GMAT Question of the Day - Daily to your Mailbox; hard ones only

 It is currently 21 Nov 2019, 03:24

### GMAT Club Daily Prep

#### Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

# From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa

 new topic post reply Question banks Downloads My Bookmarks Reviews Important topics
Author Message
TAGS:

### Hide Tags

Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 59224
From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

22 Jun 2018, 01:21
28
00:00

Difficulty:

15% (low)

Question Stats:

80% (01:44) correct 20% (01:59) wrong based on 1009 sessions

### HideShow timer Statistics

From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increased by a factor of 1/4. From 2003 to 2006, the number of employees at this company decreased by a factor of 1/3. If there were 100 employees at the company in 2006, how many employees were there at the company in 2000 ?

A. 200

B. 120

C. 100

D. 75

E. 60

NEW question from GMAT® Official Guide 2019

(PS15957)

_________________
##### Most Helpful Expert Reply
Senior Manager
Joined: 04 Aug 2010
Posts: 493
Schools: Dartmouth College
Re: From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

22 Jun 2018, 05:31
13
Bunuel wrote:
From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increased by a factor of 1/4. From 2003 to 2006, the number of employees at this company decreased by a factor of 1/3. If there were 100 employees at the company in 2006, how many employees were there at the company in 2000 ?

A. 200

B. 120

C. 100

D. 75

E. 60

We can PLUG IN THE ANSWERS, which represent the number of employees in 2000.

Since the number of employees increases by 1/4 and then decreases by 1/3, the correct answer must be divisible by 4 and 3.
In other words, the correct answer must be a MULTIPLE OF 12.
Eliminate A, C and D.

Since the decrease (1/3) is greater than the increase (1/4), the number of employees must DECREASE from 2000 to 2006.
Implication:
The number of employees in 2000 must be GREATER than the number of employees in 2006 (100).
Eliminate E.

_________________
GMAT and GRE Tutor
Over 1800 followers
GMATGuruNY@gmail.com
New York, NY
If you find one of my posts helpful, please take a moment to click on the "Kudos" icon.
Available for tutoring in NYC and long-distance.
For more information, please email me at GMATGuruNY@gmail.com.
##### General Discussion
Intern
Joined: 04 Feb 2013
Posts: 14
Re: From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

22 Jun 2018, 01:51
1
Bunuel wrote:
From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increased by a factor of 1/4. From 2003 to 2006, the number of employees at this company decreased by a factor of 1/3. If there were 100 employees at the company in 2006, how many employees were there at the company in 2000 ?

A. 200

B. 120

C. 100

D. 75

E. 60

NEW question from GMAT® Official Guide 2019

(PS15957)

5/4 x 4/3 (Population in 2000) = 100, solving we get X = 60
Intern
Joined: 21 May 2017
Posts: 42
Re: From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

22 Jun 2018, 01:59
3
2
Answer is B.

Let population in 2000 be x.
Let population in 2003 be y.
Population in 2006 is 100
2y/3 = 100
y = 150

Also, population in 2003 is 5x/4
So, 5x/4 = 150
x = 120
Intern
Joined: 03 Feb 2016
Posts: 10
Re: From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

22 Jun 2018, 02:51
2
2
In 2000 Let employees x
In 2003 employees then 5x/4
In 2006 employees then (5x/4-5x/12)=10x/12
10x/12=100
X=120

Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum
e-GMAT Representative
Joined: 04 Jan 2015
Posts: 3142
Re: From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

22 Jun 2018, 05:01
5
5

Solution

Given:
• From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increased by a factor of $$\frac{1}{4}$$
• From 2003 to 2006, the number of employees at this company decreased by a factor of $$\frac{1}{3}$$
• There were 100 employees at the company in 2006

To find:
• The number of employees in the company in 2000

Approach and Working:
Let us assume the number of employees in the company in 2000 is 12x [12 = LCM (4,3)]

Given that, from 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increased by a factor of $$\frac{1}{4}$$
• Therefore, the number of employees in 2003 = $$12x + \frac{1}{4} * 12x = 12x + 3x = 15x$$

It is also given that, from 2003 to 2006, the number of employees at this company decreased by a factor of $$\frac{1}{3}$$
• Therefore, the number of employees in 2006 = $$15x – \frac{1}{3} * 15x = 15x – 5x = 10x$$

