Maria had twice as many suits in the year 1995 as she did

Expert replies

Previous Topic Next Topic

M7MBA: Moderator; Posts: 2058; Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2017 4:24 amFollowed by: 5 members; Thanked: 1 times

by M7MBA » Wed May 16, 2018 1:24 am

Timer

00:00

Answers

Stats

Difficulty—

Maria had twice as many suits in the year 1995 as she did in the year 1990. How many suits did Maria have in the year 1990?

(1) Maria had twice as many suits in the year 2000 as she did in the year 1995.

(2) Maria had 2 more suits in the year 2000 than she did in the year 1995.

The OA is C.

Could someone tell me what are the equations that I should set here? I'd really appreciate it. <i class="em em---1"></i>

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — Data Sufficiency | Wed May 16, 2018 1:24 am

GMAT/MBA Expert

Sionainn@PrincetonReview: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 41; Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2018 9:54 amFollowed by: 1 member

by Sionainn@PrincetonReview » Wed May 16, 2018 5:19 am

If you solve this algebraically there are 3 unknowns introduced in the problem and statements.
x = number of suits in 1990
y = number of suits in 1995
z = number of suits in 2000

From the question we know y = 2x. The question asks to find the value of x.

With statement 1, we know z = 2y. Typically with systems of equations we need as many equations as there are variables. By recognizing this on the data sufficiency you don't need to waste valuable time actually solving to find the value. Just determine you have enough information. At this point we have 3 variables and 2 equations so not enough information. So statement 1 is not sufficient, so eliminate A and D.

With statement 2, we know z = 2 + y. Again just 2 equations and 3 variables, so eliminate B.

When we combine the information we have 3 variables with 3 equations. We have as many different equations as variable, so both statements are sufficient and the answer is C.

Take care,
Sionainn

BA - Stanford University, MPP - Harvard University
Instructor, tutor for Princeton Review and Airbnb host
In other words a blend of Jamie Escalante from Stand and Deliver, Julie from The Love Boat, and Schneider the Super from One Day at a Time.

Curious How You'll Score? Take a FREE GMATÂ® practice test or sample class
Ready to Prep? Exclusive discounts for Beat The GMATÂ® members HERE

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 » Thu May 17, 2018 5:22 pm

M7MBA wrote:Maria had twice as many suits in the year 1995 as she did in the year 1990. How many suits did Maria have in the year 1990?

(1) Maria had twice as many suits in the year 2000 as she did in the year 1995.

(2) Maria had 2 more suits in the year 2000 than she did in the year 1995.

We can let the number of suits in 1990 = x, and the number of suits in 1995 = 2x.

We need to determine x.

Statement One Alone:

Maria had twice as many suits in the year 2000 as she did in the year 1995.

Thus the number of suits in 2000 = 4x; however, we cannot determine x. Statement one alone is not sufficient to answer the question.

Statement Two Alone:

Maria had 2 more suits in the year 2000 than she did in the year 1995.

Thus the number of suits in 2000 = 2x + 2; however, we cannot determine x. Statement one alone is not sufficient to answer the question.

Statements One and Two Together:

Using the two statements together, we have:

4x = 2x + 2

2x = 2

x = 1

Answer: C

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

560 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