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Salesperson A's compensation for any week is $360 plus 6 per [#permalink] ### Show Tags 24 Feb 2014, 23:04 Expert's post 13 This post was BOOKMARKED 00:00 Difficulty: 35% (medium) Question Stats: 69% (02:58) correct 31% (02:00) wrong based on 513 sessions ### HideShow timer Statistics The Official Guide For GMAT® Quantitative Review, 2ND Edition Salesperson A's compensation for any week is$360 plus 6 percent of the portion of A's total sales above $1,000 for that week. Salesperson B's compensation for any week is 8 percent of B's total sales for that week. For what amount of total weekly sales would both salespeople earn the same compensation? (A)$21,000
(B) $18,000 (C)$15,000
(D) $4,500 (E)$ 4,000

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Re: Salesperson A's compensation for any week is $360 plus 6 per [#permalink] ### Show Tags 24 Feb 2014, 23:05 1 This post received KUDOS Expert's post 2 This post was BOOKMARKED SOLUTION Salesperson A's compensation for any week is$360 plus 6 percent of the portion of A's total sales above $1,000 for that week. Salesperson B's compensation for any week is 8 percent of B's total sales for that week. For what amount of total weekly sales would both salespeople earn the same compensation? (A)$21,000
(B) $18,000 (C)$15,000
(D) $4,500 (E)$ 4,000

A's compensation = $360 + 6 percent of the A's total sales above$1,000.
B's compensation = 8 percent of B's total sales.

Whose compensation is greater? Well it depends on the sales:
If each has the sales of $1,000, then A's compensation is$360 and B's compensation is $80, so for$1000 A's compensation is greater than that of B's BUT if each has the sales of $100,000, then A's compensation is$360+0.06*99,000=$6,300 and B's compensation is$8,000, so for $100,000 A's compensation is less than that of B's. The question asks: for what amount would both salespeople earn the same compensation? Say that amount is$x, then we need such x for which 360+0.06(x-1,000)=0.08x --> x=$15,000. So, if each has the sales of$15,000, then A's compensation is the same as that of B's.

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Re: Salesperson A's compensation for any week is $360 plus 6 per [#permalink] ### Show Tags 25 Feb 2014, 01:01 1 This post was BOOKMARKED Let A's total sales for the week be 'x' Let B's total sales for the week be 'y' Now A gets a fixed salary(salary irrespective of sales) + variable salary = 360 + 0.06*(x-1000) B gets only a variable salary = 0.08*(y) Now assuming A sells nothing. i.e 0$
Then A's weekly income will be 360$Since income of both has to be same 0.08*y = 360 thus y = 4500$
Now A gets a fixed income irrespective of his sales. So A's total sales for the week = 0 and B's total sales for the week = 4500
Thus TOTAL weekly sales at which both get the same earnings = x+y = 4500$. Answer - Option (D) Manager Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Posts: 154 Concentration: Strategy, Technology GMAT Date: 08-01-2013 GPA: 3.7 WE: Consulting (Consulting) Followers: 3 Kudos [?]: 248 [0], given: 30 Re: Salesperson A's compensation for any week is$360 plus 6 per [#permalink]

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25 Feb 2014, 03:55
Option C

I solved taking answer. Took C first and solved to get $1200 for A and B. _________________ "Where are my Kudos" ............ Good Question = kudos "Start enjoying all phases" & all Sections __________________________________________________________________ http://gmatclub.com/forum/collection-of-articles-on-critical-reasoning-159959.html http://gmatclub.com/forum/percentages-700-800-level-questions-130588.html http://gmatclub.com/forum/700-to-800-level-quant-question-with-detail-soluition-143321.html Manager Status: GMATting Joined: 21 Mar 2011 Posts: 108 Concentration: Strategy, Technology GMAT 1: 590 Q45 V27 Followers: 1 Kudos [?]: 90 [1] , given: 104 Re: Salesperson A's compensation for any week is$360 plus 6 per [#permalink]

