Critical Reasoning

A new machine for harvesting corn will allow rows to be planted only fifteen inches apart, instead of the usual thirty inches. Corn planted this closely will produce lower yields per plant. Nevertheless, the new machine will allow corn growers to double their profits per acre because __________.

(A) with the closer spacing of the rows, the growing corn plants will quickly form a dense canopy of leaves, which will, by shading the ground, minimize the need for costly weed control and irrigation
(B) with the closer spacing of the rows, corn plants will be forced to grow taller because of increased competition for sunlight from neighboring corn plants
(C) with the larger number of plants growing per acre, more fertilizer will be required
(D) with the spacing between rows cut by half, the number of plants grown per acre will almost double
(E) with the closer spacing of the rows, the acreage on which corn is planted will be utilized much more intensively than it was before, requiring more frequent fallow years in which corn fields are left unplanted

OA-A

Thanks Guys for discussion.

IMO A. A gives proper reasoning for increasing profits.

A new machine for harvesting corn will allow rows to be planted only fifteen inches apart, instead of the usual thirty inches. Corn planted this closely will produce lower yields per plant. Nevertheless, the new machine will allow corn growers to double their profits per acre because __________.

(A) with the closer spacing of the rows, the growing corn plants will quickly form a dense canopy of leaves, which will, by shading the ground, minimize the need for costly weed control and irrigation
(B) with the closer spacing of the rows, corn plants will be forced to grow taller because of increased competition for sunlight from neighboring corn plants
(C) with the larger number of plants growing per acre, more fertilizer will be required
(D) with the spacing between rows cut by half, the number of plants grown per acre will almost double
(E) with the closer spacing of the rows, the acreage on which corn is planted will be utilized much more intensively than it was before, requiring more frequent fallow years in which corn fields are left unplanted

I'd have to go with A on this one. The argument clearly talks about profits and when profits come into discussion in the GMAT more often than not their increase comes as a result of lowering costs. I think it's sort of a little trick: the most obvious reason for profits to go up would be increased revenue, so they test the more subtle reason.

The doubling of plants is not important, since it's not the plants themselves that interest farmers, but rather their yield [side note: yield is the weirdest word in the English language].

DanaJ wrote:I'd have to go with A on this one. The argument clearly talks about profits and when profits come into discussing in the GMAT more often than not their increase comes as a result of lowering costs. I think it's sort of a little trick: the most obvious reason for profits to go up would be increased revenue, so they test the more subtle reason.

The doubling of plants is not important, since it's not the plants themselves that interest farmers, but rather their yield [side note: yield is the weirdest word in the English language].

To add to DanaJ, It is already given that
Corn planted this closely will produce lower yields per plant

The only strong contender D , is eliminated on basis of this statement.

A for me. Another key word in the answer choice A is "minimize".

IMO - A

Reasons - same as above

IMO A

Why A ? No one explained this one deeply.

A is very clear! "A" says that the cost can minimize, and you know that when costs reduce, the profit will increase (if revenue is unchanged). This explains why the profits double.

Can someone please tell how A will lead to double the profits as argument says...

"the new machine will allow corn growers to double their profits per acre "..

i am able to understand A will lead to increase in profits....but how it will lead to double...can someone please tell ?

goelmohit2002 wrote:Can someone please tell how A will lead to double the profits as argument says...

"the new machine will allow corn growers to double their profits per acre "..

i am able to understand A will lead to increase in profits....but how it will lead to double...can someone please tell ?

IMO that's just a figure given to support that yield or the profits will increase and not decrease. The number by itself is unimportant.

enniguy wrote:

goelmohit2002 wrote:Can someone please tell how A will lead to double the profits as argument says...

"the new machine will allow corn growers to double their profits per acre "..

i am able to understand A will lead to increase in profits....but how it will lead to double...can someone please tell ?

IMO that's just a figure given to support that yield or the profits will increase and not decrease. The number by itself is unimportant.

oh ok thx.

Answer A seems to be logical one out of other answer choices