x,y,z are even positive integers. Does it mean all are different?

Question

If x,y,z are even positive integers...?

Its clear that different is not mentioned in the problem....But it is represented by x,y,z which are different alphabets.

Question 1: Should i consider x,y,z as different only if its mentioned in the problem?
Question 2: In this case, Can i consider x=y=z?

Cheers

Bunuel · Answer

Unless otherwise specified, different variables can represent the same number. So, yes, x = y = z is a possible scenario here.

ENGRTOMBA2018 · Answer

When you are not explicitly given that

1. Given variables can assume integer values or 
2. Given variables are equal or unequal or 
3. Given variables can assume particular set of values

You can NOT assume anything that has not been explicitly stated. This might even be the reason why a particular statement becomes insufficient.

Question 1: Just mentioning 3 variables differently does not mean that they can not take same values.

QUestion 2: Yes, absolutely. You can and you must see if the statement gives you different values when the variables are all same and when they are all different.

This discussion will be better and more useful if you can quote a particular problem.

Hope this helps.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Balajikarthick1990,

GMAT questions are always carefully written and many of the 'rules'/patterns involved are based on the restrictions that the prompt states.

Consider the differences in the following examples:

"X, Y and Z are positive integers" means that the variables could be 1,2,3,4,5, etc. with duplicates allowed.

"X, Y and Z are distinct positive integers" means that the variables could be 1,2,3,4,5, etc. WITHOUT duplicates allowed.

"X, Y and Z are positive" means that the variables could be any number that is greater than 0, with duplicates allowed.

"X, Y and Z are distinct even integers" means that the variables could be -4,-2,0,2,4,6, etc. WITHOUT duplicates allowed.

The specific details MATTER, so you should be careful to take all of the necessary notes and do the work on the pad (NOT in your head), so that you be sure that you're correctly following the instructions of the question.

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

x,y,z are even positive integers. Does it mean all are different?

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