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A) Irrelevant

B) is talking about sale price of AP let us say for quality it is been marked higher that is manufacturing cost is 100 $ but SP is 1000$ but now since we are selling it at around reduced price of SP let us 500$ so obviously the profit will decrease. so a better and clear answer among all.

C) talks about revenue can be fullfileed let us say before it was selling 5 products of AP at 1000$ so revenue is 5000$ but after lowering the price the sale has increase let us now 20 productus so revenue can still be matched at lower price but what about profit ?

D) Irrelevant

E) Irrelevant

OA: B .
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Question type:

Resolve Paradox

Answer choice analysis:

A. The materials used in AP are more readily available and cheaper than those used in SP, which initially reduced manufacturing costs.

Incorrect, Argument already says that producing AP is more cost efficient it does not help us to know exactly how it is cost efficient. It is a classical trap choice that explains premise further.

B. The production method for AP allows for faster output but the sale price for AP has traditionally been set higher due to perceived value

Incorrect, This option also explains the premise further but we want to know why the profits will fall when the two production lines are mixed and the price of AP is brought at SP level.

C. The revenue generated from the higher-priced AP significantly exceeds the cost savings from its more efficient production compared to SP.

Correct. This accurately explains why the profits will fall if it offers its customers only the AP product at the price level of SP. If the revenue significantly exceeded then bringing it to the price level of SP will significantly drop the revenue whereas the drop in the cost will not be that much relatively so the overall profits will drop.


D. The research and development costs for developing AP were recouped quickly due to initial high interest when it was first launched.

Incorrect. Knowing what happened in the past will help in no way here we want to know why the profits will drop after the change occurs.

E. While AP is more cost-effective to produce, it requires more frequent updates and enhancements than SP.

Incorrect. This is not relevant to the passage, though we can assume that more frequent updates and enhancements can increase the costs and lead to lower profit but we have no information if they’ll increase the cost or not.

C is the answer
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I think B is the correct answer:


SpeedTech Electronics manufactures two types of processors: a Standard Processor (SP) and a higher-priced Advanced Processor (AP). Producing AP is actually more cost-efficient than producing SP due to advancements in technology and manufacturing processes. However, financial analysts at SpeedTech have determined that the company's profits would decrease if it combined the two product lines, offering its customers only the AP product at the price level of SP.

In bold the results of the analysts calculation.

Assuming that transitioning from SP to AP manufacturing incurs minimal costs, which of the following, if true about SpeedTech, best explains the results of the analysts' calculation?

A. The materials used in AP are more readily available and cheaper than those used in SP, which initially reduced manufacturing costs.

Ok but it doesn’t explain why fully replacing the AP with SP will led to a decrease in profits.

B. The production method for AP allows for faster output but the sale price for AP has traditionally been set higher due to perceived value.

Now I see why maintaining the two lines of product will benefit the company profits. I can increase my profits setting an higher price on AP, only if I maintain SP line, due to perceived value.

C. The revenue generated from the higher-priced AP significantly exceeds the cost savings from its more efficient production compared to SP.

Ok but it doesn’t explain why fully replacing the AP with SP will led to a decrease in profits.

D. The research and development costs for developing AP were recouped quickly due to initial high interest when it was first launched.

Ok but it doesn’t explain why fully replacing the AP with SP will led to a decrease in profits.

E. While AP is more cost-effective to produce, it requires more frequent updates and enhancements than SP.

Irrelevant.
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A - Does not explain the reduction in profit. If anything, it furthers the paradox.

B - We cannot say how high value of AP can explain the prediction of reduced profits now.

C - This points to a benefit of pricing higher in the case of AP and thus the current method will yield reduced profits, therefore the correct answer.

D - R& D costs in the initial launch is irrelevant.

E - We cannot connect frequent updates and enhancements with profit reduction from the passage.

Therefore, Option C
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(A) This opt. explains why AP is more cost-efficient but does not explain why profits decrease when sold at the price of SP. Irrelevant to the analyst's conclusion so incorrect

(B) Faster output contribute to cost efficiency, and a higher price contributes to AP's market value. If AP is sold at SP's lower price, the company loses the premium revenue associated with AP. So, incorrect.

(C) If the loss of revenue from selling AP at SP price is more than the cost savings, this directly explains why profits decrease. This is correct.

(D) This is unrelated to the current profitability calculation.