As there were 100 employees in 2006, we can write
• 10x = 100
Or, x = 10
Or, 12x = 10 * 12 = 120

Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Answer: B
_________________
Intern
Joined: 02 Sep 2015
Posts: 41
Re: From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

23 Jun 2018, 03:16
2
2000 -> 2003: x -> x + x/4
2003 -> 2006: (x + x/4) -> (x + x/4) - (x +x/4)/3
2006: 100

100 = (x + x/4) - (x +x/4)/3
x = 120

Answer: B
Target Test Prep Representative
Status: Founder & CEO
Affiliations: Target Test Prep
Joined: 14 Oct 2015
Posts: 8453
Location: United States (CA)
Re: From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

25 Jun 2018, 12:04
3
1
Bunuel wrote:
From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increased by a factor of 1/4. From 2003 to 2006, the number of employees at this company decreased by a factor of 1/3. If there were 100 employees at the company in 2006, how many employees were there at the company in 2000 ?

A. 200

B. 120

C. 100

D. 75

E. 60

Letting x = the number of employees in 2000, we have:

x(1 + 1/4)(1 - 1/3) = 100

x(5/4)(2/3) = 100

x(10/12) = 100

x = 100(12/10)

x = 120

Answer: B
_________________

# Scott Woodbury-Stewart

Founder and CEO

Scott@TargetTestPrep.com
122 Reviews

5-star rated online GMAT quant
self study course

See why Target Test Prep is the top rated GMAT quant course on GMAT Club. Read Our Reviews

If you find one of my posts helpful, please take a moment to click on the "Kudos" button.

Intern
Joined: 11 Apr 2017
Posts: 1
Location: Brazil
Concentration: Marketing, Human Resources
Schools: BYU Marriott"20
GMAT 1: 650 Q45 V35
GPA: 3.1
WE: Research (Education)
From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

25 Jun 2018, 15:21
B is correct:

x+(1/4)x = (5/4)x
(5/4)x - (1/3)(5/4)x = (5/4)x[1 - 1/3] = (5/4)x.(2/3) = (5/6)x = 100

x = 120
Manager
Joined: 09 Jun 2018
Posts: 185
Location: United States
GPA: 3.95
WE: Manufacturing and Production (Energy and Utilities)
From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

25 Jun 2018, 19:46
Let no of employees in 2000 be x
2000 to 2003: increase of 25% (i.e. 1/4), 2003 to 2006 decrease of 33% (i.e. 1/3)
Hence,

x * 1.25 * (1-(1/3)) = 100
x = (100*3)/(2*1.25) = 120

Hence B
_________________
If you found this relevant and useful, please Smash that Kudos button!
VP
Joined: 07 Dec 2014
Posts: 1221
Re: From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

25 Jun 2018, 20:09
1
Bunuel wrote:
From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increased by a factor of 1/4. From 2003 to 2006, the number of employees at this company decreased by a factor of 1/3. If there were 100 employees at the company in 2006, how many employees were there at the company in 2000 ?

A. 200

B. 120

C. 100

D. 75

E. 60

let x=number of employees in 2000
x*5/4*2/3=100
x=120
B
Manager
Joined: 09 Nov 2016
Posts: 52
Location: India
Re: From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

23 Aug 2018, 06:22
1
It is a very simple problem.. Its straightforward X=120..
Option B.
Intern
Joined: 30 Aug 2018
Posts: 31
Re: From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

14 Sep 2018, 13:36
1
Is it wise to use options here?
Like choose a middle option 'C' at first.

Option C: 100 so 100 + 1/4 of 100 = 125. Now 125- 125/3 = 125-41 = 84 (approx), but as of question 100 employes are there in 2006. So option C rejected.

Option B: 120, so 120+1/4 of 120 = 150. Now 150-150/3= 100. As of question, there are 100 employees in 2006. So Option B is correct.

Is it wise to solve the problem by this method of using options?
Manager
Joined: 09 Nov 2016
Posts: 52
Location: India
From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

16 Sep 2018, 06:10
1
prav04 wrote:
Is it wise to use options here?
Like choose a middle option 'C' at first.

Option C: 100 so 100 + 1/4 of 100 = 125. Now 125- 125/3 = 125-41 = 84 (approx), but as of question 100 employes are there in 2006. So option C rejected.

