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Bunuel
Is b < 0?

(1) b^3 < b
(2) b^2 > b

For these types of questions, we can draw four regions on the number line and test which regions will work for each inequality. The four possible regions are b < -1, -1 < b < 0, 0 < b < -1, and b > 1.

Statement 1:

The regions that work are b < -1 and 0 < b < 1. Insufficient.

Statement 2:

The regions that work are b < 0 and b > 1. Insufficient.

Combined:

Combined we only have b < - 1 for both. Sufficient.

Ans: C
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Bunuel
Is b < 0?

(1) b^3 < b
(2) b^2 > b

Statement 1 is possible when b is a positive fraction or negative integer
Statement 2 is possible when b is a negative fraction or negative integer or a positive integer

Intersection of 1 & 2 is b = negative integer.
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Bunuel
Is b < 0?

(1) b^3 < b
(2) b^2 > b


In S2, can we divide both sides by b to get => b>1. If b is greater than 1 then b is not less than 0. Hence sufficient. What is wrong with my approach here?

@bunnel chetan2u KarishmaB
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prakashb2497
Bunuel
Is b < 0?

(1) b^3 < b
(2) b^2 > b


In S2, can we divide both sides by b to get => b>1. If b is greater than 1 then b is not less than 0. Hence sufficient. What is wrong with my approach here?

@bunnel chetan2u KarishmaB

No.

If b is positive, then after dividing by b you get b > 1 (keep the sign when dividing an inequality by a positive number) but if b is negative, then after dividing by b you get b < 1 (flip the sign when dividing an inequality by a negative number)

Never multiply (or reduce) an inequality by a variable (or the expression with a variable) if you don't know its sign.
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Bunuel
Is b < 0?

(1) b^3 < b
(2) b^2 > b


In S2, can we divide both sides by b to get => b>1. If b is greater than 1 then b is not less than 0. Hence sufficient. What is wrong with my approach here?

@bunnel chetan2u KarishmaB


Say b=-2….(-2)^2>-2
If you divide by b, that is -2, it becomes -2>1. Is it so?

Don’t divide unless you know whether the variable is positive or negative.
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A: x is either 0-1 or <-1.
B: x is either <-1 or >1

Answer C.

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