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Brent@GMATPrepNow
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One option is to solve the question using TWO VARIABLES.The number of stamps that Kaye and Alberto had were in the ratio 5 : 3, respectively. After Kaye gave Alberto 10 of her stamps,the ratio of the number Kaye had to the number Alberto had was 7 : 5. As a result of this gift, Kaye had how many more stamps than Alberto?
A. 20
B. 30
C. 40
D. 6O
E. 9O
Let K = # of stamps K had after the exchange
Let A = # of stamps A had after the exchange
This means that K+10 = # of stamps K had before the exchange
This means that A-10 = # of stamps A had before the exchange
Note: Our goal is to find the value of K-A
The number of stamps that K and A (originally) had were in the ratio 5:3
So, (K+10)/(A-10) = 5/3
We want a prettier equation, so let's cross multiply to get 3(K+10) = 5(A-10)
Expand: 3K + 30 = 5A - 50
Rearrange: 3K - 5A = -80
After K gave A 10 of her stamps, the ratio of the number K had to the number A had was 7:5
So, K/A = 7/5
We want a prettier equation, so let's cross multiply to get 5K = 7A
Rearrange to get: 5K - 7A = 0
At this point we have two equations:
5K - 7A = 0
3K - 5A = -80
Our goal is to find the value of K - A.
IMPORTANT: We need not solve for the individual values of K and A. This is great, because something nice happens when we subtract the blue equation from the red equation.
We get: 2K - 2A = 80
Now divide both sides by 2 to get: K - A = 40
Answer: C
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Brent
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Since all of the answer choices are multiples of 10, and Kaye and Albert exchange 10 stamps, the number of stamps for each is almost certainly a MULTIPLE OF 10.The no. of stamps that Kaye & Albert had were in the ratio 5:3. After Kaye gave Albert 10 of her stamps, the ratio of the no. of stamps kaye had to the the no. Albert had was 7:5. As a result of this gift, Kaye had how many more stamps than Albert?
A. 20
B. 30
C. 40
D. 60
E. 90
Before the exchange of 10 stamps, K:A = 5:3, implying the following options:
K=50, A=30
K=100, A=60
K=150, A=90
K=200, A=120.
After Kaye give Albert 10 stamps, check which option yields the required ratio of 7 to 5:
K=40, A=40
K=90, A=70
K=140, A=100.
We can stop here, since 140:100 = 14:10 = 7:5.
Thus, after the exchange of 10 stamps, K-A = 140-100 = 40.
The correct answer is C.
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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].
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