Hi AbeNeedsAnswers,
We're given a table of information that compares the amount spent to the amount budgeted for 3 different categories. We're asked for the categories in which the amount SPENT differed from the amount budgeted by MORE than 6 percent of the amount budgeted.
It's important to note that the question asks for a DIFFERENCE of more than 6% (which does not necessarily mean "higher" or "lower" - just a difference). This question ultimately comes down to performing a few calculations, but you might find a particular math tactic can save you a bit of time.
Let's start with 'Insurance'; budgeted = $2500, spent = $2340... To calculate 6% of $2500, you might find it easy to calculate 1% first (since that involves simply 'moving' the decimal point 2 spaces to the left... 1% of $2500 = $25. Therefore 6% would equal 6 times that.... (6)($25) = $150.
$2340 is $160 less than $2500 - and since $160 is greater than $150, that difference is clearly greater than 6%.
'Taxes' seems like the next easiest number to deal with: budgeted = $40,000, spent = $42,000...
1% of $40,000 = $400, so 6% = (6)($400) = $2400. The difference between budgeted and spent is only $2,000... so that is LESS than a 6% difference. At this point, the correct answer must be either C or D.
'Payroll'; budgeted = $110,000, spent = $117,000. 1% of $110,000 = $1,100, so 6% = $6,600. The difference between the budgeted and spent is $7,000, so the difference here is also greater than 6%.
Final Answer: D
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
