At a refreshment stand, each can of soda sells for the same price and

Hi ajca,

This DS question is built on "system" Algebra, without any of the factors/multiples shortcuts that are common on DS versions of these questions.

We're asked for the total price of 2 sandwiches and 3 cans of soda.

**Note: When translating the Facts into Algebra, I'm going to use....

W = # of sandwiches
C = # of cans of soda

The question asks us for 2W + 3C

Fact 1: 1 sandwich and 1 can of soda = $3

W + C = 3

This is 1 equation with 2 variables, so there's no way to figure out the answer to the question. Here's the proof:

IF....
W = 1
C = 2
Then the answer to the question is 2(1) + 3(2) = 8

IF.....
W = 2
C = 1
Then the answer to the question is 2(2) + 3(1) = 7
Fact 1 is INSUFFICIENT

Fact 2: 3 sandwiches and 2 cans of soda = $8

We have a similar situation to what we have in Fact 1: 1 equation and 2 variables.....

3W + 2C = 8

IF....
W = 2
C = 1
Then the answer to the question is 2(2) + 3(1) = 7

IF....
W = 1
C = 2.5
Then the answer to the question is 2(1) + 3(2.5) = 9.5
Fact 2 is INSUFFICIENT

Combined, we have...
W + C = 3
3W + 2C = 8

This is a "system" - 2 variables and 2 unique equations, which means that we CAN solve for the values of W and C (and then answer the question.
Combined, SUFFICIENT

Final Answer:

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich