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# If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be

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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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19 Nov 2013, 14:21
chitrasekar2k5 wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
Orange08 wrote:
If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be true?

I. x>y>z
II. z>y>x
III. x>z>y

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II and II

As this is a COULD be true question then even one set of numbers proving that statement holds true is enough to say that this statement should be part of correct answer choice.

Given: $$x > y^2 > z^4$$.

1. $$x>y>z$$ --> the easiest one: if $$x=100$$, $$y=2$$ and $$z=1$$ --> this set satisfies $$x > y^2 > z^4$$ as well as given statement $$x>y>z$$. So 1 COULD be true.

2. $$z>y>x$$ --> we have reverse order than in stem ($$x > y^2 > z^4$$), so let's try fractions: if $$x=\frac{1}{5}$$, $$y=\frac{1}{4}$$ and $$z=\frac{1}{3}$$ then again the stem and this statement hold true. So 2 also COULD be true.

3. $$x>z>y$$ --> let's make $$x$$ some big number, let's say 1,000. Next, let's try the fractions for $$z$$ and $$y$$ for the same reason as above (reverse order of $$y$$ and $$z$$): $$y=\frac{1}{3}$$ and $$z=\frac{1}{2}$$. The stem and this statement hold true for this set of numbers. So 3 also COULD be true.

Hi Bunuel,

Can we not use negative integers.
For e.g.: x =5, y=-2,z=-1 then the first inequality would be 5>(-2)^2>(-1)^4. In this case x>z>y and y is not greater than z.

Am i missing something?

The questions asks which of the following COULD be true not MUST be true. As shown above each option COULD be true for certain numbers.
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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07 Aug 2015, 14:45
1
KUDOS
Algebraic solution:

In the question we are given: x>y2>z4, hence from concepts of inequalities we break it into 2 parts: x>y2 and y2>z4.
1. x>y2 means -x(1/2)<y<x(1/2)
2. y2>z4 means -y<z2<y, but a square cannot be negative so 0<z2<y, this implies -y(1/2)<z<y(1/2).

Now we plot all these points on number line with the intersection of there ranges. But before that we need to understand that we will only be taking x,y,z as positive since if we take y as negative for example(easiest one) the value z(2) becomes negative, whereas a square can never be negative.

hence we plot all of them on the positive x-axis. From above 1 & 2 point we get a general range as such 0<z<y(1/2)<y<x(1/2)<x.
Now, we need to see that we haven't in reality considered various values of x,y,z but have come up with a general idea of how they look on the number line.
Now we define the ranges, since we know about a^x graph varies for values 0<a<1 and a>1, we also take such cases for all three of them.
1. 0<x<1 and x>1
2. 0<y<1 and y>1
3. 0<z<1 and z>1

Hence looking at the combinations we find we have 8 possibilities (2*2*2). taking the 2 general ones:
1. x>1 y>1 z>1. In the general formula we simply put x,y,z and get x>y>z. (Would have figured initially).
2. 0<x<1, 0<y<1 and 0<z<1. In this possibility put x as 1/x, y as 1/y and z as 1/z in general formula we get z>y>x.
3. x>1 0<y<1 and 0<z<1. In this put y as 1/y and z as 1/z. Keep x as x in general formula, we see x>1/y>1/z. since only 1/y>1/z are in reciprocal hence z>y by inequalities. thus x>z>y.

Therefore we can get 8 possibilities and the fact is all of them are correct.
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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19 Aug 2015, 07:19
For statement 3: x>z>y
Question: x > y^2 > z^4

It translates to, z>y & y^2 > z^4 (x is a big value and feature in both equalities)

This is same as statement 2 now: z>y
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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20 Aug 2015, 06:13
VeritasPrepKarishma wrote:
arps wrote:
1) x > y2 > z4

which of the following is true:

I x>y>z
II z>y>x
III x>z>y

A) I Only
B) I and II Only
C) I and III Only
D) II and III Only
E) I, II and III

I think the actual question is: Which of the following could be true?

Plugging in numbers work best for such questions. The only thing to keep in mind is that you should plug in the right numbers. How do you know the right numbers?
When I see $$x > y^2 > z^4$$, I think that $$y^2$$ and $$z^4$$ are non negative. Since $$y^2 > z^4$$, $$y^2$$ cannot be 0. Only z can be 0. x has to be positive. Also, I have to take into account two ranges: 0 to 1 and 1 to infinity. The powers behave differently in these two ranges. I will consider negative numbers only if I have to since with powers, they get confusing to deal with.

