GMAT Question of the Day - Daily to your Mailbox; hard ones only

 It is currently 14 Oct 2019, 12:09

### GMAT Club Daily Prep

#### Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

# If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?

Author Message
TAGS:

### Hide Tags

GMAT Tutor
Status: Tutor - BrushMyQuant
Joined: 05 Apr 2011
Posts: 622
Location: India
Concentration: Finance, Marketing
Schools: XLRI (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q51 V31
GPA: 3
WE: Information Technology (Computer Software)
Re: If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

07 Jan 2017, 09:07
1
Top Contributor
1
|a-b|>|a+b| will be true only when a and b have different signs, as when we are doing
-> |a-b| we are actually adding the values of a and b and
-> |a+b| we are actually subtracting the values of a and b.

STAT1
ab < 0 => a and b have different signs
SUFFICIENT

STAT2
a > b
a and b can have the same sign or can have different signs too
example:
1. a = 7 b = 2 => a> b
but |a-b|<|a+b| (|5| < |9|)
2. a = 7 b = -2 => a> b
|a-b|>|a+b| (|9| > |5|)
So, INSUFFICIENT

Hope it helps!
nayanparikh wrote:
If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b|>|a+b|?

1) ab < 0
2) a > b

Can any one please provide explanation on how to solve these type of questions ?
@Bunnel ?

_________________
Intern
Joined: 18 Jan 2017
Posts: 32
Re: If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

13 Mar 2017, 10:21
nayanparikh wrote:
If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b|>|a+b|?

1) ab < 0
2) a > b

Can any one please provide explanation on how to solve these type of questions ?
@Bunnel ?

Bunnel has already explained that squaring both the sides of this inequality is the easiest.

What I did was that for the following to be true:
|a-b|>|a+b|

Quick substitution of values tells us that the above inequality will be true only when a and b are of opposite signs. We can try a=1, b=-2 OR a=-2, b=1

So, the question basically is if a and b are of opposite signs.

(1) says ab < 0. This clearly means that b are of opposite signs. So sufficient.

(2) says a > b. This does not tell us that b are of opposite signs. So not sufficient.
Manager
Joined: 13 Dec 2013
Posts: 144
Location: United States (NY)
Schools: Cambridge"19 (A)
GMAT 1: 710 Q46 V41
GMAT 2: 720 Q48 V40
GPA: 4
WE: Consulting (Consulting)
If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

15 Apr 2017, 11:12
Bunuel wrote:
If $$ab ≠ 0$$, is $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$?

Square $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$ (we can safely do this since both sides are nonnegative): is $$a^2 - 2ab + b^2 > a^2 +2ab + b^2$$ --> is $$ab < 0$$?

(1) $$ab < 0$$. Directly answers the question. Sufficient.

(2) $$a > b$$. Not sufficient to say whether ab < 0.

Hi Bunuel, to confirm, the sign of the sides matters because if we multiply by a -ve, then the inequality sign would need to flip, correct?
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 58320
Re: If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

15 Apr 2017, 11:17
3
Cez005 wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
If $$ab ≠ 0$$, is $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$?

Square $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$ (we can safely do this since both sides are nonnegative): is $$a^2 - 2ab + b^2 > a^2 +2ab + b^2$$ --> is $$ab < 0$$?

(1) $$ab < 0$$. Directly answers the question. Sufficient.

(2) $$a > b$$. Not sufficient to say whether ab < 0.

Hi Bunuel, to confirm, the sign of the sides matters because if we multiply by a -ve, then the inequality sign would need to flip, correct?

We can raise both parts of an inequality to an even power if we know that both parts of an inequality are non-negative (the same for taking an even root of both sides of an inequality).
For example:
$$2<4$$ --> we can square both sides and write: $$2^2<4^2$$;
$$0\leq{x}<{y}$$ --> we can square both sides and write: $$x^2<y^2$$;

But if either of side is negative then raising to even power doesn't always work.
For example: $$1>-2$$ if we square we'll get $$1>4$$ which is not right. So if given that $$x>y$$ then we cannot square both sides and write $$x^2>y^2$$ if we are not certain that both $$x$$ and $$y$$ are non-negative.

Check the link below for more:
Inequality tips
_________________
Intern
Joined: 14 Jun 2016
Posts: 6
Re: If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

17 Apr 2017, 23:54
Bunuel wrote:
If $$ab ≠ 0$$, is $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$?

Square $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$ (we can safely do this since both sides are nonnegative): is $$a^2 - 2ab + b^2 > a^2 +2ab + b^2$$ --> is $$ab < 0$$?

(1) $$ab < 0$$. Directly answers the question. Sufficient.

(2) $$a > b$$. Not sufficient to say whether ab < 0.

Hai,
I am new here. I have a doubt. Where are the options mentioned, I don't see any A,B,C,D and E beneath the questions.
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 58320
Re: If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

18 Apr 2017, 02:11
subhash29 wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
If $$ab ≠ 0$$, is $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$?

