[email protected] wrote:Hi divineacclivity,

This CR prompt asks us for the answer that would LEAST weaken the argument. This type of question ultimately asks "which 4 answers weaken the prompt and which 1 does NOT." We have to understand the author's logic, then find 4 answers that would weaken it.

The facts:
-An independent computer-industry analyst thinks that the new Regent microcomputer is:
A) High quality
B) Fast
C) Costs less than any currently existing competing model

The conclusion:
-The Regent microcomputer will quickly ESTABLISH itself as a FAST-SELLING, LOW-PRICED alternative to those currently available.

The Logic:
The assessment comes from the ANALYST, so we have to assume that the analyst knows what he/she is talking about. If the computer is everything that the analyst says it is (high quality, fast, low-cost), AND the marketplace is willing to buy it (AND quickly buy lots of them), then the Regent will establish itself as a fast-selling, low-priced alternative.

To weaken the logic....
We have lots of "pieces" that we can attack. For example, we could attack the analyst (maybe his assessment is skewed). We could attack the current state of the marketplace (maybe this computer isn't the cheapest, or maybe it won't be the cheapest for very long, etc.). We can attack the willingness of the customer base to buy the compeer at all (if someone already owns a useful computer, would that person really go out and buy ANOTHER?).

Let's check the answers to see if they weaken/attack any part of the argument:

A: Many retailers are disinclined to carry another low-priced computer. This answer gives a reason WHY the computer might not be available in many locations. It would be tough to establish itself if the customer base can't physically buy it.
B: Several faster/cheaper models will soon be introduced by other companies. These new computers would likely out-compete the Regent in the very aspects that the Regent is attempting to capitalize on (fast and low-cost). This too is a weakener.
C: The Regent can be used with higher-priced computers from other companies. This doesn't seem to attack any of the logical points in the prompt. It works with other computers from other companies? That's NOT a weakener.
D: Most individual/company buyers already have micro-computers. This tells us that there will be far fewer customers than expected.
E: The analyst uses measures that are not accepted by the computer-buying public. The analyst's assessment is PIVOTAL to the prompt. This tells us that the analyst's evaluation won't be one that computer buyer's would agree with. If the buyers don't agree with what the analyst has to say, then THAT could weaken the logic.

The one answer that doesn't attack any part of the prompt is C.

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

[email protected] wrote:Hi Divine Acclivity,

I think I see the issue; you're interpreting the words "can be" to mean "must be."

I read answer C to mean "The new R-Computer can be used with other computers", meaning that the R-Computer is compatible with other computers. This information doesn't weaken the logic in the prompt.

IF answer C had read "The R-computer MUST BE used in conjunction with other higher-priced computers", then I would agree with your point (the answer could be considered a "weakener" because purchasing the R-computer might include some additional expenses). However, that language isn't there.

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