Last visit was: 23 Apr 2026, 15:59 It is currently 23 Apr 2026, 15:59
Home
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Back to Forum
Create Topic
 1   2   
655-705 (Hard)|   Inference|      
User avatar
nitzz
User avatar
Joined: 05 Oct 2012
Last visit: 18 Oct 2015
Posts: 22
Own Kudos:
286
 [89]
Given Kudos: 2
Status:Apps time!
Location: India
Concentration: Technology, Strategy
Schools: ISB '16 (D) Madison '16 (D) Georgia Tech '17 (D) Katz '17 (D)
GPA: 3.72
WE:Consulting (Consulting)
Schools: ISB '16 (D) Madison '16 (D) Georgia Tech '17 (D) Katz '17 (D)
Posts: 22
Kudos: 286
 [89]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this Updated on: 04 Jul 2021, 08:50
Originally posted by nitzz on 20 Oct 2012, 09:40.
Last edited by Bunuel on 04 Jul 2021, 08:50, edited 3 times in total.
Edited the question.
9
Kudos
Add Kudos
78
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
00:00
Start Timer
Pause Timer
Resume Timer
Show Answer
Hide
Show
History
D
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!

Difficulty:

55% (hard)

Question Stats:

66% (02:13) correct 34% (02:18) wrong based on 3638 sessions

History

Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this year have increased by 20 percent over the total receipts for independent movies for all of last year. Last year, 50 independent movies were released, while so far this year only 20 independent movies have been released. The number of independent movies slated for release in the second half of this year is roughly equal to the number released so far.

If the statements above are true, which of the following must be true?


(A) The total box office receipts for independent movies this year will be significantly more than 20 percent greater than the receipts for independent movies last year.

(B) The number of independent movies released in the first half of this year is equal to the number released in the first half of last year.

(C) The price of a movie ticket has not increased since last year.

(D) The average receipts for the independent films released during the first half of this year is greater than that of all independent films released last year.

(E) The number of people seeing independent movies during the first half of this year is greater than the number who saw independent movies last year.
ShowHide Answer
Official Answer
D
Most Helpful Reply
User avatar
pqhai
User avatar
Retired Moderator
Joined: 16 Jun 2012
Last visit: 26 Nov 2015
Posts: 864
Own Kudos:
8,939
 [18]
Given Kudos: 123
Location: United States
Posts: 864
Kudos: 8,939
 [18]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 19 Oct 2013, 02:09
14
Kudos
Add Kudos
4
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
ANALYZE THE STIMULUS:

Fact: Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this year have increased by 20 percent over the total receipts for independent movies for all of last year.
Fact: Last year, 50 independent movies were released, while so far this year only 20 independent movies have been released.
Fact: The number of independent movies slated for release in the second half of this year is roughly equal to the number released so far.

Question: If the statements above are true, which of the following must be true? <== This is MUST BE TRUE question, so NO "new" information accepted.

ANALYZE EACH ANSWER:

1. The total box office receipts for independent movies this year will be significantly more than 20 percent greater than the receipts for independent movies last year
Wrong. TEMPTING. We just know data of the FIRST half of this year. What if total receipt in the first half is more than 20%, but will decrease significantly in the second half? ==> We can't say total receipts this year will be significantly 20% greater than that of last year. A can't be answer.

2. The number of independent movies released in the first half of this year is equal to the number released in the first half of last year.
Wrong. Absolutely wrong, we don't know how many films were released in the first half of last year.

3. The price of a movie ticket has not increased since last year.
Wrong. Nothing about the price. Out of scope.

4. The average revenues of the independent films released during the first half of this year is greater than that of all independent films released last year.
Correct. Assume prices do not change significantly. In the first half, total receipts is 20% more than that of total last year. But the number of film released is fewer (20 vs. 50) ==> Clearly, average revenue of each film in the first half of this year is greater than that of film released last year.

5. The number of people seeing independent movies during the first half of this year is greater than the number who saw independent movies last year.
Wrong. Nothing about number of people. Out of scope.

