Question

Shantanu bought more apples than bananas, and he bought more bananas than cantaloupes. Let a represent the number of apples Shantanu bought, let b represent the number of bananas, and let c represent the number of cantaloupes. Let's compare the expressions b+c and a. Which statement is correct?

Answer 1

There is not enough information to tell

Explanation:

We are given that:

a>b

b>c

Therefore:

a>c

However, we are not given enough information to draw a relationship between b+c and a.

In order to better understand this situation, try applying values. Let a=4, b=2, and c=1.

In this case, a > b+c. However if a = 9, b=8 and c=7, then a < b+c.

In both stipulated cases, the given conditions are met, but no conclusion can be reached regarding the relationship between b+c and a.