The question says: "Which of the following could be true?"
We have to find examples where each relation holds.

I. x > y > z
This is the most intuitive of course.
z = 0, y = 1 and x = 2
$$2 > 1^2 > 0^4$$

II. z > y > x
Let me consider the 0 to 1 range here. Say z = 1/2, y = 1/3 and x = 1/4
$$1/4 > 1/9 > 1/16$$

III. x > z > y
Let's stick to 0 to 1 range. z > y as in case II above but x has to be greater than both of them. Say z = 1/2, y = 1/3 and x = 1
$$1>1/9 > 1/16$$

So all three statements could be true.

Karishma...In "could be true" scenarios, do we need just a one situation that fits in to answer the question ?
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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22 Aug 2015, 22:59
1
KUDOS
Expert's post
Hi vinnisatija,

Yes, if you see a "could be" question, then just one example that satisfies the given condition is sufficient. In case of "must be" questions, the required condition must hold true under all circumstances along with whatever additional constraint is given in the problem.

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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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30 Sep 2015, 20:15
Bunuel wrote:
Orange08 wrote:
If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be true?

I. x>y>z
II. z>y>x
III. x>z>y

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II and II

As this is a COULD be true question then even one set of numbers proving that statement holds true is enough to say that this statement should be part of correct answer choice.

Given: $$x > y^2 > z^4$$.

1. $$x>y>z$$ --> the easiest one: if $$x=100$$, $$y=2$$ and $$z=1$$ --> this set satisfies $$x > y^2 > z^4$$ as well as given statement $$x>y>z$$. So 1 COULD be true.

2. $$z>y>x$$ --> we have reverse order than in stem ($$x > y^2 > z^4$$), so let's try fractions: if $$x=\frac{1}{5}$$, $$y=\frac{1}{4}$$ and $$z=\frac{1}{3}$$ then again the stem and this statement hold true. So 2 also COULD be true.

3. $$x>z>y$$ --> let's make $$x$$ some big number, let's say 1,000. Next, let's try the fractions for $$z$$ and $$y$$ for the same reason as above (reverse order of $$y$$ and $$z$$): $$y=\frac{1}{3}$$ and $$z=\frac{1}{2}$$. The stem and this statement hold true for this set of numbers. So 3 also COULD be true.

Bunuel actually for option 3, since the sign stays the same z>y as in option 2, there is no need to reverse the value of z and y from option 2 right?
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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30 Sep 2015, 23:46
SamuelWitwicky

Yes, there is no need to change the examples that Bunuel used for z and y in II, they work in III as well.

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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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01 Oct 2015, 00:02
dabral ok cool thanks. I thought maybe I was missing something
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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10 Feb 2016, 21:18
since we have no constraints all the inequalities could be true because we can play with +ve and -ve and integer (tiny and huge) and fractions (proper and improper) in any way to satisfy inequalities. if needed we can assume any number to be a fraction and nothing prevents us from considering this fraction to be as small as possible and maximize other numbers
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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10 Mar 2017, 09:41
Quote:
If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be true?

I. x>y>z
II. z>y>x
III. x>z>y

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II and II

We are given that x > y^2 > z^4 and need to determine which statements must be true. Let’s test each Roman Numeral.

I. x > y > z

Notice that the order of arrangement of x, y, and z in the inequality x > y > z is the same as the order of arrangement of x, y^2, and z^4 in the inequality x > y^2 > z^4, so we want to test positive integers in this case.

x = 10

y = 3

z = 1

Notice that 10 > 3 > 1 for x > y > z AND 10 > 9 > 1 for x > y^2 > z^4.

We see that I could be true.

II. z > y > x

Notice that the order of arrangement of x, y, and z in the inequality z > y > x differs from the order of arrangement of x, y^2, and z^4 in the inequality x > y^2 > z^4, so we want to test positive proper fractions in this case. This is because we need to decrease the value of y and z to make them work within the given inequality.

x = 1/5

y = 1/3

z = 1/2

Notice that 1/2 > 1/3 > 1/5 for z > y > x AND 1/5 > 1/9 > 1/16 for x > y^2 > z^4.

We see that II could be true.

