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# Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|

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Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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01 Aug 2012, 07:20
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Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|?

(1) b = 3
(2) a < b

Source: Go Gmat
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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Updated on: 01 Aug 2012, 09:25
38
15
Galiya wrote:
Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|?

(1) b = 3
(2) a < b

Source: Go Gmat

There is a well known inequality, called the "triangle inequality", which states that for any non-zero real numbers x and y, $$|x+y|\leq|x|+|y|$$. Equality holds if and only if either x and y are both positive, or x and y are both negative. If x and y have opposite signs, the inequality is strict.

In our case, we can denote by $$x = a - b, y = a - 2b$$, and the given inequality becomes $$|x+y|<|x|+|y|$$. So, the question is asking whether x and y are of opposite signs, or $$a - b$$ and $$a - 2b$$ are of opposite signs.

Then, we can see that neither (1) nor (2) alone is sufficient.
For (1) and (2) together: $$x = a - b = a - 3 < 0, y =a - 2b = a - 6 < 0$$, so the given inequality doesn't hold (definite answer is NO), therefore sufficient.

Answer C
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Originally posted by EvaJager on 01 Aug 2012, 09:04.
Last edited by EvaJager on 01 Aug 2012, 09:25, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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26 Nov 2012, 14:04
3
azzhhuu wrote:
EvaJager wrote:
Galiya wrote:
Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|?

(1) b = 3
(2) a < b

Source: Go Gmat

There is a well known inequality, called the "triangle inequality", which states that for any non-zero real numbers x and y, $$|x+y|\leq|x|+|y|$$. Equality holds if and only if either x and y are both positive, or x and y are both negative. If x and y have opposite signs, the inequality is strict.

In our case, we can denote by $$x = a - b, y = a - 2b$$, and the given inequality becomes $$|x+y|<|x|+|y|$$. So, the question is asking whether x and y are of opposite signs, or $$a - b$$ and $$a - 2b$$ are of opposite signs.

Then, we can see that neither (1) nor (2) alone is sufficient.
For (1) and (2) together: $$x = a - b = a - 3 < 0, y =a - 2b = a - 6 < 0$$, so the given inequality doesn't hold (definite answer is NO), therefore sufficient.

Answer C

Hi Eva

I am not sure on the solution mentioned above.

For statement 2 we have a< b, ie a-b <0 and similarly a-2b <0 . Therefore both X and Y are negative. In that case the inequality meets the condition. So shouldnt the answer be b

a < b doesn't necessarily imply that a < 2b.
For example a = -4 < -3 = b, but a = -4 > 2(-3) = -6 = 2b.
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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01 Aug 2012, 09:44
2
2
Galiya wrote:
thank you very much, Eva!
its clear now
im not strong in modules

Welcome!

I am supposed to know a few things about absolute value...I am a mathematician.

I have sent you a PM, did you see it?
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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01 Aug 2012, 09:11
1
thank you very much, Eva!
its clear now
im not strong in modules
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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27 Aug 2012, 08:41
1
EvaJager wrote:
Galiya wrote:
Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|?

(1) b = 3
(2) a < b

Source: Go Gmat

There is a well known inequality, called the "triangle inequality", which states that for any non-zero real numbers x and y, $$|x+y|\leq|x|+|y|$$. Equality holds if and only if either x and y are both positive, or x and y are both negative. If x and y have opposite signs, the inequality is strict.

In our case, we can denote by $$x = a - b, y = a - 2b$$, and the given inequality becomes $$|x+y|<|x|+|y|$$. So, the question is asking whether x and y are of opposite signs, or $$a - b$$ and $$a - 2b$$ are of opposite signs.

Then, we can see that neither (1) nor (2) alone is sufficient.
For (1) and (2) together: $$x = a - b = a - 3 < 0, y =a - 2b = a - 6 < 0$$, so the given inequality doesn't hold (definite answer is NO), therefore sufficient.

