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GMAT first reading and solution

The Food and Drug Administration has formulated certain severe restrictions regarding the
use of antibiotics, which are used to promote the health and growth of meat animals.
Though the different types of medicines mixed with the fodder of the animals kills many
microorganisms, it also encourages the appearance of bacterial strains, which are resistant
to anti-infective drugs.
It has already been observed that penicillin and the tetracyclines are not as effective
therapeutically as they once used to be. This resistance to drugs is chiefly caused due to
tiny circlets of genes, called plasmids, which are transferable between different species of
bacteria. These plasmids are also one of the two kinds of vehicles on which molecular
biologists depend on while performing gene transplant experiments. Existing guidelines also
forbid the use of plasmids, which bear genes for resistance to antibiotics, in the laboratories.
Though congressional debate goes on as to whether these restrictions need to be
toughened with reference to scientists in their laboratories, almost no congressional
attention is being paid to an ill advised agricultural practice, which produces deleterious
effects.
In the present passage, the author's primary concern is with:
1. The discovery of methods, which eliminate harmful microorganisms without generating
drug-resistant bacteria.
2. Attempting an explanation of the reasons for congressional inaction about the regulation
of gene transplant experiments.
3. Portraying a problematic agricultural practice and its serious genetic consequences
4. The verification of the therapeutic ineffectiveness of anti-infective drugs
5. Evaluation of the recently proposed restrictions, which are intended to promote the
growth of meat animals.
As inferred from the above passage, the mutual transfer of plasmids between different
bacteria can result in which of the following?
1. Microorganisms, which have an in-built resistance to drugs
2. Therapeutically useful circlets of genes
3. Penicillin like anti-infective drugs
4. Viruses used by molecular biologists
5. Carriers for performing gene transplant experiments.
According to the above passage the author believes that those who favor the stiffening of
restrictions on gene transplant research should logically also.
1. Approve and aid experiments with any plasmids except those, which bear genes for
antibiotic resistance.
2. Inquire regarding the addition of anti-infective drugs to livestock feeds
3. Oppose the using of penicillin and tetracyclines in order to kill microorganisms
4. Agree to the development of meatier live-stock through the use of antibiotics
5. Approve of congressional debate and discussion regarding science and health issues.

The attitude the author has with reference to the development of bacterial strains that
render antibiotic drugs in effective can best be described as
1. indifferent
2. perplexed
3. pretentious

4. insincere
5. apprehensive

The existence of mammals on the earth can be traced back to at least the Triassic time. The
rate of development was retarded, till evolutional change suddenly accelerated in the oldest
Paleocene. This resulted in an increase in average size, larger mental capacity, and special
adaptations for different modes of life, during the Eocene time. Further improvement was
seen during the Oligocene Epoch, with the appearance of some new lines and extinction of
others. The Miocene and Pliocene times are especially significant as they mark the
culmination of various groups and a continued approach toward modern characters. It is in
the Miocene time that the mammals reached their peak with reference to variety and size.
The ability of the mammals to adapt to various modes of life finds a parallel in the reptiles of
the Mesozoic time, and apart form their greater intelligence, the mammals apparently have
not done much better than the corresponding reptilian forms. Undoubtedly the bat is a
better flying animal than the pterosaur, but at the same time the dolphin and whale are
hardly more fish like than the ichthyosaur. Quite a few of the swift-running mammals
inhabiting the plains, like the horse and the antelope, must excel any of the dinosaurs.
Although the tyrannosaur was a more weighty and robust carnivore than perhaps any
carnivorous mammal, the lion and the tiger, by virtue of their superior brain are far more
efficient and dangerous beasts of prey. It is significant to note that various species of
mammals gradually adapted themselves to various kinds of lifestyles, some took to grazing
on the plains and were able to run swiftly (horse, deer, bison), others started living in rivers
and swamps (hippopotamus, beaver), inhabiting trees (sloth, monkey), burrowing
underground (rodent, mole), feeding on flesh (tiger, wolf), swimming in the water (dolphin,
whale, seal), and flying in the air (bat). Human beings on account of their superior brain
have been able to harness mechanical methods to conquer the physical world and adapt to
any set of conditions.
Such adaptation to different conditions leads to a gradual change in form and structure. This
is a biological characteristic of the youthful, plastic stage of a group. It is seen that early in
its evolutional cycle animals possess the capacity for change, but as the animal progresses
in its cycle becoming old and fixed, this capacity for change disappears. The generalized
types of organisms retain longest the ability to make adjustments when required, and it is
from them that new, fecund stocks take origin-certainly not from any specialized end
products. With reference to mammals, we see their birth, plastic spread in many directions,
increased specialization, and in some cases, extinction; this is a characteristic of the
evolution of life, which can be seen in the geologic record of life.
From the following, choose the most appropriate title for the above passage?
1. From Dinosaur to Man
2. Adaptation and Extinction
3. The Superior Mammals
4. The Geologic Life Span
5. Man, the Vanquisher of the Physical World.