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25 Feb 2014, 21:08
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A's Compensation = 360 + 0.06(A's Total Sales amount - 1000)
B's Compensation = 0.08(B's Total Sales amount)

Since we are asked for the amount of total weekly sales in which both salespeople earn the same compensation, we can assume the amount of A's Total Sales = B's Total Sales = x;

360 + 0.06(x - 1000) = 0.08x;
360 + 0.06x - 60 = 0.08x;
300 = 0.02x;
x = 300/0.02 = 30000/2 = 15,000;

Ans is (C).
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01 Mar 2014, 03:24
SOLUTION

Salesperson A's compensation for any week is $360 plus 6 percent of the portion of A's total sales above$1,000 for that week. Salesperson B's compensation for any week is 8 percent of B's total sales for that week. For what amount of total weekly sales would both salespeople earn the same compensation?

(A) $21,000 (B)$18,000
(C) $15,000 (D)$ 4,500
(E) $4,000 A's compensation =$360 + 6 percent of the A's total sales above $1,000. B's compensation = 8 percent of B's total sales. Whose compensation is greater? Well it depends on the sales: If each has the sales of$1,000, then A's compensation is $360 and B's compensation is$80, so for $1000 A's compensation is greater than that of B's BUT if each has the sales of$100,000, then A's compensation is $360+0.06*99,000=$6,300 and B's compensation is $8,000, so for$100,000 A's compensation is less than that of B's.

The question asks: for what amount would both salespeople earn the same compensation?

Say that amount is $x, then we need such x for which 360+0.06(x-1,000)=0.08x --> x=$15,000. So, if each has the sales of $15,000, then A's compensation is the same as that of B's. Answer: C. _________________ Manager Status: Never Give up!!! Joined: 02 Aug 2012 Posts: 51 Location: India Concentration: Finance, General Management Followers: 1 Kudos [?]: 38 [0], given: 28 Re: Salesperson A's compensation for any week is$360 plus 6 per [#permalink]

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01 Mar 2014, 03:33
Bunuel wrote:
SOLUTION

Salesperson A's compensation for any week is $360 plus 6 percent of the portion of A's total sales above$1,000 for that week. Salesperson B's compensation for any week is 8 percent of B's total sales for that week. For what amount of total weekly sales would both salespeople earn the same compensation?

(A) $21,000 (B)$18,000
(C) $15,000 (D)$ 4,500
(E) $4,000 A's compensation =$360 + 6 percent of the A's total sales above $1,000. B's compensation = 8 percent of B's total sales. Whose compensation is greater? Well it depends on the sales: If each has the sales of$1,000, then A's compensation is $360 and B's compensation is$80, so for $1000 A's compensation is greater than that of B's BUT if each has the sales of$100,000, then A's compensation is $360+0.06*99,000=$6,300 and B's compensation is $8,000, so for$100,000 A's compensation is less than that of B's.

The question asks: for what amount would both salespeople earn the same compensation?

Say that amount is $x, then we need such x for which 360+0.06(x-1,000)=0.08x --> x=$15,000. So, if each has the sales of $15,000, then A's compensation is the same as that of B's. Answer: C. I didnt get it.... Question says for what amount of TOTAL SALES...Total Sales = A's sale + B's sale ....so it has to be be A's sales = 0 and B's sales = 4500 and Option D. If it is 15000$ = B's sale then the answer should be 30000$as the total sales. Thus If each has a sales of$15000 then the total sales will be $30000 Option C just cant be the right answer. unless u interpret - For what amount of total weekly sales would both salespeople earn the same compensation? - as sales of any one person!!! - which isnt the intended meaning conveyed by the english of the question. Manager Status: Never Give up!!! Joined: 02 Aug 2012 Posts: 51 Location: India Concentration: Finance, General Management Followers: 1 Kudos [?]: 38 [0], given: 28 Re: Salesperson A's compensation for any week is$360 plus 6 per [#permalink]

