Question from Challenge 6

Question

Thanks for answering the last question. Here one of three questions i am posting today. Please explain your answer choice.

What is the least possible value of x?

(1) x^2 - 5x + 5 = 1 - x
(2) x^2 = 4
(A) Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but Statement (2) alone is not sufficient.
(B) Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but Statement (1) alone is not sufficient.
(C) BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.
(D) EACH statement ALONE is sufficient.
(E) Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient.

allabout · Answer

(1) x^2 - 5x + 5 = 1 - x 

(x-2)^2=0

x=2 v x=-2

(2) x^2 = 4
 x=2 v x=-2

both statements lead to x=-2 as the least possible value of x

bewakoof · Answer

I believe D.. 
It is asking for least possible value.. and least possible value can be -2

believe2 · Answer

Agree with D.

What is the least possible value of x? 

(1) x^2 - 5x + 5 = 1 - x 
(2) x^2 = 4 

i] x^2 - 5x + 5 = 1 - x 
 => (x-2)^2=0 
 so x=2 ----suff

ii] x^2 = 4 
 => (x-2)(x+2)=0
 so x=-2,2 since -2 is smaller it is the least value here - suff

conocieur · Answer

good question, is not really testing math but how much you understand the tricks of the GMAT, I'll go with D as well

chiragr · Answer

1) (x-2)^2 = 0 => x= +- 2
2) x^2=4 =>x= +- 2

both are sufficient so answer is D

Chirag

chuckle · Answer

Guys,
I too agree with D.
But, the least possible value from statement(1) is 2 (and not +/-2).
(x-2)^2 = 0 => x = 2 only.

Question from Challenge 6

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