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Bunuel
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Here we go -


St1: x = y - a

Q : (x + a)^2 = y^2
Substitute the value given in st1

( y - a + a)^2 = y ^ 2

Clearly statement 1 is sufficient

St2: x = y + a

Substitute
(y + 2a) ^ 2
No information is given about a...
so it may or may not be equal to y^2

Clearly option A is right
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GMAT 1: 760 Q51 V42
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Bunuel
Does (x + a)^2 = y^2?

(1) x = y - a

(2) x = y + a

Kudos for a correct solution.


Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.

The first step of VA(Variable Approach) method is modifying the original condition and the question, and rechecking the number of variables and the number of equations.
We can modify the original condition and question as follows.

\((x + a)^2 = y^2\)
\(⇔ (x + a)^2 - y^2 = 0\)
\(⇔ (x + a + y )(x+a-y) = 0\)
\(⇔ x = -y - a\) or \(x = y - a\)

Therefore, the condition 1) only is sufficient.
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from Statement 1
x= y-a
so put the value in main equation
(x+a)^2
(Y-a+a)^2
Y^2
same as RHS
sufficient
from statement 2 :
x = y + a
put in the equation (x+a)^2=y^2
we will get (y+2a)^2
This can be equal to y^2 when a= 0
and for some values it will not be equal to Y^2
hence we get more than one possibility.
therefore insufficient.

answer : A
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