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# Is x^5 > x^4?

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Updated on: 05 Oct 2014, 08:51
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Is x^5 > x^4?

(1) x^3 > −x
(2) 1/x < x

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Originally posted by aadikamagic on 05 Oct 2014, 08:12.
Last edited by Bunuel on 05 Oct 2014, 08:51, edited 1 time in total.
Edited the question.
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Re: Is x^5 > x^4?  [#permalink]

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05 Oct 2014, 09:00
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Is x^5 > x^4?

Is $$x^5 > x^4$$? --> reduce by x^4: is $$x > 1$$?

(1) x^3 > −x --> $$x(x^2 + 1) > 0$$. Since $$x^2 + 1$$ is always positive, then the second multiple, x, must also be positive. So, this statement implies that x > 0. Not sufficient.

(2) 1/x < x --> multiply by x^2 (it has to be positive, so we can safely do that): $$x < x^3$$ --> $$x(x^2 -1) > 0$$ --> $$(x + 1)x(x - 1) > 0$$ --> $$-1 < x < 0$$ or $$x > 1$$. Not sufficient.

(1)+(2) Intersection of ranges from (1) and (2) is $$x > 1$$. Sufficient.

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Re: Is x^5 > x^4?  [#permalink]

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05 Oct 2014, 10:07
1
Thanks Bunuel. The take away for me here is that we can always divide by squares without bothering about sign changes.
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Re: Is x^5 > x^4?  [#permalink]

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06 Oct 2014, 02:29
Bunuel, can you please explain this :"x < x^3 --> x(x^2 -1) > 0 --> (x + 1)x(x - 1) > 0 --> -1 < x < 0 or x > 1. Not sufficient."

"
i understand that " (x + 1)x(x - 1) > 0" and then the three roots are = 1,-1,0. Since the inequality is ">", x is " outside these values. But how did we come to "-1 < x < 0 or x > 1."

I came to :
x(x+1)(x-1)>0
either x>0 or (x+1)(x-1)>0

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Re: Is x^5 > x^4?  [#permalink]

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06 Oct 2014, 02:55
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shreyagmat wrote:
Bunuel, can you please explain this :"x < x^3 --> x(x^2 -1) > 0 --> (x + 1)x(x - 1) > 0 --> -1 < x < 0 or x > 1. Not sufficient."

"
i understand that " (x + 1)x(x - 1) > 0" and then the three roots are = 1,-1,0. Since the inequality is ">", x is " outside these values. But how did we come to "-1 < x < 0 or x > 1."

I came to :
x(x+1)(x-1)>0
either x>0 or (x+1)(x-1)>0

(x + 1)x(x - 1) > 0 --> the "roots", in ascending order, are -1, 0 and 1, this gives us 4 ranges:

x < -1;
-1 < x < 0;
0 < x < 1;
x > 1.

Next, test some extreme value for x: if x is some large enough number, say 10, then all three multiples will be positive which gives the positive result for the whole expression, so when x>1, the expression is positive. Now the trick: as in the 4th range expression is positive, then in the 3rd it'll be negative, in the 2nd it'll be positive and finally in the 1st it'll be negative: - + - + . So, the ranges when the expression is positive are: -1 < x < 0 and x > 1.

Theory on Inequalities:
Inequality tips: tips-and-hints-for-specific-quant-topics-with-examples-172096.html#p1379270

inequalities-trick-91482.html
data-suff-inequalities-109078.html
range-for-variable-x-in-a-given-inequality-109468.html
everything-is-less-than-zero-108884.html
graphic-approach-to-problems-with-inequalities-68037.html

All DS Inequalities Problems to practice: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=184
All PS Inequalities Problems to practice: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=189

700+ Inequalities problems: inequality-and-absolute-value-questions-from-my-collection-86939.html

Hope this helps.
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Re: Is x^5 > x^4?  [#permalink]

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06 Oct 2014, 04:44
Thank you Bunuel. That was very quick. I think I got it now.
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Re: Is x^5 > x^4?  [#permalink]

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07 Oct 2014, 04:54
Is x^5 > x^4?

(1) x^3 > −x
(2) 1/x < x

It can also quickly be solved thinking about ranges.

Is $$x^5 > x^4$$?

If you think about it, the question is implicitly asking whether a value is greater than one. Indeed every other option (numbers smaller than -1; numbers between -1 and 0; numbers between 0 and 1) if plugged into the expression results in a false statement.

1) picking numbers you can figure out that:

I. the inequality is satisfied when our value is greater than zero. ( pick -1/3. (-1/3)^3 is never gonna be greater than [-(-1/3)]. Same reasoning holds for numbers <= than -1)
II. the inequality is satisfied for both proper fractions and values greater than 1.

NS

2) plugging in numbers you can figure out that the inequality is satisfied for values between both -1 and 0 and greater than 1.

NS

1+2) First statement rules out any value smaller than zero. second statement rules out any proper fraction. Our overlapping result is going to be a value grater than one, making us able to claim an answer.

C.

Hope it helps
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Re: Is x^5 > x^4?  [#permalink]

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07 Oct 2014, 10:31
Bunuel wrote:
Is x^5 > x^4?

Is $$x^5 > x^4$$? --> reduce by x^4: is $$x > 1$$?

(1) x^3 > −x --> $$x(x^2 + 1) > 0$$. Since $$x^2 + 1$$ is always positive, then the second multiple, x, must also be positive. So, this statement implies that x > 0. Not sufficient.

(2) 1/x < x --> multiply by x^2 (it has to be positive, so we can safely do that): $$x < x^3$$ --> $$x(x^2 -1) > 0$$ --> $$(x + 1)x(x - 1) > 0$$ --> $$-1 < x < 0$$ or $$x > 1$$. Not sufficient.

(1)+(2) Intersection of ranges from (1) and (2) is $$x > 1$$. Sufficient.

Hi Bunuel

I was able to solve the ques by plugging in values but can you explain how did x < x^3 become x(x^2-1) > 0
how did you know x^3 would be a negative quantity and took it LHS and change the inequality sign?
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Re: Is x^5 > x^4?  [#permalink]

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07 Oct 2014, 10:41
Is x^5 > x^4?

(1) x^3 > −x
(2) 1/x < x

The given question can be re-written as as $$x^{5}-x^{4} >0$$----> $$x^{4}*(x-1)>0$$
Now we know that $$x^{4}\geq{0}$$ so we need to know whether x=0 or $$x\neq{0}$$

St 1 says $$x^{3}+x>0$$ or $$x(x^2+1)>0$$...If this true we can safely say that $$x\neq{0}$$ and $$x>0$$
Now if x=2 the above expression $$x^{4}*(x-1)>0$$ is true
but if x=1/2 then $$x^{4}*(x-1)>0$$ is false

Option A and D ruled out

St 2 says 1/x < x
or $$\frac{(x^2-1)}{x} >0$$

Now this expression is true when Numerator and Denominator are of same sign..

Case 1: When N and D are positive so we have x>0 and$$x^{2}$$ > 1 or |x|>1 or x>1 or x<-1 but we know x>0 so we have x>1..For x>1 the expression is always positive
Case 2: When N and D are of negative sign so we have x<0 and$$x^{2}<1$$ or |x|<1 or -1<x<1...but if we know x<0 so we have x in the range -1<x<0..

So if x=-1/2 the expression $$x^{4}*(x-1)>0$$ is false
Thus from St2 also we have 2 answers possible..

Combining both statements we get that x>1 and the expression $$x^{4}*(x-1)>0$$ is true for all values x>1

Ans C
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Re: Is x^5 > x^4?  [#permalink]

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08 Oct 2014, 01:32
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thefibonacci wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
Is x^5 > x^4?

Is $$x^5 > x^4$$? --> reduce by x^4: is $$x > 1$$?

(1) x^3 > −x --> $$x(x^2 + 1) > 0$$. Since $$x^2 + 1$$ is always positive, then the second multiple, x, must also be positive. So, this statement implies that x > 0. Not sufficient.

(2) 1/x < x --> multiply by x^2 (it has to be positive, so we can safely do that): $$x < x^3$$ --> $$x(x^2 -1) > 0$$ --> $$(x + 1)x(x - 1) > 0$$ --> $$-1 < x < 0$$ or $$x > 1$$. Not sufficient.

(1)+(2) Intersection of ranges from (1) and (2) is $$x > 1$$. Sufficient.

Hi Bunuel

I was able to solve the ques by plugging in values but can you explain how did x < x^3 become x(x^2-1) > 0
how did you know x^3 would be a negative quantity and took it LHS and change the inequality sign?

x < x^3
0 < x^3 - x
0 < x(x^2 - 1), which is the same as x(x^2 - 1) > 0 .
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Re: Is x^5 > x^4? (1) x^3 > −x (2) 1/x < x  [#permalink]

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08 Jan 2016, 11:06
2
Is x^5 > x^4?

(1) x^3 > −x
(2) $$\frac{1}{x}$$ < x

You are asked is $$x^5 > x^4$$ ---> $$x^5-x^4>0$$---> $$x^4(x-1) > 0$$ ----> as $$x^4 > 0$$ for all x ---> the question basically asks us whether x>1 ?

Per statement 1,$$x^3 > −x$$ ---> $$x^3 + x> 0$$ ---> x(x^2+1)>0 ---> x>0 (as $$x^2+1 > 0$$ for all x) but is x>1 ? no definite answer. Not sufficient.

Per statement 2, 1/x < x ---> 1/x - x<0 ---> (1-x^2)/x < 0 ---> (x^2-1)/x > 0 ---> (x+1)(x-1)/x > 0 ---> -1<x<0 or x>1 , again not sufficient to give you a definite answer.

Combining the 2 statements you get, x>1, thus giving a definite yes to the question asked.

C is thus the correct answer.

Hope this helps.
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Re: Is x^5 > x^4?  [#permalink]

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10 Jan 2016, 18:49
1
Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. In DS, Variable approach is the easiest and quickest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember equal number of variables and independent equations ensures a solution.

Is x^5 > x^4?

(1) x^3 > −x
(2) 1x < x

When it comes to an inequality, when a range of 1) square and 2) que includes a range of con, the con is sufficient. These two facts are important.
When you modify the original condition and the question, it becomes x^5-x^4>0?, x^4(x-1)>0?, x-1>0?, x>1?.(As x^4 is a positive number, the direction of the sign is not changed when the both equations are divided.) There is 1 variable(x), which should match with the number of equations. So you need 1 equation. For 1) 1 equation, for 2) 1 equation, which is likely to make D the answer.
For 1), x^2+1>0 is always valid from x^3+x>0, x(x^2+1)>0, which makes x>0. Since the range of que doesn’t contain the range of con, it is not sufficient.
For 2), -1<x<0, 1<x is derived from x<x^3(the direction of the sign doesn’t change when x^2 is multiplied to the both equations. When it comes to an inequality, square only matters.), 0<x^3-x, 0<x(x^2-1), 0<x(x-1)(x+1). Since the range of que doesn’t contain the range of con, it is not sufficient.
When 1) & 2), from x>1, the range of que contains the range of con, which is sufficient. Therefore the answer is C.

 For cases where we need 1 more equation, such as original conditions with “1 variable”, or “2 variables and 1 equation”, or “3 variables and 2 equations”, we have 1 equation each in both 1) and 2). Therefore, there is 59 % chance that D is the answer, while A or B has 38% chance and C or E has 3% chance. Since D is most likely to be the answer using 1) and 2) separately according to DS definition. Obviously there may be cases where the answer is A, B, C or E.
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"Only $99 for 3 month Online Course" "Free Resources-30 day online access & Diagnostic Test" "Unlimited Access to over 120 free video lessons - try it yourself" Director Joined: 05 Mar 2015 Posts: 983 Is x^5>x^4? [#permalink] ### Show Tags 28 Sep 2016, 10:08 Keats wrote: Is x^5>x^4? 1. x^3 > -x 2. 1/x < x rewording the question as is x>1 (cancel x^4 both sides) ?? 1. x(x^2+1)>0 means x>0 if x=2 .....yes if x=0.5 ....No.......Insuff.... 2. 1/x-x<0 (1-x)(1+x)/x<0 breakpoints are -1,0,1 thus x is in range -1<x<0 && x>1 satisfies the condition let x=2......Yes x=-0.5 ....No.........insufff... combining both we know from 1 x>0 and from 2 that x>1 thus we have definite ans x>1.......suff.. Ans C Manager Joined: 24 Aug 2016 Posts: 68 Location: India WE: Information Technology (Computer Software) Re: Is x^5 > x^4? [#permalink] ### Show Tags 04 Oct 2016, 22:36 $$x^5 > x^4$$ ==> $$x^5 - x^4 > 0$$ ==> $$x^4 (x - 1) > 0$$ ==> x -1 > 0 ( As $$x^4$$ will always be positive.) ==> x > 1 ? (1) $$x^3 > -x$$ ==> $$x^2(x+1)>0$$ ==> x > -1 -- Not sufficient. (2) $$\frac{1}{x}$$< x ==> $$x^2 > 1$$ ==> x> 1 or x < -1 -- Not sufficient. When we combine (1) and (2), x can't be < -1. So, X > 1 Ans C. _________________ "If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominos will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate." Veritas Prep GMAT Instructor Joined: 16 Oct 2010 Posts: 8182 Location: Pune, India Re: Is x^5 > x^4? [#permalink] ### Show Tags 14 Jul 2017, 00:29 2 aadikamagic wrote: Is x^5 > x^4? (1) x^3 > −x (2) 1/x < x Responding to a pm: All the given information can be manipulated to form factors. I have discussed how to deal with multiple factors in these posts: https://www.veritasprep.com/blog/2012/0 ... e-factors/ https://www.veritasprep.com/blog/2012/0 ... ns-part-i/ https://www.veritasprep.com/blog/2012/0 ... s-part-ii/ Is x^5 > x^4? Is x^5 - x^4 > 0? Is x^4(x - 1) > 0? We ignore the even powers because x^4 will never be negative. But we need to ensure that x should not be 0 for the inequality to hold. Is (x - 1) > 0? Is x > 1? Statement 1: x^3 > −x x^3 + x > 0 x(x^2 + 1) > 0 x^2 + 1 will always be positive. So we see that x > 0. But we need to know whether it is greater than 1. Greater than 0 could be 0.5 or it could be 2 (or any other number). So this is not sufficient to say whether x will eb greater than 1. Not sufficient. (2) 1/x < x When the sign of x is not known, we do not multiply by x. We bring it to the o there side. (1/x) - x < 0 (1 - x^2)/x < 0 (x^2 - 1)/x > 0 (x + 1)(x - 1)/x > 0 The transition points on the number line are -1, 0, and 1. The expression will be positive when x > 1 or -1 < x < 0. This alone is also not sufficient. Both together we know that x is positive and x > 1 or -1 < x < 0. So x > 1 is a must. Sufficient. Answer (C) _________________ Karishma Veritas Prep GMAT Instructor Save up to$1,000 on GMAT prep through 8/20! Learn more here >

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Re: Is x^5 > x^4?  [#permalink]

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20 Sep 2017, 11:36
Bunuel wrote:
Is x^5 > x^4?

Is $$x^5 > x^4$$? --> reduce by x^4: is $$x > 1$$?

(1) x^3 > −x --> $$x(x^2 + 1) > 0$$. Since $$x^2 + 1$$ is always positive, then the second multiple, x, must also be positive. So, this statement implies that x > 0. Not sufficient.

(2) 1/x < x --> multiply by x^2 (it has to be positive, so we can safely do that): $$x < x^3$$ --> $$x(x^2 -1) > 0$$ --> $$(x + 1)x(x - 1) > 0$$ --> $$-1 < x < 0$$ or $$x > 1$$. Not sufficient.

(1)+(2) Intersection of ranges from (1) and (2) is $$x > 1$$. Sufficient.

Hey Bunuel,

How can you divide the equation by x^4 throughout ? As we don't know the value of x. We can't do that right? what if x was 0 , then we can't reduce a equation by 0

Please let me know if I am wrong. Eager to hear back from you
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Re: Is x^5 > x^4?  [#permalink]

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20 Sep 2017, 11:46
pikolo2510 wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
Is x^5 > x^4?

Is $$x^5 > x^4$$? --> reduce by x^4: is $$x > 1$$?

(1) x^3 > −x --> $$x(x^2 + 1) > 0$$. Since $$x^2 + 1$$ is always positive, then the second multiple, x, must also be positive. So, this statement implies that x > 0. Not sufficient.

(2) 1/x < x --> multiply by x^2 (it has to be positive, so we can safely do that): $$x < x^3$$ --> $$x(x^2 -1) > 0$$ --> $$(x + 1)x(x - 1) > 0$$ --> $$-1 < x < 0$$ or $$x > 1$$. Not sufficient.

(1)+(2) Intersection of ranges from (1) and (2) is $$x > 1$$. Sufficient.