Hope it helps
User avatar
Archit143
User avatar
Joined: 21 Sep 2012
Last visit: 20 Sep 2016
Posts: 720
Own Kudos:
2,115
 [5]
Given Kudos: 70
Status:Final Lap Up!!!
Affiliations: NYK Line
Location: India
Schools: Cox '16 (S) AGSM '16 Tulane '16 (S) McCombs '16 (S) Neeley '16 (S) Jones '16 (S) ISB '15 (D) MIT-LGO '16 (M)
GMAT 1: 410 Q35 V11
GMAT 2: 530 Q44 V20
GMAT 3: 630 Q45 V31
GPA: 3.84
WE:Engineering (Transportation)
Schools: Cox '16 (S) AGSM '16 Tulane '16 (S) McCombs '16 (S) Neeley '16 (S) Jones '16 (S) ISB '15 (D) MIT-LGO '16 (M)
GMAT 3: 630 Q45 V31
Posts: 720
Kudos: 2,115
 [5]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 13 Dec 2012, 05:20
4
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I narrowed it down to D and E
Eliminated E as it says number of persons this year is more than last years ....may or may not be true because if a person likes the movies he will watch again hence the receipt will increase but not the number of different people who watched. though different is not mentioned but i assumed so.
User avatar
Bunuel
User avatar
Math Expert
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Last visit: 23 Apr 2026
Posts: 109,785
Own Kudos:
810,866
 [4]
Given Kudos: 105,853
Products:
GMAT Club Tests Forum Quiz
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
Posts: 109,785
Kudos: 810,866
 [4]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 04 Apr 2021, 01:30
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
2
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
nitzz
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this year have increased by 20 percent over the total receipts for independent movies for all of last year. Last year, 50 independent movies were released, while so far this year only 20 independent movies have been released. The number of independent movies slated for release in the second half of this year is roughly equal to the number released so far.

If the statements above are true, which of the following must be true?


(A) The total box office receipts for independent movies this year will be significantly more than 20 percent greater than the receipts for independent movies last year.

(B) The number of independent movies released in the first half of this year is equal to the number released in the first half of last year.

(C) The price of a movie ticket has not increased since last year.

(D) The average receipts for the independent films released during the first half of this year is greater than that of all independent films released last year.

(E) The number of people seeing independent movies during the first half of this year is greater than the number who saw independent movies last year.
Show more

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION



The text tells us that the revenues for independent movies for the first half of this year are already greater than the total revenues for independent movies for all of last year. We are then asked to draw a conclusion based on that information.

(A) There is no way to predict box-office receipts for the year.

(B) There is no way to know how many movies were released in the first half of last year.

(C) We cannot infer that the price of a movie ticket has not increased.

(D) CORRECT. The average revenue per film = total revenues ÷ number of films.

Revenues: We are told that the revenues for independent movies for the first half of this year (say $1000) are already greater than the total revenues for all of last year (say $999).

Number of Films: We know that more independent movies were released last year (say 10) than in the first half of this year (say 9).

We can clearly see that the average revenues per film for independent movies in the first half of this year ($1000 ÷ 9) are greater than the average revenues for all independent movies released last year ($999 ÷ 10).

(E) We cannot infer that more people have seen movies in the first half of this year, even though revenues are higher. It could be, for example, that the same number of people saw movies but ticket prices have risen sharply.
General Discussion
User avatar
MacFauz
User avatar
Joined: 02 Jul 2012
Last visit: 19 Mar 2022
Posts: 990
Own Kudos:
3,406
 [5]
Given Kudos: 116
Location: India
Concentration: Strategy
Schools: Ross '16 (D) McCombs '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (WA) Olin '16 (M$) Tepper '16 (D)
GMAT 1: 740 Q49 V42
GPA: 3.8
WE:Engineering (Energy)
Schools: Ross '16 (D) McCombs '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (WA) Olin '16 (M$) Tepper '16 (D)
GMAT 1: 740 Q49 V42
Posts: 990
Kudos: 3,406
 [5]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 20 Oct 2012, 13:32
3
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
nitzz
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this year have increased by 20 percent over the total receipts for independent movies for all of last year. Last year, 50 independent movies were released, while so far this year only 20 independent movies have been released. The number of independent movies slated for release in the second half of this year is roughly equal to the number released so far.

If the statements above are true, which of the following must be true?

A) The total box office receipts for independent movies this year will be significantly more than 20 percent greater than the receipts for independent movies last year. Not necessarily. If every movie that is going to be released this year bombs badly and generates no receipts the difference wont be significantly higher than 20%.

B) The number of independent movies released in the first half of this year is equal to the number released in the first half of last year. Not necessarily. What if all the movies last year were released in the second half.

C) The price of a movie ticket has not increased since last year. This might infact be even the opposite of what is implied by the passage and is also out of scope.

D) The average receipts for the independent films released during the first half of this year is greater than that of all independent films released last year. 50 movies were released last year. Lets say box office receipts was 100$, Average is 2$. 20 movies released this year. 20% increase in box office receipts. So 120$. Average is 6$. Answer

E) The number of people seeing independent movies during the first half of this year is greater than the number who saw independent movies last year.
Show more
Not necessarily. Ticket prices could have been hiked and hence the reason for increased receipts.
User avatar
Aristocrat
User avatar
Joined: 29 Jul 2012
Last visit: 21 Sep 2013
Posts: 119
Own Kudos:
599
Given Kudos: 23
GMAT Date: 11-18-2012
Posts: 119
Kudos: 599
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 13 Dec 2012, 10:11
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
MacFauz
nitzz
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this year have increased by 20 percent over the total receipts for independent movies for all of last year. Last year, 50 independent movies were released, while so far this year only 20 independent movies have been released. The number of independent movies slated for release in the second half of this year is roughly equal to the number released so far.

If the statements above are true, which of the following must be true?

A) The total box office receipts for independent movies this year will be significantly more than 20 percent greater than the receipts for independent movies last year. Not necessarily. If every movie that is going to be released this year bombs badly and generates no receipts the difference wont be significantly higher than 20%.

B) The number of independent movies released in the first half of this year is equal to the number released in the first half of last year. Not necessarily. What if all the movies last year were released in the second half.

C) The price of a movie ticket has not increased since last year. This might infact be even the opposite of what is implied by the passage and is also out of scope.

D) The average receipts for the independent films released during the first half of this year is greater than that of all independent films released last year. 50 movies were released last year. Lets say box office receipts was 100$, Average is 2$. 20 movies released this year. 20% increase in box office receipts. So 120$. Average is 6$. Answer

E) The number of people seeing independent movies during the first half of this year is greater than the number who saw independent movies last year.
Not necessarily. Ticket prices could have been hiked and hence the reason for increased receipts.
Show more

Can you help me in understanding an argument?
How to approach inference question?
I always get confuse after seeing too much of fact.
User avatar
MacFauz
User avatar
Joined: 02 Jul 2012
Last visit: 19 Mar 2022
Posts: 990
Own Kudos:
3,406
 [2]
Given Kudos: 116
Location: India
Concentration: Strategy
Schools: Ross '16 (D) McCombs '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (WA) Olin '16 (M$) Tepper '16 (D)
GMAT 1: 740 Q49 V42
GPA: 3.8
WE:Engineering (Energy)
Schools: Ross '16 (D) McCombs '16 (D) Kenan-Flagler '16 (WA) Olin '16 (M$) Tepper '16 (D)
GMAT 1: 740 Q49 V42
Posts: 990
Kudos: 3,406
 [2]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 13 Dec 2012, 10:29
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Aristocrat
MacFauz
nitzz
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this year have increased by 20 percent over the total receipts for independent movies for all of last year. Last year, 50 independent movies were released, while so far this year only 20 independent movies have been released. The number of independent movies slated for release in the second half of this year is roughly equal to the number released so far.

If the statements above are true, which of the following must be true?

A) The total box office receipts for independent movies this year will be significantly more than 20 percent greater than the receipts for independent movies last year. Not necessarily. If every movie that is going to be released this year bombs badly and generates no receipts the difference wont be significantly higher than 20%.

B) The number of independent movies released in the first half of this year is equal to the number released in the first half of last year. Not necessarily. What if all the movies last year were released in the second half.

C) The price of a movie ticket has not increased since last year. This might infact be even the opposite of what is implied by the passage and is also out of scope.

D) The average receipts for the independent films released during the first half of this year is greater than that of all independent films released last year. 50 movies were released last year. Lets say box office receipts was 100$, Average is 2$. 20 movies released this year. 20% increase in box office receipts. So 120$. Average is 6$. Answer

E) The number of people seeing independent movies during the first half of this year is greater than the number who saw independent movies last year.
Not necessarily. Ticket prices could have been hiked and hence the reason for increased receipts.

Can you help me in understanding an argument?
How to approach inference question?
I always get confuse after seeing too much of fact.
Show more

This one is not a typical inference question. It can be called an inference and numbers and percents question. For these types of questions, I find it helpful to break the facts given point by point and based on these facts we can check each answer choice.. Generally on inference questions I like to pick the mildest statement first and check if it is true based on the argument and more often than not, the mildest statement would be the right one. This question in particular can be approached as how one would approach a quant problem.. That is an easier way when lots of numbers and ratios are involved in the argument.
User avatar
egmat
User avatar
e-GMAT Representative
Joined: 02 Nov 2011
Last visit: 22 Apr 2026
Posts: 5,632
Own Kudos:
33,433
 [1]
Given Kudos: 707
GMAT Date: 08-19-2020
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
Posts: 5,632
Kudos: 33,433
 [1]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 14 Dec 2012, 00:24
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Aristocrat
MacFauz
nitzz
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this year have increased by 20 percent over the total receipts for independent movies for all of last year. Last year, 50 independent movies were released, while so far this year only 20 independent movies have been released. The number of independent movies slated for release in the second half of this year is roughly equal to the number released so far.

If the statements above are true, which of the following must be true?

A) The total box office receipts for independent movies this year will be significantly more than 20 percent greater than the receipts for independent movies last year. Not necessarily. If every movie that is going to be released this year bombs badly and generates no receipts the difference wont be significantly higher than 20%.

B) The number of independent movies released in the first half of this year is equal to the number released in the first half of last year. Not necessarily. What if all the movies last year were released in the second half.

C) The price of a movie ticket has not increased since last year. This might infact be even the opposite of what is implied by the passage and is also out of scope.

D) The average receipts for the independent films released during the first half of this year is greater than that of all independent films released last year. 50 movies were released last year. Lets say box office receipts was 100$, Average is 2$. 20 movies released this year. 20% increase in box office receipts. So 120$. Average is 6$. Answer

E) The number of people seeing independent movies during the first half of this year is greater than the number who saw independent movies last year.
Not necessarily. Ticket prices could have been hiked and hence the reason for increased receipts.

Can you help me in understanding an argument?
How to approach inference question?
I always get confuse after seeing too much of fact.
Show more

Hi,

This is a question that goes slightly beyond the norms of a normal inference question.

Similar questions are asked in the two-part section of IR. We had recently posted a similar question, along with a detailed approach to such questions.

Click on the image to go to the question:



Hope this helps :)

Thanks,
Chiranjeev
User avatar
blueseas
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 14 Dec 2012
Last visit: 15 Jan 2019
Posts: 572
Own Kudos:
4,535
 [3]
Given Kudos: 197
Location: India
Concentration: General Management, Operations
Schools: PGDM (GM) '15 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q50 V34
GPA: 3.6
Schools: PGDM (GM) '15 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q50 V34
Posts: 572
Kudos: 4,535
 [3]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 15 Jul 2013, 04:00
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
2
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
arichinna
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this year have increased by 20 percent over the total receipts for independent movies for all of last year. Last year, 50 independent movies were released, while so far this year only 20 independent movies have been released. The number of independent movies slated for release in the second half of this year is roughly equal to the number released so far.

If the statements above are true, which of the following must be true?

1. The total box office receipts for independent movies this year will be significantly more than 20 percent greater than the receipts for independent movies last year
2. The number of independent movies released in the first half of this year is equal to the number released in the first half of last year.
3. The price of a movie ticket has not increased since last year.
4. The average revenues of the independent films released during the first half of this year is greater than that of all independent films released last year.
5. The number of people seeing independent movies during the first half of this year is greater than the number who saw independent movies last year.
Show more


hi,

let say :

total movies released last year(TMRLY)=50(given)
total receipts last year(TRLY)=50(assuming)

average receipt per movie= 50/50=1

now according to question
total movies released this year= 20(given)==>uptil first half of the year
total receipts this year= 20percent more than TRLY=50+10=60

average receipt permovie=60/20=3

therefore last year for every movie there is 1 receipt
and this year for every movie there is 3 receipt

hence clearly average revenue generated will be more this year than last year.

same is stated in option D

4. The average revenues of the independent films released during the first half of this year is greater than that of all independent films released last year.==>CORRECT

JUST you have to understand that more the receipt more the revenue...

hope it helps
avatar
arichinna
avatar
Joined: 24 Jun 2013
Last visit: 13 Apr 2022
Posts: 29
Own Kudos:
60
 [1]
Given Kudos: 70
Location: India
Schools: Stanford '22 (S)
GRE 1: Q170 V159
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Stanford '22 (S)
GRE 1: Q170 V159
Posts: 29
Kudos: 60
 [1]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 15 Jul 2013, 04:28
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Thank you Shailesh for the reply. I did a similar analysis like you did but I had come across one query which made me post this question.

In the answer choice D - "The average revenues of the independent films released during the first half of this year is greater than that of all independent films released last year", there is an implicit underlying assumption.

Revenue is a function of price and quantity. This choice assumes that the price is the same as compared to last year. No where in the question, it talks about price of the receipt being the same.

There is also one answer choice which talks about price (though that choice is wrong).

As per your calculation, even if the average receipt per movie increased to 3 in the first half of the present year, this choice will not hold true if the price had come down to one-third or less than that of what it was last year.

I might be wrong or missed out on a logical link but if you have any suggestions/comments, it would help.

Thanks,
Ari
User avatar
blueseas
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 14 Dec 2012
Last visit: 15 Jan 2019
Posts: 572
Own Kudos:
4,535
 [4]
Given Kudos: 197
Location: India
Concentration: General Management, Operations
Schools: PGDM (GM) '15 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q50 V34
GPA: 3.6
Schools: PGDM (GM) '15 (A)
GMAT 1: 700 Q50 V34
Posts: 572
Kudos: 4,535
 [4]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 15 Jul 2013, 04:52
4
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
arichinna
Thank you Shailesh for the reply. I did a similar analysis like you did but I had come across one query which made me post this question.

In the answer choice D - "The average revenues of the independent films released during the first half of this year is greater than that of all independent films released last year", there is an implicit underlying assumption.

Revenue is a function of price and quantity. This choice assumes that the price is the same as compared to last year. No where in the question, it talks about price of the receipt being the same.

There is also one answer choice which talks about price (though that choice is wrong).

As per your calculation, even if the average receipt per movie increased to 3 in the first half of the present year, this choice will not hold true if the price had come down to one-third or less than that of what it was last year.

I might be wrong or missed out on a logical link but if you have any suggestions/comments, it would help.

Thanks,
Ari
Show more

Hi ARI,
thats logical..you are thinking absolutely right....but actually the problem is understanding the meaning of RECEIPTS.

when the word "receipts" is used in this sort of context, it refers to the total revenue generated by the movies. in other words, this use of "receipts" is exactly the same as "gross revenue".===>It is not like ticket ....that will add up to give whole revenue.

if i say 50 receipts....means total revenue was 50

you can google out for the meaning of RECEIPTS.

NOW 50 dollar is revenue for last year..
and 60 dollar is for this year...

hope i made it clear.
User avatar
ShashankDave
User avatar
Joined: 03 Apr 2013
Last visit: 26 Jan 2020
Posts: 215
Own Kudos:
301
 [1]
Given Kudos: 872
Location: India
Concentration: Marketing, Finance
Schools: McDonough '21 (A) Kelley '21 ISB '21 (I)
GMAT 1: 740 Q50 V41
GPA: 3
Schools: McDonough '21 (A) Kelley '21 ISB '21 (I)
GMAT 1: 740 Q50 V41
Posts: 215
Kudos: 301
 [1]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 10 Apr 2016, 02:38
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I think the question here is flawed! Please consider the following :-

1. If "receipts" means money, then the answer would consider revenue.
2. If "receipts" means the number of ticket receipts/invoices found, then the answer would consider people.
3. If "receipts" means the total number of invoices, then those receipts will be both of the tickets bought and the food bought, from which you cannot conclude anything!
avatar
ravikrishna1979
avatar
Joined: 22 Jun 2016
Last visit: 05 Dec 2016
Posts: 34
Own Kudos:
14
Given Kudos: 4
Posts: 34
Kudos: 14
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 22 Jul 2016, 11:01
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
There is a total ambiguity on the word "Receipt" and which I feel is being understood based on situation and geography. Does GMAT produce such questions with confused words?
This questions is a flawed one as I believe otherwise please help how to handle such situation.