(E) This opt. is partially relevant but does not explanation properly. It explains how Frequent updates could increase AP's overall costs but this does not explain why selling AP at SP's price reduces profits, so this is also incorrect.

Ans. (C)
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E. While AP is more cost-effective to produce, it requires more frequent updates and enhancements than SP.

This option suggests that AP is more cost-effective to produce, but requires more to maintain.
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The questions requires an answer that will bring about the hidden costs associated with AP and only E provides a reasonable explanation concerning the additional costs that will make the whole transition uneconomical
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

SpeedTech Electronics manufactures two types of processors: a Standard Processor (SP) and a higher-priced Advanced Processor (AP). Producing AP is actually more cost-efficient than producing SP due to advancements in technology and manufacturing processes. However, financial analysts at SpeedTech have determined that the company's profits would decrease if it combined the two product lines, offering its customers only the AP product at the price level of SP.

Assuming that transitioning from SP to AP manufacturing incurs minimal costs, which of the following, if true about SpeedTech, best explains the results of the analysts' calculation?

A. The materials used in AP are more readily available and cheaper than those used in SP, which initially reduced manufacturing costs.
B. The production method for AP allows for faster output but the sale price for AP has traditionally been set higher due to perceived value.
C. The revenue generated from the higher-priced AP significantly exceeds the cost savings from its more efficient production compared to SP.
D. The research and development costs for developing AP were recouped quickly due to initial high interest when it was first launched.
E. While AP is more cost-effective to produce, it requires more frequent updates and enhancements than SP.

 


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Conclusion: Analysts predicting Speedtech's profits would soon decrease if it combines 2 lines & offers only AP (at the same price level of SP).

Premise: AP which is the most advanced & higher priced processor, can now be produced more cost-effeciently than SP.

And we're looking for an option that well supports the conclusion.

Analyzing answer choices,

A) Irrelevant.

B) Irrelevant.

C) Irrelevant. The higher revenue generated than the savings from SP's production line, has nothing to do here.

D) Irrelevant.

E) Correct. This makes sense. If AP required more frequent updates & enhancements than SP, then it obviously is going to cost more as time passes.
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

SpeedTech Electronics manufactures two types of processors: a Standard Processor (SP) and a higher-priced Advanced Processor (AP). Producing AP is actually more cost-efficient than producing SP due to advancements in technology and manufacturing processes. However, financial analysts at SpeedTech have determined that the company's profits would decrease if it combined the two product lines, offering its customers only the AP product at the price level of SP.

Assuming that transitioning from SP to AP manufacturing incurs minimal costs, which of the following, if true about SpeedTech, best explains the results of the analysts' calculation?

A. The materials used in AP are more readily available and cheaper than those used in SP, which initially reduced manufacturing costs.
B. The production method for AP allows for faster output but the sale price for AP has traditionally been set higher due to perceived value.
C. The revenue generated from the higher-priced AP significantly exceeds the cost savings from its more efficient production compared to SP.
D. The research and development costs for developing AP were recouped quickly due to initial high interest when it was first launched.
E. While AP is more cost-effective to produce, it requires more frequent updates and enhancements than SP.

 


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for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

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SpeedTech Electronics manufactures two types of processors: a Standard Processor (SP) and a higher-priced Advanced Processor (AP). Producing AP is actually more cost-efficient than producing SP due to advancements in technology and manufacturing processes. However, financial analysts at SpeedTech have determined that the company's profits would decrease if it combined the two product lines, offering its customers only the AP product at the price level of SP.

Assuming that transitioning from SP to AP manufacturing incurs minimal costs, which of the following, if true about SpeedTech, best explains the results of the analysts' calculation?

A. The materials used in AP are more readily available and cheaper than those used in SP, which initially reduced manufacturing costs.

If this is true, it should imply that, the profits should increase contrary to the analysts' conclusion

B. The production method for AP allows for faster output but the sale price for AP has traditionally been set higher due to perceived value.

Even if the sale price has been traditionally high, producing AP is cheaper, hence, it should be profitable, moreover, they can produce more, the profits should not decrease contrary to the analysts' conclusion

C. The revenue generated from the higher-priced AP significantly exceeds the cost savings from its more efficient production compared to SP.

Okay ! But, it does not explain why the analysts' concluded that the profits will decrease. This actually hints profits will go up.

