System of Absolute Value Inequalities

CAT 2021 Slot 2 · Quantitative Ability · Easy · Inequalities

The number of integers nn that satisfy the inequalities ∣n−60∣<∣n−100∣<∣n−20∣|n - 60| < |n - 100| < |n - 20| is

  1. A.

    21

  2. B.

    18

  3. C.

    20

  4. D.

    19

Answer

D

Explanation

We have two inequalities:

  1. ∣n−60∣<∣n−100∣|n - 60| < |n - 100| Squaring both sides: (n−60)2<(n−100)2  ⟹  n2−120n+3600<n2−200n+10000(n - 60)^2 < (n - 100)^2 \implies n^2 - 120n + 3600 < n^2 - 200n + 10000 80n<6400  ⟹  n<8080n < 6400 \implies n < 80

  2. ∣n−100∣<∣n−20∣|n - 100| < |n - 20| Squaring both sides: (n−100)2<(n−20)2  ⟹  n2−200n+10000<n2−40n+400(n - 100)^2 < (n - 20)^2 \implies n^2 - 200n + 10000 < n^2 - 40n + 400 9600<160n  ⟹  n>609600 < 160n \implies n > 60

Combining both inequalities gives 60<n<8060 < n < 80. The integer values of nn are 61,62,…,7961, 62, \dots, 79. The total number of integers is 79−61+1=1979 - 61 + 1 = 19.

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