Becauase here D/E can be answers based on how one understands about the word "Receipt"
User avatar
sayantanc2k
User avatar
Joined: 14 Dec 2013
Last visit: 09 Dec 2022
Posts: 2,391
Own Kudos:
15,571
 [1]
Given Kudos: 26
Location: Germany
Schools:
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V47
WE:Corporate Finance (Pharmaceuticals and Biotech)
Expert
Expert reply
Schools:
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V47
Posts: 2,391
Kudos: 15,571
 [1]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 22 Jul 2016, 13:50
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
ShashankDave
I think the question here is flawed! Please consider the following :-

1. If "receipts" means money, then the answer would consider revenue.
2. If "receipts" means the number of ticket receipts/invoices found, then the answer would consider people.
3. If "receipts" means the total number of invoices, then those receipts will be both of the tickets bought and the food bought, from which you cannot conclude anything!
Show more

ravikrishna1979
There is a total ambiguity on the word "Receipt" and which I feel is being understood based on situation and geography. Does GMAT produce such questions with confused words?
This questions is a flawed one as I believe otherwise please help how to handle such situation.

Becauase here D/E can be answers based on how one understands about the word "Receipt"
Show more

1. Box office means ticket counter where movie tickets are sold. Box offices receive money by selling movie tickets; they do not receive invoices by selling tickets.
2. Box office receipt is not same as movie-viewer receipt (ShashankDave your point no. 2). Movie-viewer receipt could be tickets, though it is a very odd term for the purpose.
3. Food stalls are not box offices (ShashankDave your point no. 3).

The usage of "receipt" is not ambiguous in this context - box office receipt clearly implies the money received by selling tickets.
avatar
gandhigauravz
avatar
Joined: 25 Nov 2012
Last visit: 07 Sep 2017
Posts: 10
Own Kudos:
7
Given Kudos: 125
Posts: 10
Kudos: 7
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 17 Sep 2016, 11:57
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
sayantanc2k
ShashankDave
I think the question here is flawed! Please consider the following :-

1. If "receipts" means money, then the answer would consider revenue.
2. If "receipts" means the number of ticket receipts/invoices found, then the answer would consider people.
3. If "receipts" means the total number of invoices, then those receipts will be both of the tickets bought and the food bought, from which you cannot conclude anything!

ravikrishna1979
There is a total ambiguity on the word "Receipt" and which I feel is being understood based on situation and geography. Does GMAT produce such questions with confused words?
This questions is a flawed one as I believe otherwise please help how to handle such situation.

Becauase here D/E can be answers based on how one understands about the word "Receipt"

1. Box office means ticket counter where movie tickets are sold. Box offices receive money by selling movie tickets; they do not receive invoices by selling tickets.
2. Box office receipt is not same as movie-viewer receipt (ShashankDave your point no. 2). Movie-viewer receipt could be tickets, though it is a very odd term for the purpose.
3. Food stalls are not box offices (ShashankDave your point no. 3).

The usage of "receipt" is not ambiguous in this context - box office receipt clearly implies the money received by selling tickets.
Show more



Last year box office receipt rate was $5 and this year, because of X reason it has dropped and is current placed at $1 per receipt. Still you believe, D holds good... Need an expert advice.
User avatar
sayantanc2k
User avatar
Joined: 14 Dec 2013
Last visit: 09 Dec 2022
Posts: 2,391
Own Kudos:
15,571
Given Kudos: 26
Location: Germany
Schools:
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V47
WE:Corporate Finance (Pharmaceuticals and Biotech)
Expert
Expert reply
Schools:
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V47
Posts: 2,391
Kudos: 15,571
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 18 Sep 2016, 02:32
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
gandhigauravz
sayantanc2k
ShashankDave
I think the question here is flawed! Please consider the following :-

1. If "receipts" means money, then the answer would consider revenue.
2. If "receipts" means the number of ticket receipts/invoices found, then the answer would consider people.
3. If "receipts" means the total number of invoices, then those receipts will be both of the tickets bought and the food bought, from which you cannot conclude anything!

ravikrishna1979
There is a total ambiguity on the word "Receipt" and which I feel is being understood based on situation and geography. Does GMAT produce such questions with confused words?
This questions is a flawed one as I believe otherwise please help how to handle such situation.

Becauase here D/E can be answers based on how one understands about the word "Receipt"

1. Box office means ticket counter where movie tickets are sold. Box offices receive money by selling movie tickets; they do not receive invoices by selling tickets.
2. Box office receipt is not same as movie-viewer receipt (ShashankDave your point no. 2). Movie-viewer receipt could be tickets, though it is a very odd term for the purpose.
3. Food stalls are not box offices (ShashankDave your point no. 3).

The usage of "receipt" is not ambiguous in this context - box office receipt clearly implies the money received by selling tickets.