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01 Mar 2014, 03:59
I just checked up the Official review and it is C... i mean i really, honestly and humbly think that the GMAC either got the question wording wrong or the answer wrong.
So i still feel given the question wording D is the right answer. GMAC probably made a mistake with the question wording.(After all they are humans too)
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01 Mar 2014, 04:07
Bunuel wrote:
Manofsteel wrote:
I just checked up the Official review and it is C... i mean i really, honestly and humbly think that the GMAC either got the question wording wrong or the answer wrong.
So i still feel given the question wording D is the right answer. GMAC probably made a mistake with the question wording.(After all they are humans too)

Check again: D is wrong.

why is it wrong? i still dont get it though! can you explain
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Re: Salesperson A's compensation for any week is $360 plus 6 per [#permalink] ### Show Tags 01 Mar 2014, 06:20 Manofsteel wrote: Bunuel wrote: SOLUTION Salesperson A's compensation for any week is$360 plus 6 percent of the portion of A's total sales above $1,000 for that week. Salesperson B's compensation for any week is 8 percent of B's total sales for that week. For what amount of total weekly sales would both salespeople earn the same compensation? (A)$21,000
(B) $18,000 (C)$15,000
(D) $4,500 (E)$ 4,000

A's compensation = $360 + 6 percent of the A's total sales above$1,000.
B's compensation = 8 percent of B's total sales.

Whose compensation is greater? Well it depends on the sales:
If each has the sales of $1,000, then A's compensation is$360 and B's compensation is $80, so for$1000 A's compensation is greater than that of B's BUT if each has the sales of $100,000, then A's compensation is$360+0.06*99,000=$6,300 and B's compensation is$8,000, so for $100,000 A's compensation is less than that of B's. The question asks: for what amount would both salespeople earn the same compensation? Say that amount is$x, then we need such x for which 360+0.06(x-1,000)=0.08x --> x=$15,000. So, if each has the sales of$15,000, then A's compensation is the same as that of B's.

I didnt get it.... Question says for what amount of TOTAL SALES...Total Sales = A's sale + B's sale ....so it has to be be A's sales = 0 and B's sales = 4500 and Option D.
If it is 15000 $= B's sale then the answer should be 30000$ as the total sales.

Thus If each has a sales of $15000 then the total sales will be$ 30000 Option C just cant be the right answer. unless u interpret - For what amount of total weekly sales would both salespeople earn the same compensation? - as sales of any one person!!! - which isnt the intended meaning conveyed by the english of the question.

The questions asks for what amount the two compensation plans would give the same compensation.

Similar questions:
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each-week-harry-is-paid-x-dollars-per-hour-for-the-first-131475.html
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Re: Salesperson A's compensation for any week is $360 plus 6 per [#permalink] ### Show Tags 10 Mar 2014, 07:18 Bunuel wrote: SOLUTION Salesperson A's compensation for any week is$360 plus 6 percent of the portion of A's total sales above $1,000 for that week. Salesperson B's compensation for any week is 8 percent of B's total sales for that week. For what amount of total weekly sales would both salespeople earn the same compensation? (A)$21,000
(B) $18,000 (C)$15,000
(D) $4,500 (E)$ 4,000

A's compensation = $360 + 6 percent of the A's total sales above$1,000.
B's compensation = 8 percent of B's total sales.

Whose compensation is greater? Well it depends on the sales:
If each has the sales of $1,000, then A's compensation is$360 and B's compensation is $80, so for$1000 A's compensation is greater than that of B's BUT if each has the sales of $100,000, then A's compensation is$360+0.06*99,000=$6,300 and B's compensation is$8,000, so for $100,000 A's compensation is less than that of B's. The question asks: for what amount would both salespeople earn the same compensation? Say that amount is$x, then we need such x for which 360+0.06(x-1,000)=0.08x --> x=$15,000. So, if each has the sales of$15,000, then A's compensation is the same as that of B's.

Why did you substract 1000 from x while computing A's compensation ? I understand the question as if A made a $2000 total sales, his compensation is 360+ 2000*0,06 Math Expert Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 36567 Followers: 7081 Kudos [?]: 93197 [1] , given: 10553 Re: Salesperson A's compensation for any week is$360 plus 6 per [#permalink]

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10 Mar 2014, 07:26
1
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Expert's post
lool wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
SOLUTION

Salesperson A's compensation for any week is $360 plus 6 percent of the portion of A's total sales above$1,000 for that week. Salesperson B's compensation for any week is 8 percent of B's total sales for that week. For what amount of total weekly sales would both salespeople earn the same compensation?

(A) $21,000 (B)$18,000
(C) $15,000 (D)$ 4,500
(E) $4,000 A's compensation =$360 + 6 percent of the A's total sales above $1,000. B's compensation = 8 percent of B's total sales. Whose compensation is greater? Well it depends on the sales: If each has the sales of$1,000, then A's compensation is $360 and B's compensation is$80, so for $1000 A's compensation is greater than that of B's BUT if each has the sales of$100,000, then A's compensation is $360+0.06*99,000=$6,300 and B's compensation is $8,000, so for$100,000 A's compensation is less than that of B's.

The question asks: for what amount would both salespeople earn the same compensation?

Say that amount is $x, then we need such x for which 360+0.06(x-1,000)=0.08x --> x=$15,000. So, if each has the sales of $15,000, then A's compensation is the same as that of B's. Answer: C. Why did you substract 1000 from x while computing A's compensation ? I understand the question as if A made a$2000 total sales, his compensation is 360+ 2000*0,06

No.

The stem says that "A's compensation for any week is $360 plus 6 percent of the portion of A's total sales above$1,000 for that week."

Thus if A's sales were $2,000 for a certain week, then the compensation would be$360 plus 6 percent of the portion of A's total sales above $1,000, so 6 percent of$2,000-$1,000=$1,000: 360 + 0.06*1,000.

Hope it's clear.
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22 Mar 2015, 04:17
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I can't believe, how long it took me to totally understand this damn formula

Wash, Rinse, and Repeat until your hands are clean ~
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Re: Salesperson A's compensation for any week is $360 plus 6 per [#permalink] ### Show Tags 26 Jul 2015, 05:11 Really? Which one is correct? total weekly sales or individual sales? IMO if each has$15k of sales then the total weekly sales must be $30k Bunuel wrote: SOLUTION Salesperson A's compensation for any week is$360 plus 6 percent of the portion of A's total sales above $1,000 for that week. Salesperson B's compensation for any week is 8 percent of B's total sales for that week. For what amount of total weekly sales would both salespeople earn the same compensation? (A)$21,000
(B) $18,000 (C)$15,000
(D) $4,500 (E)$ 4,000

A's compensation = $360 + 6 percent of the A's total sales above$1,000.
B's compensation = 8 percent of B's total sales.

Whose compensation is greater? Well it depends on the sales:
If each has the sales of $1,000, then A's compensation is$360 and B's compensation is $80, so for$1000 A's compensation is greater than that of B's BUT if each has the sales of $100,000, then A's compensation is$360+0.06*99,000=$6,300 and B's compensation is$8,000, so for $100,000 A's compensation is less than that of B's. The question asks: for what amount would both salespeople earn the same compensation? Say that amount is$x, then we need such x for which 360+0.06(x-1,000)=0.08x --> x=$15,000. So, if each has the sales of$15,000, then A's compensation is the same as that of B's.

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Re: Salesperson A's compensation for any week is $360 plus 6 per [#permalink] ### Show Tags 26 Jul 2015, 10:31 evdo wrote: Really? Which one is correct? total weekly sales or individual sales? IMO if each has$15k of sales then the total weekly sales must be $30k Bunuel wrote: SOLUTION Salesperson A's compensation for any week is$360 plus 6 percent of the portion of A's total sales above $1,000 for that week. Salesperson B's compensation for any week is 8 percent of B's total sales for that week. For what amount of total weekly sales would both salespeople earn the same compensation? (A)$21,000
(B) $18,000 (C)$15,000
(D) $4,500 (E)$ 4,000

A's compensation = $360 + 6 percent of the A's total sales above$1,000.
B's compensation = 8 percent of B's total sales.