Answer C

That was a great explanation.
Mods is not a strong point for me.
It would be helpful if you can share some more tips and tricks on mods.

also please explain: If x and y have opposite signs, the inequality is strict.
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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16 Nov 2012, 01:14
1
I am confused at this point...For (1) and (2) together: x = a - b = a - 3 < 0, y =a - 2b = a - 6 < 0, so the given inequality doesn't hold (definite answer is NO), therefore sufficient.
Now b= 3 and a<b.
Consider case 1: a=4 a - 3 = 4-3=-1 and a - 6 = 4-6 = -2 i.e. -1 and -2 which is +ve
Consider case 1: a=2 a - 2 = 4-2= 2 and a - 6 = 2-6 = -4 i.e. 2 and -4 which is -ve
Hence the correct answer is E and not C..

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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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20 Nov 2012, 20:12
1
EvaJager wrote:
Galiya wrote:
Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|?

(1) b = 3
(2) a < b

Source: Go Gmat

There is a well known inequality, called the "triangle inequality", which states that for any non-zero real numbers x and y, $$|x+y|\leq|x|+|y|$$. Equality holds if and only if either x and y are both positive, or x and y are both negative. If x and y have opposite signs, the inequality is strict.

In our case, we can denote by $$x = a - b, y = a - 2b$$, and the given inequality becomes $$|x+y|<|x|+|y|$$. So, the question is asking whether x and y are of opposite signs, or $$a - b$$ and $$a - 2b$$ are of opposite signs.

Then, we can see that neither (1) nor (2) alone is sufficient.
For (1) and (2) together: $$x = a - b = a - 3 < 0, y =a - 2b = a - 6 < 0$$, so the given inequality doesn't hold (definite answer is NO), therefore sufficient.

Answer C

Hi Eva

I am not sure on the solution mentioned above.

For statement 2 we have a< b, ie a-b <0 and similarly a-2b <0 . Therefore both X and Y are negative. In that case the inequality meets the condition. So shouldnt the answer be b
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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Updated on: 03 Jul 2013, 14:15
1
1
Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|?

(1) b = 3

|2a − 3(3)| < |a − (3)| + |a − 2(3)|
|2a-9| < |a-3| + |a-6|

The checkpoints here are 4.5, 3, 6

The ranges to test are: x<3, 3<x<4.5, 4.5<x<6, x>6

a<3: -(2a-9) < -(a-3) + -(a-6) -2a+9 < -a+3 + -a+6 0 < 0 INVALID

3<a<4.5: -(2a-9) < (a-3) + -(a-6) -2a+9 < a-3 + -a+6 -2a < -6 a>3 VALID (a may fall within the range of 3<a<4.5)

4.5<a<6: (2a-9) < (a-3) + -(a-6) 2a-9 < a-3 + -a+6 2a < 12 a < 6 VALID 9 (a may fall within the range of 4.5<a<6)

a>6: (2a-9) < (a-3) + (a-6) 2a-9 < a-3 + a-6 0 < 0 INVALID

Some solutions are sufficient, some are not.
INSUFFICIENT

a<b

|2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|

If a<b then:

|2(2) - 3(3)| < |2-3| + |(2)-2(3)| |-5| < |-1| + |-6| 5<7 VALID
|2(-2)| - 3(3)| < |-2-3| + |-2 -2(3)| |-13| < |-5| + |-8| 13<13 INVALID
INSUFFICIENT

1+2) b=3 and a<b therefore a<3

Using the cases we found in #1, where a<3, the only solution where a<3 is invalid.
SUFFICIENT

(C)

(Is that correct reasoning I am using?)

Originally posted by WholeLottaLove on 03 Jul 2013, 12:53.
Last edited by WholeLottaLove on 03 Jul 2013, 14:15, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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03 Jul 2013, 13:03
1
WholeLottaLove wrote:
Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|?

