If the value of x quarters is equal to the value of

Expert replies

Previous Topic Next Topic

VJesus12: Legendary Member; Posts: 2276; Joined: Sat Oct 14, 2017 6:10 amFollowed by: 3 members

by VJesus12 » Mon May 14, 2018 1:13 am

Timer

00:00

Answers

Stats

Difficulty—

If the value of x quarters is equal to the value of x + 32 nickels, x =
(nickel = 5 cents, quarter = 25 cents)

(A) 8
(B) 11
(C) 14
(D) 17
(E) 20

The OA is the option A.

What is the equation that helps me here? Could anyone give me some help? Thanks in advance.

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — Problem Solving | Mon May 14, 2018 1:13 am

Vincen: Legendary Member; Posts: 2898; Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2017 2:49 pmFollowed by: 5 members; Thanked: 6 times

by Vincen » Mon May 14, 2018 2:14 am

Hello vjesus12.

Let's take a look at your question.

If the value of x quarters is equal to the value of x + 32 nickels, it implies that: $$x\cdot quartes=(x+32)\cdot nickels$$ Now, we substitute

- 1 nickel = 5 cents.
- 1 quarter = 25 cents.

Hence we get: $$25x=\left(x+32\right)\cdot5\ \ \ \ \left(cents\right)$$ $$25x=5x+160\ \ \ \ \left(cents\right)$$ $$20x=160\ \ \ \ \left(cents\right)$$ $$x=8\ \ \ \ \left(cents\right)$$ Hence, the correct answer is the option [spoiler](A)=8[/spoiler].

I hope it helps you.

Like this post

GMAT/MBA Expert

[email protected]: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 10392; Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pmFollowed by: 511 members; Location: Palo Alto, CA; Thanked: 2867 times; GMAT Score:800

by [email protected] » Mon May 14, 2018 11:34 am

Hi VJesus12,

We're told that the value of X quarters is equal to the value of (X + 32) nickels. We're asked for the value of X. This question can be approached in a number of different ways, including by 'brute force' arithmetic.

The value of 1 quarter is the same as the total value of 5 nickels, so the ratio must equal 1:5....
1 quarter and 5 nickels --> difference = 4 coins
2 quarters and 10 nickels --> difference = 8 coins
3 quarters and 15 nickels --> difference = 12 coins
Etc.

Notice how the difference increases by 4 coins with each additional quarter. We're told that there are 32 MORE nickels than quarters, so that would be 8(4). Thus, there are 8 quarters and 40 nickels.

Final Answer: A

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

Contact Rich at [email protected]

Like this post

Jeff@TargetTestPrep: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 1462; Joined: Thu Apr 09, 2015 9:34 amFollowed by: 22 members; Location: New York, NY; Thanked: 39 times

by Jeff@TargetTestPrep » Tue May 15, 2018 3:42 pm

VJesus12 wrote:If the value of x quarters is equal to the value of x + 32 nickels, x =
(nickel = 5 cents, quarter = 25 cents)

(A) 8
(B) 11
(C) 14
(D) 17
(E) 20

We can create the equation:

25x = 5(x + 32)

5x = x + 32

4x = 32

x = 8

Answer: A

Jeffrey Miller
Head of GMAT Instruction
[email protected]

See why Target Test Prep is rated 5 out of 5 stars on BEAT the GMAT. Read our reviews

Like this post

Post new topic Post Reply

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

559 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (560 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review