Official Guide Explanation:
Problem Solving #167

Background

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Solution and Metadata

Question: 167
Page: 176
Difficulty: 6 (Moderately Difficult)
Category 1: Word Problems > Sets >
Category 2: Arithmetic > Sets > 2 sets

Explanation: This is a classic overlapping sets question, and is perfect for the formula T = G₁ + G₂-B + N. T = 30 (number of total applicants), G₁ = 14 (the number of applicants with 4 years experience), G₂ = 18 (the number of applicants with degrees), and N = 3 (the number of applicants with neither). The question is asking for B, the overlap between applicants with four years experience and those with degrees, so we can plug all of those values into the equation and solve for the remaining variable:

30 = 14 + 18 - B + 3

30 = 35 - B

B = 5, choice (E).

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