Square $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$ (we can safely do this since both sides are nonnegative): is $$a^2 - 2ab + b^2 > a^2 +2ab + b^2$$ --> is $$ab < 0$$?

(1) $$ab < 0$$. Directly answers the question. Sufficient.

(2) $$a > b$$. Not sufficient to say whether ab < 0.

Hai,
I am new here. I have a doubt. Where are the options mentioned, I don't see any A,B,C,D and E beneath the questions.

This is a data sufficiency question. Options for DS questions are always the same.

The data sufficiency problem consists of a question and two statements, labeled (1) and (2), in which certain data are given. You have to decide whether the data given in the statements are sufficient for answering the question. Using the data given in the statements, plus your knowledge of mathematics and everyday facts (such as the number of days in July or the meaning of the word counterclockwise), you must indicate whether—

A. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
B. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
C. BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
E. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional data specific to the problem are needed.

I suggest you to go through the following post ALL YOU NEED FOR QUANT.

Hope this helps.
_________________
Intern
Joined: 14 Jun 2016
Posts: 6
Re: If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

18 Apr 2017, 09:15
Bunuel wrote:
subhash29 wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
If $$ab ≠ 0$$, is $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$?

Square $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$ (we can safely do this since both sides are nonnegative): is $$a^2 - 2ab + b^2 > a^2 +2ab + b^2$$ --> is $$ab < 0$$?

(1) $$ab < 0$$. Directly answers the question. Sufficient.

(2) $$a > b$$. Not sufficient to say whether ab < 0.

Hai,
I am new here. I have a doubt. Where are the options mentioned, I don't see any A,B,C,D and E beneath the questions.

This is a data sufficiency question. Options for DS questions are always the same.

The data sufficiency problem consists of a question and two statements, labeled (1) and (2), in which certain data are given. You have to decide whether the data given in the statements are sufficient for answering the question. Using the data given in the statements, plus your knowledge of mathematics and everyday facts (such as the number of days in July or the meaning of the word counterclockwise), you must indicate whether—

A. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
B. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the question asked.
C. BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
E. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional data specific to the problem are needed.

I suggest you to go through the following post ALL YOU NEED FOR QUANT.

Hope this helps.

Thnx bunuel...

Sent from my A0001 using GMAT Club Forum mobile app
Manager
Joined: 15 Dec 2015
Posts: 114
GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
GPA: 4
WE: Information Technology (Computer Software)
Re: If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

03 Aug 2017, 11:29
Intern
Joined: 19 May 2018
Posts: 14
GPA: 3.7
Re: If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

24 Jul 2018, 22:41
Took the following approach...

(1) ab < 0 --> either a is neg or b is neg but not both...what happens to our equation in either case?
--> case 1 (a<0 and b>0) LHS gets bigger |neg - pos| and RHS gets smaller |neg + pos| --> LHS > RHS
--> case 2 (a>0 and b<0) LHS gets bigger |pos - neg| and RHS gets smaller |pos + neg| --> LHS > RHS
--> same outcome both cases; therefore, SUFFICIENT

(2) a > b --> a and b could both be neg or a could be pos and b could be neg or a could be pos and b could be pos...what happens to our equation in each case?
--> case 1 (a<0 and b<0) LHS gets smaller |neg - neg| and RHS gets bigger |neg + neg| ---> LHS < RHS
--> case 2 (reference above logic in statement 1) ---> LHS > RHS (could stop here b/c two different outcomes)
--> case 3 (a>0 and b>0) LHS gets smaller |pos - pos| and RHS gets bigger |pos + pos| ---> LHS < RHS
--> different outcomes possible; therefore, NOT SUFFICIENT

If there are any holes in this logic, please let me know!
Manager
Joined: 27 Nov 2018
Posts: 78
If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

15 Feb 2019, 19:28
The best way to solve this is by using Bunuel's method. The next best way is to use smart numbers and plug them into the various equations.

However, if you don't see that Bunuel's method is possible during the ~ 2min you have to solve the problem or if your smart numbers aren't working, then the following method is a pretty standard way to arrive at the right solution. Keep in mind though that this method does take longer and should be used as a kind of last resort.

$$\lvert a - b\rvert > \lvert a + b\rvert$$

$$\lvert a - b\rvert = a - b$$, when $$a - b > 0$$
$$\lvert a - b\rvert = -(a - b)$$, when $$a - b < 0$$
$$\lvert a + b\rvert = a + b$$, when $$a + b > 0$$
$$\lvert a + b\rvert = -(a + b)$$, when $$a + b < 0$$

Case 1:
if $$a - b > 0, a + b > 0$$, then
$$a - b > a + b$$
$$0 > 2b$$
$$b < 0$$
Also, if we add $$a + b > 0$$ and $$a - b > 0$$ we get:
$$a > 0$$

