Pen distribution

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eaakbari: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 435; Joined: Mon Mar 15, 2010 6:15 amFollowed by: 1 member; Thanked: 32 times

by eaakbari » Fri Mar 26, 2010 6:37 am

What is the maximum number of students among whom 1001 pens and 910 pencils have to be distributed in such a way that each student gets same number of pens and pencils?

No choices as this is from a prep book

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Problem Solving | Fri Mar 26, 2010 6:37 am

neoreaves: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 208; Joined: Sun Sep 28, 2008 12:30 pm; Thanked: 22 times

by neoreaves » Fri Mar 26, 2010 6:40 am

1001 pens and 910 pencils.

910 is less than 1001 so the only maximum way we can distribute equal number of pens and pencils is by giving out

910 pens and 910 pencils

We can not give out 911 pencils --> there are only 910

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eaakbari: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 435; Joined: Mon Mar 15, 2010 6:15 amFollowed by: 1 member; Thanked: 32 times

by eaakbari » Fri Mar 26, 2010 6:48 am

I figured it out.
You have interpreted the question wrong. It does not require that each student gets one pen or pencil. They can have as many as they want provided all have equal. It also requires that all pens and pencils get handed out so the maximum number of students turns out

As the HCF of 1001 and 910

which in this case is 91.

Thanks

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gmatmachoman: Legendary Member; Posts: 2326; Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2008 3:54 amFollowed by: 2 members; Thanked: 173 times; GMAT Score:710

by gmatmachoman » Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:49 am

eaakbari wrote:I figured it out.
You have interpreted the question wrong. It does not require that each student gets one pen or pencil. They can have as many as they want provided all have equal. It also requires that all pens and pencils get handed out so the maximum number of students turns out

As the HCF of 1001 and 910

which in this case is 91.

Thanks

prime factors of 1001 = 7 X 13X 11
prime factors of 910 = 7X13X10

take HCF of the both:
--> 7X13=91

91 students

R&D on GMAT algorithm:

https://www.beatthegmat.com/r-d-on-gmat- ... tml#305739

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neoreaves: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 208; Joined: Sun Sep 28, 2008 12:30 pm; Thanked: 22 times

by neoreaves » Fri Mar 26, 2010 8:41 am

oops .... you are right ...i tend to make silly mistakes on easy questions ....ugh

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