M04 #30

Question

I'm not sure if I am allowed to post this here or reproduce the question here, but I wasn't sure where else to bring it up. I came across the following DS question on Test 4;

If Mary bought some kiwis, bananas, and lemons at the grocery store in proportion of 1 : 4 : 7 accordingly, how many lemons did Mary buy?

1)The total number of fruits Mary bought is 24.
2)Mary bought 8 bananas.

The given answer is D, each is sufficient. But I would like to take issues with (1). I believe is (1) is insufficient because it simply says the total number of fruit Mary bought is 24. While if we could conclude from the question that the only fruit that Mary bought were kiwis, bananas, and lemons, then (1) would definitely be sufficient to answer the question. But the question does not tell us these are the only fruit she purchased. Considering (1) Mary could have bought 2 kiwis, 8 bananas, and 14 lemons, or she could have bought 1 kiwi, 4 bananas, 7 lemons, and 12 other fruit. Without any further information we can not tell which is the case.

Could I get one of the moderators to look at this question and tell me if my train of thought is correct? I'm just wanting to make sure I get my $79 worth :wink:

Thanks,

Jared

babyif19 · Answer

1) is sufficient. Let K be x, B be 4x and L be 7x from 1) you know 12x=24 therefore there are 14 lemons. ON GMAT you should not assume what is not given in the question, aka there are other fruits.

If you think 2) is sufficient then 1) follows the same logic. Unless you think again there are other fruits, then 2) would be inefficient as well.

But DO NOT think more than what the question did not tell you.

Good luck.

sk818020 · Answer

Exactly. In this question you have to assume that the kiwis, bananas and lemons are the only fruit purchased. This a further assumption than what the question tells us. The questions tell us she bought these kiwis, bananas and lemons, but it doesn't say that these are the only fruits purchased.

My point above is that assuming no further than what the question tells us we cannot say for sure whether 1 is sufficient or not.

This is not an OG question. This is a question from one of the GMAT prep tests. I'm only trying to point out whether the question is worded properly or not.

Thanks,

Jared

babyif19 · Answer

To piggyback on the last comment, whether OG question or not, in general, unlike LSAT, you never assume more than what the questions has stated unless you are asking for inference in RC.

OG specifically gave this advice.

Hussain15 · Answer

Thread moved to right forum & subject edited.

"If Mary bought some kiwis, bananas, and lemons ...."

Well, IMHO the above statement is very clear in stating that Mary bought only three types of fruits. The use of word "only" is not needed here. But you have a valid point as the opinion on the use of different wording vary from person to person.

As far as $79 value is concerned, believe me you will gain a lot.

In future you can post problems of club tests in this specific forum.

sahilkhurana06 · Answer

Ans is D..

1.) If they are in the ratio of 1:4:7,then considering the total no of fruits be x,we can have each of them written as 1/12x,4/12x,7/12x..
now,it is given that total no of fruits are 24..
Hence,it can be concluded that she has 2 kiwis,8 bananas and 14 lemons..
Hence A is sufficient..So we strike out options B,C and E..

2.) If Mary bought 8 bananas,then 4/12x=8..So we can find out from this fact that total number of fruits are 24..Thus,lemons are 8..

Hence correct answer choice is D

M04 #30

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