Case 2:
if $$a - b > 0, a + b < 0$$, then
$$a - b > -(a + b)$$
$$a - b > -a - b$$
$$2a > 0$$
$$a > 0$$
Also, if we subtract $$a + b < 0$$ from $$a - b > 0$$ we get:
$$b < 0$$

Case 3:
if $$a - b < 0, a + b > 0$$, then
$$-(a - b) > a + b$$
$$-a + b > a + b$$
$$0 > 2a$$
$$a < 0$$
Also, if we subtract $$a + b > 0$$ from $$a - b < 0$$ we get:
$$b > 0$$

Case 4:
if $$a - b < 0, a + b < 0$$, then
$$-(a - b) > -(a + b)$$
$$-a + b > -a - b$$
$$2b > 0$$
$$b > 0$$
Also, if we add $$a + b < 0$$ and $$a - b < 0$$ we get:
$$a < 0$$

For all of our cases, if $$a < 0$$, then $$b > 0$$ or if $$a > 0$$, then $$b < 0$$.
This is the same as $$ab < 0$$.

More on this method here and here.
Director
Joined: 09 Mar 2018
Posts: 997
Location: India
Re: If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

15 Feb 2019, 20:47
Sallyzodiac wrote:
If $$ab ≠ 0$$, is $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$?

1) $$ab < 0$$

2) $$a > b$$

See if you have time, you can actually open the mod and get the cases, such as

b<0 , a> 0 , a<0 or b>0

Now from 1) we can easily say that all the 4 cases will be satisfied

a can be +ive or -ive
b can be +ive or -ive

from 2) we cannot be sure on aspects such as
a and b

3> 2 or 3> -2

These 2 cases will give us a Yes and a No, on the above expressions

A
_________________
If you notice any discrepancy in my reasoning, please let me know. Lets improve together.

Quote which i can relate to.
Many of life's failures happen with people who do not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
Intern
Joined: 05 Oct 2017
Posts: 15
Re: If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

25 Feb 2019, 18:11
In the first statement
there are only two possibilities either a= -ve and b= +ve or b=-ve and a = +ve
no matter what the LHS is always going to add up and RHS is always going to subtract
Hence Sufficient

But in second take two values
a=-1 b=-2
a=1 b=-2

Yes and No
Hence, not sufficient.
Intern
Joined: 09 Aug 2018
Posts: 9
Re: If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

15 May 2019, 12:58
Bunuel wrote:
If $$ab ≠ 0$$, is $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$?

Square $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$ (we can safely do this since both sides are nonnegative): is $$a^2 - 2ab + b^2 > a^2 +2ab + b^2$$ --> is $$ab < 0$$?

(1) $$ab < 0$$. Directly answers the question. Sufficient.

(2) $$a > b$$. Not sufficient to say whether ab < 0.

Seems bold to do this bunuel..
SVP
Joined: 03 Jun 2019
Posts: 1684
Location: India
Re: If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

24 Aug 2019, 00:44
Sallyzodiac wrote:
If $$ab ≠ 0$$, is $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$?

1) $$ab < 0$$

2) $$a > b$$

Given: $$ab ≠ 0$$

Asked: Is $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$?

1) $$ab < 0$$
Either a>0 and b<0 => |a-b|>|a+b| Since b<0<a or b.....0.......a
or a<0 and b>0 => |a-b| > |a+b| since a<0<b or a......0.......b
SUFFICIENT

2) $$a > b$$
If a>0>b => |a-b|>|a+b| since b.....0......a
but if a>b>0 => |a-b|<|a+b| since 0.....b......a
NOT SUFFICIENT

IMO A
_________________
"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

Please provide kudos if you like my post. Kudos encourage active discussions.

My GMAT Resources: -

Efficient Learning
All you need to know about GMAT quant

Tele: +91-11-40396815
Mobile : +91-9910661622
E-mail : kinshook.chaturvedi@gmail.com
SVP
Joined: 03 Jun 2019
Posts: 1684
Location: India
Re: If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

24 Aug 2019, 01:50
Sallyzodiac wrote:
If $$ab ≠ 0$$, is $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$?

1) $$ab < 0$$

2) $$a > b$$

Given: $$ab ≠ 0$$
a & b are not 0

Asked: Is $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$?
This is TRUE only if a & b are of different signs

1) $$ab < 0$$
a & b are of different signs
SUFFICIENT

2) $$a > b$$
If a>0>b => $$|a-b| > |a+b|$$
But if a>b>0 or 0>a>b => $$|a-b| < |a+b|$$
NOT SUFFICIENT

IMO A
_________________
"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

Please provide kudos if you like my post. Kudos encourage active discussions.

My GMAT Resources: -

Efficient Learning
All you need to know about GMAT quant

Tele: +91-11-40396815
Mobile : +91-9910661622
E-mail : kinshook.chaturvedi@gmail.com
Re: If ab ≠ 0, is |a-b| > |a+b|?   [#permalink] 24 Aug 2019, 01:50

Go to page   Previous    1   2   [ 35 posts ]

Display posts from previous: Sort by