GMAT OFFICIAL GUIDE DS

Solution:

We are given that the inflation for the year 1989 relative to the year 1970 was 3.56, which means the price of an item in 1989 was 3.56 times the price of the same item in 1970. We are also given that the price of a Model K mixer increased according to the given inflation index, and from that we must determine the price of the mixer in 1970.

If we let x = the price of the Model K mixer in 1970, then the price of the Model K mixer in 1989 is 3.56x. Thus, we must determine the value of x.

Statement One Alone:

The price of the Model K mixer was $102.40 more in 1989 than in 1970.

Using the information in statement one, we can create the following equation:

3.56x = 102.40 + x

We see that we have enough information to determine the value of x. Statement one alone is sufficient to answer the question. We can eliminate answer choices B, C, and E.

Statement Two Alone:

The price of the Model K mixer was $142.40 in 1989.

Using the information in statement two we can create the following equation:

3.56x = 142.40

We see that we have enough information to determine the value of x.

Answer: D

About The Author

Scott Woodbury-Stewart is the founder & CEO of Target Test Prep. A passionate teacher who is deeply invested in the success of his students, Scott began his career teaching physics, chemistry, math, and biology. Since then, he has spent more than a decade helping students gain entry into the world’s top business schools, logging 10,000+ hours of GMAT, EA, GRE and SAT instruction. Scott also served as lead content developer and curriculum architect for the revolutionary courses Target Test Prep GMAT, Target Test Prep EA, Target Test Prep GRE and Target Test Prep SAT Quant.