Confusing Quant Problem

[vikram4689]

If x > y^2 > z^4 , which of the following could be true
y^2 = y to power 2
z^4 = z to power 4

1. x > y > z
2. z > y > x
3. x > z > y

a) 1 only
b) 1 & 2
c) 1 & 3
d) 2 & 3
e) 1,2 & 3

According to me answer is c) but GMAT Prep says e)......Please explain

(edited by moderator JNelson to correct typo)

[sfbay]

is that supposed to be X > Y^2 > Z^4

[vikram4689]

yes x > y2 > z4 is given. and y2 = y square or y*y,
similarly z4 = z*z*z*z

[jnelson0612]

Vikram, what kind of numbers become smaller when you square them or take them to the fourth power? If you can think about this and figure it out then you will be able to see why statement 2 could be true.

[vikram4689]

Oh that's so stupid of me, applied the same logic for proving 3) but missed it while solving 2)..Thanks Jnelson

[tim]

:)