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

Redeem

Alice studies for a hours on each of Monday, Tuesday, and Th

Expert replies
by Max@Math Revolution » Thu Mar 22, 2018 11:15 pm
[GMAT math practice question]

Alice studies for a hours on each of Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. She also studies for b hours on Wednesday, and for c hours on Friday. What is her median study time for the school week?

1) a=10
2) b+c=30
Join the discussion
Source: — Data Sufficiency |

by Max@Math Revolution » Sun Mar 25, 2018 5:13 pm
=>

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.

The first step of the VA (Variable Approach) method is to modify the original condition and the question. We then recheck the question.

Depending on their values, it is possible to rearrange a, a, a, b, c into ascending order in the following ways:
a, a, a, b, c
a, a, a, c, b
b, a, a, a, c
c, a, a, a, b
b, c, a, a, a
c, b, a, a, a
In every order, the median (middle value) is a. So, the question asks for the value of a.

Thus, only condition 1) is sufficient.

Therefore, A is the answer.

Answer: A
Join the discussion