It is currently 16 Jan 2018, 05:47

### 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

# Events & Promotions

###### Events & Promotions in June
Open Detailed Calendar

# Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection

Author Message
TAGS:

### Hide Tags

Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 43294

Kudos [?]: 139166 [103], given: 12777

Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

16 Nov 2009, 10:33
103
KUDOS
Expert's post
619
This post was
BOOKMARKED
Guys I didn't forget your request, just was collecting good questions to post.

So here are some inequality and absolute value questions from my collection. Not every problem below is hard, but there are a few, which are quite tricky. Please provide your explanations along with the answers.

1. If $$6*x*y = x^2*y + 9*y$$, what is the value of xy?
(1) $$y – x = 3$$
(2) $$x^3< 0$$

Solution: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequality-an ... ml#p653690

2. If y is an integer and $$y = |x| + x$$, is $$y = 0$$?
(1) $$x < 0$$
(2) $$y < 1$$

Solution: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequality-an ... ml#p653695

3. Is $$x^2 + y^2 > 4a$$?
(1) $$(x + y)^2 = 9a$$
(2) $$(x – y)^2 = a$$

Solution: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequality-an ... ml#p653697

4. Are x and y both positive?
(1) $$2x-2y=1$$
(2) $$\frac{x}{y}>1$$

Solution: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequality-an ... ml#p653709

5. What is the value of y?
(1) $$3|x^2 -4| = y - 2$$
(2) $$|3 - y| = 11$$

Solution: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequality-an ... ml#p653731

6. If x and y are integer, is y > 0?
(1) $$x +1 > 0$$
(2) $$xy > 0$$

Solution: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequality-an ... ml#p653740

7. $$|x+2|=|y+2|$$ what is the value of x+y?
(1) $$xy<0$$
(2) $$x>2$$, $$y<2$$

Solution: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequality-an ... ml#p653783 AND http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequality-an ... l#p1111747

8. $$a*b \neq 0$$. Is $$\frac{|a|}{|b|}=\frac{a}{b}$$?
(1) $$|a*b|=a*b$$
(2) $$\frac{|a|}{|b|}=|\frac{a}{b}|$$

Solution: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequality-an ... ml#p653789

9. Is n<0?
(1) $$-n=|-n|$$
(2) $$n^2=16$$

Solution: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequality-an ... ml#p653792

10. If n is not equal to 0, is |n| < 4 ?
(1) $$n^2 > 16$$
(2) $$\frac{1}{|n|} > n$$

Solution: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequality-an ... ml#p653796

11. Is $$|x+y|>|x-y|$$?
(1) $$|x| > |y|$$
(2) $$|x-y| < |x|$$

Solution: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequality-an ... ml#p653853

12. Is r=s?
(1) $$-s \leq r \leq s$$
(2) $$|r| \geq s$$

Solution: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequality-an ... ml#p653870

13. Is $$|x-1| < 1$$?
(1) $$(x-1)^2 \leq 1$$
(2) $$x^2 - 1 > 0$$

Solution: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequality-an ... ml#p653886

Official answers (OA's) and detailed solutions are in my posts on pages 2 and 3.

_________________

Kudos [?]: 139166 [103], given: 12777

Intern
Status: WIP........
Joined: 12 Jun 2013
Posts: 4

Kudos [?]: 10 [0], given: 0

Location: India
GMAT Date: 08-30-2013
GPA: 3.38
Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

18 Aug 2013, 09:58
1. If 6*x*y = x^2*y + 9*y, what is the value of xy?
(1) y – x = 3
(2) x^3< 0
can we do like this....

stmnt 1-- when y=0 then xy=0, well when y not =0 then we have various values of xy as y vary >>>> so insuffiecent

stmnt 2-- says x<0 or negative so

6xy=y(x^2 + 9) let take 2 cases x<0 , y<0 and x<0 and y>0

(- )*( - )= (- )* (+) this cant be true when x<0 , y<0 the equation doesnt hold

(-) *(+)=(+)*(+) x<0 and y>0 even now the equation doesnt hold true

so the only possible case is x<0 and y=0 only then the equation will remain valid
and therefore xy=0 and hence sufficient....... B it is

pleaze point out if im wrong in my approach.... thanks

Kudos [?]: 10 [0], given: 0

Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 43294

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

19 Aug 2013, 00:48
sohrab wrote:
1. If 6*x*y = x^2*y + 9*y, what is the value of xy?
(1) y – x = 3
(2) x^3< 0
can we do like this....

stmnt 1-- when y=0 then xy=0, well when y not =0 then we have various values of xy as y vary >>>> so insuffiecent

stmnt 2-- says x<0 or negative so

6xy=y(x^2 + 9) let take 2 cases x<0 , y<0 and x<0 and y>0

(- )*( - )= (- )* (+) this cant be true when x<0 , y<0 the equation doesnt hold

(-) *(+)=(+)*(+) x<0 and y>0 even now the equation doesnt hold true

so the only possible case is x<0 and y=0 only then the equation will remain valid
and therefore xy=0 and hence sufficient....... B it is

pleaze point out if im wrong in my approach.... thanks

Check here: inequality-and-absolute-value-questions-from-my-collection-86939-20.html#p653690
_________________

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Intern
Joined: 25 Nov 2012
Posts: 5

Kudos [?]: 1 [0], given: 8

Schools: Ross '15
Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

23 Aug 2013, 09:27
11. Is |x+y|>|x-y|?
(1) |x| > |y|
(2) |x-y| < |x|

|x+y|>|x-y| <=> x^2 + 2xy + y^2 > x^2 - 2xy + y^2 <=> xy >0
1. Insufficient.
2. |x-y| < |x| <=> x^2 - 2xy + y^2 < x^2 <=> y(y-2x) <0 <=> 0<y<2x (if 2x>0) or 2x<y<0 (if 2x<0) <=> xy >0, Sufficient
Pick B

Kudos [?]: 1 [0], given: 8

Intern
Joined: 11 Mar 2013
Posts: 8

Kudos [?]: 6 [0], given: 11

Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

23 Aug 2013, 11:59
Hi Bunuel, sorry to disturb you.

In problem number 3:

3. Is x^2 + y^2 > 4a?
(1) (x + y)^2 = 9a
(2) (x – y)^2 = a

You've given answer E. But I remember, correct me if I am wrong, that x^2 + y^2 is always >= to 2xy. It this is true, the answer should be A, because the first statement would be sufficient. x^2 + y^2 would be >= 4,5a

Kudos [?]: 6 [0], given: 11

Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 43294

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

25 Aug 2013, 06:20
Recobita wrote:
Hi Bunuel, sorry to disturb you.

In problem number 3:

3. Is x^2 + y^2 > 4a?
(1) (x + y)^2 = 9a
(2) (x – y)^2 = a

You've given answer E. But I remember, correct me if I am wrong, that x^2 + y^2 is always >= to 2xy. It this is true, the answer should be A, because the first statement would be sufficient. x^2 + y^2 would be >= 4,5a

Check:
inequality-and-absolute-value-questions-from-my-collection-86939-40.html#p653697
inequality-and-absolute-value-questions-from-my-collection-86939-80.html#p687991
inequality-and-absolute-value-questions-from-my-collection-86939-100.html#p746278

Hope it helps.
_________________

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Manager
Joined: 07 Apr 2012
Posts: 121

Kudos [?]: 13 [0], given: 45

Location: United States
Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Operations
Schools: ISB '15
GMAT 1: 590 Q48 V23
GPA: 3.9
WE: Operations (Manufacturing)
Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

08 Sep 2013, 03:33
I agree with what you said.
But I dont with the interpretation.

In B, you showed how x and y should have same sign, for if not, inequality in B doesnt hold.
Similarily we see for inequality in A to be true, x,y should be of same sign.
I took (x,y) as ( 3,2) , (1,0), (-1,0) , (-2,-1) . In this set, the inequality in A holds in 1st and last case, clearly , x,y should be same sign. '0' is not a positive number so 1,0 is ruled out. What wrong I did?

Kudos [?]: 13 [0], given: 45

Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 43294

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

08 Sep 2013, 04:25
ygdrasil24 wrote:
I agree with what you said.
But I dont with the interpretation.

In B, you showed how x and y should have same sign, for if not, inequality in B doesnt hold.
Similarily we see for inequality in A to be true, x,y should be of same sign.
I took (x,y) as ( 3,2) , (1,0), (-1,0) , (-2,-1) . In this set, the inequality in A holds in 1st and last case, clearly , x,y should be same sign. '0' is not a positive number so 1,0 is ruled out. What wrong I did?

Which question are you talking about?
_________________

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Manager
Joined: 07 Apr 2012
Posts: 121

Kudos [?]: 13 [0], given: 45

Location: United States
Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Operations
Schools: ISB '15
GMAT 1: 590 Q48 V23
GPA: 3.9
WE: Operations (Manufacturing)
Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

08 Sep 2013, 04:35
Bunuel wrote:
ygdrasil24 wrote:
I agree with what you said.
But I dont with the interpretation.

In B, you showed how x and y should have same sign, for if not, inequality in B doesnt hold.
Similarily we see for inequality in A to be true, x,y should be of same sign.
I took (x,y) as ( 3,2) , (1,0), (-1,0) , (-2,-1) . In this set, the inequality in A holds in 1st and last case, clearly , x,y should be same sign. '0' is not a positive number so 1,0 is ruled out. What wrong I did?

Which question are you talking about?

Q11 : inequality-and-absolute-value-questions-from-my-collection-86939-40.html#p653853

Kudos [?]: 13 [0], given: 45

Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 43294

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

08 Sep 2013, 04:38
ygdrasil24 wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
ygdrasil24 wrote:
I agree with what you said.
But I dont with the interpretation.

In B, you showed how x and y should have same sign, for if not, inequality in B doesnt hold.
Similarily we see for inequality in A to be true, x,y should be of same sign.
I took (x,y) as ( 3,2) , (1,0), (-1,0) , (-2,-1) . In this set, the inequality in A holds in 1st and last case, clearly , x,y should be same sign. '0' is not a positive number so 1,0 is ruled out. What wrong I did?

Which question are you talking about?

Q11 : inequality-and-absolute-value-questions-from-my-collection-86939-40.html#p653853

In that case I don't understand what you mean. Please elaborate.
_________________

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Manager
Joined: 07 Apr 2012
Posts: 121

Kudos [?]: 13 [0], given: 45

Location: United States
Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Operations
Schools: ISB '15
GMAT 1: 590 Q48 V23
GPA: 3.9
WE: Operations (Manufacturing)
Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

08 Sep 2013, 04:44
In B, you showed how x and y should have same sign, for if not, inequality in B doesnt hold.
Similarily we see for inequality in A to be true, x,y should be of same sign.
I took (x,y) as ( 3,2) , (1,0), (-1,0) , (-2,-1) . In this set, the inequality in A holds in 1st and last case, clearly , x,y should be same sign. '0' is not a positive number so 1,0 is ruled out. What wrong I did?[/quote]

Which question are you talking about?[/quote]

Q11 : inequality-and-absolute-value-questions-from-my-collection-86939-40.html#p653853[/quote]

In that case I don't understand what you mean. Please elaborate.[/quote]

Question asks Is |x+y|>|x-y|? From analysis we know this holds good when x,y have same sign ?
from B we concluded that and found x,y to have same sign.right ?
For me answer should be D, because from statement I, we are sure x and y should have same sign. (x,y) = (3,2) or (-2,-1) . So we can answer the question .
I took (x,y) as ( 3,2) , (1,0), (-1,0) , (-2,-1) . In this set, the inequality in A holds in 1st and last case, clearly , x,y should be same sign. '0' is not a positive number so 1,0 is ruled out. So we are sure of the sign of x,y the same way we were in B. So this should be able to answer the main equality of the question.
What wrong I did?[/quote]

Kudos [?]: 13 [0], given: 45

Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 43294

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

08 Sep 2013, 04:50
ygdrasil24 wrote:
Question asks Is |x+y|>|x-y|? From analysis we know this holds good when x,y have same sign ?
from B we concluded that and found x,y to have same sign.right ?
For me answer should be D, because from statement I, we are sure x and y should have same sign. (x,y) = (3,2) or (-2,-1) . So we can answer the question .
I took (x,y) as ( 3,2) , (1,0), (-1,0) , (-2,-1) . In this set, the inequality in A holds in 1st and last case, clearly , x,y should be same sign. '0' is not a positive number so 1,0 is ruled out. So we are sure of the sign of x,y the same way we were in B. So this should be able to answer the main equality of the question.
What wrong I did?

