If x> y and y > z, which of the following represents the greatest number?

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BTGmoderatorLU: Moderator; Posts: 2505; Joined: Sun Oct 15, 2017 1:50 pm; Followed by:6 members

If x> y and y > z, which of the following represents the greatest number?

by BTGmoderatorLU » Wed Sep 30, 2020 10:11 am

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Source: Official Guide

If x > y and y > z, which of the following represents the greatest number?

A. x − z
B. x − y
C. y − x
D. z − y
E. z − x

The OA is A

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Problem Solving | Wed Sep 30, 2020 10:11 am

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Scott@TargetTestPrep: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 8086; Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2015 10:56 am; Location: Los Angeles, CA; Thanked: 43 times; Followed by:29 members

Re: If x> y and y > z, which of the following represents the greatest number?

by Scott@TargetTestPrep » Fri Oct 09, 2020 9:11 am

BTGmoderatorLU wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 30, 2020 10:11 am
Source: Official Guide

If x > y and y > z, which of the following represents the greatest number?

A. x − z
B. x − y
C. y − x
D. z − y
E. z − x

The OA is A

Solution:

Since x > y > z, choices A and B will yield a positive result while choices C, D, and E will yield a negative result. Therefore, the correct answer is either A or B. Now we can let x = 3, y = 2 and z = 1 and check both choices A and B.

A. x - z = 3 - 1 = 2

B. y - z = 2 - 1 = 1

Because 2 > 1, we see that the correct answer is A.

Answer: A

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