According to the passage the chronological order of the geologic periods is:
1. Paleocene, Miocene, Triassic, Mesozoic
2. Paleocene, Triassic, Mesozoic, Miocene
3. Miocene, Paleocene, Triassic, Mesozoic
4. Mesozoic, Oligocene, Paleocene, Miocene
5. Mesozoic, Paleocene, Eocene, Miocene

From the above passage, we can infer that, the pterosaur


1. resembled the bat
2. was a Mesozoic mammal
3. was a flying reptile
4. inhabited the seas
5. evolved during the Miocene period
As inferred from the passage, the largest numbers of mammals were found in which of the
following periods?
1. Triassic period
2. Eocene period
3. Oligocene epoch
4. Pliocene period
5. Miocene period
Among the following statements, which statement, if true, would weaken the argument put
forth in the first sentence of Paragraph 1?
1. It has been found that the tyrannosaur had a larger brain, than was previously known.
2. Within the next thousand years, mammals will become extinct.
3. Recently certain forms of flying ichthyosaurs have been discovered.
4. It has now been proved, that the tiger is more powerful than the carnivorous reptiles.
5. It is now possible to double human mental capacity, by the use of certain recently
developed computers.
It is clear from the passage, that the evidence used to discuss the life of past time periods
1. was developed by Charles Darwin
2. was unearthed by the author
3. has been negated by more recent evidence
4. was never truly established
5. is based on fossilized remains
As inferred from the passage, which of the following proverbial expressions is the author
most likely to agree with?
1. It's a cruel world.
2. All the world's a stage.
3. The more things change, the more they remain the same.
4. Footprints in the sands of time.
5. A short life, but a merry one.

third readingsparagraph
The recent news that local hospitals have had to reroute seriously ill patients because the community's
critical-care beds are full is worrisome. Earlier this week, four of the six local hospitals ran out of space
for the critically ill and had to turn people away.
Federal law requires hospitals to treat anyone who walks in. As a result of having to treat large numbers of
uninsured patients, the emergency rooms often become an economic drain on their hospitals. Doctors now
want to set up their own free-standing ambulatory surgical facilities and diagnostic centers. Critics
contend this would leave hospitals with less revenue and the same number of indigents to treat.
A bill was recently introduced to phase out the need for a "certificate of public need" for non-hospitalbased facilities, provided those facilities met stringent regulations and requirements. This would have
made it easier to set up alternative facilities to help indigent patients. The finance committee balked at the
hefty price and killed the bill, another casualty of a failed legislative session.
Unfortunately, the problem of access to medical care for those of limited means is not going to go away
anytime soon and, despite the well-intended regulations, too-full hospitals compromise everyone's
welfare. Healthy competition with small neighborhood surgical and diagnostic centers may be what is
necessary to help dampen rising medical costs. But under no circumstances should the hospitals be forced
to care for everybody without health insurance while competitors operate free of the burden of caring for
those unable to pay.
1) Which of the following is a conclusion supported by the passage?
a.

If doctors want to run their own facilities, they should be required to take in at least some of the indigents.

b.