Last year box office receipt rate was $5 and this year, because of X reason it has dropped and is current placed at $1 per receipt. Still you believe, D holds good... Need an expert advice.
Show more

The rate or the number of tickets sold does not matter at all. Following is the argument structure for this question:

Premise: X is 20% more than Y.
Conclusion: X is greater than Y

(Yes, it is so straight-forward.)

First line of the passage is the premise and option D is the conclusion - "receipt" and "revenues" are synonymous.
avatar
afarrukh786
avatar
Joined: 07 Oct 2015
Last visit: 26 Nov 2016
Posts: 6
Own Kudos:
1
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 6
Kudos: 1
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 14 Oct 2016, 05:11
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
pqhai
ANALYZE THE STIMULUS:

Fact: Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this year have increased by 20 percent over the total receipts for independent movies for all of last year.
Fact: Last year, 50 independent movies were released, while so far this year only 20 independent movies have been released.
Fact: The number of independent movies slated for release in the second half of this year is roughly equal to the number released so far.

Question: If the statements above are true, which of the following must be true? <== This is MUST BE TRUE question, so NO "new" information accepted.

ANALYZE EACH ANSWER:

1. The total box office receipts for independent movies this year will be significantly more than 20 percent greater than the receipts for independent movies last year
Wrong. TEMPTING. We just know data of the FIRST half of this year. What if total receipt in the first half is more than 20%, but will decrease significantly in the second half? ==> We can't say total receipts this year will be significantly 20% greater than that of last year. A can't be answer.

2. The number of independent movies released in the first half of this year is equal to the number released in the first half of last year.
Wrong. Absolutely wrong, we don't know how many films were released in the first half of last year.

3. The price of a movie ticket has not increased since last year.
Wrong. Nothing about the price. Out of scope.

4. The average revenues of the independent films released during the first half of this year is greater than that of all independent films released last year.
Correct. Assume prices do not change significantly. In the first half, total receipts is 20% more than that of total last year. But the number of film released is fewer (20 vs. 50) ==> Clearly, average revenue of each film in the first half of this year is greater than that of film released last year.

5. The number of people seeing independent movies during the first half of this year is greater than the number who saw independent movies last year.
Wrong. Nothing about number of people. Out of scope.

Hope it helps
Show more

Why we should assume that price is constant, we are not bound to assume. Answer D must b wrong therefore. Moreover if you assume that then C is also correct. From my opinion A should be correct. E may b wrong because same person might come multiple times and have multiple receipts. So A is final answer.
User avatar
sayantanc2k
User avatar
Joined: 14 Dec 2013
Last visit: 09 Dec 2022
Posts: 2,391
Own Kudos:
15,571
 [3]
Given Kudos: 26
Location: Germany
Schools:
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V47
WE:Corporate Finance (Pharmaceuticals and Biotech)
Expert
Expert reply
Schools:
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V47
Posts: 2,391
Kudos: 15,571
 [3]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 15 Oct 2016, 09:17
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
2
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
afarrukh786
pqhai
ANALYZE THE STIMULUS:

Fact: Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this year have increased by 20 percent over the total receipts for independent movies for all of last year.
Fact: Last year, 50 independent movies were released, while so far this year only 20 independent movies have been released.
Fact: The number of independent movies slated for release in the second half of this year is roughly equal to the number released so far.

Question: If the statements above are true, which of the following must be true? <== This is MUST BE TRUE question, so NO "new" information accepted.

ANALYZE EACH ANSWER:

1. The total box office receipts for independent movies this year will be significantly more than 20 percent greater than the receipts for independent movies last year
Wrong. TEMPTING. We just know data of the FIRST half of this year. What if total receipt in the first half is more than 20%, but will decrease significantly in the second half? ==> We can't say total receipts this year will be significantly 20% greater than that of last year. A can't be answer.

2. The number of independent movies released in the first half of this year is equal to the number released in the first half of last year.
Wrong. Absolutely wrong, we don't know how many films were released in the first half of last year.

3. The price of a movie ticket has not increased since last year.
Wrong. Nothing about the price. Out of scope.

4. The average revenues of the independent films released during the first half of this year is greater than that of all independent films released last year.
Correct. Assume prices do not change significantly. In the first half, total receipts is 20% more than that of total last year. But the number of film released is fewer (20 vs. 50) ==> Clearly, average revenue of each film in the first half of this year is greater than that of film released last year.

