Official Guide Explanation:
Problem Solving #140

 

 

Background

This is just one of hundreds of free explanations I've created to the quantitative questions in The Official Guide for GMAT Review (12th ed.). Click the links on the question number, difficulty level, and categories to find explanations for other problems.

These are the same explanations that are featured in my "Guides to the Official Guide" PDF booklets. However, because of the limitations of HTML and cross-browser compatibility, some mathematical concepts, such as fractions and roots, do not display as clearly online.

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Solution and Metadata

Question: 140
Page: 172
Difficulty: 4 (Moderately Easy)
Category 1: Algebra > Linear Equations-Two Unk >
Category 2: Word Problems > Other >

Explanation: Like so many GMAT word problems, this one gives you two equations. If f is the weight of his first lift and s is the weight of his second, f + s = 750, and 2f = s + 300. Rearrange the first equation so that it can be substituted: s = 750 - f. Then substitute into the second equation:

2f = (750 - f) + 300

2f = 1050 - f

3f = 1050

f = 350, choice (D).

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