If \(J, S,\) and \(V\) are points on the number line, what is the distance between \(S\) and \(V?\)

[Vincen]

If \(J, S,\) and \(V\) are points on the number line, what is the distance between \(S\) and \(V?\)

(1) The distance between \(J\) and \(S\) is 20.
(2) The distance between \(J\) and \(V\) is 25.

Answer: E

Source: Official Guide

[Scott@TargetTestPrep]

If \(J, S,\) and \(V\) are points on the number line, what is the distance between \(S\) and \(V?\)

(1) The distance between \(J\) and \(S\) is 20.
(2) The distance between \(J\) and \(V\) is 25.

Answer: E

Source: Official Guide

Solution:

Question Stem Analysis:

We need to determine the distance between S and V, given that they are points on the number line along with J.

Statement One Alone:

Since we don’t know anything about point V, statement one alone is not sufficient.

Statement Two Alone:

Since we don’t know anything about point S, statement two alone is not sufficient.

Statements One and Two Together:

Both statements together are still not sufficient. For example, if J is between S and V, then the distance between S and V is 20 + 25 = 45. However, if J is to the right (or to the left) of both S and V, then the distance between S and V is 25 - 20 = 5.

Answer: E