(1) b = 3

|2a − 3(3)| < |a − (3)| + |a − 2(3)|
|2a-9| < |a-3| + |a-6|

The checkpoints here are 4.5, 3, 6

The ranges to test are: x<3, 3<x<4.5, 4.5<x<6, x>6

a<3: -(2a-9) < -(a-3) + -(a-6) -2a+9 < -a+3 + -a+6 0 < 0 INVALID

3<a<4.5: -(2a-9) < (a-3) + -(a-6) -2a+9 < a-3 + -a+6 -2a < -6 a>3 INVALID (a may fall within the range of 3<a<4.5 but it may be greater than it as well.

4.5<a<6: (2a-9) < (a-3) + -(a-6) 2a-9 < a-3 + -a+6 2a < 12 a < 6 INVALID 9 a may fall within the range of 4.5<a<6 but it may be less than it as well)

x>6: (2a-9) < (a-3) + (a-6) 2a-9 < a-3 + a-6 0 < 0 INVALID

All solutions are invalid
SUFFICIENT

I know the above solution is incorrect but I cannot seem to figure out why. Can someone please explain?

Thanks!

Those two parts are not correct. Example for 3<a<4.5 you get a>3, so this could be a valid solution.

Just because $$a$$ COULD fall in the range, this makes that given range a possible valid solution (for a=3.5 for example).
$$|2a - 3b| < |a - b| + |a - 2b|$$ for a=3.5 and b=3 you get
$$|7-9|<|3.5-3|+|3.5-6|$$ or $$2<3$$ => valid
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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03 Jul 2013, 14:07
1
Yes of course we need 2 a<b.

With it the situation changes to:
3<a<4.5: -(2a-9) < (a-3) + -(a-6) -2a+9 < a-3 + -a+6 -2a < -6 a>3 INVALID (a may fall within the range of 3<a<4.5 but it may be greater than it as well.

With $$b>a$$, $$a>3$$ => $$b>a>3$$ so $$b>3$$. But $$b =3$$, so it's NOT more than 3=> Invalid

4.5<a<6: (2a-9) < (a-3) + -(a-6) 2a-9 < a-3 + -a+6 2a < 12 a < 6 INVALID 9 a may fall within the range of 4.5<a<6 but it may be less than it as well)

With $$b>a$$, $$a>4.5$$ so this means that $$b>4.5$$ as well. But $$b =3$$, so it's NOT more than 4.5 => Invalid
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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03 Jul 2013, 14:19
1
In my revised solution (edited from the one above) I used a<b and b=3 so doesn't that mean a<3?

Zarrolou wrote:
Yes of course we need 2 a<b.

With it the situation changes to:
3<a<4.5: -(2a-9) < (a-3) + -(a-6) -2a+9 < a-3 + -a+6 -2a < -6 a>3 INVALID (a may fall within the range of 3<a<4.5 but it may be greater than it as well.

With $$b>a$$, $$a>3$$ => $$b>a>3$$ so $$b>3$$. But $$b =3$$, so it's NOT more than 3=> Invalid

4.5<a<6: (2a-9) < (a-3) + -(a-6) 2a-9 < a-3 + -a+6 2a < 12 a < 6 INVALID 9 a may fall within the range of 4.5<a<6 but it may be less than it as well)

With $$b>a$$, $$a>4.5$$ so this means that $$b>4.5$$ as well. But $$b =3$$, so it's NOT more than 4.5 => Invalid
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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03 Jul 2013, 14:22
1
WholeLottaLove wrote:
In my revised solution (edited from the one above) I used a<b and b=3 so doesn't that mean a<3?

Zarrolou wrote:
Yes of course we need 2 a<b.

With it the situation changes to:
3<a<4.5: -(2a-9) < (a-3) + -(a-6) -2a+9 < a-3 + -a+6 -2a < -6 a>3 INVALID (a may fall within the range of 3<a<4.5 but it may be greater than it as well.

With $$b>a$$, $$a>3$$ => $$b>a>3$$ so $$b>3$$. But $$b =3$$, so it's NOT more than 3=> Invalid

4.5<a<6: (2a-9) < (a-3) + -(a-6) 2a-9 < a-3 + -a+6 2a < 12 a < 6 INVALID 9 a may fall within the range of 4.5<a<6 but it may be less than it as well)

With $$b>a$$, $$a>4.5$$ so this means that $$b>4.5$$ as well. But $$b =3$$, so it's NOT more than 4.5 => Invalid

Yes, good catch! I overlook that, so the analysis can be reduced to just the case $$a<3$$
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Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|?  [#permalink]

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11 Mar 2015, 23:53
1
Answer is C.
This DS question expects an answer in Yes or No.

Consider the modulus expression |x - a|. As we know, Mod of any number gives out a positive value. But what is inside the Mod ("x - a" in this case) may have any sign or even have value zero.
Ex: "x - a" will be positive for x > a, negative for x < a and equal to 0 for x = a.

Two important things to note here. First, x = a is the point where sign of the expression gets reversed. Second, a negative value comes out of the Mod as positive, so when "x - a" is negative |x - a| = -(x - a), just as | -3 | = -(-3) = 3.

Now, coming to provided statements:
Statement 1:

Given b = 3.
So the given question becomes, Is |2a - 9| < |a - 3| + |a - 6| ?.
Now as mentioned above about the modulus expression, each of the three expression inside Mod will change sign based on value of a (in this case). The expression in question a has 3 sign reversal points: 9/2 , 3 and 6 respectively for "2a - 9", "a - 3" and "a - 6".

On number line:
<----------- 3 -------------- 9/2 -------------- 6 ----------------->

This is quite understandable that for each expression`s sign change, the complete equation will change.
For a < 3 (First case of Statement 1),
All the above "2a - 9", "a - 3" and "a - 6" will be negative: so, |2a - 9| = - (2a - 9),
|a - 3| = -(a - 3) and |a - 6| = -(a - 6). And the complete expression will be:
L.H.S = 9 - 2a
R.H.s = 3 - a + 6 - a = 9 - 2a.
Here we can see that for any a < 3, L.H.S = R.H.S. So according to First case of Statement 1, answer to asked question |2a - 9| < |a - 3| + |a - 6| ? is NO.

Again, for 3 < a < 9/2 (Second case of Statement 1),
Putting the values according to change signs (please try seeing which of the three have need to change sign),
L.H.S = 9 - 2a
R.H.S = 3.
Just put any value between 3 and 9/2 for a. L.H.S is always less than R.H.S. So according to Second case of Statement 1, answer to asked question |2a - 9| < |a - 3| + |a - 6| ? is YES.

We can stop here, since 2 different conditions for statement 1 gives contradicting results.
If this was not the case, we would have to check for all the ranges of values for a. For given situation statement 1 is clearly INSUFFICIENT.

Statement 2:
This also insufficient because we cannot decide for the signs of expressions inside Mod. INSUFFICIENT.

Statement 1 + 2:
b = 3 and a < b => a < 3.
From our previous analysis we can see that for a < 3, we have one undoubted answer (No) for question Is |2a - 9| < |a - 3| + |a - 6| ?
So, Statement 1 + 2 is sufficient to answer the question.
Hence C is correct.

**It looks lengthy process, but just because it is explained. With practice you can reduce time taken to solve below 2 mins.
Hope this helped.!!!!
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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27 Jun 2015, 05:42
1
EvaJager wrote:
Galiya wrote:
Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|?

(1) b = 3
(2) a < b

Source: Go Gmat

There is a well known inequality, called the "triangle inequality", which states that for any non-zero real numbers x and y, $$|x+y|\leq|x|+|y|$$. Equality holds if and only if either x and y are both positive, or x and y are both negative. If x and y have opposite signs, the inequality is strict.

