Answer:
a. no because if x is a negative number squared it will be positive.
if x = -3 and y = 2
then x ≤ y is true
but when you square -3 and 2 you will get 9 and 4
so x ≤ y is a false statement.
b. yes the argument is valid and yes my answer is dependent on my answer in question (a)
hope that explains it, good luck!