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Arithmetic + Word Problems

PERCENTAGES

To express a% as a fraction divide it by 100

a% = a/100

To express a fraction as a percent multiply it by 100

a/b = [(a/b) 100] %

To express percentage as a decimal we remove the symbol % and shift the decimal point by two
places to the left. For example

10% can be expressed as 0.1.

6.5% = 0.065 etc.

To express decimal as a percentage we shift the decimal point by two places to the right and write the
number obtained with the symbol % or simply we multiply the decimal with 100. Similarly, 0.7 = 70%.

Increase % = [ Increase / Original value] 100%

Decrease % = [ Decrease / Original value] 100%

Change % = [ Change / Original value] 100%

In increase %, the denominator is smaller, whereas in decrease %, the denominator is larger.

GENERAL CONCEPTS IN PERCENTAGES:
Let’s start with a number X (= 1 X)

X increased by 10% would become X + 0.1 X = 1.1 X

X increased by 1% would become X + 0.01 X = 1.01 X
X increased by 0.1% would become X + 0.001 X = 1.001 X
X decreased by 10% would become X – 0.1 X = 0.9 X
X decreased by 1% would become X – 0.01 X = 0.99 X
X decreased by 0.1% would become X – 0.001 X = 0.999 X
X increased by 200% would become X + 2X = 3X
X decreased by 300% would become X – 3X = –2X

Also, let us remember that:

2 = 200% (or 100% increase)

3 = 300% (or 200% increase)
3.26 = 326% (means 226% increase)
Fourfold (4 times) = 400 % of original = 300% increase
10 times means 1000% of the original means 900% increase
0.6 means 60% of the original means 40% decrease
0.31 times means 31% of the original means 69% decrease etc.

1/2 = 50%

3/2 = 1 + 1/2 = 100 + 50 = 150%

5/2 = 2 + 1/2 = 200 + 50 = 250% etc.

2/3 = 1 – 1/3 = 100 – 33.33 = 66.66%

4/3 = 1 + 1/3 = 100 + 33.33 = 133.33%,

5/3 = 1 + 2/3 = 100 + 66.66 % = 166.66%

7/3 = 2 + 1/3 = 200 + 33.33 = 233.33%

8/3 = 2 + 2/3 = 200 + 66.66 = 3 – 1/3 = 300 – 33.33 = 266.66%

1/4 = 25%

3/4 = 75%

5/4 = (1 + 1/4) = 125% (= 25% increase)

7/4 = (1 + 3/4 = 2 – 1/4) = 175% (= 75% increase)

9/4 = (2 + 1/4) = 225% (= 125% increase)

11/4 = 275% = (175% increase)

1/5 = 20%

2/5 = 40%

3/5 = 60%

4/5 = 80%

6/5 = (1 + 1/5) = 120%

7/5 = (1 + 2/5) = 140% etc.

1/6 = 16.66%

5/6 = 83.33%

7/6 (1 + 1/6) = 116.66%

11/6 = 183.33%

1/8 = 12.5%

3/8 = 37.5%

5/8 = 62.5%

7/8 = 87.5%

9/8 = (1 + 1/8) = 112.5%

11/8 = (1 + 3/8) = 137.5%

13/8 = 162.5%

15/8 = 187.5%

1/9 = 11.11%

2/9 = 22.22%

4/9 = 44.44%

5/9 = 55.55%

7/9 = 77.77%

8/9 = 88.88%

10/9 = (1 + 1/9) = 111.11%

11/9 = (1 + 2/9) = 122.22% etc.

If the present population of a town is p and if there is an increase of X% per annum. Then:

(i) Population after n years = p [1 + (X/100)]n

Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip) (additional)

Query: If the population is 100, it increases by 10%, it will be 110, then again it grows by 10% then
it should be 10% on 110% and not 100%. Moreover, it should be added instead of multiplying in
the formula for each year. Kindly clarify this part

Reply: P + 10%P —> P (1+10%) + 10%*{P (1+10%)} ——> P (1+10%) (1+10%)

P (or 100) increased by 10%: P(1+10%) or (110)

Now this value is increased by 10%:
P (1+10%) + 10% (P (1+10%))
P (1+10%) (1 + 10%) Or (121)

When you write, you will understand that you have to take 10% of P (1+10%) which is not taken
over here.

(ii) Population n years ago = p / [1 + (X/100)]n

If the population of a town (or value of a machine) decreases at R% per annum, then:
i. population (or value of machine) after n years = p [1 – (R/100)] n
ii. population (or value of machine) n years ago = p / [1 –(R/100)]n

Profit % = (Profit /CP) x 100%

Loss % = (Loss/CP) x 100 %

In problems on DISCOUNT, remember the following:

Marked price is the price listed on the article (called list price).

Discount is calculated on Marked price and NOT on Cost price.

So, Marked Price – Discount = Sale Price. Also Cost Price + Profit = Sale Price.

Solved Examples
1. A child spends 30% of his pocket money, and has Rs 126 left. How much had he at first?

Sol.

Let the pocket money be X.

70% of pocket money = 126 Or (70/100) * X = 126
X = 180 Rs.
2. When the cost of petroleum increases by 40%, a man reduces his annual consumption by 20%. Find
the percentage change in his annual expenditure on petroleum.

Sol.

Expenditure = Consumption Price

First Expenditure: Suppose 10 liters of petroleum at 10 units of money per liter, then
total expenditure = 10 10 units of money = 100 units of money

Second Expenditure: Now, 8 liters of petroleum at 14 units of money per liter,

total expenditure = 8 14 units of money = 112 units
So % change = (112 – 100)*100/100 = 12%

So, the expenditure increases by 12%

3. The number of students in a school increase at a certain rate per cent. The number at present is 1323
and the number two years ago was 1200; find the rate per cent of the increase.

Sol.

By formula, we have
1200 (1 + R/100)² = 1323
(1 + R/100)2 = 1323/1200 = 441/400
Take square root
(1 + R/100) = 21/20
Subtract 1 on both sides
R/100 = 1/20
So,

R = 100/20 = 5%

4. A trader marks his goods at 50 percent above cost price and allows discount of 20% percent for cash
payment. What profit percent does he make?

Sol.

If the CP is 100, Marked Price = 150 But discount to the cash purchaser = 20% of Rs 150 = Rs 30

Now the reduced price he gets from the cash purchaser = 150 – 30 = 120

So, profit percent = 20%

5. A reduction of 20% in the price of apples could enable a man to get 120 more for Rs 1,440. Find the
first price of one apple.

Sol.

We have 1440 = X Y .............. (1)

X = no. of apples, Y = price of one apple.

Now 1440 = (X + 120) 0.8Y ..... (2)

Equate the two (as both are 1440)

X Y = (X + 120) 0.8Y
Y cancels X = 480

Substitute X = 480 in (1)

Therefore, Y = Rs 3

6. A man’s working hours a day were increased by 25%, and his wages per hour were increased by 20%.
By how much percent were his daily earnings increased?

Sol.

Wages per hour Number of hours = Earnings

Let each value be 10, so that earnings = 100

10 (Wages per hour) increased by 20% is 12

10 (Number of hours) increased by 25% is 12.5

Initially, 10 10 = 100

Now: 12 12.5 = 150

From 100 to 150 50% increase

OR

Let initially X = number of hours and Y = wages/hour

Later these become 1.25 X and 1.2 X respectively.

Daily earnings initially = X Y

Now Daily earnings = 1.25X 1.2Y = 1.5 XY

So, % change = (1.5XY – XY)*100/XY = 50%

Hence 50% increase.

7. A shopkeeper allows a discount of 15% on the marked price. How much above the C.P. must he mark
his goods to make a profit of 19%?

Sol.

Let CP = 100, Profit = 19, SP = 100 + 19 = 119

Now marked price should be such that Marked price reduced by 15% is equal to 119

So, 85% of M.P. = 119 or MP = 119 100/85 = Rs 140

Answer = 40% above the C.P.

8. The production of a firm increases from 340 MT to 500 MT. What is the percent increase?

Sol. 160/340 = 8/17 = 47.05%.

9. The production of a firm decreases from 500 MT to 340 MT. What is the percent decrease?

Sol. 160/500 = 32%.

Note the answers to the above 2 questions are different.

10. The production of a firm increases by 20%, 25% and 50% in 3 successive years over the previous
year. If the production is 160 MT in the first year, find the production at the end of 3 years.

Sol. 160 × 1.2 × 1.25 × 1.5 = 360

Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip) (additional)

Query: Can you explain why we multiplied with 1.2, 1.25 and 1.5?
Reply: We know that the initial value be 160

Increase in first year = 20%

Value in second year = 160 * (1 + 0.2) = 160 * 1.2 = 192

Increase in second year = 25%

Value in second year = 192 * (1 + 0.25) = 192 * 1.25 = (160*1.2)*1.25 = 240

Increase in third year = 50%

Value in third year = 240 * (1 + 0.5) = 240 * 1.5 = (192*1.25)*1.5 = (160*1.2*1.25)*1.5 = 360

11. The production of a firm decreases by 20% in the first year, then decreases by 25% in the next year
and then increases by 50% the next year and then increases by 10% in the next year. All percentage
changes being consecutive (over the previous year). If at the end of the changes, the value is 990 MT,
what was the value initially?

Sol. A × 0.8 × 0.75 × 1.5 × 1.1 = 990 or A = 1000

12. Which is bigger: 0.004% of 25000 or 25000% of 0.004?

Sol. Both are equal. A% of B = B % of A.

13. If price decreases by 25%, by what % should consumption increase so that the expenditure does
not increase?

Sol. Expenditure = price consumption

Now, assume values

100 = 100 1
100 = 75 x

x = 100/75 = 4/3 = 1.33

1 becomes 1.33 33.33% increase

14. If speed increases by 33.33%, what is the percent reduction in the time taken to travel the same
distance?

Sol. Distance = speed time

Now, assume values

100 = 100 1
100 = 133.33 x
x = 100/133.33 = 3/4 = 0.75
1 becomes 0.75 % decrease = 25%

15. The length of a rectangle increases by 25%. Find the percent drop in its width for area to remain
same.

Sol.
Area = L B
Assume values

100 = 1 100
100 = 1.25 x

x = 100/1.25 = 80
x decreases from 100 to 80, 20% decrease

16. If the length of a rectangle is decreased by 40% and the breadth is increased by 30%, then find the
percentage change in the area of the rectangle.

Sol.

Assume values

10 10 = 100

6 13 = 78

Hence the area of the rectangle decreases by 22%

17. The edge of a cube increases by 20%. Find the % increase in its surface area and volume.

Sol.

Remember that Surface area is proportional to the square of length and the volume is proportional to
the cube of length.

Area length2

Volume length3

For area:

10 × 10 = 100

12 × 12 = 144

So, area increases by 44%.

For volume:

10 × 10 × 10 = 1000

12 × 12 × 12 = 1728

So, volume increases by 72.8%.

Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip) :

For Area:
Conventional method:

Let the side of the square be a units

Then its surface area =6a2 units2

If the length of the side is increased by 20% then the length of the side= (120/100)*a = (6/5)*a units

So, the new surface area =6*(6/5)(6/5)*a2

=6*(36/25)*a2 units2

Increase in area=6× (36/25)a2 – 6a2

= 6a2*{(36/25) - 1} = 6a2*(11/25)

Percentage of increase in area

=[{6a2*(11/25)}/(6a2)] ×100

= (11/25) ×100 = 44

So, percentage of increase in the area=44%

18. The side of a square decreases by 30%. Find the % decrease in its perimeter and area.

Sol. Perimeter changes by the same percent as length so 30% decrease.

For area: 10 × 10 = 100

7 × 7 = 49

So % Change = (100-49)*100/100 = 51%

So, area decreases by 51%.

 Questions Based on Venn Diagrams (Overlapping Sets):
On your test, you are likely to see questions with 2 or 3 variables.

In case of 2 variables, there are a maximum of four divisions possible:

Imagine that at a B-school, applicants can choose Marketing and Finance among other specializations,
where dual major is allowed. In this case, there can be only four types of sets of people possible:

1. Students taking Marketing Only

2. Students taking Finance Only
3. Students taking both Marketing and Finance
4. Students taking neither Marketing nor Finance

These types of questions are best solved by making a 2-way-matrix (table). Just remember that if one
row has “Marketing”, the other has to have “Not Marketing”. If one column has “Finance”, the other
has to have “Not Finance”.

The table can be completed by putting all the given values in the question and thus the unknown can be
found out by simple addition / subtraction of rows / columns. In case of percentage problems (where all
values are mentioned in terms of percentage), it is better to take the total as 100.
Let us solve a practical example:

50% of the apartments in a certain building have windows and hardwood floors. 25% of the apartments
without windows have hardwood floors. If 40% of the apartments do not have hardwood floors, what
percent of the apartments with windows have hardwood floors?
10% 16.66% 40% 50% 83.33%

This problem involves two sets:

Set 1: Apartments with windows / Apartments without windows

Set 2: Apartments with hardwood floors / Apartments without hardwood floors. It is easiest to organize

two-set problems by using a matrix as follows:

Windows NO TOTAL
Windows
Hardwood
Floors
NO Hardwood
Floors
TOTAL

The problem is difficult for two reasons. First, it uses percentages instead of real numbers. Second, it
involves complicated and subtle wording.

