Explanation

Supply two numbers to satisfy the equation 0 < s < | p | where p is a negative number: s = 1, p = –2

Now plug these values into the expressions in the answer choices to find one that results in a negative number. Test takers who analyze the answer choices will realize that they can skip the first three answer choices because all three expressions are squared, meaning that all three answer choices will always result in a positive number. So start with the fourth answer:

\(p^2 - s^2\) → \((-2)^2 - 1^2\) → 4 – 1 → 3 No
\(s^2 - p^2\) → \(1^2 - (-2)^2\) → 1 – 4 → –3 Yes!


Hence option E is correct.
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Note: there is no difference between squared value and absolute value . we must note that all the options are squared. So in order to get negative value we have to deduct larger integer from smaller integer.

As per the range s is smaller and positive value of p is greater than s.

The best answer is E.

Assign value for s and p.

S = 2 and \(s^2\) = 4

p = -4 and \(p^2\) = 16

so 4 - 16 = -12