GMATPrep Percentages

[peppero230]

Is this the right approach to solving this problem below?

Since the 42% considering "engaging in research" an important goal equals the 36% of men + 50% of women considering "engaging in research" a goal, we can write:

0.36M + 0.50W = 0.42(M+W) to get:
0.8 W = 0.6 M
Therefore, given that there is a total of 1,400 people,
8W/6M = 800 Women / 600 Men, and so the answer is A?

[moneyman]

0.36(M)+0.50(W)=588 (1400*42%=588)

We also know from the question that M+W=1400 which means M=1400-W

Substitute the value of M in the equation to get the answer of W

I think your approach is also right but I feel since its a percentage problem, its always better to solve and get the whole number