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

Redeem

3 Overlapping sets

Expert replies
by mgm » Fri May 24, 2013 3:11 am
Each of 90 students participated at least 1 of the track tryouts: High jump, long jump, 100 meter dash. If 20 students participated in high jump tryout, 40 students participated in the long jump tryout and 60 students participated in the 100 meter dash tryout, and if 5 students participated in all 3 tryouts, how many students participated in only two of these tryouts?

(A) 25
(B) 20
(C) 15
(D) 10
(E) 5

[spoiler]OA: B[/spoiler]
Join the discussion
Source: — Problem Solving |

by mkdureja » Fri May 24, 2013 3:39 am
mgm wrote:Each of 90 students participated at least 1 of the track tryouts: High jump, long jump, 100 meter dash. If 20 students participated in high jump tryout, 40 students participated in the long jump tryout and 60 students participated in the 100 meter dash tryout, and if 5 students participated in all 3 tryouts, how many students participated in only two of these tryouts?

(A) 25
(B) 20
(C) 15
(D) 10
(E) 5

[spoiler]OA: B[/spoiler]
Total Students: 90
Total Participations: 120
5 students participated in all three: 15 participations
Remaining students: 85
Remaining Participations: 105
As every student participated in atleast 1,
students who participated in 2 of the three compensate for the difference in no. of students and no. of participations: 105-85 = 20
Join the discussion

by GMATGuruNY » Fri May 24, 2013 4:22 am
mgm wrote:Each of 90 students participated at least 1 of the track tryouts: High jump, long jump, 100 meter dash. If 20 students participated in high jump tryout, 40 students participated in the long jump tryout and 60 students participated in the 100 meter dash tryout, and if 5 students participated in all 3 tryouts, how many students participated in only two of these tryouts?

(A) 25
(B) 20
(C) 15
(D) 10
(E) 5

[spoiler]OA: B[/spoiler]
Here is the formula for 3 overlapping groups:

T = A + B + C - (AB + AC + BC) - 2(ABC)

The big idea with overlapping group problems is to SUBTRACT THE OVERLAPS.
When we add together everyone in A, everyone in B, and everyone in C:
Those in exactly 2 of the groups (AB+AC+BC) are counted twice, so they need to be subtracted from the total ONCE.
Those in all 3 groups (ABC) are counted 3 times, so they need to be subtracted from the total TWICE.
By subtracting the overlaps, we ensure that no one is overcounted.

In the problem above:
T = 90.
A = high jump = 20.
B = long jump = 40.
C = dash = 60.
The number participating in exactly 2 events = AB + AC + BC = x.
Since 5 students participate in all 3 events, ABC = 5.

Plugging these values into the formula, we get:
90 = 20 + 40 + 60 - x - 2(5)
x = 20.

The correct answer is B.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.

As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.

For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
Join the discussion

by mcdesty » Sat Jul 19, 2014 8:57 pm
Here is what my paper looked like when I solved this one.
Attachments
Gmat_49_resized.jpg
I have made your mistakes before.
I am experienced - I have tutored calculus and linear algebra for over two years.
For a very modest fee, I will ensure that your GMAT journey is a smooth one: Daily assignments and careful micro management.
PM me so we can get started.
Join the discussion

by GMATinsight » Mon Jul 21, 2014 7:25 am
mgm wrote:Each of 90 students participated at least 1 of the track tryouts: High jump, long jump, 100 meter dash. If 20 students participated in high jump tryout, 40 students participated in the long jump tryout and 60 students participated in the 100 meter dash tryout, and if 5 students participated in all 3 tryouts, how many students participated in only two of these tryouts?

(A) 25
(B) 20
(C) 15
(D) 10
(E) 5
Explanation without any Formula

Answer: Option B
Image
"GMATinsight"Bhoopendra Singh & Sushma Jha
Most Comprehensive and Affordable Video Course 2000+ CONCEPT Videos and Video Solutions
Whatsapp/Mobile: +91-9999687183 l [email protected]
Contact for One-on-One FREE ONLINE DEMO Class Call/e-mail
Most Efficient and affordable One-On-One Private tutoring fee - US$40-50 per hour
Join the discussion

by Jeff@TargetTestPrep » Mon Nov 13, 2017 10:11 am
mgm wrote:Each of 90 students participated at least 1 of the track tryouts: High jump, long jump, 100 meter dash. If 20 students participated in high jump tryout, 40 students participated in the long jump tryout and 60 students participated in the 100 meter dash tryout, and if 5 students participated in all 3 tryouts, how many students participated in only two of these tryouts?

(A) 25
(B) 20
(C) 15
(D) 10
(E) 5
We can use the following formula:

Total = number of high jump + number of long jump + number of 100-meter dash - number who did two events - 2(number who did all 3 events) + number who did zero events

Since we see that each student participated in at least 1 event, the number who did zero events is zero.

Filling in the rest of the equation, we have:

90 = 20 + 40 + 60 - D - 2(5) + 0

90 = 110 - D

D = 20

Answer: B

Jeffrey Miller
Head of GMAT Instruction
[email protected]

Image

See why Target Test Prep is rated 5 out of 5 stars on BEAT the GMAT. Read our reviews
Join the discussion