BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Milepost

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 110
Joined: Sun Jul 18, 2010 4:00 pm
Thanked: 1 times
Followed by:2 members

Milepost

by greenwich » Wed Sep 15, 2010 1:58 pm
A milepost on the towpath read "21" on the side facing the hiker as she approached it and "23" on its back. She reasoned that the next milepost forward on the path would indicate that she was halfway between one end of the path and the other. However, the milepost one mile further on read "20" facing her and "24" behind.

Which of the following, if true, would explain the discrepancy described above?

(A) The numbers on the next milepost had been reversed.
(B) The numbers on the mileposts indicate kilometers, not miles.
(C) The facing numbers indicate miles to the end of the path, not miles from the beginning.
(D) A milepost was missing between the two the hiker encountered.
(E) The mileposts had originally been put in place for t he use of mountain bikers, not for hikers.

Please provide your reasoning.
Top
Source: — Critical Reasoning |
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 201
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2010 2:23 pm
Thanked: 7 times
Followed by:1 members

by ov25 » Wed Sep 15, 2010 6:23 pm
If the miles on stone are in decreasing order, then these must be the miles to dest...decrease as approach...same is true on the other side of the mile post.

imo C
Top
User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 104
Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2010 3:32 am
Location: Mumbai
Thanked: 7 times
Followed by:1 members
GMAT Score:680

by hitmis » Wed Sep 15, 2010 6:29 pm
If the milepost gives the miles to the destination then as the hiker progresses the facing numbers would keep reducing in value. Hence from "21" it reduces to "20" when she completes a mile. Hence C is right.
Top
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 268
Joined: Wed Mar 17, 2010 2:32 am
Thanked: 17 times

by this_time_i_will » Wed Sep 15, 2010 6:44 pm
C is crying to be picked up!
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 91
Joined: Fri Apr 02, 2010 11:05 pm
Location: Mumbai, India
Thanked: 33 times
Followed by:42 members

by arpita@gurome » Thu Sep 16, 2010 12:37 am
This is a "Resolve Paradox" type question.

Reading the stimulus one thing is clear, the total distance is 21 + 23 = 44 miles. The solution can almost be prephrased:
1. The stones facing her are going to increase in number - in this case they represent miles covered
2. The stones facing her are going to decrease in number - in this case they represent miles to go
3. There is an issue with the numbers on the milepost. the chances of this are almost nil since the addition of the values given in the stimulus is 20 + 24 = 44.

Hence let's look at the choices:
A - Even if they were reversed they should still show 22/22 and not 20/24 or 24/20. Hence out.
B - Does not matter what the quantity the logic will remain same for Kilometers, miles, yards .......Hence out
C - Spot on this is point 2 above. Keep.
D - Tough to justify, these are mileposts if one were missing then this one should have read 19 (facing)/25 or 23/21 (the sum has to be 44), depending if the posts represent distance to go or distance from start, respectively.
E - Bikers, hunters .....hikers I believe all use the same mile. A sailor should be able to figure out the logic even though he would be thinking in terms of nautical miles. Discard.

Hence pick C
Arpita Sen
Verbal and Admissions Expert
Gurome, Inc.
www.GuroMe.com
Win a free MBA essay review: https://bit.ly/toZumc

1-800-566-4043
+91 99201 32411 (India)
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1