So, you question is why (1) is not sufficient???

(1) |x| > |y|. This does NOT mean that x and y have the same sign. Consider this: if x=2 and y=-1, then |x+y|=1<3=|x-y| and we have a NO answer.
_________________

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Senior Manager
Joined: 12 Mar 2010
Posts: 355

Kudos [?]: 295 [0], given: 87

Concentration: Marketing, Entrepreneurship
GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

20 Sep 2013, 05:23
Quote:
5. What is the value of y?
(1) 3|x^2 -4| = y - 2
(2) |3 - y| = 11

(1) As we are asked to find the value of y, from this statement we can conclude only that y>=2, as LHS is absolute value which is never negative, hence RHS als can not be negative. Not sufficient.

(2) |3 - y| = 11:

y<3 --> 3-y=11 --> y=-8
y>=3 --> -3+y=11 --> y=14

Two values for y. Not sufficient.

(1)+(2) y>=2, hence y=14. Sufficient.

I guess the answer is E here. Because what we get from 1 is that y>=2. However, when we try to use that in (2) we are still hanging between y<3 and y>=3. Hence we have y=-8 and y=14.

Kindly let me know if I am missing something.

Kudos [?]: 295 [0], given: 87

Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 43294

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

20 Sep 2013, 05:27
gmatter0913 wrote:
Quote:
5. What is the value of y?
(1) 3|x^2 -4| = y - 2
(2) |3 - y| = 11

(1) As we are asked to find the value of y, from this statement we can conclude only that y>=2, as LHS is absolute value which is never negative, hence RHS als can not be negative. Not sufficient.

(2) |3 - y| = 11:

y<3 --> 3-y=11 --> y=-8
y>=3 --> -3+y=11 --> y=14

Two values for y. Not sufficient.

(1)+(2) y>=2, hence y=14. Sufficient.

I guess the answer is E here. Because what we get from 1 is that y>=2. However, when we try to use that in (2) we are still hanging between y<3 and y>=3. Hence we have y=-8 and y=14.

Kindly let me know if I am missing something.

y cannot be -8 (y cannot be lees than 2) because in this case the first statement would be violated: absolute value cannot equal to a negative number. If y=-8, then 3|x^2 -4| = y - 2 = -8 - 2 = -10, which cannot be true.

Hope it's clear.
_________________

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Senior Manager
Joined: 12 Mar 2010
Posts: 355

Kudos [?]: 295 [0], given: 87

Concentration: Marketing, Entrepreneurship
GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

20 Sep 2013, 05:59
Yes, it makes sense.

But, what is wrong with my approach?

My approach is as follows:

Looking at option 1

3 *|x^2 - 4| = y - 2

LHS is +ve or 0
Therefore, y>=2
Not Sufficient to answer the value of y.

Looking at option 2

|3-y|=11 is the given information

We have two cases here.
Case 1: When 3-y<0 (y>3)
=> the given information |3-y|=11 becomes -(3-y)=11
=> So, y=14
Case 2: When 3-y>0 (y<3)
=> the given information |3-y|=11 becomes 3-y=11
=> So, y=-8

This option says that if you know that
y < 3 then the value of y is -8
y>3 then the value of y is 14

This is still insufficient information because we still don't know whether y>3 or y<3

Combining option 1 and 2

From option we know that y>=2. So, let us see if this helps to boil down between y>3 or y<3.

We are still not sure as Option 1 says 'y' could be >3 or <3 (y>=2)

Kudos [?]: 295 [0], given: 87

Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 43294

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

20 Sep 2013, 06:12
gmatter0913 wrote:
Yes, it makes sense.

But, what is wrong with my approach?

My approach is as follows:

Looking at option 1

3 *|x^2 - 4| = y - 2

LHS is +ve or 0
Therefore, y>=2
Not Sufficient to answer the value of y.

