Rate of typing

[ssmiles08]

Two secretaries type at even but different paces. One types with speed of 80 characters per minute, the other, a beginner, can only type 30 characters per minute. The beginner starts earlier, and some time later the experienced secretary manages to type the same number of characters as the beginner. Then, the experienced secretary manages to type 800 characters more when her computer breaks down. How long, in hours does it take for the beginner to reach the same number of characters?

(A) 53/180
(B) 4/9
(C) 13/18
(D) 15/23
(E) 5/18

[dmateer25]

I am coming up with E, 5/18.

The rate of the beginner per hour is 30*60 = 1800



Now what we know from the question is that after the experienced secretary catches the beginning, he/she types an additional 800 characters. This takes the experiences secretary 10 minutes or 1/6 of an hour.

In this 1/6 of an hour, the beginner types 1800 * 1/6 = 300 characters.

So the questions is basically asking us how long does it take the beginner to type 500 characters.

1800x = 500
x = 500/1800
x =5/18

[ssmiles08]

nice! Thanks dmateer25! The OE was pretty poor.

OA is E

[dmateer25]

nice! Thanks dmateer25! The OE was pretty poor.

OA is E

No problem. Just curious, what is the source?

[ssmiles08]

No problem. Just curious, what is the source?

Its from Manhattan Review Turbocharge Your GMAT: Math Study Guide