Let's attack the first difficulty by converting all of the percentages into REAL numbers. To do this, let's
say that there are 100 total apartments in the building. This is the first number we can put into our matrix.
The absolute total is placed in the lower right-hand corner of the matrix as follows:

Windows NO TOTAL
Windows
Hardwood
Floors
NO Hardwood
Floors
TOTAL 100

Next, we will attack the complex wording by reading each piece of information separately, and filling in
the matrix accordingly.

Information: 50% of the apartments in a certain building have windows and hardwood floors. Thus,
50 of the 100 apartments have BOTH windows and hardwood floors. This number is now added to the
matrix:

Windows NO TOTAL
Windows
Hardwood 50
Floors
NO Hardwood
Floors
TOTAL 100
Information: 25% of the apartments without windows have hardwood floors. Here's where the
subtlety of the wording is very important. This does NOT say that 25% of ALL the apartments have
no windows and have hardwood floors. Instead, it says that OF the apartments without windows, 25%
have hardwood floors. Since we do not yet know the number of apartments without windows, let's
call this number x. Thus, the number of apartments without windows and with hardwood floors is
.25x. These figures are now added to the matrix:

Windows NO Windows TOTAL

Hardwood Floors 50 .25x
NO Hardwood
Floors
TOTAL X 100

Information: 40% of the apartments do not have hardwood floors. Thus, 40 of the 100 apartments
do not have hardwood floors. This number is put in the Total box at the end of the "No Hardwood
Floors" row of the matrix:

Windows NO Windows TOTAL

Hardwood Floors 50 .25x
NO Hardwood 40
Floors
TOTAL x 100

Before answering the question, we must complete the matrix. To do this, fill in the numbers that yield
the given totals. First, we see that there must be 60 total apartments with Hardwood Floors (since 60
+ 40 = 100) Using this information, we can solve for x by creating an equation for the first row of the
matrix:

50 + 0.25x = 60 or x = 40

Now we put these numbers in the matrix:

Windows NO Windows TOTAL

Hardwood Floors 50 10 60
NO Hardwood 40
Floors
TOTAL 40 100

Finally, we can fill in the rest of the matrix:

Windows NO Windows TOTAL

Hardwood Floors 50 10 60
NO Hardwood 10 30 40
Floors
TOTAL 60 40 100

We now return to the question: What percent of the apartments with windows have hardwood floors?
Again, pay very careful attention to the subtle wording. The question does NOT ask for the percentage
of TOTAL apartments that have windows and hardwood floors. It asks what percent OF the
apartments with windows have hardwood floors. Since there are 60 apartments with windows, and 50
of these have hardwood floors, the percentage is calculated as follows:
50/60 = 83.33%

Thus, the correct answer is E.

In case of 3 variables, there are a maximum of eight divisions possible.
So, a table will become very complicated. So, we will deal with such
questions by drawing 3 overlapping circles. Focus on the example below:

Each of the 59 members in a high school class is required to sign up for a minimum of one and a
maximum of three academic clubs. The three clubs to choose from are the poetry club, the history
club, and the writing club. A total of 22 students sign up for the poetry club, 27 students for the history
club, and 28 students for the writing club. If 6 students sign up for exactly two clubs, how many
students sign up for all three clubs?
2 5 6 8 9

This is a three-set overlapping sets problem. When given three sets, a Venn diagram can be used. The
first step in constructing a Venn diagram is to identify the three sets given. In this case, we have
students signing up for the poetry club, the history club, and the writing club. The shell of the Venn
diagram will look like this:

When filling in the regions of a Venn diagram, it is important to work from inside out. If we let x
represent the number of students who sign up for all three clubs, a represent the number of students
who sign up for poetry and writing, b represent the number of students who sign up for poetry and
history, and c represent the number of students who sign up for history and writing, the Venn diagram
will look like this:

We are told that the total number of poetry club members is 22, the total number of history club
members is 27, and the total number of writing club members is 28. We can use this information to
fill in the rest of the diagram:
We can now derive an expression for the total number of students by adding up all the individual segments
of the diagram. The first bracketed item represents the students taking two or three courses. The second
bracketed item represents the number of students in only the poetry club, since it's derived by adding in
the total number of poetry students and subtracting out the poetry students in multiple clubs. The third
and fourth bracketed items represent the students in only the history or writing clubs respectively.

59 = [a + b + c + x] + [22 – (a + b + x)] + [27 – (b + c + x)] + [28 – (a + c + x)]

59 = a + b + c + x + 22 – a – b – x + 27 – b – c – x + 28 – a – c – x
59 = 77 – 2x – a – b – c
59 = 77 – 2x – (a + b + c)

By examining the diagram, we can see that (a + b + c) represents the total number of students who sign
up for two clubs. We are told that 6 students sign up for exactly two clubs. Consequently:
59 = 77 – 2x – 6
2x = 12
x=6

So, the number of students who sign up for all three clubs is 6.

The correct answer is C.

Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip)

Firstly, the number of students cannot be negative, so x can't be -6.

Secondly, the number of students in only 2 clubs are not 6+6+6, but it is only 6 altogether.

The shaded areas cover the 6 students who joined exactly 2 clubs.

Total number of students = (3club) + (2club) + (1club).

Number of students in all the 3 clubs: X
Number of students in only 2 clubs: 6 (includes all the three shaded area)
Neither=0 (as members are required to sign up for a minimum of one);
"22 students sign up for the poetry club": P=22;
"27 students for the history club": H=27;
"28 students for the writing club": W=28;
Total = P+ H+ W - {Sum of Exactly 2 groups members} - [2*(all the 3 groups members)] + Neither
59= (22+27+28- (6) - 2X)
2X=6+77-12-59
2X=12
X=6.

The correct answer is C.

RATIOS:
The comparison between two quantities of the same kind of unit is the Ratio of one quantity to another.

The ratio of a and b is usually written as a:b or a/b, where a is called the antecedent (numerator) and b the
consequent (denominator).

