Bunuel wrote:
The Official Guide For GMAT® Quantitative Review, 2ND EditionIf p, q, x, y, and z are different positive integers, which of the five integers is the median?
(1) p + x < q
(2) y < z
Solution:
Question Stem Analysis:We need to determine the median of p, q, x, y, and z given that they are different positive integers.
Statement One Alone:Since both p and x are positive, we see that q is greater than both p and x. If q is less than both y and z, then q will be the median. However, if it’s not, then the median will be one of the quantities other than q. Statement one alone is not sufficient.
Statement Two Alone:Since we don’t know anything about p, q, and x, statement two alone is not sufficient.
Statements One and Two Together:Even with the two statements together, we still do not have sufficient information to determine the median. For example, if p + x < q < y < z, then q is the median. However, if y < z < q, then the median will be one of the quantities other than q.
Answer: E