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Bunuel
If x ≠ 0, what is the value of x?

(1) |x + 2| = |x|
(2) |x^x| = 1

We'll use basic properties of absolute value to simplify the equations.
This is a Precise approach

Recall that |a| = |b| implies a = b or a = -b.
Then:
(1) |x+2| = |x| implies x+2=x --> so 2 = 0 which is impossible, or x+2= -x --> 2x = -2 and x = -1.
Sufficient.

(2) |x^x| = 1 implies x^x = 1 in which case x = 1 or x^x = -1 in which case x = -1.
Insufficient

(A) is our answer.
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Bunuel
If x ≠ 0, what is the value of x?

(1) |x + 2| = |x|
(2) |x^x| = 1

Par of GMAT CLUB'S New Year's Quantitative Challenge Set

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DavidTutorexamPAL
Bunuel
If x ≠ 0, what is the value of x?

(1) |x + 2| = |x|
(2) |x^x| = 1

We'll use basic properties of absolute value to simplify the equations.
This is a Precise approach

Recall that |a| = |b| implies a = b or a = -b.
Then:
(1) |x+2| = |x| implies x+2=x --> so 2 = 0 which is impossible, or x+2= -x --> 2x = -2 and x = -1.
Sufficient.

(2) |x^x| = 1 implies x^x = 1 in which case x = 1 or x^x = -1 in which case x = -1.
Insufficient

(A) is our answer.

Hey DavidTutorexamPAL

I really appreciate your elegant solution to the question. I do have a doubt regarding how you have solved statement 1, however. I see that many people square both sides when when both sides of an equation have a mod sign, is that the preferred way to solve the question or do you think the way you have discussed is better? Please shed some light on this.

Many thanks
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DavidTutorexamPAL
Bunuel
If x ≠ 0, what is the value of x?

(1) |x + 2| = |x|
(2) |x^x| = 1

We'll use basic properties of absolute value to simplify the equations.
This is a Precise approach

Recall that |a| = |b| implies a = b or a = -b.
Then:
(1) |x+2| = |x| implies x+2=x --> so 2 = 0 which is impossible, or x+2= -x --> 2x = -2 and x = -1.
Sufficient.

(2) |x^x| = 1 implies x^x = 1 in which case x = 1 or x^x = -1 in which case x = -1.
Insufficient

(A) is our answer.

Hey DavidTutorexamPAL

I really appreciate your elegant solution to the question. I do have a doubt regarding how you have solved statement 1, however. I see that many people square both sides when when both sides of an equation have a mod sign, is that the preferred way to solve the question or do you think the way you have discussed is better? Please shed some light on this.

Many thanks

Hey GMATin, glad you found it helpful!
The short answer is that both ways are technically correct, I recommend the way I showed. squaring the sides is a bit dangerous, in that it can lead us to assume that the variable is positive, and forget the option that it's negative (the danger is turning |x| into x^2 and then solving for x, but forgetting that |x| can equal -x as well...)

More generally, the more important question is which method YOU find more intuitive and useful.
Our whole philosophy is that there is no one right tool or answer strategy in most cases, but several ones which we need to choose based on our own strengths and preferences. (We've built a whole course based on this idea... :) )
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Hey GMATin, glad you found it helpful!
The short answer is that both ways are technically correct, I recommend the way I showed. squaring the sides is a bit dangerous, in that it can lead us to assume that the variable is positive, and forget the option that it's negative (the danger is turning |x| into x^2 and then solving for x, but forgetting that |x| can equal -x as well...)

More generally, the more important question is which method YOU find more intuitive and useful.
Our whole philosophy is that there is no one right tool or answer strategy in most cases, but several ones which we need to choose based on our own strengths and preferences. (We've built a whole course based on this idea... :) )[/quote]


This is awesome. Thanks so much. I prefer your approach too! :)
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GMATin
Hey GMATin, glad you found it helpful!
The short answer is that both ways are technically correct, I recommend the way I showed. squaring the sides is a bit dangerous, in that it can lead us to assume that the variable is positive, and forget the option that it's negative (the danger is turning |x| into x^2 and then solving for x, but forgetting that |x| can equal -x as well...)

More generally, the more important question is which method YOU find more intuitive and useful.
Our whole philosophy is that there is no one right tool or answer strategy in most cases, but several ones which we need to choose based on our own strengths and preferences. (We've built a whole course based on this idea... :) )


This is awesome. Thanks so much. I prefer your approach too! :)[/quote]

Very happy you like it! Always welcome to find more of our approach at exampal :)
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