M28-44

Question

Was the average (arithmetic mean) temperature in degrees Celsius in city A in March less than the average (arithmetic mean) temperature in degrees Celsius in city B in March?

(1) The median temperature in degrees Celsius in City A in March was lower than the median temperature in degrees Celsius in city B.
 
(2) The ratio of the average temperatures in degrees Celsius in City A and City B in March was 3 to 4, respectively.

Bunuel · Accepted Answer

Official Solution:

Was the average (arithmetic mean) temperature in degrees Celsius in city A in March less than the average (arithmetic mean) temperature in degrees Celsius in city B in March? 
 
(1) The median temperature in degrees Celsius in City A in March was lower than the median temperature in degrees Celsius in city B. 
 
This information is clearly insufficient.
 
(2) The ratio of the average temperatures in degrees Celsius in City A and City B in March was 3 to 4, respectively. 
 
Since temperatures can be negative, this statement is also insufficient. Consider  T(A)=3  and  T(B)=4  as well as  T(A)=-3  and  T(B)=-4 .
 
(1)+(2) Combining both statements does not provide any additional useful information. Therefore, it is still insufficient.
 
Answer: E

rukna · Answer

cant believe I got this wrong. Very basic of ratio and yet 700+ level question because everyone doing same mistake in looking option B Thx for this question

Hugoba · Answer

Trickiest question ever! Is disguised as an easy one. Very important to improve focus while doing the test.

WillGetIt · Answer

This is more of a logic based then quant based question.

Question stats: 13% users answered correctly (>2200 sessions) Wow.

spetznaz · Answer

Tricky one indeed ! Thanks for this question !

sidagar · Answer

hi brunel

can u clarify how S1 & S2 together are insufficient with an example

mbadude2017 · Answer

See screenshot. Edited the table so the logic can be seen more clearly. Basically, overall values can be relatively stable but extreme values (outliers) can throw the averages off while keeping the median the same.

ramblers · Answer

Not really sure why people are saying this is poor quality or out of scope of the GMAT. It's been said to death: the quant section is not a math test, it's a quantitative reasoning test. You need to consider all possibilities, and negative temperatures (even in March - come visit Chicago) are a possibility.

Let's say the question did say positive temperatures only - would Statement 2 be sufficient?

Let's say the question did say positive temperatures only - would Statement 2 be sufficient?

Charanbas · Answer

I think this is a  high-quality  question and I agree with explanation.

theeni03 · Answer

I think this is a  high-quality  question and I agree with explanation. Brilliant question!

Shantanu1996 · Answer

High quality question. It plays on our assumption that temperatures are typically + ve

sarthak952 · Answer

I think this is a  high-quality  question and I agree with explanation. Tricks you to select option B! Amazing Question!

sam12rawat · Answer

I think this is a  high-quality  question and I agree with explanation.

bschoolboy98 · Answer

Beautifully crafted question that makes you realise the importance of focus and patience during the exam. Clearly don't understand why people are saying that this is a poor quality question. You just got stumped...understand the concept and move on!

Bunuel · Answer

I have edited the question and the solution by adding more details to enhance its clarity. I hope it is now easier to understand.

BaoN. · Answer

This is a very tricky question, and a high-quality one.
I couldn't remember to consider negative temperatures and clearly got tricked into choosing B

M28-44

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards