/2)y

(2) y = 0.5z

There is a classical trap in this problem.

OA later

[kvcpk]

Is x < z?

(1) x = (1/2)y

(2) y = 0.5z

There is a classical trap in this problem.

OA later

A is directly INSUFFICIENT..no mention of Z

B is also INSUFFICIENT.. no mention of x

combining:
x=y/2
y=z/2
so x = z/4
for z=4, x=1 x<z
for z=0, x=0 so x=z

hence INSUFFICIENT

pick E

[bubbliiiiiiii]

Is x < z?

(1) x = (1/2)y

(2) y = 0.5z

There is a classical trap in this problem.

OA later

(I) x=(1/2)y - there is no 'y' in the question and hence nothing can be determined. Thus, INSUFFICIENT.

(II) y=0.5z - Same as point (I).

Combining (I) and (II)

We obtain a relationship between (I) and (II) as follows,

x=(1/2)(0.5)z
x=0.25z

Consider, x and z both to be positive, then x<z can be deduced.

But, consider x and z both to be negative, then x>z.

Since, nothing is given about the sign of the unknowns x and z, we can't conclude anything on the given inequality.

Thus, I would go with E.

Experts comments please.

Regards,

Pranay