Problem Solving

Hi AbeNeedsAnswers,

We're given a graph that shows the number of computers assembled on each of 6 consecutive days. We're asked for the day-to-the-next-day pair that had the GREATEST PERCENT CHANGE in the number of computers assembled. To answer this question, we'll need the Percent Change Formula (and a little math):

Percent Change = (New - Old)/Old = Difference/Original

Day 1-2: 8/20 = 4/10 = 40%
Day 2-3: 6/12 = 1/2 = 50%
Day 3-4: 8/18 = 4/9 = 44.4444%
Day 4-5: 6/10 = 60%
Day 5-6: 8/16 = 1/2 = 50%

Final Answer: D

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

AbeNeedsAnswers wrote:

The graph shows the number of computers assembled during each of 6 consecutive days.From what day to the next day was the percent change in the number of computers assembled the greatest in magnitude ?

A. From Day 1 to Day 2
B. From Day 2 to Day 3
C. From Day 3 to Day 4
D. From Day 4 to Day 5
E. From Day 5 to Day 6

Let's test each answer choice:

A) From Day 1 to Day 2

|(12 - 20)/20| x 100 = |-8/20| x 100 = 40%

B) From Day 2 to Day 3

[(18 - 12)/12] x 100 = |6/12| x 100 = 50%

C) From Day 3 to Day 4

|(10 - 18)/18| x 100 = |-8/18| x 100 = 44.44%

D) From Day 4 to Day 5

[(16 - 10)/10] x 100 = |6/10| x 100 = 60%

E) From Day 5 to Day 6

|(8 - 16)/16| x 100 = |-8/16| x 100 = 50%

Answer: D