III. x > z > y

Notice that the order of arrangement of y and z in the inequality x > z > y differs from the order of arrangement of y^2 and z^4 in the inequality x > y^2 > z^4, so we once again want to test positive proper fractions. This is because we need to decrease the value of z to make it work within the given inequality (that is, we want to swap the order of z4 and y2 even if z > y).

x = 1/2

y = 1/4

z = 1/3

Notice that 1/2 > 1/3 > 1/4 for x > z > y AND 1/2 > 1/16 > 1/81 for x > y^2 > z^4.

We see that III could be true.

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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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11 May 2017, 04:35
If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be true?

I. x>y>z
II. z>y>x
III. x>z>y

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II and II

Solution:
To answer questions like this, use ZONEF.
Z = zero
O = one
N = negative integers
E = Extreme Integers (Read as Positive Integers > 1)
F = Fractions (think both positive and negative)

For x > y^2 > z^4, the following numbers work: x = 10, y = 3, z = 1. So , I is true.
Eliminate (D).

The easiest way to prove II true is to multiply the above numbers by -1, but as you are dealing with even exponents, negative numbers will not work.
That leaves us with F(Fractions).

Let z = 0.9, y = 0.7 and x = 0.1
These numbers keep both x > y^2 > z^4 and z > y > x true.
Eliminate (A) and (C).

Now, proving the third is easy. Just take x = any big positive number, say 10
Now, you have x = 10, y = 0.7 and z = 0.9
These values keep both x > y^2 > z^4 and x > z > y true.

So, all three are true.
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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07 Jun 2017, 05:51
Is it possible to solve this by PLUGGING NUMBERS ONLY ONCE?

I : no need to plug in, obvious

II: plug in for y<z & y2>z4 : 1/3<1/2 & 1/9>1/16. But for x: y>x>y2 (by crossing the original statement and SII) : so 1/3>x>1/9. No need to plug in as any number within this range is ok.

III: We have the same inequality for z and y so we use the same numbers as above. As for x, any number greater than 1/2 is ok since x is greater than y, y2, z, and z4...again by crossing the original statement and SIII.

Is this correct?
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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25 Jun 2017, 11:13
Orange08 wrote:
If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be true?

I. x>y>z
II. z>y>x
III. x>z>y

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. 1 and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II and II

Question is about "COULD BE" true ..so we just need one set of numbers which ensures that the above conditions are true..

Take x = 100, y = 5 and z = 2
So statement 1 and the statement in the question stem are true..

Take x = 0.4, y = 0.5 and z = 0.6
So statement 2 and the statement in the question stem are true

Take x = 100, y = 0.5 and z = 0.6
So statement 3 and the statement in the question stem are true

So option E
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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30 Jun 2017, 03:02
VeritasPrepKarishma wrote:
arps wrote:
1) x > y2 > z4

which of the following is true:

I x>y>z
II z>y>x
III x>z>y

A) I Only
B) I and II Only
C) I and III Only
D) II and III Only
E) I, II and III

I think the actual question is: Which of the following could be true?

Plugging in numbers work best for such questions. The only thing to keep in mind is that you should plug in the right numbers. How do you know the right numbers?
When I see $$x > y^2 > z^4$$, I think that $$y^2$$ and $$z^4$$ are non negative. Since $$y^2 > z^4$$, $$y^2$$ cannot be 0. Only z can be 0. x has to be positive. Also, I have to take into account two ranges: 0 to 1 and 1 to infinity. The powers behave differently in these two ranges. I will consider negative numbers only if I have to since with powers, they get confusing to deal with.

The question says: "Which of the following could be true?"
We have to find examples where each relation holds.

I. x > y > z
This is the most intuitive of course.
z = 0, y = 1 and x = 2
$$2 > 1^2 > 0^4$$

II. z > y > x
Let me consider the 0 to 1 range here. Say z = 1/2, y = 1/3 and x = 1/4
$$1/4 > 1/9 > 1/16$$

III. x > z > y
Let's stick to 0 to 1 range. z > y as in case II above but x has to be greater than both of them. Say z = 1/2, y = 1/3 and x = 1
$$1>1/9 > 1/16$$

So all three statements could be true.

Hi VeritasPrepKarishma,
Would the transition points here be -1, 0 and 1?
If so, how did you decide to stick to the 0---1 range for the last two statements?
I'm trying to figure out the best way to pick strategic numbers quickly on test day.

Thanks
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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16 Jul 2017, 08:58
Bunuel wrote:
Orange08 wrote:
If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be true?