Whose compensation is greater? Well it depends on the sales:
If each has the sales of $1,000, then A's compensation is$360 and B's compensation is $80, so for$1000 A's compensation is greater than that of B's BUT if each has the sales of $100,000, then A's compensation is$360+0.06*99,000=$6,300 and B's compensation is$8,000, so for $100,000 A's compensation is less than that of B's. The question asks: for what amount would both salespeople earn the same compensation? Say that amount is$x, then we need such x for which 360+0.06(x-1,000)=0.08x --> x=$15,000. So, if each has the sales of$15,000, then A's compensation is the same as that of B's.

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Re: Salesperson A's compensation for any week is $360 plus 6 per [#permalink] ### Show Tags 26 Jul 2015, 10:41 evdo wrote: Really? Which one is correct? total weekly sales or individual sales? IMO if each has$15k of sales then the total weekly sales must be $30k Bunuel wrote: SOLUTION Salesperson A's compensation for any week is$360 plus 6 percent of the portion of A's total sales above $1,000 for that week. Salesperson B's compensation for any week is 8 percent of B's total sales for that week. For what amount of total weekly sales would both salespeople earn the same compensation? (A)$21,000
(B) $18,000 (C)$15,000
(D) $4,500 (E)$ 4,000

A's compensation = $360 + 6 percent of the A's total sales above$1,000.
B's compensation = 8 percent of B's total sales.

Whose compensation is greater? Well it depends on the sales:
If each has the sales of $1,000, then A's compensation is$360 and B's compensation is $80, so for$1000 A's compensation is greater than that of B's BUT if each has the sales of $100,000, then A's compensation is$360+0.06*99,000=$6,300 and B's compensation is$8,000, so for $100,000 A's compensation is less than that of B's. The question asks: for what amount would both salespeople earn the same compensation? Say that amount is$x, then we need such x for which 360+0.06(x-1,000)=0.08x --> x=$15,000. So, if each has the sales of$15,000, then A's compensation is the same as that of B's.

You are over analyzing the question stem. It asks us to calculate that 1 particular value of total weekly sales that will give us the same compensation for both A and B. "Total" here means total weekly sales for either one of them.
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Salesperson A's compensation for any week is $360 plus 6 per [#permalink] ### Show Tags 08 May 2016, 05:32 1 This post was BOOKMARKED Bunuel wrote: The Official Guide For GMAT® Quantitative Review, 2ND Edition Salesperson A's compensation for any week is$360 plus 6 percent of the portion of A's total sales above $1,000 for that week. Salesperson B's compensation for any week is 8 percent of B's total sales for that week. For what amount of total weekly sales would both salespeople earn the same compensation? (A)$21,000
(B) $18,000 (C)$15,000
(D) $4,500 (E)$ 4,000

Problem Solving
Question: 114
Category: Algebra Applied problems; Simultaneous equations
Page: 76
Difficulty: 600

GMAT Club is introducing a new project: The Official Guide For GMAT® Quantitative Review, 2ND Edition - Quantitative Questions Project

Each week we'll be posting several questions from The Official Guide For GMAT® Quantitative Review, 2ND Edition and then after couple of days we'll provide Official Answer (OA) to them along with a slution.

We'll be glad if you participate in development of this project:
2. Please vote for the best solutions by pressing Kudos button;
3. Please vote for the questions themselves by pressing Kudos button;
4. Please share your views on difficulty level of the questions, so that we have most precise evaluation.

Thank you!

Hi Bunuel ,
Can you please specify ? why do we need to take both salesperson's sales equal ? (It is not given in the question that both sales are equal)
we are asked for "what amount of total weekly sales would both salespeople earn the same compensation?"

I think we need to calculate Sales of A + Sales of B = ? (at the same compensation earned )
After seeing your solution if x = $15000 (which is supposed to be 1 person's sales amount) then Sales A + Sales B should be$30000,
which is not even in the options...

Can you please explain where am I wrong ?
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