D. The research and development costs for developing AP were recouped quickly due to initial high interest when it was first launched.

This also hints costs will be low, so will not hamper the profits.

E. While AP is more cost-effective to produce, it requires more frequent updates and enhancements than SP.

Now, this is the only option, that hints AP has some disadvantage compared to SP. It hints that maybe due to frequent updates the costs rise leading to decrease in profits. Hence (E) is the right choice.
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

SpeedTech Electronics manufactures two types of processors: a Standard Processor (SP) and a higher-priced Advanced Processor (AP). Producing AP is actually more cost-efficient than producing SP due to advancements in technology and manufacturing processes. However, financial analysts at SpeedTech have determined that the company's profits would decrease if it combined the two product lines, offering its customers only the AP product at the price level of SP.

Assuming that transitioning from SP to AP manufacturing incurs minimal costs, which of the following, if true about SpeedTech, best explains the results of the analysts' calculation?

A. The materials used in AP are more readily available and cheaper than those used in SP, which initially reduced manufacturing costs.
B. The production method for AP allows for faster output but the sale price for AP has traditionally been set higher due to perceived value.
C. The revenue generated from the higher-priced AP significantly exceeds the cost savings from its more efficient production compared to SP.
D. The research and development costs for developing AP were recouped quickly due to initial high interest when it was first launched.
E. While AP is more cost-effective to produce, it requires more frequent updates and enhancements than SP.

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

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Analysis of the situation:
AP is more cost-efficient to produce than SP.

Producing AP incurs lower manufacturing costs.
Selling AP at the SP price would decrease profits.

This suggests that the current pricing structure and demand for the two processors play a critical role in determining profitability.
SpeedTech likely benefits from having both product lines at different price points (AP at a higher price than SP).

Option analysis:
A. The materials used in AP are more readily available and cheaper than those used in SP, which initially reduced manufacturing costs.
This explains why AP is cost-efficient to produce but does not address why selling only AP at SP prices would reduce profits.
Incorrect.

B. The production method for AP allows for faster output but the sale price for AP has traditionally been set higher due to perceived value.
This option highlights that AP is typically sold at a higher price due to its perceived value. If the price is reduced to the SP level, SpeedTech would lose the price premium that contributes to profitability.
This aligns well with the situation and explains the analysts' calculation.
Strong candidate.

C. The revenue generated from the higher-priced AP significantly exceeds the cost savings from its more efficient production compared to SP.
This directly explains why selling AP at SP prices would reduce profits: the higher revenue from AP sales is crucial for profitability, and reducing its price would negate this advantage.
This option strongly connects to the situation and provides a clear reason for the analysts' calculation.
Strong candidate.

D. The research and development costs for developing AP were recouped quickly due to initial high interest when it was first launched.
This provides historical context about R&D costs but does not explain the current profitability dynamics or the impact of reducing AP's price to SP levels.
Incorrect.

E. While AP is more cost-effective to produce, it requires more frequent updates and enhancements than SP.
This suggests AP might have higher maintenance or upgrade costs but does not explain why selling AP at SP prices would reduce profits.
Incorrect.

Comparison of B and C:
Option B explains that AP's higher price is tied to its perceived value, suggesting a price drop would harm profitability.
Option C explicitly states that AP's higher revenue is key to profitability and reducing its price would erase the advantage.
C provides a more direct explanation for the analysts' calculation.

Correct Answer: C.
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Hi Purnank

Here is why I think and choice B is not the right one:

First, Answer choice B, does not give us any new information. It seems to be resting with the question has already told us.

With this answer choice, we still do not know if the difference between savings from production and premium price are set one way or another. For example, savings may be $10 but the premium was only one dollar. We do not know similarly, savings could be one dollar and premium could be $100. If we knew that information, answer choice be could have been the answer but because we don’t know, another choice is needed.

Let me know if this makes sense to you or if I’m off


Purnank
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

SpeedTech Electronics manufactures two types of processors: a Standard Processor (SP) and a higher-priced Advanced Processor (AP). Producing AP is actually more cost-efficient than producing SP due to advancements in technology and manufacturing processes. However, financial analysts at SpeedTech have determined that the company's profits would decrease if it combined the two product lines, offering its customers only the AP product at the price level of SP.

Assuming that transitioning from SP to AP manufacturing incurs minimal costs, which of the following, if true about SpeedTech, best explains the results of the analysts' calculation?

