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# 12 Easy Pieces (or not?)

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Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 57290
Re: 12 Easy Pieces (or not?)  [#permalink]

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04 Aug 2019, 13:58
Shef08 wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
4. If -3<x<5 and -7<y<9, which of the following represent the range of all possible values of y-x?
A. -4<y-x<4
B. -2<y-x<4
C. -12<y-x<4
D. -12<y-x<12
E. 4<y-x<12

To get max value of y-x take max value of y and min value of x: 9-(-3)=12;
To get min value of y-x take min value of y and max value of x: -7-(5)=-12;

Hence, the range of all possible values of y-x is -12<y-x<12.

Why is it not A? Can’t we simply subtract x from y? Then the answer will be A?

Posted from my mobile device

You can only apply subtraction when the signs of inequalities are in the opposite directions:

If $$a>b$$ and $$c<d$$ (signs in opposite direction: $$>$$ and $$<$$) --> $$a-c>b-d$$ (take the sign of the inequality you subtract from).
Example: $$3<4$$ and $$5>1$$ --> $$3-5<4-1$$.

You can only add inequalities when their signs are in the same direction:

If $$a>b$$ and $$c>d$$ (signs in same direction: $$>$$ and $$>$$) --> $$a+c>b+d$$.
Example: $$3<4$$ and $$2<5$$ --> $$3+2<4+5$$.

For more check Manipulating Inequalities.
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Manager
Joined: 01 Jan 2019
Posts: 57
Concentration: Finance, Economics
GPA: 3.24
Re: 12 Easy Pieces (or not?)  [#permalink]

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04 Aug 2019, 20:30
Bunuel wrote:
Shef08 wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
4. If -3<x<5 and -7<y<9, which of the following represent the range of all possible values of y-x?
A. -4<y-x<4
B. -2<y-x<4
C. -12<y-x<4
D. -12<y-x<12
E. 4<y-x<12

To get max value of y-x take max value of y and min value of x: 9-(-3)=12;
To get min value of y-x take min value of y and max value of x: -7-(5)=-12;

Hence, the range of all possible values of y-x is -12<y-x<12.

Why is it not A? Can’t we simply subtract x from y? Then the answer will be A?

Posted from my mobile device

You can only apply subtraction when the signs of inequalities are in the opposite directions:

If $$a>b$$ and $$c<d$$ (signs in opposite direction: $$>$$ and $$<$$) --> $$a-c>b-d$$ (take the sign of the inequality you subtract from).
Example: $$3<4$$ and $$5>1$$ --> $$3-5<4-1$$.

You can only add inequalities when their signs are in the same direction:

If $$a>b$$ and $$c>d$$ (signs in same direction: $$>$$ and $$>$$) --> $$a+c>b+d$$.
Example: $$3<4$$ and $$2<5$$ --> $$3+2<4+5$$.

For more check Manipulating Inequalities.

Thank you, Bunuel!
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Joined: 13 Apr 2019
Posts: 44
Location: India
Concentration: Marketing, Operations
GPA: 3.5
WE: General Management (Retail)
Re: 12 Easy Pieces (or not?)  [#permalink]

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04 Aug 2019, 20:44
1
Shef08 wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
4. If -3<x<5 and -7<y<9, which of the following represent the range of all possible values of y-x?
A. -4<y-x<4
B. -2<y-x<4
C. -12<y-x<4
D. -12<y-x<12
E. 4<y-x<12

To get max value of y-x take max value of y and min value of x: 9-(-3)=12;
To get min value of y-x take min value of y and max value of x: -7-(5)=-12;

Hence, the range of all possible values of y-x is -12<y-x<12.

Why is it not A? Can’t we simply subtract x from y? Then the answer will be A?

Posted from my mobile device

Here's how to solve using your approach:

A: -7<y<9
B: -3<x<5 this means B': -5<-x<3

A+B':: -12< y-x < 12

Never subtract or multiply or divide inequalities until you are sure of the sign. On the other hand, Addition can be done always irrespective of the sign.
Always use the addition approach on inequalities and never try to shortcut it by multiplying or dividing or subtracting
Manager
Joined: 01 Jan 2019
Posts: 57
Concentration: Finance, Economics
GPA: 3.24
Re: 12 Easy Pieces (or not?)  [#permalink]

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04 Aug 2019, 20:57
azhrhasan wrote:
Shef08 wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
4. If -3<x<5 and -7<y<9, which of the following represent the range of all possible values of y-x?
A. -4<y-x<4
B. -2<y-x<4
C. -12<y-x<4
D. -12<y-x<12
E. 4<y-x<12

To get max value of y-x take max value of y and min value of x: 9-(-3)=12;
To get min value of y-x take min value of y and max value of x: -7-(5)=-12;

Hence, the range of all possible values of y-x is -12<y-x<12.

Why is it not A? Can’t we simply subtract x from y? Then the answer will be A?

Posted from my mobile device

Here's how to solve using your approach:

A: -7<y<9
B: -3<x<5 this means B': -5<-x<3

A+B':: -12< y-x < 12

Never subtract or multiply or divide inequalities until you are sure of the sign. On the other hand, Addition can be done always irrespective of the sign.
Always use the addition approach on inequalities and never try to shortcut it by multiplying or dividing or subtracting

That’s a great insight! I’ll have this fitted in my brains! Thanks a ton
Re: 12 Easy Pieces (or not?)   [#permalink] 04 Aug 2019, 20:57

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