If 0 < a < b is a < 10?


(1) 1/a + 1/b = 5

(2) 1/a > 1/10
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Statement 1: as \(a\) & \(b\) are positive and \(a<b\), so reciprocal of \(a\) & \(b\) will be \(\frac{1}{a}>\frac{1}{b}\) ------(1)
Now adding \(\frac{1}{a}\) to both sides of eq.1

therefore \(\frac{1}{a}\) \(+\) \(\frac{1}{a}\)\(>\)\(\frac{1}{b}\) \(+\) \(\frac{1}{a}\), or

\(\frac{2}{a}>5\) (as \(\frac{1}{a} +\frac{1}{b} =5\)). Hence \(a<\frac{2}{5}\)
Therefore \(a<10\). Sufficient

Statement 2: \(\frac{1}{a}>\frac{1}{10}\), cross multiplying
\(a<10\). Sufficient

Option \(D\)

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.

If a quetions is an inequality, inequalities in the original conditions are considered as equations.
Since we have 2 variables ( a and b ) and 1 equation, D is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider each of the conditions on their own first.

Since 0 < a < b, we have 1/a > 1/b > 0

Condition 1)
Since 1/a + 1/b = 5 and 1/a > 1/b, we have 1/a > 5/2 or a < 2/5.
Thus a < 2/5 < 10.
Condition 1) is sufficient.

Condition 2)
Since a > 0 and 1/a > 1/10, we have a < 10.
Condition 2) is sufficient.

Therefore, D is the answer.

If the original condition includes “1 variable”, or “2 variables and 1 equation”, or “3 variables and 2 equations” etc., one more equation is required to answer the question. If each of conditions 1) and 2) provide an additional equation, there is a 59% chance that D is the answer, a 38% chance that A or B is the answer, and a 3% chance that the answer is C or E. Thus, answer D (conditions 1) and 2), when applied separately, are sufficient to answer the question) is most likely, but there may be cases where the answer is A,B,C or E.
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