The distributor of cases of a certain beverage charges $60 per case fo

Hey Rombo27,

Infact Paresh is correct. 11*55=550 is a typo error but he actually calculated it as 11*50=550. His final answer is correct.

You solved it wrong. point being, you have to look through the wording of the problem.

Note: its said that the dealer filled only 3 orders.

1st set of 3 cases.
2nd set of 11 cases and
3rd set of 30 cases

So you have to calculate as Paresh did.

I couldn't understand how you solved it to get 2280. Were you trying to find the "MAXIMUM" value he charged ???

\(= 3*60 + 11*50 + 30*45 \\
= 180 + 550 + 1350\\
=2080\)

Hi Ashishmathew01081987,

I followed the logic of the tax brackets on a tax return.

Ok for the first order of 3 cases: 3*60 = 180

Consider the second order of 11 cases.
In my logic, he will pay $60 for the first 5 cases and $50 for the cases from 6 to 11 . Total. $600
Consider the third order of 30 cases.
In my logic, he will pay $60 fort the first 5 cases, $50 for the cases from 6 to to 20, and $45 for the cases from 21 to 30 . Total $1500
With this logic I get a total of 2280 (180+600+1500). Answer. E

With your logic an order of 5 cases would cost $300 ($60*5), the same as an order of 6 cases ($50*6). Maybe a buy 5 get 1 free, but...
... most doubtful is that an order of 15 cases would cost $750 ($50*15), while an order of 16 cases would cost $720 ($45*16). ???

I hope you understand my doubts. This is why I still think the right answer is E.
Maybe the wording of the stem is not accurate, but it doesn't make sense to me that an order or 16 cases would cost less than an order of 15 cases.

Let me know what you think. thanks.

Hi rombo27,

I understand your logic completely. Based on the way the question is written, there is the possibility for "interpretative bias", which is what's happening here. Depending on how you "interpret" the question, two different answers would be considered logical solutions.

The GMAT writers are very specific and careful with how they write questions, so this type of bias is almost non-existent on Test Day. If a question such as this were to show up on the Official Exam, it would likely include something similar to the line "The distributor charges a flat rate per case based on the number of cases ordered...." which would help to eliminate any misinterpretations. The 'intent' of this question is based on that assumption, which is why the correct answer is what it is.

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

As already mentioned by many people . There is ambiguity in this question.
for 11 cases what would be the charge ?
for the first 5 cases =5* 60= 300
for the 6 to 11 case i.e. 6 cases = 6*50=300

300+300 = 600

or
Would the charge be calculated as :
11 * 50 = 550

Went with the first method and ended up getting E.

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