On the number line shown above, the

On the number line shown above, the tick marks are equally spaced. Which of the following statements about the numbers x, y, and z must be true? Indicate all such statements. xyz < 0, x + z = y, z(y ? x) > 0

3 Explanations

▲

Roshan Shrestha

Hi, I messed up when I did not take care of the term "equally spaced" for the first time, so did not find [B] to be true at certain cases. So, if there was not the term "equally spaced' in our question, can we eliminate the answer choice [B] since the question explicitly says "must be true".

Jan 20, 2017 • Comment

Sam Kinsman

Hi Roshan,

Yes, that's right: if the question wouldn't tell us that the terms are "equally spaced," (B) would not necessarily be true.

Keep in mind that it's important to read the question carefully! :D

Jan 20, 2017 • Reply

▲

Yosef Lewis

If negative numbers tend to throw you off when you think you've got the answer (as they do to me) it may be prudent to quickly jot down numbers, just to make sure what you think holds true in your head is really true in application. For me, this would have prevented the fatal error of subtracting instead of, effectively, adding x and z for answer choice C, and thus missing out on this, otherwise, relatively simple problem.

Apr 15, 2014 • Comment

Great point, Yosef! Doesn't hurt to test your assumptions. :)

Apr 18, 2014 • Reply

▲

Chris Lele