Directions· Comparison Questions
In the following problems there are two values, one in column A and the other in column B, followed by four answers. Choose the right answer.
There is only ONE correct answer to each question.
Compare: Column A — (5−√2)(√3−5); Column B — (√2−5)(5−√3).
- The value in column A is greater.
- The value in column B is greater.
- The two values are equal.
- The information provided is not sufficient to decide.
Show answer
Correct answer: C. The two values are equal.
Why
(√2−5) = −(5−√2) and (5−√3) = −(√3−5), so column B = [−(5−√2)]×[−(√3−5)] = (5−√2)(√3−5), the same as column A.