If b is an even integer is b < 0 ?
(1) b^2 - 4b + 4 < 16
(2) b^2 > 9
The OA is A.
I know the option (2) alone is not sufficient, but I could not determine if the statement (1) is sufficient. Can any expert help me here.
If b is an even integer is b < 0 ?
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Statement 1: b² - 4b + 4 < 16Vincen wrote:If b is an even integer is b < 0 ?
(1) b^2 - 4b + 4 < 16
(2) b^2 > 9
The OA is A.
I know the option (2) alone is not sufficient, but I could not determine if the statement (1) is sufficient. Can any expert help me here.
Rephrased:
(b-2)² < 16.
If b=-2, then (b-2)² = (-2-2)² = (-4)² = 16.
If b=-4, then (b-2)² = (-4-2)² = (-6)² = 36.
If b=-6, then (b-2)² = (-6-2)² = (-8)² = 64.
Notice the PATTERN.
When b=-2, (b-2)² = 16.
As b becomes more negative, (b-2)² becomes BIGGER.
Implication:
There is no negative even value for b such that (b-2)² < 16.
Since b cannot be negative, the answer to the question stem is NO.
SUFFICIENT.
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Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
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Dear Mitch,GMATGuruNY wrote:Statement 1: b² - 4b + 4 < 16Vincen wrote:If b is an even integer is b < 0 ?
(1) b^2 - 4b + 4 < 16
(2) b^2 > 9
The OA is A.
I know the option (2) alone is not sufficient, but I could not determine if the statement (1) is sufficient. Can any expert help me here.
Rephrased:
(b-2)² < 16.
If b=-2, then (b-2)² = (-2-2)² = (-4)² = 16.
If b=-4, then (b-2)² = (-4-2)² = (-6)² = 36.
If b=-6, then (b-2)² = (-6-2)² = (-8)² = 64.
Notice the PATTERN.
When b=-2, (b-2)² = 16.
As b becomes more negative, (b-2)² becomes BIGGER.
Implication:
There is no negative even value for b such that (b-2)² < 16.
Since b cannot be negative, the answer to the question stem is NO.
SUFFICIENT.
For statement 1:
If b = 0 ..........then 4 < 16
If b = 2...........then 0 < 16
If b = 4............then 4 <16
How come A is sufficient?????
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Sorry Mitch, I did not read your post thoroughly. :)Mo2men wrote:Dear Mitch,GMATGuruNY wrote:Statement 1: b² - 4b + 4 < 16Vincen wrote:If b is an even integer is b < 0 ?
(1) b^2 - 4b + 4 < 16
(2) b^2 > 9
The OA is A.
I know the option (2) alone is not sufficient, but I could not determine if the statement (1) is sufficient. Can any expert help me here.
Rephrased:
(b-2)² < 16.
If b=-2, then (b-2)² = (-2-2)² = (-4)² = 16.
If b=-4, then (b-2)² = (-4-2)² = (-6)² = 36.
If b=-6, then (b-2)² = (-6-2)² = (-8)² = 64.
Notice the PATTERN.
When b=-2, (b-2)² = 16.
As b becomes more negative, (b-2)² becomes BIGGER.
Implication:
There is no negative even value for b such that (b-2)² < 16.
Since b cannot be negative, the answer to the question stem is NO.
SUFFICIENT.
For statement 1:
If b = 0 ..........then 4 < 16
If b = 2...........then 0 < 16
If b = 4............then 4 <16
How come A is sufficient?????