Hi All,
Since this question asks us for the amount of money that Bert started with, the answers are numbers and the "steps" in the prompt are basic math calculations based on the money Bert has, we can TEST THE ANSWERS.
Among the 5 choices, Answer D looks easiest, so we'll start there...
IF....N = 60
Bert spends 1/4 at the hardware store: 60 - (1/4)(60) = 45
Bert spends $7 at the dry cleaners: 45 - 7 = 38
Bert spends half of what's left at the grocery: 38 - 19 = 19
Bert is left with $10.....
Not in this example; he has $19
This answer is TOO BIG. We need a smaller starting number....
Let's TEST Answer B next....
IF....N = 44
Bert spends 1/4 at the hardware store: 44 - (1/4)(44) = 33
Bert spends $7 at the dry cleaners: 33 - 7 = 26
Bert spends half of what's left at the grocery: 26 - 13 = 13
Bert is left with $10.....
Not in this example; he has $13
This answer is TOO BIG. We need a smaller starting number....
There's only one answer left....
Final Answer:
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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