The government should provide health insurance for those unable to buy their own.

c.

Voters should tell the finance committee members that they will not be reelected if they do not pass some new
legislation.

d.

Emergency rooms that turn patients away due to overcrowding are derelict in their duty .

e.

The fundamental problem facing hospitals now is that health care costs have risen dramatically in recent
years.

2) Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?


a.

neutral

b.

positive

c.

persuasive

d.

angry

e.

reverential

3) Which of the following is cited as a factor which has contributed to the overburdening of hospitals?
I.

Failure to pass legislation which would have mitigated the problem

II.

Limited access to medical care for the poor

III.

Federal law
a.

I only

b.

II only

c.

III only

d.

I and II

e.

I, II, and III

4) The author cites the failed legislation in order to show that


a.

the legislature will never resolve this issue.

b.

the finance committee does not care about the uninsured citizens.

c.

there will always be uninsured hospital patients.

d.

the legislature recently attempted to resolve this issue.

e.

the doctors successfully lobbied the finance committee.

Solution of this paragraph

a) Journalism as a profession is facing dreadful times. First, it has never been harder to
become a journalist. Second, journalists are facing lower wages and no job security in
todays economy.
Todays media has become global and instant. The internet allows everyone to
become a journalist using applications like Twitter or Facebook. Anyone whos on the
scene can now write about it and post their articles online. Anyone with an opinion
can start their own journalistic column in the form of an online blog. The need for
real, professional journalism is at its lowest, and the competition between those few
remaining individuals with a background and education in journalism is fierce.
With global economies going down the toilet, and people buying less and less
newspapers for a variety of reasons, news companies are faced with financial
difficulties. They cant hire journalists or pay them the high salaries they deserve. As
a result, journalists face low wages and lower job security. As a matter of fact, many
newspaper companies are converting their regular journalists into contract-workers
for lower pay, or even replacing them with unpaid interns.

Professional journalism is indeed in trouble. Its hard to become a journalist, and once
you do become one its even harder to make a living. If you are consider going into
journalism, you might want to take this into account. Best of luck to you.

Question 1: The primary purpose of the passage is to advise people to:


a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Support underpaid journalists


Buy more newspapers to help news companies
Boycott news companies who are underpaying journalists
Avoid or reconsider going into the journalism profession
Join Twitter or start a blog to become part of the global media
Question 2: The authors mentions all of the following challenges facing journalists
EXCEPT:

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Fierce competition in the industry


Lower demand for professional journalism
Maintaining online blogs on time
Lower average wages
Possibility of being replaced by interns
Question 3: According to the author, why cant newspaper companies pay journalists
the high wages they deserve?

a)
b)
c)
d)

People are not buying as many newspapers as they used to


Unpaid interns are a good, cheaper alternative to paid journalists
Becoming a journalist is very hard these days
Making regular staff writers into contract workers can reduce wages and thus
expenses for companies
e) Job security is low while competition is high
Question 4: It can be inferred from the article that, in the future:Possible Answers
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Journalism will bounce back and become a great profession


Newspaper companies will all go bankrupt and be replaced by Twitter
There will be less students enrolled in journalism programs at college
Demand for newspapers will rise until it meets the supply
Many existing journalists will have to find new career paths or at least part-time jobs to
make ends meet
Question 5: Which of the following describes the relationship of the first paragraph to the
rest of the article?
a)
a)
b)
c)
d)

It poses a question to be answered later in the passage


It provides an introduction to the concept discussed later
It introduces conflicting elements to be reconciled
It explains one side of the argument
It introduces an opinion to be refuted later in the passage

8. Deans Department Store reduces the price of a $30 shirt by 20%, but later raises it again by 20% of the
sale price. What is the final price of the shirt?
(A) $24.40
(B) $32
(C) $30
(D) $28.80
(E) $26.60
D. Multiply 30 by 0.2 and subtract this from the original price of the shirt to findthe sale price: $24.
Then multiply 24 by 0.2 and add the product to the sale price tofind the final price.

