mm007
For non-zero integers a, b, c and d, is ab/cd positive?
(1) ad + bc = 0
(2) abcd = -4
To solve this, you only need to understand one concept - the sign of the answer doesn't change whether you multiply or divide factors. It is something we discuss when working with inequalities with factors. We say that
(x+a)(x+b)(x+c) < 0 has the same solution as (x+a)(x+b) / (x+c) < 0 because it doesn't matter whether the factors are getting multiplied or divided.
So considering 4 factors a, b, c and d, whether they are multiplied or divided, the sign of the result will stay the same.
(2) abcd = -4
So when all are multiplied together, we get a negative result. Then when two are multiplied and other two divide them i.e. with ab/cd, the result will be negative too.
Sufficient
(1) ad + bc = 0
This means ad = - bc
So ad and bc have opposite signs. So a/d and b/c will have opposite signs too.
Then ab/cd = (a/d) * (b/c) will be negative since one of them is positive and the other negative.
Sufficient
Answer (D)