Help me correct this GMAT question

[sumitkhurana]

Hi,

Could some one please correct this for me:-

According to recent surveys, about 20 percent of young adults used a certain ointment in 1989, doubling those reported in the 1987 survey.
(A) doubling those reported in the 1987 survey
(B) to double the number the 1987 survey reported
(C) twice those the 1987 survey reported
(D) twice the number reported in the 1987 survey

Why is the correct choice 'D' here, why not 'A' or 'C'.

Thanks

[iamcste]

Hi,

Could some one please correct this for me:-

According to recent surveys, about 20 percent of young adults used a certain ointment in 1989, doubling those reported in the 1987 survey.
(A) doubling those reported in the 1987 survey
(B) to double the number the 1987 survey reported
(C) twice those the 1987 survey reported
(D) twice the number reported in the 1987 survey

Why is the correct choice 'D' here, why not 'A' or 'C'.

Thanks

A and C both use illogical comparison

Right comparison must be between "% of adults=number" using ointment in 89 v/S "number " using ointment in 87

D does that while B uses infinitive

Apart from this "doubling " in A will not parallel "reported"

and C uses an awkward construction by placing "reported " @ the end

[karmayogi]

In option A and C, those referring to adults and wrongly compare % with adults.

[sumitkhurana]

Why I am confused is because:-

One one side you have 20% of you adults - So a number of adults.

And isn't "twice those" in C also the same as - A number of adults which is double of the earlier no.

So why is this comparison not ok.

[iamcste]

whats the source of the qtn

Even though comparison looks ok 2 u, if "reported" placed at the end -not awkward for me..

On the very first look, I rejected C on the basis of that

Also, isnt having number giving you exactly what you need instead of a pronoun acting as an antecedent

[sumitkhurana]

Hmm.. you are probably right .. although I think my head is still not very clear to understand this ... the source is GMAT sets...

If the sentence were to be this, I would not have any problems in accepting the answer choice:-

According to recent surveys, the number of young adults who used a certain ointment in 1989 was x, twice the no. reported in 1987 survey.

Another question -----

You said you rejected C because of reported in the end. In case option C were to be:-

twice those reported in the 1987 survey.

Would you still have said that C is wrong.

[iamcste]

Hmm.. you are probably right .. although I think my head is still not very clear to understand this ... the source is GMAT sets...

If the sentence were to be this, I would not have any problems in accepting the answer choice:-

According to recent surveys, the number of young adults who used a certain ointment in 1989 was x, twice the no. reported in 1987 survey.

Another question -----

You said you rejected C because of reported in the end. In case option C were to be:-

twice those reported in the 1987 survey.

Would you still have said that C is wrong.

For me , both correct ans and C are wrong..

Let me tell you why

Subject 1 v/s subject 2

subject 1 is "20%" and Not " 20% of young adults"

Remember: Object of the preposition "of" is never the subject

and subject 2 is

"number"

I cant say " 20% " smoked in 1989 and 3000 smoked in 1982

as I dont 3000 of what...

so, both are incorrect for me


Then, as we have to select an answer, see the better among the lot

As i said, atleast correct one uses "no" and not a referrent and hence better one


Plus I had a good reason for C to be removed and A was horrible

so, D

( Pls note even in your acceptable statment, you changed % to nos...)


May be i am incorrect, but use popular and standard pratice material

I cant comment on GMAT sets as I havent used it...But some stuff from GMAC, GMATPREP, Manahattan GMAT would be better

Danke !