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Re: If the ratio of integers a, b, and c is 1 : 2 : 3, what is
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25 Jan 2016, 18:17
Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. In DS, Variable approach is the easiest and quickest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember equal number of variables and independent equations ensures a solution.
If the ratio of integers a, b, and c is 1 : 2 : 3, what is the value of a + b + c?
(1) c – a = 8
(2) b – a = 4
When you modify the original condition and the question, they become a=k,, b=2k, c=3k. Therefore 4 variables(a,b,c,k) and 3 equations(a=k,, b=2k, c=3k), which should match with the number of equations. So you need 1 more equation. For 1) 1 equation, for 2) 1 equation, which is likely to make D the answer.
For 1), k=4 is derived from 3k-k=2k=8, which is unique and sufficient.
For 2), k=4 is derived from 2k-k=4, which is unique and sufficient.
Therefore, the answer is D.
-> For cases where we need 1 more equation, such as original conditions with “1 variable”, or “2 variables and 1 equation”, or “3 variables and 2 equations”, we have 1 equation each in both 1) and 2). Therefore, there is 59 % chance that D is the answer, while A or B has 38% chance and C or E has 3% chance. Since D is most likely to be the answer using 1) and 2) separately according to DS definition. Obviously there may be cases where the answer is A, B, C or E.