Difficulty: Hard
Correct Answer: Only statement A is sufficient
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Data sufficiency questions test whether given statements provide enough information to answer a question, not whether you can compute many values. Here, you must decide if the height of a right-angled triangle can be uniquely determined. The right-triangle area formula involves base and height directly, while the perimeter statement relates to side lengths but may not uniquely fix the height without additional relationships.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Check each statement independently. A is sufficient if it directly yields height. B is sufficient only if perimeter alone uniquely determines height, which generally it does not for right triangles unless more constraints are provided.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Statement A gives a single value height = 40 cm regardless of base, so it uniquely determines the height and is sufficient alone. Statement B gives only a perimeter total, which can correspond to multiple sets of sides (and thus multiple heights), so it is insufficient alone.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse data sufficiency with “can I compute something.” You must check uniqueness. Another mistake is forgetting that base cancels in statement A, making height independent of base value. For statement B, assuming a unique triangle from perimeter alone is incorrect.
Final Answer:
Only statement A is sufficient
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