I. x>y>z
II. z>y>x
III. x>z>y

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II and II

As this is a COULD be true question then even one set of numbers proving that statement holds true is enough to say that this statement should be part of correct answer choice.

Given: $$x > y^2 > z^4$$.

1. $$x>y>z$$ --> the easiest one: if $$x=100$$, $$y=2$$ and $$z=1$$ --> this set satisfies $$x > y^2 > z^4$$ as well as given statement $$x>y>z$$. So 1 COULD be true.

2. $$z>y>x$$ --> we have reverse order than in stem ($$x > y^2 > z^4$$), so let's try fractions: if $$x=\frac{1}{5}$$, $$y=\frac{1}{4}$$ and $$z=\frac{1}{3}$$ then again the stem and this statement hold true. So 2 also COULD be true.

3. $$x>z>y$$ --> let's make $$x$$ some big number, let's say 1,000. Next, let's try the fractions for $$z$$ and $$y$$ for the same reason as above (reverse order of $$y$$ and $$z$$): $$y=\frac{1}{3}$$ and $$z=\frac{1}{2}$$. The stem and this statement hold true for this set of numbers. So 3 also COULD be true.

Bunuel
Can such questions be a part of GMAT, it takes time to choose the values.I prefer algebraic as well as graphical approach good for most questions, but such questions make me plug in values and see, and it takes time
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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10 Oct 2017, 06:48
Orange08 wrote:
If $$x > y^2 > z^4$$, which of the following statements could be true?

I. $$x>y>z$$

II. $$z>y>x$$

III. $$x>z>y$$

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. 1 and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II and II

one thing important to know for this problem

if x>y and x^2<y^2
x,y must be smaller than 1

this is key to do this problem. pick specific numbers to solve.
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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22 Dec 2017, 23:01
VeritasPrepKarishma - As the range which has been provided in the stem is x > y^2 > z^4, the only range which is satisfying this equation is if the range is between 0 and 1 (As per my understanding)

Assuming X = 1/2 which is greater then x>y^2>z^4

As z^4=1/16 and y^2=1/4 and y=1/2 z=1/2 if we take the 4th root of z^4 and second root of y^2, is it because of the question which is explicitly mentioning that which of the following COULD be true that we can take multiple values of X,Y,Z

Because if we try to visualise this as a DS question and consider the range only the option which satisfies the range is X>Y>Z

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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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22 Dec 2017, 23:50
siddyj94 wrote:
VeritasPrepKarishma - As the range which has been provided in the stem is x > y^2 > z^4, the only range which is satisfying this equation is if the range is between 0 and 1 (As per my understanding)

Assuming X = 1/2 which is greater then x>y^2>z^4

As z^4=1/16 and y^2=1/4 and y=1/2 z=1/2 if we take the 4th root of z^4 and second root of y^2, is it because of the question which is explicitly mentioning that which of the following COULD be true that we can take multiple values of X,Y,Z

Because if we try to visualise this as a DS question and consider the range only the option which satisfies the range is X>Y>Z

How did you conclude that x > y^2 > z^4 is true only when all the variables are in the range from 0 to 1? There are many solution provided on previous 2 pages of discussion and all of them consider different ranges. Please go through the discussion.

Here are expert solutions of this question:
https://gmatclub.com/forum/if-x-y-2-z-4 ... ml#p775396
https://gmatclub.com/forum/if-x-y-2-z-4 ... l#p1032823
https://gmatclub.com/forum/if-x-y-2-z-4 ... l#p1817903
http://www.gmatquantum.com/shared-posts ... blem5.html (video explanantion)

Hope it helps.
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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23 Dec 2017, 00:01
Bunuel I did not conclude that it is always true, though i did get this range as per my understanding of the question.

I guess i was mistaken between the fact of COULD BE AND MUST BE because in previous solutions ,multiple values for the range provided in the options have been taken.

Though any number between the range 0 and 1 will satisfy for the given range and X will always be greater than y^2 and z^4

Kudos.
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Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be [#permalink]

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23 Dec 2017, 08:41
Orange08 wrote:
If $$x > y^2 > z^4$$, which of the following statements could be true?

I. $$x>y>z$$

II. $$z>y>x$$

III. $$x>z>y$$

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. 1 and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II and II

pick the specific numbers is key here.
pich the numbers which is bigger than 1
pick the numbers which are smaller then 1 and in ratio form
Re: If x > y^2 > z^4, which of the following statements could be   [#permalink] 23 Dec 2017, 08:41

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