10. Sheila, Janice, and Karen, working together at the same rate, can complete a job in 31/3 days. Working
at the same rate, how much of the job could Janice and Karen do in one day?
(A) 1/5
(B) 1/4
(C) 1/3
(D) 1/9
(E) 1/8
A. If it takes 3 people 3 1/3 days to do the job, then it would take one person 10days: 3/13 3 =10.
Thus, it would take 2 people 5 days, and one day of work for twopeople would complete 1/5 of the
job.

11. Dave can deliver four newspapers every minute. At this rate, how many newspapers can he deliver in 2

hours?
(A) 80
(B) 160
(C) 320
(D) 400
(E) 480
E. There are 60 minutes in an hour, so Dave can deliver 240 newspapers every hour.
In 2 hours, then, he can deliver 480 papers.
5. Archies gas tank is 1/3 full. If Archie adds 3 gallons of gas to the tank, it will be full. What is the
capacity in gallons of Archies tank?
(A) 28
(B) 12
(C) 20
(D) 16
(E) 18
E. This problem can be solved with the following equation, in whichx = the total 1/2x= 1/3 x +3
Shakespeare is the greatest writer of all time. This is because he wrote the greatest plays, and the greatest
writer is the one who composes the greatest works.
Which of the following statements most effectively challenges the reasoning above?
B. This argument disproves its own premise.
B. This argument uses ambiguous language.
C. This argument assumes what it claims to prove.
D. This argument introduces irrelevant evidence.
E. This argument fails to make a clear claim.
C. This is an example of circular reasoning, in which the proof depends onassumptions which themselves
have not been proven.
Is the perimeter of a givenrectangle greater than 8 inches?
(1) The two shorter sides of therectangle are 2 inches long.
(2) The length of the rectangle is 2 inches greater than the width of the
(A) Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) is not sufficient.
(B) Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) is not sufficient.
(C) BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is
sufficient.
(D) EACH statement ALONE is sufficient.
(E) Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient
Answer is B.
If L is the length and b is the bredth. Then,
(b+4)^2=b^2+l^2
So solving the above equation:
b=L^2-16/8
Now putting the value of L:

When we will put integer value for L, first value that will give integer value for b is 8 (Hidden constraint).
b=64-16/8=6.
So, L=8;b=6; and diagonal is equal to 10.

A small company employs 3 men and 5 women. If a team of 4 employees is to be randomly selected to
organize the company retreat, what is the probability that the team will have exactly 2 women?
a. 1/14
b. 1/7
c. 2/7
d. 3/7
e.
SOLUTION:
How many ways to select 4 from 8 people?
(imagine this as rearranging YYYYNNNN) 8!/4!4! = 70
How many ways to select 2 women from 5 women?
(imagine this as rearranging YYNNN) 5!/2!3! = 10
How many ways to select 2 men from 3 men?
(imagine this as rearranging YYN) 3!/2! = 3
Probability = 3 x 10 / 70 = 3/7

Another way for solving this problem


The problem with this thought process is that it presumes a specific order to choosing the people (i.e. that
you will definitely select in the order WWMM). However there are six different orders you could do
WWMM
WMWM
WMMW
MWWM
MWMW
MMWW
Each one would then calculate out to having a 1/14 chance (what you calculated earlier). Since there were
6 different ways you could do it you would multiply 1/14*6 to get the same 3/7 that was calculated earlier
in this thread. So you could do it this way, it is just a bit more difficult and riskier if you don't realize you
have to account for six different orderings.

very important
26. The latest movie by a certain director gets bad reviews before it opens intheatres.

