csateasy
If x – y = 8, then which of the following must be true?
- 1.Both x and y must be positive for any value of x and y.
- 2.If x is positive, y must be negative for any value of x and y.
- 3.If x is negative, y must be positive for any value of x and y. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D. Neither 1 nor 2
The equation x - y = 8 implies that the difference between x and y is a positive constant. This does not restrict the signs of x and y. For example, if x = 10 and y = 2, both are positive. If x = 5 and y = -3, x is positive and y is negative. If x = -1 and y = -9, both are negative. Therefore, none of the statements 1, 2, or 3 are universally true for all possible values of x and y satisfying the given condition.
Source: UPSC csat 2018