If a^2

Question

If a^2 < 34 and b^2 < 16, and a and b are both integers, then what is the smallest possible value of a - b ?

A. -8
B. -5
C. -3
D. -2
E. 2

rajatchopra1994 · Answer

Explanation:

a= -5
b= 3
a-b = -5-3 = -8 (smallest value)

IMO-A

ArunSharma12 · Answer

-5 \le a \le 5 
  -3 \le b \le 3

smallest possible value of a - b = -5 - 3 = -8
Ans: A

yashikaaggarwal · Answer

The smallest possible value of a-b is when b is maximum and a is smallest.

A ranges from 5 to -5 => Smallest value = -5
B ranges from 3 to -3 => Greatest value = 3

a-b = -5-3= -8

Answer is A

Nipungupta9081 · Answer

a= -5
b= 3
a-b = -5-3 = -8

Answer - A

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Babineaux · Answer

We have to determine the value of a - b;
Thus a must be the smallest one with b the greatest.
a ^2 < 34 ;
The smallest and highest values of a ^2  are 1 and 25;
Thus a = (- 1, + 1) and (- 5 , + 5)
Provides the smallest value of a is - 5;

Similarly,
b ^2  < 16 ;
The smallest and highest values of b ^2  are 1 and 9;
Thus b = (- 1, + 1) and (- 3 , + 3)
Provides the highest value of b is + 3;

Hence the range a - b = - 5 - 3 = - 8 is the smallest one.

daniformic · Answer

Lowest a: -5
Highest b: 3

a - b -> -5 - (-3) = -8

Answer -> A

GMATinsight · Answer

a^2 < 34
i.e. -√34 < a < √34

b^2 < 16
i.e. -4 < b < 4

a-b will be minimum when
- a is minimum and (Minimum integer = -5)
- b is maximum (Maximum integer = 3)

i.e.  (a-b)_{min} = -5 - 3 = -8

Answer: Option A

Kinshook · Answer

Asked: If a^2 < 34 and b^2 < 16, and a and b are both integers, then what is the smallest possible value of a - b ?

-6<a<6 
-4<b<4

(a-b)_{min} = -5 - 3 = -8

IMO A

bumpbot · Answer

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If a^2 < 34 and b^2 < 16, and a and b are both integers, then what is

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