Consequently, very few people goto the movie and the director is givenmuch less money to
make his next movie, which is also unsuccessful.
What can be inferred from this scenario?
(A) This director makes terrible movies.
(B) The general public does not pay attention to movie reviews.
(C) The movie reviewers wereright about the first movie.
(D) Movie reviewers exert influence on the movie quality.
(E) The director will not make another movie.
------------------------------------------------------------------27. The most important determinant of success in life is education. Even children
frombroken or dysfunctional homes tend to establishthemselves as solid citizens so long
asthey obtain a high school education. On theother hand, children who fail to earn a
highschool diploma are much less likely to avoid prison, welfare, or divorce. Which of the
following statements most effectively strengthens the above argument?
(A) A recent study demonstrated a link between education and lifetime earnings.
(B) Most federal prisoners receive a high school diploma while incarcerated.
(C) Research indicates that college graduates from abusive homes are more likely to
bearrested.
(D) Individuals with heart problems are more likely to havepostgraduate education.
(E) Children from functional homes are more likely to attend preschool.

(E) None of the above.

28. E. There is no way of determining whether any, some, or none of A are C.


29. Shakespeare is the greatest writer of all time. This is because he wrote the
greatestplays, and the greatest writer is the one who composes the greatest works.
Which of the following statements most effectively challenges the reasoning above?
(A) This argument disproves its own premise.
(B) This argument uses ambiguous language.
(C) This argument assumes what it claims to prove
(D) This argument introduces irrelevant evidence.
(E) This argument fails to make a clear claim.

29. C. This is an example of circular reasoning, in which the proof depends on


assumptions which themselves have not been proven.

30. In the 2000 local election, only 28% ofindividuals between the ages of 18 and 25voted.
In the 2004 local election, however, candidates made more of an effort to appealto these
younger voters, so turnout was slightly higher at 39%. Which of the followingpieces of
information weakens the above argument?
(A) The candidates for city council were ages 55, 72, and 64.
(B) The turnout among votersbetween the ages of 35 and 44 was 42% in 2004.
(C) Turnout among African-Americans between18 and 25 decreased from 2000 to 2004.
(D) The polls stayed open later on Election Day in 2000.
(E) In 2004, a referendum on lowering the legal age for purchasing alcohol to 18 was on
the ballot.

30. E. It seems likely that this referendum could influence many young people to vote.
31. Members of Congress should not be paid.After all, members of the school board
receive no payment, and are therefore not beholden to any particular group.
Which of the following facts most significantly weakens the above argument?
(A) Members of Congress can also serve on the school board.
(B) Being in Congress is a full-time job, while school board members have time to
pursueother occupations.
(C) Congress only is in session during part of the year.
(D) Members of Congress typically have beensuccessful in their prior professional lives.
(E) Members of Congress are not allowed toshow favoritism to any particular group.

31. B. Drawing an analogy between being a member of Congress and serving on the
school board is highly dubious.
32. All German cars are safe. Dale drives a German car, so his car is safe.
Which of the following arguments contains logic that closely resembles that of
thepreceding argument?
(A) The newest cars often get better gas mileage. Helen has a new car, which must get
better gas mileage.
(B) A few of the candidates for governor are women. Dr. Lopez is a woman.
(C) No brands of natural peanut butter contain preservatives. The peanut butter in Daves
cabinet contains preservatives.
(D) Every shark has a tailfin. The hammerheadis a kind of shark and therefore has atailfin.
(E) Some days of the week are Saturdays and Sundays. Today is neither Saturday
norSunday.

32. D. The logic of this argument can be expressed as follows: All A are B. C is A,
ThereforeC is B.
33. The Tigers football team usually loses when they score fewer than 30 points. In
theirgame against the Wildcats, they scored 24 points.
Which ofthe following statements would logically complete the argument with the
above premises?
(A) The Tigers lost to the Wildcats.
(B) The Wildcats are the best football team in the league.
(C) The Wildcats probably lost to the Tigers.
(D) The Tigers are not a very good football team.
(E) The Tigers probably lost to the Wildcats.

