Manhattan GMAT Forums Forum Index

Reply to topic
On the number line, the distance between x and y is greater
borcho
Guest


Reply with quote
On the number line, the distance between x and y is greater than the distance between x and z. Does z lie between x and y on the number line?

1) xyz <0

2) xy<0

This is a DS question. Please provide the shortest solution.
Luci
Guest


Reply with quote
I think the answer is E) but it is hard to explain without drawing the line....
Guest



Reply with quote
The answer is E I belive.

Scenario A ) where XYZ < 0.

2 positives 1 negative
3 negatives.

For three negatives on the number the order can be z, x, y, 0...or x, z, y, 0.

So A is insufficient.

Scenario B) hwere XY < 0.

One negative one positive. So the order can go. x 0 z y...or z x 0 y. So B is insufficient.

Scenario A+B.

If X and Y are both of oppositie signs (XY<0)..then Z has to be postive in order for XYZ < 0.

So One Negative and two positives.

Order can be.....x 0 z y...or y 0 x z.

Thus E.
Stacey Koprince
MGMAT STAFF

Joined: 06 Mar 2007
Posts: 2644
Location: San Francisco
Reply with quote
Yep, you've got it! This is harder to follow without drawing a number line, so those reading the above explanation may want to draw a number line and follow it through.
On the number line, the distance between x and y is greater
All times are GMT - 5 Hours  
Page 1 of 1  

  
  
 Reply to topic