The Power of Absolutes

[relansachin]

If a and b are integers and a is not equal to b, is ab > 0?

(1) a^b > 0

(2) a^b is a non-zero integer


I got the answer E, is it correct ?

[gokul_nair1984]

Yes the answer has to be E. Let me know if you need the explanation.

[relansachin]

Yes the answer has to be E. Let me know if you need the explanation.

Thanks gokul it would be great if you can post the explanation as well !!

[gokul_nair1984]

Here you go:

If a and b are integers and a is not equal to b, is ab > 0?

(1) a^b > 0

(2) a^b is a non-zero integer

For Statement 1, substitute
Let a=2 and b=3...So 2^3=8, which is greater than 0. ab=6. Thus ab>0.
Let a=-2 and b=2..So (-2)^2=4, which is greater than 0. ab=-4.
Thus ab<0.
Hence A is insufficient.

You can substitute the same values for a and b to disprove B as well.

Combining both Statements, again use the same numbers
(infact, you don't need to do this) and you'll find C to be insufficient.

So E is the answer

[tim]

:)