In our case, we can denote by $$x = a - b, y = a - 2b$$, and the given inequality becomes $$|x+y|<|x|+|y|$$. So, the question is asking whether x and y are of opposite signs, or $$a - b$$ and $$a - 2b$$ are of opposite signs.

Then, we can see that neither (1) nor (2) alone is sufficient.
For (1) and (2) together: $$x = a - b = a - 3 < 0, y =a - 2b = a - 6 < 0$$, so the given inequality doesn't hold (definite answer is NO), therefore sufficient.

Answer C

Can someone pls correct me if I am wrong in understanding the above statements in RED.
- if the signs are same then statement only correct for < and is wrong for =
- if the signs are opposite then the statement is only correct for = and not for <

Based on this from 1 and 2 above since both signs are same we can definitely say the equation will be correct only for < sign(which is how it was given in the question). therefore C
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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05 Sep 2015, 01:22
1
Q: Is |2a-3b|<|a-b|+|a-2b|?
As rightly pointed out this is related to triangular inequality.

|x|=|a-b|; |y|=|a-2b|; |x+y|=|2a-3b|

question is asking whether x and y have opposite signs or not.

=> whether:
a-b<0 & a-2b>0 OR a-b>0 & a-2b<0

=>
a<b & a>2b (Only possible when both a and b are negative) OR a>b & a<2b
=> b<a<2b
Statement 1: b=3
b is positive. So, a<b and a>2b is not possible
since we do not know whether b<a<2b we cannot answer the question.
Not sufficient

Statement 2: a<b
we don't know whether a and b both are positive or negative.
We also don't know whether a<2b.
Not sufficient

Statement 1 + 2:
b=3 and a<b
=> neither a<b & a>2b (Only possible when both a and b are negative) NOR b<a<2b.
Hence we can definitely say |x+y| is not less than |x|+|y|.
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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27 Aug 2012, 10:00
manulath wrote:
EvaJager wrote:
Galiya wrote:
Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|?

(1) b = 3
(2) a < b

Source: Go Gmat

There is a well known inequality, called the "triangle inequality", which states that for any non-zero real numbers x and y, $$|x+y|\leq|x|+|y|$$. Equality holds if and only if either x and y are both positive, or x and y are both negative. If x and y have opposite signs, the inequality is strict.

In our case, we can denote by $$x = a - b, y = a - 2b$$, and the given inequality becomes $$|x+y|<|x|+|y|$$. So, the question is asking whether x and y are of opposite signs, or $$a - b$$ and $$a - 2b$$ are of opposite signs.

Then, we can see that neither (1) nor (2) alone is sufficient.
For (1) and (2) together: $$x = a - b = a - 3 < 0, y =a - 2b = a - 6 < 0$$, so the given inequality doesn't hold (definite answer is NO), therefore sufficient.

Answer C

That was a great explanation.
Mods is not a strong point for me.
It would be helpful if you can share some more tips and tricks on mods.

also please explain: If x and y have opposite signs, the inequality is strict.

Strict inequality means < , equality cannot hold.
For example |2+(-3)| < |2| + |-3| as 1 < 2 + 3.
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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03 Jul 2013, 09:47
EvaJager wrote:
Galiya wrote:
Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|?

(1) b = 3
(2) a < b

Source: Go Gmat

There is a well known inequality, called the "triangle inequality", which states that for any non-zero real numbers x and y, $$|x+y|\leq|x|+|y|$$. Equality holds if and only if either x and y are both positive, or x and y are both negative. If x and y have opposite signs, the inequality is strict.

In our case, we can denote by $$x = a - b, y = a - 2b$$, and the given inequality becomes $$|x+y|<|x|+|y|$$. So, the question is asking whether x and y are of opposite signs, or $$a - b$$ and $$a - 2b$$ are of opposite signs.

Then, we can see that neither (1) nor (2) alone is sufficient.
For (1) and (2) together: $$x = a - b = a - 3 < 0, y =a - 2b = a - 6 < 0$$, so the given inequality doesn't hold (definite answer is NO), therefore sufficient.