33. E. There is no way to be certain that the Tigers lost, though it seems likely.

34. Dr. Jacobson stood up at the recent townhall meeting and declared that building anew
shopping center at the corner of Georgeand Vidalia Streets would be a bad move.He cited
transportation department statistics indicating that the intersection wouldbecome
overloaded with traffic, and would be very dangerous for motorists andpedestrians alike.
The mayor dismissed Dr. Jacobsons opinion, on the grounds that theproposed shopping
center is within a block of Dr. Jacobsons practice. Why is the mayors argument weak?
(A) He does not challenge Dr. Jacobsons argument, but merely challenges himpersonally.
(B) He does not acknowledge thelocation of his own office.
(C) He fails to recognize that Dr. Jacobson would probably welcome a new shoppingcenter
near his practice.
(D) He does not support his view with statistics from the transportation department.
(E) He doesnt realize that Dr. Jacobson is about to retire.

34. A. The mayor is essentially using an ad hominem argument, in which the character of
The opponent rather than the merits of his reasoning is attacked.

A rectangular swimming pool is 20 feet by 28 feet. A deck that has uniform width surrounds
the pool. The total area of the pool and deck is 884 square feet. What is the width of the
deck?
a. 2 feet
b. 2.5 feet
c. 3 feet
d. 4 feet
e. 5 feet

From the diagram


Area of the pool + path = (20+2x)*(28*2x) = 884 => x=3, Option C

One number, n, is selected at random from a set of 10 integers. What is the probability that n + 13 = 0?
1. The largest integer in the set is 13.
2. The arithmetic mean of the set is zero.
For n/2+13 = 0, n = -26.
From F.S 1, we have the largest integer as 13. Thus the set could have all 10 positive integers including 13
in which case the probability - 0. Also, the number -26 could be included in some other combinations of
10 integers, where the probability would be a non-zero entity. Insufficient.
From F.S 2, as the arithmetic mean of the set is zero, hence the sum of all the ten integers is zero. Again,
the presence/absence of -26 is not ascertained from this fact statement.Insufficient.
Combining both, for set -26,-5,-3,-2,0,2,4,8,9,13 --> the probability is 1/10

Again, for the set -13,-4,-3,-2,-1,1,2,3,4,13 --> the probability is 0. Insufficient.


set can be
-1,-2,-3,-4,-3,-6,-7,7,6,13
In this case probability that n is -26 is 0
set can be:
-26,-13,13,13,13,2,-2,-1,1
in this case probability is 1/10
2 different answers.
Hence INSUFF
pick E
The perimeter of square S greater than the perimeter of equilateral triangle T?
(1) The ratio of the length of a side of S to the length of a side of T is 4:5.
(2) The sum of the lengths of a side of S and a side of T is 18.
A. statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
B. statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
C. both statements taken together are sufficient to answer the question, but neither
statement alone is sufficient
D. each statement alone is sufficient
E. statements 1 and 2 together are not sufficient, and additional data is needed to answer the
question
SPOILER: Official Answer: A
1. Let the length of the side of the square be S and triangle be T
Given s/t = 4/5
s = 4t/5
Perimeter of the square = 4s = 4*4t/5 = 16t/5 whis is greater than 3t(Perimeter of the triangle) - Sufficient
2. There could be infinite number of combination for square and triangle with the given data. - Insufficient
Ans: A

exactely
1. How many ewes (female sheep) in a flock of 50 sheep are black?
There are 10 rams (male sheep) in the flock.
Forty percent of the animals are black.
A. statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question

B. statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
C. both statements taken together are sufficient to answer the question, but neither
statement alone is sufficient
D. each statement alone is sufficient
E. statements 1 and 2 together are not sufficient, and additional data is needed to answer
the question
2. Is the length of a side of equilateral triangle E less than the length of a side of square F?
The perimeter of E and the perimeter of F are equal.
The ratio of the height of triangle E to the diagonal of square F is 23 : 32.
A. statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
B. statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
C. both statements taken together are sufficient to answer the question, but neither
statement alone is sufficient
D. each statement alone is sufficient
E. statements 1 and 2 together are not sufficient, and additional data is needed to answer
the question

3. If a & b are both positive, what percent of b is a?


a = 3/11
b/a = 20
A. statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
B. statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
C. both statements taken together are sufficient to answer the question, but neither
statement alone is sufficient
D. each statement alone is sufficient
E. statements 1 and 2 together are not sufficient, and additional data is needed to answer
the question