A. The materials used in AP are more readily available and cheaper than those used in SP, which initially reduced manufacturing costs.
B. The production method for AP allows for faster output but the sale price for AP has traditionally been set higher due to perceived value.
C. The revenue generated from the higher-priced AP significantly exceeds the cost savings from its more efficient production compared to SP.
D. The research and development costs for developing AP were recouped quickly due to initial high interest when it was first launched.
E. While AP is more cost-effective to produce, it requires more frequent updates and enhancements than SP.
To strengthen analysts calculation - we need to strengthen "However, financial analysts at SpeedTech have determined that the company's profits would decrease if it combined the two product lines, offering its customers only the AP product at the price level of SP."

Lets evaluate options -

A. The materials used in AP are more readily available and cheaper than those used in SP, which initially reduced manufacturing costs. - It already states transitioning cost is minimal. - Irrelevant.

B. The production method for AP allows for faster output but the sale price for AP has traditionally been set higher due to perceived value. - This looks good if they sold at lower price SpeedTech would lose the premium revenue that justifies its profitability. - Lets keep it.

C. The revenue generated from the higher-priced AP significantly exceeds the cost savings from its more efficient production compared to SP. - But doesn't explain why profits would decrease? Lets eliminate.

D. The research and development costs for developing AP were recouped quickly due to initial high interest when it was first launched. - Interest? How does that affect profit? Irrelevant.

E. While AP is more cost-effective to produce, it requires more frequent updates and enhancements than SP. - Potential problem of product but does not explain why offering AP at SP's price would reduce profits overall. - Irrelevant.

Answer is B.
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I believe the question is framed incorrectly. We already know cost of production of AP is less than that of SP. Also selling price of AP is more than SP. Which implies profit margin of AP is more than SP.

Now we were asked should we merge the product lines - as in - some part of production of SP devoted to AP or fully produce AP. And if we merge obviously we will incur loss. Basis this since we are already getting a sense of profit margins from the question. Option B which talks about the rate at which AP is produced should be taken into account.
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Quote:
SpeedTech Electronics manufactures two types of processors: a Standard Processor (SP) and a higher-priced Advanced Processor (AP). Producing AP is actually more cost-efficient than producing SP due to advancements in technology and manufacturing processes. However, financial analysts at SpeedTech have determined that the company's profits would decrease if it combined the two product lines, offering its customers only the AP product at the price level of SP.

Assuming that transitioning from SP to AP manufacturing incurs minimal costs, which of the following, if true about SpeedTech, best explains the results of the analysts' calculation?

A. The materials used in AP are more readily available and cheaper than those used in SP, which initially reduced manufacturing costs.
B. The production method for AP allows for faster output but the sale price for AP has traditionally been set higher due to perceived value.
C. The revenue generated from the higher-priced AP significantly exceeds the cost savings from its more efficient production compared to SP.
D. The research and development costs for developing AP were recouped quickly due to initial high interest when it was first launched.
E. While AP is more cost-effective to produce, it requires more frequent updates and enhancements than SP.

Background info: SpeedTech Electronics manufactures two types of processors, a Standard processor (SP) and a higher-priced Advanced processor (AP).
Fact 1: Due to tech and manufacturing advancements, it’s more cost effective for them to produce AP than SP.
Fact 2: SpeedTech financial analysts have determined that the company’s profits would decrease if it combined the two product lines and only offered AP at the price level of SP.

How can it be that AP costs less to produce than SP, but the company’s profits would still decrease if they stopped offering SP and started offering AP at the SP price?

A. This further explains Fact 1, which isn’t necessary.
B. This also seems to be elaborating on Fact 1 and explaining the background info on price structure, but we don’t need either explained.
C. This resolves the paradox. Say SP costs $5 to produce, and sells for $20, meaning a profit of $15/unit. AP costs $3 to produce and sells for $40, meaning a profit of $37/unit. If SpeedTech drops SP and starts selling AP at $20, they’d be making $17/unit, which is more than $15, but way less than $37.
D. Irrelevant. We’re not concerned with the past, but the future.
E. This could be tempting, but it’s not concrete enough to resolve the paradox. How much more often? How many more updates? What’s the cost associated with those things? Without that info, this choice doesn’t go far enough.
Best answer is C.
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