Question

Lionel is younger than Maria.
Quantity A: Twice Lionel's age
Quantity B: Maria's age

• A. Quantity A is greater.
• B. Quantity B is greater.
• C. The two quantities are equal.
• D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
• E.

Hint:

When a quantitative comparison question involves variables and inequalities, always try to "break" the problem by testing different types of numbers that fit the criteria: small integers, large integers, fractions, etc. If you can find two cases that produce different outcomes (A \textgreater B and B \textgreater A), the answer is always (D).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
We are given a condition (Lionel is younger than Maria) and asked to compare two quantities related to their ages. Let L be Lionel's age and M be Maria's age. The given condition is $L<M$. We need to compare Quantity A (2L) with Quantity B (M).
Step 2: Key Approach:
The best approach for this type of problem is to test different numerical examples (plugging in numbers) that satisfy the given condition ($L<M$) and see if the relationship between Quantity A and Quantity B remains consistent. If the relationship changes, the answer is (D).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's test two different scenarios that satisfy the condition $L<M$.
Scenario 1:
Let's assume Lionel's age (L) is 6 years and Maria's age (M) is 10 years.
The condition $L<M$ is satisfied since $6<10$.
- Quantity A = Twice Lionel's age = $2 \times L = 2 \times 6 = 12$.
- Quantity B = Maria's age = $M = 10$.
In this scenario, Quantity A (12) is greater than Quantity B (10). So, A \textgreater B.
Scenario 2:
Now, let's assume Lionel's age (L) is 4 years and Maria's age (M) is 10 years.
The condition $L<M$ is still satisfied since $4<10$.
- Quantity A = Twice Lionel's age = $2 \times L = 2 \times 4 = 8$.
- Quantity B = Maria's age = $M = 10$.
In this scenario, Quantity B (10) is greater than Quantity A (8). So, B>A.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Since we found one case where Quantity A is greater and another case where Quantity B is greater, the relationship between the two quantities is not fixed. It depends on the specific ages of Lionel and Maria. Therefore, the relationship cannot be determined from the information given.