Algebra

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ritula: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 89; Joined: Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:35 pm

Algebra

by ritula » Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:53 am

If Sam has 5 more marbles than Jack, Jack has 4 more marbles than Frank, and Frank has 5 more marbles than Ted, what is the least number of marbles that must change hands if the four boys are to have an equal number of marbles?

Philosophers have interpreted world in various ways, the point is to change it!

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Problem Solving | Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:53 am

amitansu: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 294; Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2008 9:05 pm; Thanked: 13 times; Followed by:1 members

by amitansu » Mon Aug 25, 2008 3:44 am

I think it's 9 altogether.

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4meonly: Legendary Member; Posts: 891; Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2008 4:21 am; Thanked: 27 times; Followed by:1 members; GMAT Score:660(

by 4meonly » Mon Aug 25, 2008 8:23 am

total 9 marbles

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parallel_chase: Legendary Member; Posts: 1153; Joined: Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:21 am; Thanked: 146 times; Followed by:2 members

by parallel_chase » Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:20 am

S=T+14=J+5=F+9

14+5+9 = 28

28/4 = 7

The question is asking least number of marbles. Hence 7 is the answer.

whats the OA?

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rishi235: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 76; Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2008 10:05 pm; Thanked: 5 times

by rishi235 » Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:46 am

Hi...
I also got 7...which is the average of the no. of marbles..
But i do not think its the right answer...

@ chase...
I guess we need the find the least no. of marbles 'exchanged'...

I just substituted the values as
0 , 5 , 9 & 14...

So all the boys to have 7 marbles... we need to exchange 7+2 = 9 marbles..
So ans is 9.

@ Ritula... wats the OA...