On the number line, if w>x, y is the midpoint between w and z, and x is twice as far from z as it is from w, then (w-y):(z-x) could equal which of the following?

starting with the condition that the XZ distance is double the XW distance, we have four possibilities:


W * X * * * Z
X * W * Z
Z * * * X * W
Z * W * X

the first and fourth are ruled out since W must be > X

If we add the condition that Y is exactly in between W and Z we get:

X * W Y Z
Z * * Y X * W

in the first possibility above, W-Y = -1 and Z-X = 4
so (W-Y)/(Z-X) = -1/4 (choice B)

-- Veritas Help

does that mean we are assuming x= -1 , w=2 y= 3 and z= 5? or something similar

We are not assuming specific values for W X Y and Z. We are defining possible relationships between them based upon the information given.

With
X * W Y Z

X could be 10, W could be 12, Y could be 13, and Z could be 14

or

X could be -1, W could be 1, Y could be 2, and Z could be 3

etc. etc.

- Veritas Help