If xyz 0, is x(y + z) = 0?

Question

If xyz ≠ 0, is x(y + z) = 0?

(1) |y + z| = |y| + |z|

(2) |x + y| = |x| + |y|

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GMATinsight · Answer

Question : is x(y + z) = 0?

Since If xyz ≠ 0 so the expression x(y+z) will be zero only if y = -z and it has nothing to do with x

Statement 1 : |y + z| = |y| + |z|

i.e. y and z both have same sign and both are non-zero i.e y+z≠0 hence

SUFFICIENT

Statement 2 : |x + y| = |x| + |y|

But y may or may not be equal to -z hence

NOT SUFFICIENT

Answer: Option A

Archit3110 · Answer

given that
xyz ≠ 0
#1
|y + z| = |y| + |z|
would be true only if both y & z are of same sign i.e both + or both -ve
in that case ; x(y + z) = 0 wont be possible ; sufficeint
#2
|x + y| = |x| + |y|
again both x & y have to be of same sign , but now value of z can be of opposite sign so the value of x(y + z) = 0 can be 0 as well
insufficient
IMO A

MathRevolution · Answer

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. Visit https://www.mathrevolution.com/gmat/lesson for details. The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question. We should simplify conditions if necessary. Since xyz ≠ 0, we have x ≠ 0 and the question ask if y + z = 0 or not. Condition 1) Remind that |y+z| = |y|+|z| is equivalent to yz ≥ 0. Since xyz ≠ 0, we have yz ≠ 0 and yz > 0. Thus x(y+z) can not be zero since both y and z are positive or negative. Since condition 1) yields a unique solution "No", it is sufficient. Since 'no' is also a unique answer by CMT (Common Mistake Type) 1, both conditions are sufficient, when used together. Condition 2) If x = 1, y = 1, z = -1, then x(y+z) = 0 and the answer is "yes". If x = 1, y = 1, z = 1, then x(y+z) = 2 one the answer is "no". Since condition 2) does not yield a unique solution, it is not sufficient. Therefore, A is the answer.

sm1510 · Answer

Question seen in Manhattan GMAT test

JeffTargetTestPrep · Answer

xyz ≠ 0

We need to answer the question:

Is x(y + z) = 0 ?

Since x ≠ 0, we can rephrase the question into:

Is y + z = 0 ?

Note: To evaluate the statements, we’ll use the following rule:
If |a + b| = |a| + |b|, then ab ≥ 0.

Statement One Alone:

=> |y + z| = |y| + |z|

Since xyz ≠ 0, yz > 0. y and z must be both positive or both negative, so their sum cannot be equal to zero. The answer to the rephrased question is a definite No.

Statement one is sufficient. Eliminate answer choices B, C, and E.
 
 Statement Two Alone:

=> |x + y| = |x| + |y|

Since xyz ≠ 0, xy > 0. So, x and y are both positive or both negative.

If x = 1, y = 1, z =1, then the answer is No. Whereas, if x = -1, y = -1, z = 1, then the answer is Yes. Statement two is not sufficient.

Answer: A

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If xyz 0, is x(y + z) = 0?

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GMAT Data Sufficiency (DS) Questions

If xyz 0, is x(y + z) = 0?

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