Four scientists collaborate on a research project for which they receive a

[BTGModeratorVI]

Four scientists collaborate on a research project for which they receive a prize that comes with a monetary award. They agree to divide the money into four shares in proportion to the time that each scientist spent on the project. If the shares are in the amounts a/2, a/3, a/4, and a/6, respectively, what is the value of a?

A. 1/3
B. 4/15
C. 4/5
D. 5/4
E. 3

Answer: C
Source: Veritas Prep

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

Four scientists collaborate on a research project for which they receive a prize that comes with a monetary award. They agree to divide the money into four shares in proportion to the time that each scientist spent on the project. If the shares are in the amounts a/2, a/3, a/4, and a/6, respectively, what is the value of a?

A. 1/3
B. 4/15
C. 4/5
D. 5/4
E. 3

Answer: C
Source: Veritas Prep

KEY PROPERTY: The sum of all four shares must be 1.
So, we can write: a/2 + a/3 + a/4 + a/6 = 1
Find common denominators: 6a/12 + 4a/12 + 3a/12 + 2a/12 = 1
Simplify: 15a/12 = 1
Multiply both sides by 12 to get: 15a = 12
Divide both sides by 15 to get: a = 12/15 = 4/5

Answer: C

Cheers,
Brent