I14-10

Question

https://gmatclub.com/gmat-focus-tests/resources/import/img/I04-13.png 
 
The graph shows changes in the Hubble Space Telescope’s scheduled launch date, caused by multiple discrete events. Funding began at the end of 1977, with the initial launch planned for the end of 1983, as marked by "Launch?". However, the actual launch occurred in the first half of 1990, as marked by "Launch!".
 
Select the most accurate option from each drop-down menu to complete the statements based on the information provided.

During the entire period shown in the graph,  GRAPH_1_PLACEHOLDER  sub-events caused delays, with the longest delay lasting approximately  GRAPH_2_PLACEHOLDER  months.

Bunuel · Answer

Official Solution:

Drop-down 1: 
 
Delays in the graph are indicated by the upward movement of a line when progressing from left to right. Checking the graph, we can see that there were 9 such upward movements.
 
 Drop-down 2: 
 
The longest delay is represented by the longest vertical line on the graph, corresponding to event number 2, which lasted approximately 20 months.

Correct answer:

Dropdown 1:  "9"

Dropdown 2:  "20 months "

Bunuel · Answer

I have revised the question, solution, and formatting by adding more details to enhance clarity

A_ · Answer

I like the solution - it’s helpful.

Hitesh0701 · Answer

Hi Bunuel,
I didn't get the 2nd part. How did you calculated 20 months?

Bunuel · Answer

Look at event 2 on the graph. The jump upward from event 1 to event 2 goes from about 38 months to about 58 months. The difference is about 20 months, which is the size of the delay. That is how the 20 months was calculated.

Gg153 · Answer

I didnt understand the first part, weren't there three delays according to the given information?

Bunuel · Answer

The x-axis shows time, and the y-axis shows months remaining until launch. As time moves forward, the line goes down if the launch is getting closer. An upward jump means the launch was pushed further out, increasing the months remaining. That indicates a delay. There are 9 such jumps, so 9 delays. https://gmatclub.com/forum/download/file.php?id=84213 GMAT-Club-Forum-d0px3usk.png

canadianmonkey3 · Answer

I approached this question by focusing on the term "Hubble Space Telescope???s production schedule." Based on that wording, I interpreted the question as referring specifically to the development and readiness of the Hubble itself and not the external factors related to the Space Shuttle program. Since the shuttle and the HST are separate entities (a launch vehicle versus a scientific payload), I only considered events directly related to the telescope???s technical development (e.g., testing, engineering, and management issues) as relevant sub-events, i.e, events 2 and 3.

However, the correct answer appears to include all launch delays, even those due to unrelated shuttle issues such as the Challenger disaster or military payload swaps. If the intent was to include all launch-affecting events, regardless of whether they were internal to HST???s production, then the question could have been worded more clearly to reflect that broader scope.

Please let me know if my interpretation and explanation is unreasonable/incorrect based on the phrasing provided. Thank you!

Bunuel · Answer

All events shown in the graph are part of the Hubble launch timeline, whether caused by the telescope or external factors like the shuttle. Overcomplicating it by filtering events misses what the question is asking. Just count all delays shown.

BinodBhai · Answer

I don’t quite agree with the solution. The 2nd delay starts from mid-1980 to mid-1983; how come it's 20 months?

Bunuel · Answer

The “20 months” comes from the vertical jump at event 2: the schedule moved from about 36 to 56 months to launch. The 1980–1983 stretch is just the revised countdown ticking down, not the delay itself.

Vishnu0001 · Answer

Hi, I think it is better to revise the question wording to better reflect what is being asked. "Delays during the Production schedule of the HST" is what is being asked. And as per your graph, the production schedule finishes by 3 or 4 (if by "production" you mean the whole development phase). Official GMAT questions don't introduce such ambiguity.

Bunuel · Answer

Fixed the issue. Thank you!

agrasan · Answer

I like the solution - it’s helpful.

I14-10

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