Solved a DS prob & GMAT testsoftware says it can't be do

This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 01, 2009 2:58 am
Hi there!

I was practising DS problems today, using the official GMAT testprep software that I'm sure all of you are familiar with.

Now, I came across a problem and solved it. Checked the answer and GMAT software tells me there is not sufficient info given in both statements.

Imho, this question only asks how much Mary is paying for 1 hardcover and 1 paperback book. It does not ask for the price of each book respectively! So I can use the info in the statements (either one will do) and just get an average price for the books the others bought.

You multiply that average price by the two books Mary bought and, voila, you got the answer that she'll have to pay 5$!

Am I being a prick about the wording here? Or are my math skills really that bad?

Please have a look, or maybe dl the testprep software, do the DS exercises and you should see it as well. Attached is a screenshot for your reference.

Anybody out there that agrees with me?

Also, has anyone taken the GMAT in a country where they use non English layout Keyboards (i.e. Germany, France, Belgium etc)? I did a couple of weeks ago in Germany, ahd to use a German keyboard. I was provided by a one page laminated sheet of shortcuts etc! Not very fair, standardised or professional I think!
Attachments
GMAT Mistake.JPG
screenshot of the DS problem
Source: — Data Sufficiency |

Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 399
Joined: Wed Apr 15, 2009 3:48 am
Location: india
Thanked: 39 times

by xcusemeplz2009 » Thu Oct 01, 2009 3:30 am
OA is correct.

first thing when there are two variables we need two eqn to solve it.
we need to find x+y
if x is the price of a paprebook and y of a hardcover then
Statement 1):- 2x+3y=12.5 not sufficient
Statement 2):-4x+6y=25 which is same as 2x+3y=12.5 not suff.

now combining both we cant get any thing as both are same eqn

so ans is E
It does not matter how many times you get knocked down , but how many times you get up

Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 01, 2009 2:58 am

damnitt you're right!

by chinamanjoe » Thu Oct 01, 2009 9:27 pm
yeah i just got it. quite simple once you understand it actually. bummer for my motivation. why can't the gmat focus entirely on language ;-) ?

thanks anyways, though!