1. a : b = ka : kb where k is a constant
2. a : b = a/k : b/k
3. a : b : c = X : Y : Z is equivalent to a/X = b/Y = c/Z
4. If a/b > 1 or a > b then (a + X) / (b + X) < a/b a, b, X are natural numbers
5. If a/b < 1 or a < b then (a + X) / (b + X) > a/b a, b, X are natural numbers

VARIATION:

Direct proportion: If two quantities X & Y are related such that any increase or decrease in ‘Y’ produces
a proportionate increase or decrease in ‘X’ or vice versa, then the two quantities are said to be in direct
proportion.
In other words,
X : Y = X/Y = k (a constant) or X = KY or Y = K’X (where K and K’ are constants)

X is directly proportional to Y is written as X Y or X = K Y

Inverse proportion: Here two quantities X & Y are related such that, any increase in X would lead to a
decrease in Y or any decrease in X would lead to an increase in Y. Thus, the quantities X & Y are said to
be inversely related and X is inversely proportional to Y is written as X 1/Y or X = k/Y or XY = k
(constant) or the product of two quantities remains constant.

Solved Examples:

1. In what ratio should tea @ 35/kg be mixed with tea @ 27/kg so that mixture may cost Rs. 30/kg?

Sol.
The average cost is 30
Let x kg of tea at Rs. 35/kg be mixed with y kg of tea at Rs. 27/kg
Total amount of tea = x + y kg
Average price = Rs. 30/kg

So, 35x + 27y = 30 (x + y)

=> 5x = 3y
=> x/y = 3/5

2. Find a : b : c if 6a = 9b = 10c.

Sol.

a/b = 9/6 = 3 : 2 = 15 : 10, b/c = 10/9 = 10 : 9.

Hence a : b : c = 15 : 10 : 9.
3. A’s present age is to be B’s as 8:5; and 20 years ago, it was as 12 : 5. Find the present age of
each.

Sol.

Let the ages be 8X and 5X

(8X – 20) / (5X – 20) = 12 / 5

Solving this, we get: X = 7

A’s age = 8 X = 56 years

B’s age = 5 X = 35 years

4. An alloy contains 24% of tin by weight. How much more tin to the nearest kg must be added to
100 kg of the alloy so that the % of tin may be doubled?

Sol.

Let X kg of tin be added to the alloy.

Tin (kg) Alloy (kg)
24 100
24 + X 100 + X

Now, Tin / Total must be 48%

So, (24 + X) / (100 + X) = 48/100

So, X = 46

Hence 46 kg of tin must be added to the alloy. Ans.

5. The expenses of a hotel consist of two parts. One part varies with the number of inmates, while
the other is constant. When the number of inmates is 200 & 250, the expenses are respectively Rs.
1300 & Rs. 1600. Then find the expenses for 300 inmates.

Sol.

Let E = K1X + K2

E stands for expenses, X for the number of inmates.

When X = 200 & E = 1300 we have [200 K1 + K2 = 1300].

When X = 250 & E = 1600 we have [250 K1 + K2 = 1600].

Solving the equations, we have

K1 = 6 & K2 = 100

So, E = 6X + 100. Now when X = 300, E = 6 x 300 + 100 = Rs 1900 Ans.

 Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip) (additional)

Query: What do K1 and K2 Stand for?

Reply: (K1X) is the part of the expenses that varies with the number of inmates.

K1 = variable expenses
K1X = variable expenses/K1 = variable expenses per inmate

K2 on the other hand is the fixed expense.

So Total Expenses = Variable + constant = K1X + K2

6. Two tins A and B contain mixtures of wheat and rice. In A, the weights of wheat and rice are in
the ratio 2 : 3 and in B they are in the ratio 3 : 7. What quantities must be taken from A and B to
form a mixture containing 5 kg of wheat and 11 kg of rice?

Sol.

Let X kg of mixture be taken from A, then (16 – X) kg is taken from B

So, 2X/5 kg of wheat from A and 3(16 – X)/10 kg of wheat from B is to be taken.

Equate wheat from both sides:

We have, 2X/5 + 3(16 – X)/10 = 5 or X = 2 kg

So, 2 kg from A and 14 kg from B.

Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip)

Tin A contains wheat and rice in ratio 2:3.

Let's suppose concrete values are 2x and 3x for wheat and rice respectively.
Similarly, Tin B has ratios 3:7. Therefore, concrete values are 3y and 7y.

Since we need to have 5kg wheat and 11kg rice:

2x+3y = 5
3x+7y = 11
Solving for x & y we get x=2/5 and y=7/5

Mixture to be taken from Tin A = 2x+3x = 5x = 2kgs

Mixture to be taken from Tin B = 3y+7y = 10y = 14kgs

OR

For alligation, you can use the following method:

Let X be the quantity of mixture taken from tin A.

Then automatically 16 - X will be the quantity taken from Tin B.
(As 5:11 has a total of 16 parts)

Now we know that we need 5kg of wheat and 11 kg of rice.

So in the first tin A --> Wheat is 2/5. So we shall take 2/5X of mixture from tin A
In Tin B, wheat is 3/10. So lets take 3/10 (16 - X)
Totally, we get 2/5X = 3(16-X)/10 = 5.
16-X will be 14
Solve, we get the answer of X as 2.

Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip) (additional)

Tins A and B contain both wheat and rice. We're taking some quantity from both the tins and
mixing them together.

We know that the final mixture contains 5 kg of wheat and 11kg of rice. Meaning that the final
mixture has a weight of 16 kg (11+5).

Since the final mixture was formed after mixing some quantity from Tin A and some from Tin
B,

Weight from Tin A + Weight from Tin B = Weight of the final mixture = 16 kg.

In the solution, we have assumed that weight from Tin A = x kg and therefore, weight from Tin
B = 16-x kg.

We know that in Tin A, the weight of wheat and rice are in the ratio 2:3. Meaning, for every 2
kgs of wheat, we have 3 kgs of rice. Or in every 1 kg of mixture in Tin A, we have 0.4 kg of
wheat and 0.6 kg of rice. So in x kg taken from Tin A, we will have 0.4x kg wheat and 0.6kg
rice.

Similarly, we know that in Tin B, the weight of wheat and rice are in the ratio 3:7. Meaning, for
every 3 kgs of wheat, we have 7 kgs of rice. Or in every 1 kg of mixture in Tin B, we have 0.3
kg of wheat and 0.7 kg of rice. So in (16-x) kg taken from Tin B, we will have 0.3(x-16) kg wheat
and 0.7(x-16) kg rice.

Now,

Wheat from the weight taken from A + wheat from the weight taken from B = Wheat in the
final mixture [Intuitive]

0.4x + 0.3(16-x) = 5

Solving for x, we get x = 2

We could also have equated the quantity of rice

Rice from the weight taken from A + rice from the weight taken from B = Rice in the final
mixture

0.6x + 0.7(16-x) = 11

This equation will also give us x = 2.

The entire solution is based on conservation of mass.