4. A wheel of radius 2 meters is turning at a constant speed. How many revolutions does it
make in time T?
T = 20 minutes.
The speed at which a point on the circumference of the wheel is moving is 3 meters per
minute.
A. statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question

B. statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
C. both statements taken together are sufficient to answer the question, but neither
statement alone is sufficient
D. each statement alone is sufficient
E. statements 1 and 2 together are not sufficient, and additional data is needed to answer
the question
===============
5. Are the integers x, y and z consecutive?
The arithmetic mean (average) of x, y and z is y.
y-x = z-y
A. statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
B. statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
C. both statements taken together are sufficient to answer the question, but neither
statement alone is sufficient
D. each statement alone is sufficient
E. statements 1 and 2 together are not sufficient, and additional data is needed to answer
the question
===================
6. Is x >0 ?
-2x < 0
x > 0
A. statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
B. statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
C. both statements taken together are sufficient to answer the question, but neither
statement alone is sufficient
D. each statement alone is sufficient
E. statements 1 and 2 together are not sufficient, and additional data is needed to answer
the question
================
7. A certain straight corridor has four doors, A, B, C and D (in that order) leading off from the
same side. How far apart are doors B and C?
The distance between doors B and D is 10 meters.
The distance between A and C is 12 meters.
A. statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
B. statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question

C. both statements taken together are sufficient to answer the question, but neither
statement alone is sufficient
D. each statement alone is sufficient
E. statements 1 and 2 together are not sufficient, and additional data is needed to answer
the question
=================
8. Given that x and y are real numbers, what is the value of x + y ?
(x y) / (x-y) = 7
(x + y) = 49
A. statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
B. statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
C. both statements taken together are sufficient to answer the question, but neither
statement alone is sufficient
D. each statement alone is sufficient
E. statements 1 and 2 together are not sufficient, and additional data is needed to answer
the question
===================
9. Two socks are to be picked at random from a drawer containing only black and white
socks. What is the probability that both are white?
The probability of the first sock being black is 1/3.
There are 24 white socks in the drawer.
A. statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
B. statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
C. both statements taken together are sufficient to answer the question, but neither
statement alone is sufficient
D. each statement alone is sufficient
E. statements 1 and 2 together are not sufficient, and additional data is needed to answer
the question
===========
10. A bucket was placed under a dripping tap which was dripping at a uniform rate. At what
time was the bucket full?
The bucket was put in place at 2pm.
The bucket was half full at 6pm and three-quarters full at 8pm on the same day.
A. statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
B. statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the
question
C. both statements taken together are sufficient to answer the question, but neither

statement alone is sufficient


D. each statement alone is sufficient
E. statements 1 and 2 together are not sufficient, and additional data is needed to answer
the question

The average age of a group of 10 students was 20. The average age increased by 2 years when two new
students joined the group. What is the average age of the two new students who joined the group?
A. 22 years
B. 30 years
C. 44 years
D. 32 years
E. None of these
The correct choice is (D) and the correct answer is 32 years.

Explanatory Answer
The average age of a group of 10 students is 20.
Therefore, the sum of the ages of all 10 of them = 10 * 20 = 200
When two new students join the group, the average age increases by 2. New average = 22
Now, there are 12 students.
Therefore, the sum of the ages of all 12 of them = 12 * 22 = 264
Therefore, the sum of the ages of the two new students who joined = 264 - 200 = 64
And the average age of each of the two new students = 64/2 = 32 years.
1. if statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient to answer the
question asked;
2. if statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the
question asked;
3. if BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but
NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient;
4. if EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked;
5. if statements (1) and (2) together are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional
data specific to the problem are needed.

