If x is 20 percent more than y and y is 50 percent less than

This topic has expert replies
User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 3991
Joined: Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:28 am
Location: Las Vegas, USA
Thanked: 19 times
Followed by:37 members
If x is 20 percent more than y and y is 50 percent less than z, then x is what percent of z?

A. 500%
B. 250%
C. 500/3%
D. 125%
E. 60%


* A solution will be posted in two days.

User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 410
Joined: Fri Mar 13, 2015 3:36 am
Location: Worldwide
Thanked: 120 times
Followed by:8 members
GMAT Score:770

by OptimusPrep » Mon May 02, 2016 7:45 pm
Max@Math Revolution wrote:If x is 20 percent more than y and y is 50 percent less than z, then x is what percent of z?

A. 500%
B. 250%
C. 500/3%
D. 125%
E. 60%


* A solution will be posted in two days.
Since x and z are given in terms of z, we should assume the value of y to solve the question.
Assume y = 100,
Hence x = 120 and z = 200

(120/200) * 100 = 60%

Correct Option: E
Last edited by OptimusPrep on Wed May 04, 2016 7:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 3991
Joined: Fri Jul 24, 2015 2:28 am
Location: Las Vegas, USA
Thanked: 19 times
Followed by:37 members

by Max@Math Revolution » Wed May 04, 2016 6:49 am
From the question, we get x=1.2y and y=0.5z. By substitution, we can get x=1.2y=1.2(0.5)z=0.6z. Hence, the answer is 60% and E is the correct answer choice.

- Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. In DS, Variable approach is the easiest and quickest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember equal number of variables and independent equations ensures a solution.