Basically A = B = xy/100

None of the options mentions this; hence E.

Hi aimtoteach,

This question can be solved conceptually or by TESTing VALUES. It's not quite written in proper "GMAT style", but the basic concepts will show up on Test Day.

We're told that A = X% of Y and B = Y% of X. We're asked which of the following is true.

IF....
X = 50
Y = 100

A = 50% of 100 = 50
B = 100% of 50 = 50

Answer A: A is smaller than B.This is NOT true.
Answer B: A is greater than B. This is NOT true.
Answer C: Relationship between A and B cannot be determined. While it would take additional TESTs to prove, A always = B, so the relationship IS known. This is NOT true.
Answer D: If x is smaller than y, then A is greater than B. This is NOT true.

Since we've disproved the first four answers, there's only one answer left.

Final Answer:

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
_________________

Hello rich,

I got this one, just shared because it does test a very basic principle. You are right this is not 'GMAT style' but good practise never the less

If there was an answer option "A=B" then that would be the correct answer right?

Thanks,
Aj

Hi Aj,

Yes, given the information in the prompt, A DOES = B.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
_________________

Solution:

A = x% of y

=> A = x y/100

B = y% of x

=> B = y x/100

A = B = x y/100

A,B.C can be eliminated.

As A=B. So D can be also eliminated.(option e)

Hope this helps
Devmitra Sen(GMAT Quant Expert)
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