The table above shows the quantities and prices per pound of three types of nuts that are combined to make a nut mixture. The mixture contains twice as many pounds of cashews as pounds of almonds, and 3 times as many pounds of walnuts as pounds of almonds. What is the cost of the mixture, in dollars, expressed in terms of a?
A) 4a
B) 6a
C) 13.5a
D) 20.5a
E) 24.5a
Let a = 1 pound of almonds.
Since almonds cost $4 per pound, the total cost of the almonds = $4.
The mixture contains twice as many pounds of cashews as pounds of almonds.
Thus, the weight of the cashews = 2*1 = 2 pounds.
Since cashews cost $3.50 per pound, the total cost of the cashews = (2)(3.5) = $7.
The mixture contains 3 times as many pounds of walnuts as pounds of almonds.
Thus, the weight of the walnuts = 3*1 = 3 pounds.
Since cashews cost $4.50 per pound, the total cost of the walnuts = (3)(4.5) =$13.50.
Total cost of the entire mixture = 4 + 7 + 13.5 = $24.50. This is our target.
Now plug a=1 into the answers to see which yields our target of $24.50.
Only
E works:
24.5a = (24.5)(1) = 24.50.
The correct answer is
E.
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