Three consecutive integers represent the ages, in years, of three children. What is the age of the
youngest child?
(1) In 6 years the average (arithmetic mean) age of the three children will be twice their average age
now.
(2) In 5 years the oldest child will be 12 years old.
Solution is as follow with more details
Word problems are very common in data sufficiency questions. You will want to represent the information
mathematically and create formulas that you can work with. In this problem, the ages of the three children
are three consecutive integers. Consecutive means that they follow each other in order, one unit apart. For
example, the numbers 3, 4 and 5 are consecutive integers.
Lets say that the youngest child has an age of x. It is helpful to use x for the youngest child because the
question is asking for the youngest childs age. Now, we want to represent the middle child. We could use
another variable like y, but theres a better option. Since the ages are consecutive, the middle child is one
year older. Therefore, the age of the middle child could be represented as x + 1. The oldest is one year
older than the middle child so the oldest childs age will be represented as x + 2. The series of ages of
these three children then are x, x + 1, and x + 2.
Notice that we have now represented three unknowns using only one variable, x. It is helpful to reduce the
number of variables. The fewer the variables, the more likely it is that a solution can be found.
1)
Break down each part of this sentence to create an equation. Well start with In 6 years the average
(arithmetic mean) of the three children. Remember that the mean is calculated by adding all terms and
dividing by the number of terms.
Average = Sum/Number of terms
The average of the three ages can be represented like this.
(x + x + 1 + x + 2)/3
However, the statement says we are looking at the ages in 6 years. This means that each age is 6
higher.The youngest would be x + 6, the next is x + 7, and the oldest is x + 8.
(x + 6 + x + 7 + x + 8)/3
The next part says will be. In other words, they are equivalent, so here is where our equal sign goes.
(x + 6 + x + 7 + x + 8)/3 =
The last part says twice their average age now. Take the average of the three ages and multiply it by 2.
(x + 6 + x + 7 + x + 8)/3 = 2(x + x + 1 + x + 2)/3
We now have a complete formula with one unknown. Generally speaking, an equation with one unknown
can be solved, so you could decide to stop right here and say that the statement is sufficient. However,
well go ahead and solve this to make sure. Start by combining the terms in the sets of parentheses.

(3x + 21)/3 = 2(3x + 3)/3


On the right side of the equation, multiply the 2 and 3x +3.
(3x + 21)/3 = (6x + 6)/3
Now, we can simplify. Divide the terms in parentheses by 3.
x + 7 = 2x + 2
Subtract 2 on both sides.
x + 5 = 2x
Subtract x on both sides.
5=x
The youngest child is 5, making the ages 5, 6, and 7. If you have extra time and want to go one more step,
you can check that this answer works. The ages are 5, 6, and 7, so the average is 6. In 6 years, the ages
will be 11, 12, and 13. The average would then be 12. This is twice as much. The first statement is
sufficient.
2)
For this statement, we wont need to create formulas. In 5 years the oldest child will be 12, so the
ages will be 10, 11, and 12. This means that the current ages are 5, 6 and 7. Again, we have a definite
answer for the youngest childs age. The second statement is sufficient.
Both statements are sufficient on their own, and the correct answer is

(D).

Oday rose is twice as old as Sam and Sam is 3 years younger than Tina. If Rose, Same, and
Tima are all alive 4 years from today, which of the following must be true on that day.
1- Rose is twice as old as sam
2- sam is 3 years younger than tina
3- rose is older than tina
A: I only
B: II only
C: III only
D: I and II
E: II and III
OA is B the details of this solution is as follow
My question is, how does one go about solving age questions on the GMAT? I tried using an
approach Brent suggested but it led me to get the wrong answer Would picking numbers
be the fastest way to solve these types of word problems?

Let us assume that today their ages are R, S, and T.


So, R = 2S and S = T - 3
After 4 years, their ages will be (R + 4), (S + 4) and (T + 4).
Converting all ages in terms of S : (2S + 4), (S + 4), and (S + 7)
Now, let us check the options,
1. (2S + 4) is not equal to 2(S + 4) ---> False
2. Age difference will be same after 4 years --->Always true
3. (2S + 4) may or may not be greater than (S + 7) --->Not always true
Hence, only 2 must be true.

Good Luck

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