Maximum number!

This topic has expert replies
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 74
Joined: Wed Apr 06, 2011 8:35 pm
Followed by:1 members

Maximum number!

by Ahmed MS » Mon Oct 31, 2011 11:02 pm
Q: A grocer stocked orange in a pile. The bottom layer was a rectangular with 3 rows of 5 oranges each. If the second layer from the bottom, each orange rested on 4 oranges from the bottom layer, and in the third layer, each oranges rested on 4 oranges from the second layer. Which of the following is the maximum number of oranges that could have been in the third layer?

a. 5
b. 4
c. 3
d. 2
e. 1


I do not understand how to start with problem. Please help me guys!

User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 516
Joined: Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:22 pm
Thanked: 112 times
Followed by:13 members

by smackmartine » Mon Oct 31, 2011 11:30 pm
IMO C
This a visualization problem and I had a lot of fun while drawing it :). The oranges in the third layer (blue) are the max # of oranges possible that satisfies the condition that they are rested on 4 oranges(green).


Image
Smack is Back ...
It takes time and effort to explain, so if my comment helped you please press Thanks button :)

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 15539
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pm
Location: New York, NY
Thanked: 13060 times
Followed by:1906 members
GMAT Score:790

by GMATGuruNY » Tue Nov 01, 2011 2:03 am
Ahmed MS wrote:Q: A grocer stocked orange in a pile. The bottom layer was a rectangular with 3 rows of 5 oranges each. If the second layer from the bottom, each orange rested on 4 oranges from the bottom layer, and in the third layer, each oranges rested on 4 oranges from the second layer. Which of the following is the maximum number of oranges that could have been in the third layer?

a. 5
b. 4
c. 3
d. 2
e. 1


I do not understand how to start with problem. Please help me guys!
Another approach:

The dimensions of the bottom layer are 3 oranges by 5 oranges, yielding 3*5 = 15 oranges.
With each subsequent layer, we lose 1 orange off each dimension.
Second layer is 2 by 4, yielding 2*4 = 8 oranges.
Third layer is 1 by 3, yielding 1*3 = 3 oranges.

The correct answer is C.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.

As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.

For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3