If x and y are integers and |x - y| = 12, what is the minimum possible value of xy? Choose the correct choice from the following answers:
A) - 12
B) - 18
C) - 24
D) - 36
E) - 48

Rationale: "we are given | x - y | = 12 , minimum possible value of xy would be maximum numeric value with a - ive sign . . so one of x or y will be negative and other negative . . | x - y | = 12 in this case means that the numeric sum of x and y is 12 . . various combinations could be - 1 and 11 , - 2 and 10 , - 6 and 6 , - 11 and 1 and so on . . when the sum of two numbers is given , the max product is when both x and y are same numeric value . . . so xy will have max numeric value when numeric value of x and y = 12 / 2 = 6 . . so numeric value of xy = 36 but one of x and y is - ive . . so answer is - 36 answer : d"
Answer: D