5. The number of people seeing independent movies during the first half of this year is greater than the number who saw independent movies last year.
Wrong. Nothing about number of people. Out of scope.

Hope it helps

Why we should assume that price is constant, we are not bound to assume. Answer D must b wrong therefore. Moreover if you assume that then C is also correct. From my opinion A should be correct. E may b wrong because same person might come multiple times and have multiple receipts. So A is final answer.
Show more

Have you read the post?

box-office-receipts-for-independent-movies-for-the-first-156008.html#p1736699

Answer D is one of the most straight forward conclusions you can draw - no assumptions are required whatsoever.

If the total of elements in set X is more than the total of elements in set Y, then the average of the elements in set X is also greater than the average of the elements on set Y ( because it is already given that the no. of elements in set X is less than the number of elements in set Y). Here set X = set of independent movies this year and Y = set of independent movies last year.

Option A is incorrect because nothing has been mentioned about the sales in the rest of the year - there could be no more receipt from independent movies at all.
avatar
AndrewN
avatar
Volunteer Expert
Joined: 16 May 2019
Last visit: 29 Mar 2025
Posts: 3,490
Own Kudos:
7,663
 [2]
Given Kudos: 500
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,490
Kudos: 7,663
 [2]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 18 Mar 2020, 09:41
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
GDT
In this question, is option A incorrect because it uses the word 'significant'
as er the question, say if last year's revenue was 100 then this year's revenue earned in first half would be 120(20% higher).
Since total revenue for the first 6 months is already 20% higher any further revenue that comes from the next 20 movies even if it is just $1 will make it greater than 20% but if it will bee significantly high is not known. Also, in case of 0 revenue from next 20 movies the total revenue will be 20%higher but not more than that
Show more
Hello, GDT. The major problem I see with (A) is not just its use of significantly, but its use of the less prominent comparative more than. Here is the answer choice:

(A) The total box office receipts for independent movies this year will be significantly more than 20 percent greater than the receipts for independent movies last year.

The passage provides information about only the first half of this year, according to the opening line. In fact, we can eliminate (A) based on the first line alone:

Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this year have increased by 20 percent over the total receipts for independent movies for all of last year.

We cannot make any predictions about what might happen in the second half of the year. Zero tickets could be sold, leaving the comparison at exactly 20 percent greater than the receipts for independent movies last year. Likelihood is not the same as certainty, and CR questions deal in logical certainty.

I hope that makes sense. If you have further questions, feel free to ask.

- Andrew
avatar
systemsav
avatar
Joined: 13 Apr 2020
Last visit: 17 Mar 2022
Posts: 27
Own Kudos:
29
 [1]
Given Kudos: 185
Location: India
GPA: 3.3
Posts: 27
Kudos: 29
 [1]
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this 04 Jul 2021, 08:09
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
nitzz
Box office receipts for independent movies for the first half of this year have increased by 20 percent over the total receipts for independent movies for all of last year. Last year, 50 independent movies were released, while so far this year only 20 independent movies have been released. The number of independent movies slated for release in the second half of this year is roughly equal to the number released so far.

If the statements above are true, which of the following must be true?


(A) The total box office receipts for independent movies this year will be significantly more than 20 percent greater than the receipts for independent movies last year.

(B) The number of independent movies released in the first half of this year is equal to the number released in the first half of last year.

(C) The price of a movie ticket has not increased since last year.

(D) The average receipts for the independent films released during the first half of this year is greater than that of all independent films released last year.

(E) The number of people seeing independent movies during the first half of this year is greater than the number who saw independent movies last year.
Show more
My humble 2 cents on this:

The clear answer is D. A is completely incorrect.
Reason: Option A bases itself on a prediction. Just because 20 movies are 'slated' to release for the latter half of this year doesn't say for certain that 20 movies will be released and their receipt revenue will be the same as the 20 movies released in the first half of this year. It can be lesser as well.

Lesson to learn from this question: be careful while dealing with predictions in MBT/Inference/Conclusion answer choices.


Coming to the mention of 'revenue' in option D, most of us get this wrong because we think of movie revenue (from a Revenue-Cost-Profit angle) instead of receipt revenue. Movie revenue is completely irrelevant here and kills this option, although this is the only legit answer when you consider receipt revenue. I too feel that receipt revenue should be specified in the option to avoid confusion.
 1   2   
Moderators:
GMATNinja
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
7391 posts
AbhishekP220108
501 posts
bhanu29
358 posts