If x ≠0, is y greater than 0?

[AAPL]

Source: Veritas Prep

$$\text{If }x \neq 0, \text{is }y\text{ greater than }0\ ?$$

$$(1)\ xy=24$$
$$(2)\ x-y=5$$

The OA is E.

[[email protected]]

Hi All,

We're told that X is NOT equal to 0. We're asked if Y is greater than 0. This is a YES/NO question. This question can be solved by with a mix of Number Properties and TESTing VALUES.

1) (X)(Y) = 24

IF....
X = postive and Y = positive, then the answer to the question is YES.
X = negative and Y = negative, then the answer to the question is NO.
Fact 1 is INSUFFICIENT

2) X - Y = 5

IF....
X = 6 and Y = 1, then the answer to the question is YES.
X = -1 and Y = -6, then the answer to the question is NO.
Fact 2 is INSUFFICIENT

Combined, we know...
(X)(Y) = 24
X and Y are either BOTH positive OR BOTH negative.
X - Y = 5

IF...
X = 8 and Y = 3, then the answer to the question is YES
X = -3 and Y = -8, then the answer to the question is YES
Combined, INSUFFICIENT

Final Answer: E

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich