If x/y 2, is 3x + 2y

Question

If x/y > 2, is 3x + 2y < 18?

(1) x - y is less than 2
(2) y - x is less than 2

Bunuel · Accepted Answer

If \frac{x}{y}>2 , is 3x+2y<18 ? I would solve this question with graphic approach, by drawing the lines. With this approach you will "see" that the answer is A. But we can do it with algebra as well. \frac{x}{y}>2 tells us that x and y are either both positive or both negative, which means that all points (x,y) satisfying given inequality are either in I or III quadrant. When they are both negative (in III quadrant) inequality 3x+2y<18 is always true, so we should check only for I quadrant, or when both x and y are positive . In I quadrant, as x and y are both positive, we can rewrite \frac{x}{y}>2 as x>2y>0 (remember x>0 and y>0 ). So basically question becomes: If x>0 and y>0 and x>2y>0 , is 3x+2y<18 ? (1) x-y<2 . Subtract inequalities x>2y and x-y<2 (we can do this as signs are in opposite direction) --> x-(x-y)>2y-2 --> y<2 . Now add inequalities x-y<2 and y<2 (we can do this as signs are in the same direction) --> x-y+y<2+2 --> x<4 . We got y<2 and x<4 . If we take maximum values x=4 and y=2 and substitute in 3x+2y<18 , we'll get 12+4=16<18 . Sufficient. (2) y-x<2 and x>2y : x=3 and y=1 --> 3x+2y=11<18 true. x=11 and y=5 --> 3x+2y=43<18 false. Not sufficient. Answer: A.

Bunuel · Answer

You can only add inequalities when their signs are in the same direction: If a>b and c>d (signs in same direction: > and > ) --> a+c>b+d . Example: 3<4 and 2<5 --> 3+2<4+5 . You can only apply subtraction when their signs are in the opposite directions: If a>b and c and < ) --> a-c>b-d (take the sign of the inequality you subtract from). Example: 3<4 and 5>1 --> 3-5<4-1 . Hope it helps.

BarneyStinson · Answer

Given x > 2y. Have to substantiate if 3x + 2y < 18. Stmt-1: x < 2 + y. Keep substituting different values for y, we get ranges for x based on the stimulus condition and this statement, substitute these different values and we notice that certain values are applicable while many others aren't applicable to substantiate the posed question. Therefore, NS. Stmt-2: can be rephrased as x > y - 2. Do the same method as above, same situation, no definitive answer. Therefore, NS. combining both the statements, still substituting all possible values for y and deriving ranges for x, we can't really substantiate the given equation. My answer is E. I wonder if there is a simpler way of solving problems of this kind. I used the brute force approach of substituting valid numbers for y and ended up getting wierder ranges for x and again, choose something which accidentally would substantiate the equation and mostly certain other numbers that do not. Took me more than a 10 mins handling work simultaneously, and if such questions appear on the real deal, I might as well give up on GMAT and pursue a PhD in Pure Math.

Hussain15 · Answer

OA is "A". Thanks for detailed answer.

You have plugged the numbers in option 2, can it be done algeberically??

Bunuel · Answer

For (2) we have:
y-2<x and
0<2y<x.

We'll be able to find the pair of (x,y) when 3x+2y<18 holds true and also when 3x+2y<18 doesn't hold true. As the lower limits for (x,y) is zero (x and y can take very small values ensuring 3x+2y<18 to hold true) and there is no upper limit for this pair (x and y can take huge values ensuring 3x+2y<18 not to hold true).

This question is quite hard and I really think that the best way to solve it is by drawing the lines OR by number plugging.

sandeepuc · Answer

I spent 5 min for this question with incorrect ans .. There was no way I could have solved this question .. Very nice explanation Brunel ..

But I failed to understand the theory of addition and substraction for equalities with same sign and opposite signs respective .. Can you pls throw some light ..

alphastrike · Answer

+1 already for a great explanation.

Follow-up question: Would you mind detailing a graphical approach to this problem? I haven't taken a math course in 7 years so am a little rusty. Knowing how to solve such problems with a graph seems like it would be very useful.

Bunuel · Answer

Great post by Walker about the graphic approach: graphic-approach-to-problems-with-inequalities-68037.html Interestingly he uses this same question for explanation.

sunnyarora · Answer

Given x/y > 2.
i. x-y < 2: for this to be possible x and y have to be negative. Now since x and y are both negative, the equation in question will always result in a negative number. Hence, SUFFICIENT.

ii. y-x <2: For this to be possible x and y have to be positive. Now since x and y both are positive and x-y>-2, multiple solutions exist. Hence, NOT SUFFICIENT.

Therefore, answer is A.

Bunuel · Answer

OA for this question is A, but your reasoning is not correct: For (1) x=2>0 and y=0.5>0 satisfy both \frac{x}{y}>2 and x-y<2 , so x and y can be positive as well. For (2) x=-2<0 and y=-0.5>0 satisfy both \frac{x}{y}>2 and y-x<2 , so x and y can be negative as well. Solution for this problem is in earlier posts.

startafresh · Answer

Hi Bunuel,

Thank you for the great solution.
With regards to using graphs to solving the problem, do we get a grid kind of pad to be able to plot accurately and with ease?

