The growth of the railroads

[GmatKiss]

The growth of the railroads led to the abolition of local times, which was determined by when the sun reached the observer's meridian and differing from city to city, and to the establishment of regional times.

(A)which was determined by when the sun reached the observer's meridian and differing
(B)which was determined by when the sun reached the observer's meridian and which differed
(C)which were determined by when the sun reached the observer's meridian and differing
(D)determined by when the sun reached the observer's meridian and differed
(E)determined by when the sun reached the observer's meridian and differing



Explanations appreciated...

[DevitaN]

Well, abolition of local times followed by a "modifier, which" is properly used, so we know it must be "were" since times is plural. That knocks out A and B . Determined is also correct. Which or Determine is correct so need to move on to something else. Which were determined and differing are not parallel so there goes C.

I give up between D and E though. I would guess D?

If I see a question like this on the test I know I am doing darn well lol.

[vidyame]

already discussed. ans is E
determined and differing are past participles and hence parallel.
check the verb of the clause in deciding whether determined is verb or past participle. "reached" is the verb, hence determined cannot be verb.
https://www.urch.com/forums/faqs/700-gma ... ition.html
https://www.beatthegmat.com/762-1000-sc- ... t2873.html

[sl750]

the explanation given in that link didn't help me understand why C is wrong and E is correct. Moreover, differing is the present participle of differ not past participle

[hoji]

the explanation given in that link didn't help me understand why C is wrong and E is correct. Moreover, differing is the present participle of differ not past participle

Here, the issue is not only past or present, but also active and passive. If we use differed, it makes no sence because there is not passive voice of differ, in the context, local times differed, not they were differed. In my opinion we can use differing as a past participle.