A certain state legislature consists of 124 members, each of whom is either a Democrat or a Republican. If there are 18

[Vincen]

A certain state legislature consists of 124 members, each of whom is either a Democrat or a Republican. If there are 18 more Republicans than Democrats, how many Republicans are in the legislature?

(A) 44
(B) 53
(C) 71
(D) 80
(E) 106

Answer: C

Source: GMAT Paper Tests

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

A certain state legislature consists of 124 members, each of whom is either a Democrat or a Republican. If there are 18 more Republicans than Democrats, how many Republicans are in the legislature?

(A) 44
(B) 53
(C) 71
(D) 80
(E) 106

Answer: C

Source: GMAT Paper Tests

There are 18 more Republicans than Democrats
Let x = the number of Democrats
So, x + 18 = the number of Republicans

A certain state legislature consists of 124 members, each of whom is either a Democrat or a Republican
So, (the number of Democrats) + (the number of Republicans ) = 124
In other words: x + (x + 18) = 124
Simplify: 2x +18 = 124
We get: 2x = 106
Solve: x = 53

So, there are 53 Democrats, which means there are 71 Republicans

Answer: C

Cheers,
Brent