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What is the value of a - b ? (1) a^2 - 2ab + b^2 = 16 (2) |a - b| = 4

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Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 44623
What is the value of a - b ? (1) a^2 - 2ab + b^2 = 16 (2) |a - b| = 4 [#permalink]

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12 Dec 2017, 05:55
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What is the value of a - b ?

(1) a^2 - 2ab + b^2 = 16
(2) |a - b| = 4
[Reveal] Spoiler: OA

_________________
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Aug 2009
Posts: 5776
Re: What is the value of a - b ? (1) a^2 - 2ab + b^2 = 16 (2) |a - b| = 4 [#permalink]

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12 Dec 2017, 06:27
Bunuel wrote:
What is the value of a - b ?

(1) a^2 - 2ab + b^2 = 16
(2) |a - b| = 4

1) $$a^2-2ab+b^2=16......(a-b)^2=16$$
So a-b can be 4 or -4
Insufficient

2) |a-b|=4
This tells us that the distance between a and b is 4, but value could be 4 or-4
Insufficient

Combined..
Both values 4 and -4 still possible..
Insufficient

E
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Absolute modulus :http://gmatclub.com/forum/absolute-modulus-a-better-understanding-210849.html#p1622372
Combination of similar and dissimilar things : http://gmatclub.com/forum/topic215915.html

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Re: What is the value of a - b ? (1) a^2 - 2ab + b^2 = 16 (2) |a - b| = 4   [#permalink] 12 Dec 2017, 06:27
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