yezz wrote:
If \(a < y < z < b\), is \(|y - a | < |y - b |\) ?
(1) \(|z - a | < |z - b |\)
(2) \(|y - a | < |z - b |\)
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.
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https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details.
The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question. We should simplify conditions if necessary.
We can figure out the followings from the original condition.
|y-a| < |z-a| and |z-b| < |y-b|.
Condition 1)
We have |y-a| < |z-a| < |z-b| < |y-b|.
The answer is "yes".
Since condition 1) yields a unique solution, it is sufficient.
Condition 2)
We have |y-a| < |z-b| < |y-b|.
The answer is "yes".
Since condition 2) yields a unique solution, it 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.
No offense, your approach don't work in most of the questions. You only selectivly post to few questions. I have been following your posts. GMAT is not that easy. So don't ALWAYS request us to "forget about conventional approach".
The variable approach will work on maximum 2 questions out of 14/15 questions in the entire test. How do I get a Q51 depending on your approach?
But our conventional approach like algebra, number picking and visualization can do all the DS questions on the test.