INVERSE PROPORTION

Problem Solving — algebra and arithmetic (GMAT Focus Edition)
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INVERSE PROPORTION

by R.K » Sat Jun 02, 2012 6:48 pm
A garrison of 1500 men has provisions for 6 weeks. At the end of the first two weeks 450 men desert. How long after this will the food last?
Source: — Quantitative Reasoning |

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by Birottam Dutta » Sat Jun 02, 2012 7:13 pm
The garrison of 1500 men have provisions for 6 weeks.

After 2 weeks, the 1500 men have provisions left for 4 weeks.

Now, 450 men desert the garrison.

Men left =1500-450= 1050.

So, the food will now last for (1500/1050)*4 weeks = 40/7 weeks or 5 weeks and 5 days.

Hope this is the answer.

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by Jim@StratusPrep » Sun Jul 08, 2012 3:54 pm
Say they have enough food for 9000 man-weeks (1500 x 6).

They use 3000 (1500 x 2) and have 6000 left (9000 - 3000)

Now they have 1050 left (1500 - 450).

Your answer is then 6000/1050. This reduces to 40/7.
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