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

Redeem

The sum of two integers is 27. The larger integer is 25%

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Source: — Problem Solving |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 16207
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC
Thanked: 5254 times
Followed by:1268 members
GMAT Score:770

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Thu Feb 21, 2019 2:51 pm
BTGmoderatorLU wrote:Source: Princeton Review

The sum of two integers is 27. The larger integer is 25% greater than the smaller integer. What is the positive difference between the two integers?

A. 3
B. 6
C. 9
D. 12
E. 15
Let x = the smaller integer
So, 1.25x = the larger integer (since the larger integer is 25% greater than the smaller integer)

The sum of two integers is 27.
We can write: x + 1.25x = 27
Simplify: 2.25x = 27
Solve: x = 27/2.25
IMPORTANT: What's a nice fast way to evaluate 27/2.25?
An easy way is to create an EQUIVALENT fraction that has a nice denominator.

Take: 27/2.25
Double the top and bottom to get: 54/4.5 (better)
Double the top and bottom again to get: 108/9 (aha!!!)
Evaluate: 108/9 = 12

So, x = 12
So, the smaller number is 12

1.25x = the larger integer
1.25(12) = 15

The positive difference = 15 - 12 = 3

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
Image
Top
User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 15539
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pm
Location: New York, NY
Thanked: 13060 times
Followed by:1906 members
GMAT Score:790

sum to 27

by GMATGuruNY » Thu Feb 21, 2019 3:00 pm
BTGmoderatorLU wrote:Source: Princeton Review

The sum of two integers is 27. The larger integer is 25% greater than the smaller integer. What is the positive difference between the two integers?

A. 3
B. 6
C. 9
D. 12
E. 15
25% greater = 1/4 greater.
If the smaller integer = 4, then the larger integer = 4 + (1/4)4 = 5.
The values in red imply that the two integers summing to 27 must be in a RATIO OF 4 TO 5:
4, 5
8, 10
12, 15
The case in blue sums to 27, with the result that larger-smaller = 15-12 = 3.

The correct answer is A.
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
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 8086
Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2015 10:56 am
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Thanked: 43 times
Followed by:29 members

by Scott@TargetTestPrep » Sun Feb 24, 2019 5:34 am
BTGmoderatorLU wrote:Source: Princeton Review

The sum of two integers is 27. The larger integer is 25% greater than the smaller integer. What is the positive difference between the two integers?

A. 3
B. 6
C. 9
D. 12
E. 15

The OA is A
We can let the smaller integer = n and the larger integer = 1.25n; thus:

n + 1.25n = 27

2.25n = 27

n = 12

Thus, the larger integer is 1.25 x 12 = 15, and the difference between the two integers is 15 - 12 = 3.

Answer: A

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder and CEO
[email protected]

Image

See why Target Test Prep is rated 5 out of 5 stars on BEAT the GMAT. Read our reviews

ImageImage
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1