Is (x – 2) (x – 3) > 0? GMAT Data Sufficiency

Question: Is (x – 2) (x – 3) > 0?

  1.  x – 2 < 0
  2.  x – 3 < 0
  1. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.        
  2. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient.        
  3. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.        
  4. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient.        
  5. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are not sufficient. 

Correct Answer: A

Solution and Explanation:
Approach Solution 1:

There is only one approach to solve this problem.

The given case scenario is to find whether (x – 2) (x – 3) > 0 is true or not and making use of the given two cases, it needs to be proved.

Based on case 1, it can be evaluated that-
when both (x – 2) and (x – 3) are +ve in eq (x – 2) (x – 3) > 0

Therefore it can be implied as
=> x>2 and x>3

By trying to plot the above values on the number line, it can be seen that the final equation comes out as-
Final equation will become x > 3

For the given 2nd case, it can be identified that when both (x – 2) and (x – 3) are -ve in eq (x – 2) (x – 3) > 0

Therefore =>x<2 and x<3

Again, by trying to plot the above values on the number line
Final equation will become x < 2

By summarising both the equations we see that either x > 3 or x < 2.
When we prove this through the given statements, it can be depicted as follows:

(1) x-2<0
which basically implies x <2.

Thus, the one that we need to prove is effectively true and sufficient considering the given question.

(2) x-3<0
Which mainly implies that, x < 3. Since nothing is given about x if it is an integer or not.
Hence x could be 2.5 or 1.5.

Accordingly,
if x=2.5 it will not satisfy x>3 or x<2

Further,
if x=1.5 it will satisfy x>3 or x<2
Hence Not Sufficient.

Therefore, the first statement x - 2 < 0 is only sufficient for the defining that (x – 2) (x – 3) > 0 is true.


“Is (x – 2) (x – 3) > 0?”- is a topic of the GMAT Quantitative reasoning section of GMAT. This question has been taken from the book "GMAT Official Guide". GMAT Quant section consists of a total of 31 questions. GMAT Data Sufficiency questions consist of a problem statement followed by two factual statements. GMAT data sufficiency comprises 15 questions which are two-fifths of the total 31 GMAT quant questions.

Suggested GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions

Fees Structure

CategoryState
General15556

In case of any inaccuracy, Notify Us! 

Comments


No Comments To Show