Last Updated on May 10, 2023
GMAT OFFICIAL GUIDE DS
Solution:
We are given that for a certain car repair, the total charge consisted of a charge for parts, a charge for labor, and a 6 percent sales tax on both the charge for parts and the charge for labor. We also are given that the charge for parts, excluding tax, was $50. We can say the following:
Charge for parts = $50
Thus, the total charge for parts, including sales tax = 1.06 x 50
Charge for labor = L
Thus, the total charge for labor, including sales tax = 1.06L
Thus, the total cost of the repair, including the 6 percent sales tax, is:
Total charges = 1.06 x 50 + 1.06L
Total charges = 53 + 1.06L
As we can see, if we can determine the charge for labor, we can determine the total charges for parts and labor.
Statement One Alone:
The sales tax on the charge for labor was $9.60.
Using the information in statement one, we can create the following equation:
0.06L = 9.60
We see that we can determine a value for L and thus we have enough information to determine a value for 53 + 1.06L. Statement one alone is sufficient to answer the question. We can eliminate answer choices B, C, and E.
Statement Two Alone:
The total sales tax was $12.60.
Using the information in statement two, we can create the following sales tax equation:
0.06(50) + 0.06L = 12.60
Once again, we see that we can determine a value for L, and thus we have enough information to determine a value for 53 + 1.06L. Statement two alone is sufficient to answer the question.
Answer: D
