This Problem is Work!
Raise your hand if you love rate and work questions. They’re awesome, right? They tend to be fairly long, and the set-up is pretty complex, plus we get to build a table before we dive into the equations!
Oh, wait no those are all reasons why we can’t stand these problems.
Give yourself approximately 2 minutes to try the below GMATPrep problem. When you’re done, take a look at it again and ask yourself, Is there a better way to do this thing?
* Pumps A, B, and C operate at their respective constant rates. Pumps A and B, operating simultaneously, can fill a certain tank in 6/5 hours; pumps A and C, operating simultaneously, can fill the tank in 3/2 hours; and pumps B and C, operating simultaneously, can fill the tank in 2 hours. How many hours does it take pumps A, B, and C, operating simultaneously, to fill the tank?
(A) 1/3
(B) 1/2
(C) 2/3
(D) 5/6
(E) 1
Have you got an answer? Pick one anyway. Pretend it’s the real test: you can’t keep going till you pick an answer.
Challenge Problem Showdown- April 1, 2013
We invite you to test your GMAT knowledge for a chance to win! Each week, we will post a new Challenge Problem for you to attempt. If you submit the correct answer, you will be entered into that week’s drawing for a free Manhattan GMAT Prep item. Tell your friends to get out their scrap paper and start solving!
Here is this week’s problem:
The ratio of a to b is twice the ratio of b to c. If a, b, and c are positive integers, which of the following statements cannot be true?