CAT 2000QA Question 56

Data SufficiencyEasy

Choose 1; if the question can be answered by using one of the statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other statement alone.
Choose 2; if the question can be answered by using either statement alone.
Choose 3; if the question can be answered by using both statements together, but cannot be answered using either statement alone.
Choose 4; if the question cannot be answered even by using both statements together.

Consider three real numbers, X, Y and Z. Is Z the smallest of these numbers?

  1. X is greater than at least one of Y and Z.
  2. Y is greater than at least one of X and Z.

Answer & solution

Correct answer: 3

  • A

    1

  • B

    2

  • 3

  • D

    4

Solution

From statement A, there are four possibilities.

X > Y > Z 

X > Z > Y 

Z > X > Y 

Y > X > Z

∴ This statement alone is not sufficient.

From statement B, there are four possibilities.

Y > X > Z 

Y > Z > X 

X > Y > Z

Z > Y > X

∴ This statement alone is not sufficient.

Using both statements together we get,

Either X > Y > Z or Y > X > Z. 

In both the cases Z is smallest.

Hence, option (c).

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CAT 2000 QA Q56: Choose 1 ; if the question can be answered by using one of the statements alone, but cannot be answered using — Solution | TheCATExam