There are X watermelons of 10 Kg each, and Y Watermelons of

This topic has expert replies
Moderator
Posts: 426
Joined: Tue Aug 22, 2017 8:48 pm
Followed by:1 members
There are X watermelons of 10 Kg each, and Y Watermelons of R Kg each. The average weight of a watermelon is 12 Kg. What is the value of R?

(1) There are five heavier watermelons more than lighter watermelons.
(2) The weight of the heavier watermelons in Kg is equal to their number

What's the best way to determine whether statement 1 is sufficient? Can any experts help?

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 503
Joined: Thu Jul 20, 2017 9:03 am
Thanked: 86 times
Followed by:15 members
GMAT Score:770

Subject

by ErikaPrepScholar » Wed Feb 28, 2018 6:29 am
We'll start by setting up an equation for the average weight of the watermelons:
$$\frac{10x\ +\ Ry}{x+y}=avg.\ weight$$
So we should be able to solve for R if we know the value of x and y.
We should also note that if the average weight of the watermelons is 12, R must be greater than 10.

Statement 1
This means that y = x+5. Plugging this into our equation gives $$\frac{10x\ +\ R\left(x+5\right)}{x+x+5}=avg.\ weight$$ $$\frac{10x\ +\ Rx+5}{2x+5}=avg.\ weight$$ $$\frac{\left(10+R\right)x+5}{2x+5}=avg.\ weight$$ However, since we still don't know the value of x, we can't solve. Insufficient.

Statement 2
This means that R = y. Plugging this into our equation gives: $$\frac{10x\ +\ R^2}{x+R}=avg.\ weight$$ However, like in Statement 1, we still need x to solve. Insufficient.

Both
y=x+5, and R=y, so R=x+5. Rearranging this gives x=R-5. If we plug this into either the equation from Statement 1 or Statement 2, we should be left with an equation containing only R. We should then be able to solve for R. Sufficient.
Image

Erika John - Content Manager/Lead Instructor
https://gmat.prepscholar.com/gmat/s/

Get tutoring from me or another PrepScholar GMAT expert: https://gmat.prepscholar.com/gmat/s/tutoring/

Learn about our exclusive savings for BTG members (up to 25% off) and our 5 day free trial

Check out our PrepScholar GMAT YouTube channel, and read our expert guides on the PrepScholar GMAT blog