Option B: 120, so 120+1/4 of 120 = 150. Now 150-150/3= 100. As of question, there are 100 employees in 2006. So Option B is correct.

Is it wise to solve the problem by this method of using options?

Hi prav04

Yes you can. That sometimes helps to solve questions quickly where forming equations and solving them is time consuming.
This approach is fine.

Hope this helps!

Please give +1 Kudos if you like this response!!
Intern
Joined: 14 Jan 2018
Posts: 49
Location: India
Concentration: General Management, Entrepreneurship
GMAT 1: 660 Q50 V29
GPA: 3.8
WE: Engineering (Manufacturing)
Re: From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

12 Jan 2019, 23:14
From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increased by a factor of 1/4
From 2003 to 2006, the number of employees at this company decreased by a factor of 1/3
There were 100 employees at the company in 2006

So , let the employee be X in 2000 , so increased by 1/4 factor totals =(1+1/4)=5/4X
Now, in 2003 decreased by 1/3 =(1-1/3)=2/3 so total (5/4)*(2/3)X eaquals 100 employee in 2006
In 2006
(5/4)*(2/3)X=100

Solve for x
x=120

Thanks
GMAT Club Legend
Joined: 12 Sep 2015
Posts: 4074
Location: Canada
Re: From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

16 Jan 2019, 09:25
Top Contributor
Bunuel wrote:
From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increased by a factor of 1/4. From 2003 to 2006, the number of employees at this company decreased by a factor of 1/3. If there were 100 employees at the company in 2006, how many employees were there at the company in 2000 ?

A. 200
B. 120
C. 100
D. 75
E. 60

From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increased by a factor of 1/4
Let x = the number of employees in 2000
So, the number of employees in 2003 = x + (1/4)x
= (5/4)x

From 2003 to 2006, the number of employees at this company decreased by a factor of 1/3
(5/4)x = the number of employees in 2003
So, the number of employees in 2006 = (5/4)x - (1/3)((5/4)x
= (5/4)x - (5/12)x
= (15/12)x - (5/12)x
= (10/12)x
= (5/6)x

If there were 100 employees at the company in 2006, how many employees were there at the company in 2000 ?
We can write: (5/6)x = 100
Multiply both sides by 6 to get; 5x = 600
Solve: x = 600/5 = 120

Answer: B

Cheers,
Brent
_________________
Test confidently with gmatprepnow.com
Intern
Joined: 01 Mar 2019
Posts: 19
Location: United States
From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

14 Mar 2019, 17:13
1
[1] Calculate Relative Values for Each Year

$$2000: x$$

$$2003: x + \frac{1}{4}x \rightarrow \frac{5}{4}x$$

$$2006: (x - \frac{1}{3}x) \times \frac{5}{4}x \rightarrow \frac{2}{3}x \times \frac{5}{4}x \rightarrow \frac{5}{6}x$$

[2] Solve

$$\frac{5}{6}x = 100$$
$$x = 100 \times \frac{6}{5}$$
$$x = 120$$

120 (Answer B)
Manager
Joined: 23 Apr 2018
Posts: 144
Re: From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa  [#permalink]

### Show Tags

23 Aug 2019, 11:01
shouri wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increased by a factor of 1/4. From 2003 to 2006, the number of employees at this company decreased by a factor of 1/3. If there were 100 employees at the company in 2006, how many employees were there at the company in 2000 ?

A. 200

B. 120

C. 100

D. 75

E. 60

NEW question from GMAT® Official Guide 2019

(PS15957)

5/4 x 4/3 (Population in 2000) = 100, solving we get X = 60

hey, when you decrease something by a factor of 1/3, the number will be multiplied by 2/3 (1-1/3 = 2/3) and not 4/3, that's why you get 60 as an answer, whereas the answer is 120 (B)
Re: From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa   [#permalink] 23 Aug 2019, 11:01
Display posts from previous: Sort by

# From 2000 to 2003, the number of employees at a certain company increa

 new topic post reply Question banks Downloads My Bookmarks Reviews Important topics

 Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group | Emoji artwork provided by EmojiOne