Hey Bunuel,

How can you divide the equation by x^4 throughout ? As we don't know the value of x. We can't do that right? what if x was 0 , then we can't reduce a equation by 0

Please let me know if I am wrong. Eager to hear back from you

If it were x^5 < x^4, then after dividing by x^4 we'd get x < 1 but x cannot be 0, so it would be x< 0 or 0 < x < 1.

x^5 > x^4 gives x > 1, so it's redundant to mention that x cannot be 0 because we got x > 1.
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Re: Is x^5 > x^4?  [#permalink]

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21 Sep 2017, 04:46
Is x^5 > x^4?

(1) x^3 > −x
(2) 1/x < x

x^5 > x^4

x^5 - x^4 > 0

x^4 ( x - 1) > 0..........x^4 is always positive........So the question boils down to:

Is x > 1?? (Note: you can divide by x^4 because it is positive and hence no sign change)

(1) x^3 > −x

x^3 + x > 0

x ( x^2 + 1) > 0...........( x^2 + 1) is always positive.......then x cant take any positive number

Let x = 1/2........... Answer is No

Let x =2 ...............Answer is Yes

Insufficient

(2) 1/x < x

To be safe, test 1/2, -1/2, 2, -2.......... (Note: -2 & 1/2 will yield Invalid results so they are out.)

Let x = -1/2.........Answer is No

Let x = 2 ............Answer is Yes

Insufficient

Combine 1 & 2

The intersection happens when x > 1

Sufficient

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27 Dec 2017, 02:40
Bunuel wrote:
Is x^5 > x^4?

Is $$x^5 > x^4$$? --> reduce by x^4: is $$x > 1$$?

(1) x^3 > −x --> $$x(x^2 + 1) > 0$$. Since $$x^2 + 1$$ is always positive, then the second multiple, x, must also be positive. So, this statement implies that x > 0. Not sufficient.

(2) 1/x < x --> multiply by x^2 (it has to be positive, so we can safely do that): $$x < x^3$$ --> $$x(x^2 -1) > 0$$ --> $$(x + 1)x(x - 1) > 0$$ --> $$-1 < x < 0$$ or $$x > 1$$. Not sufficient.

(1)+(2) Intersection of ranges from (1) and (2) is $$x > 1$$. Sufficient.

Can we just reduce the equation by $$x^4$$, when we do not the sign of the variables? Will that not be wrong?
If it is right to reduce by $$x^4$$ in this question, how do we assess this for other questions? What do we base our judgment on to divide by variables?

Or is you reduced here because $$x^5> x^4$$ could only hold if $$x>1$$?
Separate from the question above

if we manipulated the stem this way would it be right?
$$x^5 - x^4>0$$
$$x^4(x - 1)>0$$

Therefore
either $$x^4>0 --> x > 0$$

$$Or x >1$$

Kindly explain.
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Re: Is x^5 > x^4?  [#permalink]

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27 Dec 2017, 03:15
mtk10 wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
Is x^5 > x^4?

Is $$x^5 > x^4$$? --> reduce by x^4: is $$x > 1$$?

(1) x^3 > −x --> $$x(x^2 + 1) > 0$$. Since $$x^2 + 1$$ is always positive, then the second multiple, x, must also be positive. So, this statement implies that x > 0. Not sufficient.

(2) 1/x < x --> multiply by x^2 (it has to be positive, so we can safely do that): $$x < x^3$$ --> $$x(x^2 -1) > 0$$ --> $$(x + 1)x(x - 1) > 0$$ --> $$-1 < x < 0$$ or $$x > 1$$. Not sufficient.

(1)+(2) Intersection of ranges from (1) and (2) is $$x > 1$$. Sufficient.

Can we just reduce the equation by $$x^4$$, when we do not the sign of the variables? Will that not be wrong?
If it is right to reduce by $$x^4$$ in this question, how do we assess this for other questions? What do we base our judgment on to divide by variables?

Or is you reduced here because $$x^5> x^4$$ could only hold if $$x>1$$?
Separate from the question above

if we manipulated the stem this way would it be right?
$$x^5 - x^4>0$$
$$x^4(x - 1)>0$$

Therefore
either $$x^4>0 --> x > 0$$

$$Or x >1$$

Kindly explain.

When dividing by negative value we should flip the sign of the inequality, when dividing by positive value we should keep the sign of the inequality. x^4 cannot be negative, so we can divide and write x > 1.

If it were x^5 < x^4, then after we divide by x^4, we'd get x < 1 but here we should mention that x ≠ 0 because if x = 0, then x^5 = x^4 = 0.
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Re: Is x^5 > x^4? &nbs [#permalink] 27 Dec 2017, 03:15

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