Pairs of integers satisfying absolute inequalities

CAT 2021 Slot 3 · Quantitative Ability · Medium · Algebra

The number of distinct pairs of integers (m,n)(m, n) satisfying ∣1+mn∣<∣m+n∣<5|1+mn| < |m+n| < 5 is

Answer

12

Explanation

Squaring ∣1+mn∣<∣m+n∣|1+mn| < |m+n|: (1+mn)2<(m+n)2  ⟹  1+2mn+m2n2<m2+2mn+n2(1+mn)^2 < (m+n)^2 \implies 1 + 2mn + m^2n^2 < m^2 + 2mn + n^2 m2n2−m2−n2+1<0  ⟹  (m2−1)(n2−1)<0m^2n^2 - m^2 - n^2 + 1 < 0 \implies (m^2 - 1)(n^2 - 1) < 0

For integers, this requires one of m2−1m^2 - 1 or n2−1n^2 - 1 to be negative (i.e. equal to −1-1, meaning m=0m=0 or n=0n=0).

If m=0m = 0: ∣1+0∣<∣0+n∣<5  ⟹  1<∣n∣<5|1 + 0| < |0 + n| < 5 \implies 1 < |n| < 5 nn can be {−4,−3,−2,2,3,4}\{-4, -3, -2, 2, 3, 4\} (6 choices).

If n=0n = 0: 1<∣m∣<5  ⟹  m∈{−4,−3,−2,2,3,4}1 < |m| < 5 \implies m \in \{-4, -3, -2, 2, 3, 4\} (6 choices).

Total pairs =6+6=12= 6 + 6 = 12.

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