Bunuel · Answer

This is what the scratchpad and pen in the test center will look like: GMAT_Scratchpad.jpg Remember, in the GMAT testing center the scratch paper that is provided is laminated and you are given a sharp-tip erasable marker to use.

chetan2u · Answer

Hi, responding to your Pm...

Since you have asked here only the above doubt...
y<2 and x<4.... you cannot take them as y=2 and x=4 as it is given both are less than these quantities...
so if y=1.9 .. statement 1 says x-y<2 or x-1.9<2 or x<3.9, so it satisfies x<4..
however if we take the values of x and y slightly more than the max possible(x<4).. x=4and (x<2)..y=2, we find value of eq <18.. so suff

Mo2men · Answer

If (x/y)>2, is 3x+2y<18?

x/y>2 means that both x & y have same sign.

(1) x-y < 2

Let x=3 & y=5/4....... check x/y=12/5=2.4>2

Check statement x-y<2.....3 -1.25=1.75 <2 ......So (3*3) + (2*5/4)<18..........(Note that you can choose positive numbers with narrow range such 2 & 5/6 and will achieve same answer Yes )

Let x=-10 & y=-1......check x/y=-10/-1=10>2

Check statement x-y<2.....-10+1=-9 <2............So (-10*3)+ (-1*2)<18.............Yes (Note that any negative numbers that satisfy both x/y> and fact 1 will always answer question with Yes)

Sufficient

(2) y-x < 2

Let x=3 & y=5/4....... check x/y=12/5=2.4>2

Check statement y-x<2.....1.25 - 3=-1.75 <2 ......So (3*3) + (2*5/4)<18.....Answer is Yes

Let x=10 & y=1.......check x/y=10>2

Check statement y-x<2.......1-10=-9<2................So (3*10) + (2*1)<18.....Answer is NO

Insufficient

Answer: A

This question needs high skills to spot the strategic numbers an spot pattern also.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi All,

We're told X/Y > 2 which means that X and Y are either BOTH positive or BOTH negative. The question asks if (3X + 2Y) < 18. This is a YES/NO question. This DS question has some useful Number Properties in it and can be solved by TESTing VALUES.

To start, there are some patterns worth noting:
If both X and Y are NEGATIVE, then the answer to the question is YES (and there'd be no reason to even do the math).
If both X and Y are POSITIVE, then the math IS required because the answer to the question COULD be YES or NO (depending on how big X and Y are).

1) (X - Y) is less than 2

This tells us that X and Y must be relatively "close" to one another, BUT we also know that X/Y > 2, which means that X is MORE THAN TWICE Y. These 2 Facts severely LIMIT the possibilities...

X = 2, Y = 1/2....3(2) + 2(1/2) IS < 18 The answer is YES
X = 3, Y = 1.1....3(3) + 2(1.1) IS < 18 The answer is YES
X CAN'T = 4 (or larger) because there's no value for Y that "fits" both Facts
If X and Y are negative, then we get another YES
Fact1 is SUFFICIENT

2) (Y - X) is less than 2

Here, we can use any of our TESTs from Fact 1
X = 2, Y = 1/2 ....The answer is YES

But we also need to consider any other possibilities...
X = 100, Y = 1....3(100 + 2(1) is NOT < 18 and the answer is NO
Fact 2 is INSUFFICIENT

Final Answer:

Show Spoiler

A

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

shanks2020 · Answer

Thanks Bunuel!!!
Does that mean statement 2 and option cannot have an algebraic solution and we have to think intuitively. how would we know while solving for any general inequality that we wont be able to arrive at a boundary condition for X and Y with the help of equations, the way we got for statement 1.

donaldmcdonald · Answer

Dear Bunuel , For this question you wrote you would solve this question with graphic approach. However, for below question you wrote "not a good candidate for graphic approach" https://gmatclub.com/forum/is-x-y-2-1-x ... l#p1247939 Additionally, you solve below questions by adding inequalities together https://gmatclub.com/forum/is-m-z-0-1-m ... 06381.html https://gmatclub.com/forum/is-xy-0-1-x- ... 14731.html Can you please tell me on what basis or when would you prefer to use graphic approach? Lets say you face a question and decide whether to use graphic or not... Many thx in advance

stoned · Answer

Hi Bunuel
-->Please suggest whether this approach is correct or not.

\(\frac{x}{y}>2\) and \(3x+2y<18\)

\(3x+2y<18\) --> \(y (3\frac{x}{y}+2)<18\)

in this equation \( (3\frac{x}{y} +2)\) is always >8 as \(\frac{x}{y}>2\)

So the question is asking whether \(y <2.25\)

Statement 1

\(x-y<2\) --> \( y(\frac{x}{y}-1)<2\)

and as \(\frac{x}{y}>2\), this tells that \(y<2\) always [hence Y<2.25 always] therefore this Statement is Sufficient.

Statement 2

\(y-x<2\) --> \( y(\frac{x}{y}-1)>-2\)

This tells us that \(y>-2\) so y may or may not be >2.25 therefore this Statement is not Sufficient.

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If x/y > 2, is 3x + 2y < 18? (1) x - y is less than 2 (2) y - x is les

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