GMAT Practice Question: The operation is defined for all nonzero numbers a and b by...
Question
The operation is defined for all nonzero numbers a and b by a b=a/b-b/a. If x and y are nonzero numbers, which of the following statements must be true? I. x x y=x(1 y) II. x y=-(y x) III. 1/x 1/y=y x
- I only
- II only
- III only
- I and II
- II and III
Topics: functions, expression formulas, must be true statements
Solution
Step 1
We recall the definition of the operation.
a b = a/b - b/a
Step 2
We evaluate x (xy) by substituting a = x and b = xy into the definition.
x (xy) = x/xy - xy/x
Step 3
We simplify the expression for x (xy).
x (xy) = xxy - xyx = 1/y - y
Step 4
We evaluate 1 y by substituting a = 1 and b = y into the definition.
1 y = 1/y - y/1
Step 5
We simplify the expression for 1 y.
1 y = 1/y - y
Step 6
We multiply the simplified value by x.
x (1 y) = x (1/y - y) = x/y - x y
Step 7
We compare the results of x (xy) and x (1 y) to check Statement I.
x (xy) = 1/y - y x (1 y) = x/y - x y
Step 8
We evaluate x y.
x y = x/y - y/x
Step 9
We evaluate y x.
y x = y/x - x/y
Step 10
We find the negative of y x and then simplify it.
-(y x) = -(y/x - x/y) = -y/x + x/y = x/y - y/x
Step 11
We observe that this matches x y, so Statement II is always true.
x/y - y/x = x y
Step 12
We evaluate 1/x 1/y by substituting a = 1/x and b = 1/y into the definition.
1/x 1/y = 1/x1/y - 1/y1/x = y/x - x/y
Step 13
We compare this result with y x and see they are the same, so Statement III is always true.
y/x - x/y = y x
Answer
E