Looking at option 2

|3-y|=11 is the given information

We have two cases here.
Case 1: When 3-y<0 (y>3)
=> the given information |3-y|=11 becomes -(3-y)=11
=> So, y=14
Case 2: When 3-y>0 (y<3)
=> the given information |3-y|=11 becomes 3-y=11
=> So, y=-8

This option says that if you know that
y < 3 then the value of y is -8
y>3 then the value of y is 14

This is still insufficient information because we still don't know whether y>3 or y<3

Combining option 1 and 2

From option we know that y>=2. So, let us see if this helps to boil down between y>3 or y<3.

We are still not sure as Option 1 says 'y' could be >3 or <3 (y>=2)

From (1) y>=2,
From (2) y=-8 or y=14.

Question: what does y equals to???
_________________

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Senior Manager
Joined: 12 Mar 2010
Posts: 355

Kudos [?]: 295 [0], given: 87

Concentration: Marketing, Entrepreneurship
GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

20 Sep 2013, 06:26
Sorry to bother you on this silly problem, but I am still not convinced.

I am rephrasing the problem removing all the Math, so that I can focus on the part I am getting confused at.

What is the value of y?
1. y>=2
2. If y<3 then the value of is -8, if y>3 then the value of y is 14 (think we have two groups here)

The problem is I am not sure whether I should use the information from Option 1 (y>=2)
to find out which group (from option 2) it belongs to or should I say y>=2 hence it has to be 14.

What is wrong in using the information to solve which group?

Kudos [?]: 295 [0], given: 87

Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 43294

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

20 Sep 2013, 06:42
gmatter0913 wrote:
Sorry to bother you on this silly problem, but I am still not convinced.

I am rephrasing the problem removing all the Math, so that I can focus on the part I am getting confused at.

What is the value of y?
1. y>=2
2. If y<3 then the value of is -8, if y>3 then the value of y is 14 (think we have two groups here)

The problem is I am not sure whether I should use the information from Option 1 (y>=2)
to find out which group (from option 2) it belongs to or should I say y>=2 hence it has to be 14.

What is wrong in using the information to solve which group?

Even if we use your approach: is y<3??? NO. So, we have the second group --> y=14.
_________________

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Senior Manager
Joined: 12 Mar 2010
Posts: 355

Kudos [?]: 295 [0], given: 87

Concentration: Marketing, Entrepreneurship
GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

20 Sep 2013, 06:47
That's not true, right?

Because Option 1 says y>=2 (y can be equal to 2 also)

If I say y=2 then it belongs to 1st group (If y<3 then the value of y is -8)
If I say y>3 then it belongs to 2nd group (If y>3 then the value of y is 14)

Kudos [?]: 295 [0], given: 87

Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 43294

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

20 Sep 2013, 06:50
gmatter0913 wrote:
That's not true, right?

Because Option 1 says y>=2 (y can be equal to 2 also)

If I say y=2 then it belongs to 1st group (If y<3 then the value of y is -8)
If I say y>3 then it belongs to 2nd group (If y>3 then the value of y is 14)

What I meant is:

If y is from the first group it's -8, if in the second it's 14. (2) says y>=2, so it's in the second group, so y=14.
_________________

Kudos [?]: 139166 [0], given: 12777

Senior Manager
Joined: 12 Mar 2010
Posts: 355

Kudos [?]: 295 [0], given: 87

Concentration: Marketing, Entrepreneurship
GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection [#permalink]

### Show Tags

20 Sep 2013, 07:04
That is exactly where my confusion is..

Quote:
What is the value of y?
1. y>=2
2. If y<3 then the value of y is -8, if y>3 then the value of y is 14 (think we have two groups here)

When using Option 1 in Option 2,

You are looking at comparing with the result of the groups (-8 or 14). As y>=2, it has to be 14.

I am looking at the conditions of the groups ( y< 3 or y>3). As y>=2 I cannot decide the group. Hence Option 1 and Option 2 together are not sufficient. What is wrong in this approach?

Kudos [?]: 295 [0], given: 87

Re: Inequality and absolute value questions from my collection   [#permalink] 20 Sep 2013, 07:04

Go to page   Previous    1  ...  10   11   12   13   14   15   16  ...  24    Next  [ 467 posts ]

Display posts from previous: Sort by