Maths Problem Solving Percent Answer Clarification

Problem Solving — algebra and arithmetic (GMAT Focus Edition)
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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%
Source: — Quantitative Reasoning |

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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

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