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# If a and b are different integers, what is the value of a?

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Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 43917
If a and b are different integers, what is the value of a? [#permalink]

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25 Sep 2017, 22:42
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If a and b are different integers, what is the value of a?

(1) b > 1
(2) a^2 = ab
[Reveal] Spoiler: OA

_________________
Senior Manager
Joined: 02 Jul 2017
Posts: 288
GMAT 1: 730 Q50 V38
Re: If a and b are different integers, what is the value of a? [#permalink]

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25 Sep 2017, 23:17
If a and b are different integers, what is the value of a?

(1) b > 1
Doesn't give any detail about a
Insufficient

(2) a^2 = ab
=> a^2-ab=0
=>a(a-b)=0
=> either a =0 or a-b=0 => a=b
As given a and b are different integers
a=0
Sufficient

Intern
Joined: 26 Sep 2017
Posts: 3
Re: If a and b are different integers, what is the value of a? [#permalink]

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26 Sep 2017, 10:16
If a and b are different integers, what is the value of a?

1. b > 1 - No information on a. Not sufficient.

2. a² = ab
a²/a = b
a = b. However, the value of b is unknown. Not sufficient.

1 + 2 Not sufficient. a=b, b>1. We haven't arrived at a value.

Ans: E.
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Joined: 25 Feb 2013
Posts: 948
Location: India
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Re: If a and b are different integers, what is the value of a? [#permalink]

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26 Sep 2017, 10:22
Manveetha wrote:
If a and b are different integers, what is the value of a?

1. b > 1 - No information on a. Not sufficient.

2. a² = ab
a²/a = b
a = b. However, the value of b is unknown. Not sufficient.

1 + 2 Not sufficient. a=b, b>1. We haven't arrived at a value.

Ans: E.

Hi Manveetha

For Statement 2 $$a^2=ab$$, you cannot directly divide by a because a=0 is a possibility and it is given in the question that a & b are different numbers. so a=b is not possible.

Hence $$a^2-ab=0$$, or $$a(a-b)=0$$

therefore either a=0 or a-b=0 i.e. a=b (not possible as per question)

Hence a=0
Re: If a and b are different integers, what is the value of a?   [#permalink] 26 Sep 2017, 10:22
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