7. Two vessels contain mixtures of spirit and water. In the first vessel the ratio of spirit to water is
8 : 3 and in the second vessel the ratio is 5 : 1. A 35–liter cask is filled from these vessels so as to
contain a mixture of spirit and water in the ratio of 4 : 1. How many liters are taken from the first
vessel?

Sol.

Let X liters be taken from the first vessel; then (35 – X) liters are taken from the second.
In the first vessel 8/11 of the mixture, and in the second vessel 5/6 of the mixture, is spirit
So, the spirit in the 35–liter cask is 4/5 of the mixture.

Equate spirit on both sides:

So, 8/11 X + 5/6 (35 – X) = 4/5 35

So, X = 11

So, 11 liters are taken from the first vessel Ans.

Alternate sol from gmatclub (additional)

8. A bag contains $600 in the form of one–dollar, 50 cents & 25 cents coins in the ratio 3 : 4 : 12.
Find the number of 25 cents coins.

Sol.
Ratio of values of coins = 3/1 : 4/2 : 12/4 = 3 : 2 : 3.
Value of 25 cents coins = Rs 600 3/ (3 + 2 + 3) = 225.
No. of 25 cents coins = 225 x 4 = 900 Ans.

Alternate method:
 Assume that the number of 1 $ coins is 3X.
Then the value equation would be 3 X + 4 X (0.50) + 12 X (0.25) = 600.
So,
3X + 2X + 3X = 600
8X = 600
X = 75

Now, since we need 25 cent coins, we need to find 12X.

So,

12X = 75*12 = 900 Ans.

9. A mixture contains milk & water in the ratio 5 : 1. On adding 5 liters of water, the ratio of milk
and water becomes 5 : 2. Find the quantity of milk in the original mixture.

Sol.
Let the quantity of milk be 5X & that of water be X.
Then 5X / (X + 5) = 5/2 or X = 5.
So, quantity of milk = 5X = 25 liters

10. The ratio of the number of boys to the number of girls in a school of 546 is 4 : 3. If the number of
girls increases by 6, what must be the increase in the number of boys to make the new ratio of
boys to girls 3 : 2?

Sol.

Original no. of boys = 546 4/7 = 312.

Original no. of girls = 78 3 = 234.
Final no. of girls = 234 + 6 = 24
So, number of boys required to make the new ratio = 240 3/2 = 360
So, The required. increase in the number of boys = 360 – 312 = 48 Ans.

11. Two numbers are in the ratio of 3 : 4. If 5 is subtracted from each, the resulting numbers are in the
ratio 2 : 3. Find the numbers.

Sol.

Let 3X and 4X be the numbers.

So, (3X – 5) / (4X – 5) = 2/3
So, 9X – 15 = 8X – 10
=> X = 5
So, the required numbers are 15 and 20 Ans.
 Work / Rate:
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS:

If A alone takes X hours and B alone takes Y hours to do a piece of work, and if T is the total time
taken when they work together, then we have: 1/X + 1/Y = 1/T or T = XY/(X + Y)

So, If A and B can do a piece of work in X & Y days respectively while working alone, they will
together take XY / (X + Y) days to complete it.

It is best to take the LCM of times taken to avoid using fractions in such questions.

If A is twice as good a workman as B, then A will take half the time B takes to finish a piece of
work.

Solved examples:

1. If A and B together finish a piece of work in 10 days & B alone can finish it in 20 days. In how many
days can A alone finish the work?

2. Four men working together all day, can finish a piece of work in 11 days; but two of them having
other engagements can work only one half–time and quarter time respectively. How long will it take
them to complete the work?

3. 20 men can complete a piece of work in 10 days, but after every 4 days 5 men are called off, in what
time will the work be finished?

4. A vessel can be filled by one pipe A in 10 minutes, by a second pipe B in 15 minutes. It can be emptied
by a waste pipe C in 9 minutes. In what time will the vessel be filled if all the three were turned on at
once?

5. Three pipes A, B and C can fill a tank in 15, 20 and 30 min respectively. They were all turned on at
the same time. After 5 minutes the first two pipes were turned off. In what time will the tank be filled?

6. A tank can be filled by two taps A and B in 12 minutes and 14 minutes respectively and can be emptied
by a third in 8 minutes. If all the taps are turned on at the same moment, what part of the tank will
remain unfilled at the end of 7 minutes?
Solutions:

1. Let X and Y be the number of days required by A and B respectively.

By the standard formula,

1/X + 1/Y = 1/10

=>XY / (X + Y) = 10

If Y = 20
Then, X * 20 / (X + 20) = 10
X = 20 days Ans.

2. Each man will take 11 4 = 44 days to complete the work.

If one man works half day/day he will take 44 2 = 88 days to finish the work.
Similarly, a man working quarter day/day will take 44 4 = 176 days to finish the work.
When these people work together, they will require
We have: 1/44 + 1/44 + 1/88 + 1/176 = 1/T

T = 16 days. Ans

Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip) (additional)

Assuming the 4 men are equally efficient, if 4 men can complete a piece of work in 11 days, 1 man
can complete the work in 44 days. In 1 day, 1 man can complete 1/44 of the work.

Let the new time taken by the 4 men be T days.

Now, 2 of the 4 men work for T days. In T days, 1 man can complete (T/44) of the work. So 2 men
can complete (T/22) of the work.

One of the other 2 men worked for only T/2 days. In T/2 days, the man will complete (T/88) of the
work.

The last man worked for only T/4 days. In T/4 days, the man will complete (T/176) of the work.

Total work completed by the 4 men = T/22 + T/88 + T/176 = 11T/176 = 1 [because in T days, the
total work is completed]

T = 16 days. Ans

3. Total work = 20 x 10 = 200 man-days

First 4 days' work = 20 x 4 = 80 man-days
Next 4 days' work = 15 x 4 = 60 man-days
Next 4 days' work = 10 x 4 = 40 man-days
Next 4 days' work = 5 x 4 = 20 man-days

Total 200 man-days … Hence, days required = 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 16 Ans

4. 1/10 + 1/15 – 1/9 = 1/T or T = 18 … so the vessel will be filled in 18 minutes Ans.

5. A, B and C can fill (1/15 + 1/20 + 1/30) or 3/20 of the tank in 1 minute

A, B and C filled (3/20 x 5) or 3/4 of the tank in 5 min.

 Now A and B are turned off

(1 – 3/4) or 1/4 of the tank will be filled by C

So, C will fill 1/4 of the tank in (30 x 1/4) or 7.5 minutes

So, the tank will be filled in 7.5 + 5 or 12.5 min. Ans

6. We have (7/12) + (7/14) – 7/8 = 5/24 part filled in 7 minutes.

Hence 1 – 5/24 = 19/24th of the tank is unfilled.

Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip) (additional)

Time taken by tap A to fill the tank = 12 minutes

Portion of the tank filled by tap A in 1 minute = 1/12

Time taken by tap B to fill the tank = 14 minutes

Portion of the tank filled by tap B in 1 minute = 1/14

Time taken by tap C to empty the tank = 8 minutes

Portion of the tank emptied by tap C in 1 minute = 1/8

Therefore, in 1 minute, net portion of the tank filled = Portion of the tank filled by tap A in 1
minute + Portion of the tank filled by tap B in 1 minute - Portion of the tank emptied by tap C in 1
minute

Net portion filled in 1 minute = 1/12 + 1/14 - 1/8 = 5/168.

Using this, net portion filled in 7 minutes = Net portion filled in 1 minute * 7
Net portion filled in 7 minutes = 35/168

Therefore, unfilled portion of tank in 7 minus = 1 - 35/168 = 133/168 = 19/24

Time / Speed / Distance
If A goes from X to Y at U km/hour and comes back from Y to X at V km/hour, then Average speed
during the whole journey = 2UV / (U + V) km/hr.

If a man changes his speed in the ratio m : n then the ratio of times taken becomes n : m.

When two objects travel in the same direction, relative speed = difference of speeds and time to
catch / overtake = lead distance / difference of speeds

So … Time to overtake (same directions) = Gap distance / difference of speeds

When two objects travel in the Opposite directions, relative speed = sum of speeds and time to meet
= lead distance / sum of speeds.

SO … Time to meet (opposite directions: towards each other) = Gap distance / sum of speeds

Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time

If the speed of a boat (or man) in still water be X km/hour, and the speed of the stream (or current)
be Y km/hour, then
(a) Speed of boat with the stream (or Downstream or D/S) = (X + Y) km/hour
(b) Speed of boat against the stream (or upstream or U/S) = (X – Y) km/hour

Solved Examples:

1. A policeman goes after a thief who is 176 m ahead of him. When and where will the policeman
catch the thief when they run at the rates of 11440 and 10560 meters per hour respectively?

2. If I walk at the rate of 4 kms an hour, I reach my destination 30 min too late; If I walk at the rate of 5
kms an hour I reach 30 minutes too soon. How far is my destination?

3. A man rows 18 kms down a river in 4 hours with the stream and returns while traveling upstream
in 12 hours; find his speed and also the velocity of the stream.

4. A, B and C can walk at the rates of 3, 4, 5 kms an hour. They start from X at 1, 2, 3 o’clock
respectively; when B catches up with A, B sends him back with a message to C; when will C get the
message?

5. A student walks to school at the rate of 2.5 kms an hour and reaches 6 minutes too late. Next day he
increases his speed by 2 kms an hour and then reaches there 10 minutes too soon. Find the distance
of the school from his home.

6. A man can row in still water a distance of 4 kms in 20 minutes and 4 kms with the current in 16 min.
How long will it take him to row the same distance against the current?
Solutions:

1. Time to catch / overtake = lead distance / difference of speeds

= 176 / (11440 – 10560)
= 176 / 880
= 1/5 hours
= 12 minutes

So, the time required to overtake the thief = 12 min.

The distance from the starting point = 11440 12/60 kms = 2288 meters Ans

2. Let time taken be T hours for the distance to be covered at the normal speed (neither fast nor slow).
Then we have 4 (T + 0.5) = 5 (T – 0.5) {Note: 0.5 here is 30 min}
Therefore, T = 4.5 hours
Hence, Distance = 4 (T + 0.5) = 4 x 5 = 20 kms. Ans

3. Speed with the stream = 18/4 = 4.5 kms an hour.

Speed against the stream = 18/12 = 1.5 kms an hour.
Now,
If the speed of a boat (or man) in still water be X km/hour, and
the speed of the stream (or current) be Y km/hour, then
x + y =4.5
x – y = 1.5
Solving both the equations, we get x = 3 and y = 1.5 Ans

4. A starts at 1 o clock and B starts at 2 o clock.

If I consider time 0 hr when A started, after 1 hr, A is 3 km away and B has just started.
After 2 hrs, A is 6 km away and B is 4 km away.
After 3 hrs, A is 9 km and B is 8 km.
Next hr, they both meet at 12 km.
You can also, get this by taking the LCM of 3 and 4 that is 12 km.
So, after 4hr, A gets the message. So, at 5 o clock, he got it. Since A started at 1 o clock.
Now, C started at 3 o clock.
That means it has walked for 2 hrs. So, he walked 10km.
Thus now, the distance between A and C is 12–10 = 2 km.
Now they move in opposite directions at speed 3 km/hr and 5 km/hr
Distance / sum of speeds = time to meet
2/ (5 + 3) = 2/8 = 1/4 hours = 15 min

Thus, C gets the letter at 5:15.

OR

In 15 mins, A walks 3/4km and C walks 5/4km

Total distance walked = 3/4+5/4 = 8/4 = 2 kms

Time to meet = Distance / sum of speeds = 2/ (5 + 3) = 2/8 = 1/4 hours = 15 min

Thus, they meet after 15 mins.

Thus, C gets the letter at 5:15.

 5. Let t be the usual time.

` We have 2.5 (t + 1/10) = 4.5 (t – 1/6), or t = 1/2 hours.

Hence distance = 2.5 (1/2 + 1/10) = 2.5 x 6 /10 = 1.5 kms Ans

6. X = 4 / (20/60) = 12,
X + Y = 4 60 /16 = 15
Y = 3.
Therefore, Time = 4 / (X – Y) = 4 x 60 /9 = 80/3 minutes Ans

Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip)

Speed in still water (4 km in 20 mins) = 12 km/hr (lets say ‘x’ km/hr)

Speed with current (4 km in 16 mins) = 15 km/hr (lets say ‘a’ km/hr)
Speed against the current = ‘b’ km/hr

x = (a+b)/2
12 = (15+b)/2
b = 9 km/hr
So , to travel 4 km against the current, the man will take [(4/9)*60] mins = 26.7 mins Ans

Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip) (additional)

So we know the speed of the person in still water to be 4 km in 20 mins or 1/3rd of an hour.
So the speed in still water is 12 km / hr. Let's say the speed of the current is c km / hr.
If the man is rowing with the current (in the direction the water is flowing), the total speed will be his
still-water speed + the speed of the current (the current is helping him basically).
If the man is rowing against the current, now the current is hampering him, and his speed will be speed in
still water - the speed of the current.

