inequalities

[resilient]

b does not equal zero and a>b, is A>C?

1. a/b>a/c


2. 5ab>6bc


qa is e


however: why dont the b's cancel out on both statements?

[Stuart@KaplanGMAT]

b does not equal zero and a>b, is A>C?

1. a/b>a/c


2. 5ab>6bc


qa is e


however: why dont the b's cancel out on both statements?

Whenever you see an inequality, you should think to yourself "I better watch out for negatives!"

The reason we can't "cancel out" the Bs is because the method we actually use to "cancel out" is to multiply or divide both sides of the inequality by b. Since we don't know if b is positive or negative, we don't know what happens to the inequality.

For example, looking at statement (1):

a/b > c/b

To eliminate b, we need to multiply both sides by b.

If b>0, nothing funny happens and we end up with a > c.

however, if b<0 and we multiply both sides by b, we have to remember to swap the inequality, and we end up with a < c.

[resilient]

crystal clear! I have learned a ton!

[[email protected]]

I usally stumble a lot on inequalities .

Any suggestions on more guidelines that i can follow.


Peer

[resilient]

peer,

its best to listen to Stuart but also draw out the information also!

[sampleresume]

thanks.