Bunuel
The research funds of a certain company were divided among three departments, X, Y, and Z. Which one of the three departments received the greatest proportion of the research funds?
(1) The research funds received by departments X and Y were in the ratio 3 to 5, respectively.
(2) The research funds received by departments X and Z were in the ratio 2 to 1, respectively.
NEW question from GMAT® Official Guide 2019
(DS05338)
Solution:Question Stem Analysis:We need to determine which department (X, Y, or Z) received the greatest proportion of research funds.
Statement One Alone:
We see that the ratio of research funds received by departments X and Y were in the ratio 3 to 5. In other words, department Y received a greater proportion of funds than department X. However, since we don't have any information about funds received by department Z, statement one alone is not sufficient.
Statement Two Alone:
We see that the ratio of research funds received by departments X and Z were in the ratio 2 to 1. In other words, department X received a greater proportion of funds than department Z. However, since we don't have any information about funds received by department Y, statement two alone is not sufficient.
Statements One and Two Together:
With the two statements, we see that department X received a greater proportion of funds than department Z and department Y received a greater proportion of funds than department X. Thus, department Y must have received the greatest proportion of funds. The two statements together are sufficient.
Answer: C