GMAT Paper Test Problem

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GMAT Paper Test Problem

by blaque831 » Fri Oct 03, 2008 6:21 am
Can someone explain how to arrive at the answer? The figure shown on the test is four-sided and shaped like a diamond. The following is the value given for each of the four sides:

1. x (<--Short side)
2. x (<--Short side)
3. x+60 (<--Long side)
4. 3x (<--Long side)

19. The figure above shows the number of meters in the lengths of the four sides of a jogging path. What is the total distance around the path?

(1) One of the sides of the path is 120 meters long.
(2) One of the sides of the path is twice as long as each of the two shortest sides.


OA is B.

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GMAT Paper Test Problem

by raijonney » Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:40 pm
Given Data:

1. x (<--Short side)
2. x (<--Short side)
3. x+60 (<--Long side)
4. 3x (<--Long side)

Statement 1.
Any side can be 120, and will give different results for x, hence we cannot detemine one unique solution for the perimeter of the path
Hence not sufficient.

Statement 2.
Clearly means that one of the two long sides is twice as long as each of the shortest side. Sides with length x are shortest hence x+30 is twice as long as each of two x meter long sides.

The langauge of the quesiton is a bit tricky i.e. 'twice as long as each of the two' this can mean any one of following :
x+60=2x, or x+60=2(x+x)

in either case we should be able to determine the unique answer.
Hence statement 2 is sufficient.
Hence the OA is B.