The units are not hard and fast. You should change them in a way that aids calculation the most. It is not
necessary that you have to keep the figures in certain units; change them wherever the numbers become
easiest to deal with.
As an example, converting 4 km in 16 minutes to km / hour will make the number difficult to deal with.
However, if we change the speed to km / min, we get the speed as 1/4 km / min - an arguably easier
number to deal with. Just ensure that all units in the solution are the same.
So, the speed in still water becomes 1/5 km/min

Let the speed of the current be c (very important: in km/min)

Then speed in still water + speed of current = speed with the current

1/5 + c = 1/4

c = 1/4 - 1/5 = 1/20 km/min

What will be the speed against the current?

Speed in still water - speed of current = 1/5 - 1/20 = 3/20 km/min

How long will the man take to row 4 km with this speed?
(20/3) x 4 = 80/3 minutes = 26 and 2/3 minutes Ans
Solved examples on translating Word Problems into equations:
1. Find two consecutive odd numbers the difference of whose squares is 296.

2. A is 29 years older than B; B is 3 years older than C and D is 2 years younger than C. Two years
hence A’s age will be twice the united ages of B, C and D. Find their present ages.

3. A number consists of three consecutive digits, that in the unit’s place being the greatest of the three.
The number formed by reversing the digits exceeds the original number by 22 times the sum of the
digit. Find the number.

(A) 234 (B) 345 (C) 456 (D) 567 (E) 678

4. The crew of a boat can row at the rate of 5 miles an hour in still water. If to row 24 miles, they take 4
times as long upstream as to row the same distance down the river, find the speed at which the river
flows.

5. The area of a rectangle remains the same if the length is increased by 7 meters and the breadth is
decreased by 3 meters. The area remains unaffected if the length is decreased by 7 m and breadth is
increased by 5 m. Find the dimensions of the rectangle.

6. The ratio of incomes of two persons is 9 : 7 and the ratio of their expenditures is 4 : 3. If each of them
saves Rs. 200 per month, find their monthly incomes.

7. Find two consecutive even numbers such that 1/6th of the greater exceeds 1/10th of the smaller by 29.

8. A number consists of two digits whose sum is 12. The ten’s digit is three times the unit’s digit. What
is the number?

9. A train travelled a certain distance at a uniform rate. Had the speed been 6 miles an hour more, the
journey would have occupied 4 hours less; and had the speed been 6 miles an hour less, the journey
would have occupied 6 hours more. Find the distance.

10. A sum of money was divided equally among a certain number of persons; had there been six more,
each would have received a rupee less, and had there been four fewer, each would have received a
rupee more than he did; find the sum of money and the number of men.
Solutions:

1. Let the numbers be 2X + 1 and 2X + 3

Then (2X + 3)² – (2X + 1)² = 296

=> X = 36

Hence 2X + 1 = 2*36 + 1 = 73 and 2X + 3 = 75

The required numbers are 73 and 75.

[Verification. (75)² – (73)²= 5625 – 5329 = 296]

Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip)

The equation we have to solve is :

(2 + 3) – (2 + 1) = 296

(4x2 + 12x + 9) - (4x2 + 4x + 1) = 296

8x + 8 = 296

8x = 288

x = 36

Therefore,

2x + 1 = 73
2x + 3 = 75

2. Let D’s age be = X years

Then C’s age = (X + 2) years
B’s age = (X + 5) years
A’s age = (X + 34) years.

Two years hence A’s, B’s, C’s and D’s ages will be X + 36, X + 7, X + 4 and X + 2 years respectively.
So, we have: 2 (X + 2 + X + 4 + X + 7) = X + 36
=>X = 2
So, A’s age = 36 years; B’s age = 7 years, C’s age = 4 years; D’s age = 2 years. Ans

3. Try option A
234 ... 2 + 3 + 4 = 9
432 – 234 = 198 = 22*9
All verified. So, A is correct

Detailed Solution:

Let the hundred’s digit be X. Then the ten’s digit = X + 1 and the unit’s digit = X + 2.
The number = 100*X + 10(X + 1) + X + 2 = 111*X + 12.
The number formed by reversing the digits = 100(X + 2) + 10(X + 1) + X = 111*X + 210

We have 111*X + 210 – 111*X – 12 = 22 (X + 2 + X + 1 + X).

So, we get, X = 2. Hence the required number = 234. Ans
4. Let X miles per hour be the speed of the river.

Hence, on equating the times, we get:

Speed upstream = 5 – X
Speed downstream = 5 + X

Time taken upstream = Distance / speed = 24 / (5 – X)

Time taken downstream = Distance / speed = 24 / (5 + X)
24 / (5 – X) = 4 24/ (5 + X)
X = 3.
Thus, the river flows at the rate of 3 miles an hour.

Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip)

Let X miles per hour be the speed of the river.

Upstream velocity (Speed-up) = (5-X) Miles/hour

Downstream velocity(Speed-down)= (5+X) Miles/hour
As they travel equal distance in both directions.
Distance-up = Distance-down
Time-up * Speed-up=Time-down * Speed-down
(Let time taken for upstream travelling be Tu and time taken for downstream travelling be Td)
Tu*(5-X) = Td*(5+X)
It is given that Tu= 4Td
Tu*(5-X) = Td*(5+X)
4Td*(5-X) = Td*(5+X)
4Td*(5-X) = Td*(5+X)
20-4X=5+X
15=5X
X=3

5. (X + 7) (Y – 3) = XY or – 3X + 7Y – 21 = 0 ... (1)

(X – 7) (Y + 5) = XY or 5X – 7Y – 35 = 0 ..(2)

Solve the two simultaneous equations to get

Y = 15 and X = 28
Hence length = 28 m and breadth = 15 m Ans

6. Let the monthly income of first person be Rs 9X and the monthly income of second person be Rs 7X.
Let the expenditure of first person be 4Y and the expenditure of second person be 3Y.
Saving of the first person = Rs (9X – 4Y) and solving of second person = Rs (7X – 3Y).
Using the given information, we have:
9X – 4Y = 200 .... (1)
7X – 3Y = 200 …(2)
So, X = 200.
Hence, the monthly income of first person = Rs. 9 200 = Rs. 1800 and the monthly income of second
person = Rs. 7 200 = Rs. 1400 Ans.
7. Let the numbers be 2X and 2X + 2
Then (2X + 2)/6 – 2X/10 = 29.
So, X = 215
Hence 2X = 430 and 2X + 2 = 432.
The required numbers are 430 and 432. [Verification. 432/6 – 430/10 = 72 – 43 = 29]

8. Let the unit’s digit be X, Then the ten’s digit is 12 – X.

We have 3X = 12 – X or X = 3

Hence the number is 93. [Verification. 9 = 3 x 3; and 9 = 3 = 12]

9. Let us suppose that X miles per hour is the speed of the train and Y hours is the time taken for the
journey.
Distance travelled = XY = (X + 6) (Y – 4) = (X – 6) (Y + 6)

Solve exactly like Q. 5 above

Generate two simultaneous equations. You will get: X = 30, Y = 24
Distance = XY = 720 miles Ans.

