Brent@GMATPrepNow wrote:theCodeToGMAT wrote:A certain college has a total of 400 seniors, each majoring in exactly one of six subjects. A minimum of 20 seniors major in each of the six subjects. If three-quarters of the seniors major in one of four subjects, what is the greatest possible number of seniors majoring in one of the other two subjects?
a) 100
b) 80
c) 75
d) 60
e) 50
Can someone explain me the meaning of the RED colored Line.. Does it mean that 300 seniors major in one of the 4 subjects.. or 300 seniors major in 4 subjects.
According to me, earlier is correct and answer must be "20"; OA is [spoiler]{B}[/spoiler]
Wow, I've read the question several times, and I still don't get it!
Each student majors in
exactly one subject.
I read it as,
If three-quarters of the seniors major in one of four subjects (say subjects A, B, C and D), what is the greatest possible number of seniors majoring in one of the other two subjects (say subjects E and F)?
It seems that, if
three-quarters of the seniors (300 seniors) major in either A, B, C or D,
then one-quarter of the seniors (100 seniors) must major in E or F.
I'm not sure what's wrong with this logic, but the question's author has a different interpretation. Fortunately, official GMAT questions don't leave any room for multiple interpretations.
What's the source?
Cheers,
Brent
Hi Brent,
Before I deal with this question I have the following remarks to make.
1. At the kick-off I do not find any surmountable problem with the words of the question.
2. Consider that even GMAT has experimental questions. Even on the GMAT, once in a while, there may be a 'not so clear' question. You are supposed to make the best out of it.
3. According to me, GMAT questions are very factual. They mean what they say. This question is also to be understood the way it is written.
Deducing it as "one of four" should mean FAITHFULLY FOUR" is wrong.
If the given correct answer is (B), there isn't any confusion.
It (the question) simply means 300 seniors major in one of four subjects. Consider the words in the question, "each majoring in exactly one of six subjects".
Consequently, 100 seniors major in one (or the other) of the other two subjects.
Since "A minimum of 20 seniors major in each of the six subjects", "the greatest possible number of seniors majoring in one of the other two subjects" has got to be 100 -- 20 = 80.
Best
