Hi mallika hunsur,
Yes - when you move 'to the right' in this question, the mile markers will decrease. To properly answer this question, you have to note the units involved (in this case, we're dealing with TENTHS of a mile). Here's how you can solve it step-by-step:
1) Draw a line and place a marker (marker 4.6) on the line.
2) Marker 4.6 is 2/5 of a mile west of Jake's house. 2/5 = .4, so place a marker for Jake's house at marker 4.2 (this marker is to the RIGHT of marker 4.6)
3) Place marker 5.2 on the line (this marker is to the LEFT of marker 4.6).
4) Marker 5.2 is 3/5 of a mile west of Quincy's house. 3/5 = .6, so place a marker for Quincy's house at marker 4.6.
You can now solve for the distance between Jake's house and Quincy's house: 4.6 - 4.2 = .4 miles
Final Answer: B
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
