BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem
TTP OnDemand GMAT Video Course
Featured Course

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Scott Woodbury-Stewart’s private virtual classroom — 400 hours of master-class video lessons for the GMAT Focus Edition.

  • 715+ score guarantee — highest in the industry (99th percentile)
  • 52 chapters · 1,500+ lessons · 4,000+ practice questions
  • 400 hours of video · 1,500+ instructor-led HD smartboard lessons
  • 300,000+ students accepted to Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Booth & Sloan & more
  • 24/7 live support + weekly Zoom office hours with GMAT instructors
  • TTP AI Assist — 24/7 AI-powered virtual tutor for instant help
  • 1,200+ flashcards + AI-powered study assistant & daily calendar
  • OnDemand, LiveTeach & GMAT Bootcamp formats available
  • Also: GRE, SAT Math & Executive Assessment courses
  • MBA Admissions Consulting now available
  • 🏆 2025 EdTech Breakthrough Award: Test Prep Solution Provider of the Year
  • 200,000+ students served
  • 5-day free trial — $0 to start, no auto-billing, cancel anytime
★★★★★ 5.0 (559 reviews)
130-pt guarantee
$0 to start then $127/mo
Start Free 5-Day Trial Read 559 Reviews →

Maths Problem Solving Percent Answer Clarification

Problem Solving — algebra and arithmetic (GMAT Focus Edition)
Expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
User avatar
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 8
Joined: Tue Nov 29, 2011 1:58 am
by soumya_165 » Sun Sep 02, 2012 12:44 am
Hi All,

Can some one help me out in the following problem. Why can't option E be the correct choice.

In the first quarter of 2008, Harry's Hardware Store sold 300 hammers and
12,000 nails. In the second quarter of 2008, the store sold 375 hammers and
18,000 nails. By approximately what percent did the ratio of hammers sold
to nails sold decrease from the first quarter to the second quarter?
(A) 0.4% (B) 2.1% (C) 2.5% (0) 17% (E) 25%
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
Source: — Quantitative Reasoning |
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 502
Joined: Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:36 pmFollowed by: 21 members
Thanked: 99 times

by vk_vinayak » Sun Sep 02, 2012 4:27 am
soumya_165 wrote:Hi All,

Can some one help me out in the following problem. Why can't option E be the correct choice.

In the first quarter of 2008, Harry's Hardware Store sold 300 hammers and
12,000 nails. In the second quarter of 2008, the store sold 375 hammers and
18,000 nails. By approximately what percent did the ratio of hammers sold
to nails sold decrease from the first quarter to the second quarter?
(A) 0.4% (B) 2.1% (C) 2.5% (0) 17% (E) 25%
First qtr-> Hammers:Nails = 300/12000 = 1/40
Second qtr -> Hammers:Nails = 375/18000 = 1/48

Difference: (1/40) - (1-48) = 1/(5*48)

% Decrease = { 1/(5*48) / (1/40) } * 100 = 100/6 = 16.66
Ans D.
- VK

I will (Learn. Recognize. Apply)
Top
Join the discussion
Log in to postLogin with Googleuse password
QUOTE IN REPLY
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1