sandy wrote:
Each of the numbers x, y, w, and z (not necessarily distinct) can have any of the values 2, 3, 9, or 14.
Quantity A: x/y
Quantity B: wz
Let's see if it's possible for each quantity to be greater than the other.
Since it looks like quantity B can easily be greater than quantity A, let's check that first.
Can quantity B can be greater than quantity A?Sure. If x = 2, y = 3, w = 14 and z = 14, then we get:
Quantity A: x/y = 2/3
Quantity B: wz = (14)(14)
Since quantity B is greater than quantity A, we can conclude that the correct answer is either B or D
Next, ask
Can quantity A can be greater than quantity B?Here we want to MAXIMIZE the value of quantity A and MINIMIZE the value of quantity B
So, if x = 14, y = 2, w = 2 and z = 2, then we get:
Quantity A: x/y = 14/2 = 7
Quantity B: wz = (2)(2) = 4
Since quantity A is now greater than quantity B, the correct answer is D
Cheers,
Brent