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Bunuel
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Romik
chetan2u
Is x > y ?

(1) xa > ya
Depends on the sign of a.
If a>0, then x>y.....2*1>1*1
If a<0, then x<y.....2*-1>3*-1

(2) x − a > y − a
Add a to both sides to get x>y.
Sufficient


B

Why can't we subtract both sides by a in the first case (like you say to add a to both sides in the second)?

You can but it will not affect the equation or simplify the equation.
xa>ya…….xa-a>ya-a
Yes you could take both on the same side.
xa>ya……xa-ya>0……..a(x-y)>0
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chetan2u
Is x > y ?

(1) xa > ya
Depends on the sign of a.
If a>0, then x>y.....2*1>1*1
If a<0, then x<y.....2*-1>3*-1

(2) x − a > y − a
Add a to both sides to get x>y.
Sufficient


B

Why can't we subtract both sides by a in the first case (like you say to add a to both sides in the second)?

You can but it will not affect the equation or simplify the equation.
xa>ya…….xa-a>ya-a
Yes you could take both on the same side.
xa>ya……xa-ya>0……..a(x-y)>0

I'm sorry, I meant - why can't we divide both sides by a?
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