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Brian_1
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If (|x| - 2)(x + 5) < 0, then which of the following must be true? 11 Sep 2025, 01:36
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Erm, conversely x can be -10 and then option B will not be valid ?
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You are wrong. It's the other way around. Again, we have \(x < -5\) or \(-2 < x < 2\). ANY \(x\) from these possible ranges will for sure be less than 2 (option B). E, x < -5, on the other hand, is NOT always true, because x can be say 0, and in this case x < -5 will not be true.

To understand the underline concept better practice other Trickiest Inequality Questions Type: Confusing Ranges.
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If (|x| - 2)(x + 5) < 0, then which of the following must be true? 11 Sep 2025, 01:40
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Brian_1
Erm, conversely x can be -10 and then option B will not be valid ?

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Yes, x can be -10 as it is in the valid range (\(x < -5\) or \(-2 < x < 2\)). But in this case how is B (x < 2) not correct? Isn't -10 less than 2? Please invest more time in the question and the discussion. Follow the links to the similar questions for more.
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Brian_1
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If (|x| - 2)(x + 5) < 0, then which of the following must be true? 11 Sep 2025, 01:45
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Sorry.

Help me understand, I am new to GMAT.

If x = -2, then it doesn't satisfy the given inequality. As, Mod(-2) - 2 will result in 0. And 0 is not less than 0 ? Hence, B cannot be the answer for sure.

Thoughts ??
Bunuel


Yes, x can be -10 as it is in the valid range (\(x < -5\) or \(-2 < x < 2\)). But in this case how is B (x < 2) not correct? Isn't -10 less than 2? Please invest more time in the question and the discussion. Follow the links to the similar questions for more.
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If (|x| - 2)(x + 5) < 0, then which of the following must be true? 11 Sep 2025, 01:51
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Brian_1
Sorry.

Help me understand, I am new to GMAT.

If x = -2, then it doesn't satisfy the given inequality. As, Mod(-2) - 2 will result in 0. And 0 is not less than 0 ? Hence, B cannot be the answer for sure.

Thoughts ??

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The valid ranges for x are \(x < -5\) or \(-2 < x < 2\). So, x CANNOT be -2! Please, invest time and study the discussion carefully!
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Brian_1
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If (|x| - 2)(x + 5) < 0, then which of the following must be true? 11 Sep 2025, 01:57
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Nvm, I understood.

X can take a lot of values and it has to less than 2. Gotcha. I got caught up with the option choices. Thanks
Bunuel


The valid ranges for x are \(x < -5\) or \(-2 < x < 2\). So, x CANNOT be -2! Please, invest time and study the discussion carefully!
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