Answer C

hi mate,

here is my approach please correct me if im wrong,

the in-equality only holds good if they are opposite sign,
s1: b = 3 or one variable in const. but we can't predict anything with this so we need another values too so S1: NS

s2: a< b, even here we have many possibilities so s2 NS
now s1 and s2 combined :

we still don't know about a, as we can only determine B and a is still unknown , we can't drive any particular values .. we say NO,

but does this help in saying E Or C ??

Im confused
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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03 Jul 2013, 13:56
Interesting. I think I've had trouble with a few other problems with this very concept. Thanks for the pointer. Just to be clear, these would only be invalid if a (or whatever variable) fell entirely outside of the given range? (i.e. 2<a<3 and a>10 Would 2<a<3 and a<10 be valid?)

I take it that's why we need II. in addition to I. to solve this problem?

Zarrolou wrote:
WholeLottaLove wrote:
Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|?

(1) b = 3

|2a − 3(3)| < |a − (3)| + |a − 2(3)|
|2a-9| < |a-3| + |a-6|

The checkpoints here are 4.5, 3, 6

The ranges to test are: x<3, 3<x<4.5, 4.5<x<6, x>6

a<3: -(2a-9) < -(a-3) + -(a-6) -2a+9 < -a+3 + -a+6 0 < 0 INVALID

3<a<4.5: -(2a-9) < (a-3) + -(a-6) -2a+9 < a-3 + -a+6 -2a < -6 a>3 INVALID (a may fall within the range of 3<a<4.5 but it may be greater than it as well.

4.5<a<6: (2a-9) < (a-3) + -(a-6) 2a-9 < a-3 + -a+6 2a < 12 a < 6 INVALID 9 a may fall within the range of 4.5<a<6 but it may be less than it as well)

x>6: (2a-9) < (a-3) + (a-6) 2a-9 < a-3 + a-6 0 < 0 INVALID

All solutions are invalid
SUFFICIENT

I know the above solution is incorrect but I cannot seem to figure out why. Can someone please explain?

Thanks!

Those two parts are not correct. Example for 3<a<4.5 you get a>3, so this could be a valid solution.

Just because $$a$$ COULD fall in the range, this makes that given range a possible valid solution (for a=3.5 for example).
$$|2a - 3b| < |a - b| + |a - 2b|$$ for a=3.5 and b=3 you get
$$|7-9|<|3.5-3|+|3.5-6|$$ or $$2<3$$ => valid
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Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|  [#permalink]

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03 Jul 2013, 14:36
Haha! I got one right for once! Thank you very much for all of your help - I would be completely lost on these 700+ questions without it!

Zarrolou wrote:
WholeLottaLove wrote:
In my revised solution (edited from the one above) I used a<b and b=3 so doesn't that mean a<3?

Zarrolou wrote:
Yes of course we need 2 a<b.

With it the situation changes to:
3<a<4.5: -(2a-9) < (a-3) + -(a-6) -2a+9 < a-3 + -a+6 -2a < -6 a>3 INVALID (a may fall within the range of 3<a<4.5 but it may be greater than it as well.

With $$b>a$$, $$a>3$$ => $$b>a>3$$ so $$b>3$$. But $$b =3$$, so it's NOT more than 3=> Invalid

4.5<a<6: (2a-9) < (a-3) + -(a-6) 2a-9 < a-3 + -a+6 2a < 12 a < 6 INVALID 9 a may fall within the range of 4.5<a<6 but it may be less than it as well)

With $$b>a$$, $$a>4.5$$ so this means that $$b>4.5$$ as well. But $$b =3$$, so it's NOT more than 4.5 => Invalid

Yes, good catch! I overlook that, so the analysis can be reduced to just the case $$a<3$$
Re: Is |2a − 3b| < |a − b| + |a − 2b|   [#permalink] 03 Jul 2013, 14:36

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