Step 1: Analyse Question Stem
The value of \(x^2\) – \(y^2\) has to be calculated.
Using the standard Algebraic identity of \(a^2\) – \(b^2\) = (a – b) (a + b).
Therefore, to calculate the value of \(x^2\) – \(y^2\), we need information about (x – y) and (x + y)
Step 2: Analyse Statements Independently (And eliminate options) – AD / BCE
Statement 1: x - y = y + 2
Rearranging terms in the equation and solving, we have,
x – y – y = 2 OR
x = 2.
There is no information about y and therefore, the value of \(x^2\) – \(y^2\) cannot be calculated.
The data in statement 1 is insufficient to find the value of the expression.
Statement 1 alone is insufficient. Answer options A and D can be eliminated.
Statement 2: x - y = \(\frac{1}{(x+y)}\)
Rearranging the terms of the equation, (x – y) (x + y) = 1.
Therefore,\( x^2\) – \(y^2\) = 1.
The data in statement 2 is sufficient to find the value of the expression.
Statement 2 alone is sufficient. Answer options C and E can be eliminated.
The correct answer option is B.