variables

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variables

by naaga » Wed Feb 18, 2009 6:34 pm
If moudlus x+2 = 4, what is the value of x ?

1. x^2 doesn't equal to 4

2. x^2 = 36


folks plz help me out ....


OA is D
Source: — Data Sufficiency |

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by anishprabhu » Wed Feb 18, 2009 7:21 pm
modulus x+2 = 4

Thus x+2 = + 4
or
X + 2 = -4

Solving we have X = 6 or X = -2

From A. we know X = +2 or - 2
We can conclude x = -2
A is Sufficient.

From B. x = +6 or -6

thus x = 6
B. Sufficient.

Hence its D

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Modulus works!

by kanha81 » Thu Feb 19, 2009 4:16 pm
I am going to say absolute value (abs) instead of modulus.

q: abs(x+2) = 4, x = ?
(i) x^2 <> 4
=> (x-2)(x+2) <> 0
=> x-2 <> 0 or x+2 <> 0
=> x <> 2 or x <> -2
=> we can conclude abs(x) <> 2

now, x>0: x+2 = 4
=> x = 2, but abs(x) <> 2. hence not possible

x<0: x+2 = -4
=> x = -6. our answer. So, [A] or [D]

(ii) x^2 = 36
=> x = 6 or x = -6

now, x>0: subst. x=6 in abs(x+2)=abs(8) <> 4. hence not possible

x<0: subst. x=-6 in abs(x+2)=abs(-6+2)=abs(-4)=4=rhs. our answer

in both the cases the answer MUST be the same. Hence x=-6

hence [D]
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