kobel51 wrote:Lori has x dollars more than Jim has, and together they have a total of y dollars. Which of the following represents the number of dollars that Jim has?

A) (y-x)/2
B) y - x/2
C) y/2 - x
D) 2y - x
E) y - 2x

Let ]J = the number of dollars that Jim has

Lori has x dollars more than Jim has
So, J + x = the number of dollars that Lori has

Together they have a total of y dollars
In other words, (Jim's money) + (Lori's money) = x
So, (J) + (J + x) = y

Which of the following represents the number of dollars that Jim has?
Take J + J + x = y, and solve for J

First simplify the equation to get: 2J + x = y
Subtract x from both sides: 2J = y - x
Divide both sides by 2 to get: J = (y - x)/2

Answer: A

Cheers,
Brent

Hi kobel51,

This question is perfect for TESTing Values. Here's how...

Lori has X dollars more than Jim has and together they have a total of Y dollars. How many dollars does Jim have?

Lori has MORE dollars than Jim....

Let's say:
Jim = 2 dollars
Lori = 3 dollars

So....
X = 1
Y = 5

Now, plug in these values into the answer choices and find the one that equals 2...

Answer A = 4/2 = 2
Answer B = 5 - 1/2 = 4.5
Answer C = 5/2 - 1 = 1.5
Answer D = 10 - 1 = 9
Answer E = 5 - 2 = 3

Final Answer: A

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich