Integer Inequalities System

XAT 2022 · Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation · Hard · Algebra

Wilma, Xavier, Yaska and Zakir are four young friends, who have a passion for integers. One day, each of them selects one integer and writes it on a wall. The writing on the wall shows that Xavier and Zakir picked positive integers (X,Z∈Z+X, Z \in \mathbb{Z}^+), Yaska picked a negative one (Y<0Y < 0), while Wilma's integer WW is either negative, zero or positive.

The following equations hold: W4+X3+Y2+Z≤4W^4 + X^3 + Y^2 + Z \le 4 X3+Z≥2X^3 + Z \ge 2 W4+Y2≤2W^4 + Y^2 \le 2 Y2+Z≥3Y^2 + Z \ge 3

Given the above, which of these can W2+X2+Y2+Z2W^2 + X^2 + Y^2 + Z^2 possibly evaluate to?

  1. A.

    9

  2. B.

    0

  3. C.

    4

  4. D.

    6

  5. E.

    1

Answer

D

Explanation

Since Y<0Y < 0, Y2≥1Y^2 \ge 1. Y2+Z≥3  ⟹  Z≥2Y^2 + Z \ge 3 \implies Z \ge 2 (since Y2≤2Y^2 \le 2). Since Z≥2Z \ge 2, X3≥1X^3 \ge 1, Y2=1  ⟹  Y=−1Y^2 = 1 \implies Y = -1. For W4+X3+1+Z≤4W^4 + X^3 + 1 + Z \le 4 with X≥1,Z≥2X \ge 1, Z \ge 2, we must have X=1,Z=2,W=0X = 1, Z = 2, W = 0. Then W2+X2+Y2+Z2=02+12+(−1)2+22=0+1+1+4=6W^2 + X^2 + Y^2 + Z^2 = 0^2 + 1^2 + (-1)^2 + 2^2 = 0 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 6.

Related Algebra questions

Practise this under exam conditions

Sign in to solve it with a live timer, the on-screen CAT calculator, and streak and accuracy tracking across every question you attempt.

Solve in the workspace