10. Let X be the number of persons and Rs Y be the share of each. Then by the conditions of the problem,
we have

(X + 6) (Y – 1) = XY ... (1)
(X – 4) (Y + 1) = XY ... (2).

Solve exactly like Q. 5 above

Generate two simultaneous equations. You will get: X = 24 and Y = 5

Thus, the number of people is X = 24 and the share of each is Y = Rs 5.

The sum of money = 5 x Rs 24 = Rs 120
Questions based on compound interest / Rate of Increase
Solved examples:

1. Donald plans to invest x dollars in a savings account that pays interest at an annual rate of 8%
compounded quarterly. Approximately what amount is the minimum that Donald will need to invest
to earn over $100 in interest within 6 months?
$1500 $1750 $2000 $2500 $3000

2. Wes works at a science lab that conducts experiments on bacteria. The population of the bacteria
multiplies at a constant rate, and his job is to notate the population of a certain group of bacteria each
hour. At 1 p.m. on a certain day, he noted that the population was 2,000 and then he left the lab. He
returned in time to take a reading at 4 p.m., by which point the population had grown to 250,000. Now
he has to fill in the missing data for 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. What was the population at 3 p.m.?
50,000 62,500 65,000 86,666 125,000

3. The population of locusts in a certain swarm doubles every two hours. If 4 hours ago there were 1,000
locusts in the swarm, in approximately how many hours will the swarm population exceed 250,000
locusts?
6 8 10 12 14

4. A scientist is studying bacteria whose cell population doubles at constant intervals. In the last 2 hours,
the population has quadrupled, increasing by 3,750 cells. How many cells will the population contain
four hours from now?

Solutions:

1. The formula for calculating compound interest is A = P*(1 + r/n)nt where the variables represent
the following:
A = amount of money accumulated after t years (principal + interest)
P = principal investment
r = interest rate (annual)
n = number of times per year interest is compounded
t = number of years
In this case, x represents the unknown principal, r = 8%, n = 4 since the compounding is done quarterly,
and t = .5 since the time frame in question is half a year (6 months).

r = 8% = 8/100

So, we have:

P (1 + 8/400)2

From the options: 2500 (1 + 8/400)2 = 2601 … so the interest = 101, which is close to 100.

OR … by approximation:

8% interest over half a year, however that interest is compounded, is approximately 4% interest.
So, to compute the principal, it's actually a very simple calculation:

100 = 0.04x

2500 = x

The correct answer is D.

 Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip)

Easy Approach-
8% compounded quarterly = 2% per quarter = 4% for half year
If 4% is 100 then 100% would be 2500
Answer D.

Conventional approach-
Compound interest formula
A = P ( 1+r/n)nt
given, n= 4 (quarterly);r =.08
The approach is substitution,
Our interest requirement is 100$ after 6 months, 2 compounding periods. interest per compounding
period is 2%
Let's take 1500, after 3 months interest accumulated is 30$, total amount is 1530$
after 6 months, interest is 30.6$ and total is 1560.6$, so not 1500$
1500$ & 1750$ have a difference of 250$ only , but the expected interest different is around 40$.
Hence you can straightaway rule out 1750
2000 is again can be ruled out as approx. 4% interest yields only 80$
2500$ is a good bet, first 3 months it earns 50$ as interest, next 3 months it will earn 51$ as interest.
hence, answer is D

2. If we decide to find a constant multiple by the hour, then we can say that the population was
multiplied by a certain number three times from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: once from 1 to 2 p.m., again from
2 to 3 p.m., and finally from 3 to 4 p.m.

Let's call the constant multiple x.

2,000(x)(x)(x) = 250,000
2,000(x3) = 250,000
x3 = 250,000/2,000 = 125
x=5

Therefore, the population gets five times bigger each hour.

At 3 p.m., there were 2,000(5)(5) = 50,000 bacteria.

The correct answer is A.

3. A population problem is best solved with a population chart that illustrates the swarm population at
each unit of time. An example of a population chart is shown below:

Time Population
4 hours ago 1,000
2 hours ago 2,000
NOW 4,000
in 2 hours 8,000
in 4 hours 16,000
in 6 hours 32,000
in 8 hours 64,000
in 10 hours 128,000
in 12 hours 256,000
 As can be seen from the chart, in 12 hours the swarm population will be equal to 256,000 locusts.
Thus, we can infer that the number of locusts will exceed 250,000 in slightly less than 12 hours.

Since we are asked for an approximate value, 12 hours provides a sufficiently close approximation
and is therefore the correct answer.

OR

28 =256 (more than 250 times) so 8 intervals are needed, means 16 hours. 4 hours are already past,
so 12 more hours are needed.

The correct answer is D

Alternate Solution from Gmatclub

4 hours ago = 1000
2 hours ago = 2000
right now = 4000

now the given equation says

4000 2n>25000

=> 2n>62.5 since n must be an integer... thus take

2n=64=26 thus it got doubled 6 times thus 12 hours

Thus D

4. Let x equal the population immediately after that division

4x = x + 3,750
3x = 3,750
x = 1,250

So according to the data given, if we extrapolate to the value at 4 hours from now,

(2 hours earlier) 1250(= x), 2500, 5000 (now), 10000, 20000, 40000, 80000 (4 hours from now)

Ans. 80,000

Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip)

The population is just divided and, since the population divided two hours ago, the population has
quadrupled, increasing by 3,750 cells.
When the population increases by a factor of 4, the result is 3750 more cells:
4p = p + 3750
p = 1250.
Thus:
2 hours ago, p=1250.
Now, p = 1250+3750 = 5000.
Since the population quadruples every 2 hours, over the next 4 hours it will quadruple twice:
p = 4*4*5000 = 80,000.

Top 1% expert replies to student queries (can skip)

If the population quadrupled during the last two hours, it doubled twice during that interval, meaning
that the population doubled at 60 minute intervals (Since the division two hours ago and the division
just now, the population quadrupled -- that's two doubling periods, so each doubling period is about
an hour. ).
Since it has increased by 3,750 bacteria, we have:
Population (Now) – Population (2 hours ago) = 3,750
Population (Now) = 4·Population (2 hours ago)
Substituting, we get 4·Population (2 hours ago) – Population (2 hours ago) = 3,750
Population (2 hours ago) = 1,250.
The population will double 6 times from that point to 4 hours from now
Population (4 hours from now) = (26)(1,250) = 80,000.