GMAT MATH - Data sufficiency

Instructions

This data sufficiency problem consists of a question and two statements, labeled (1) and (2), in which certain data are given. You have to decide whether the data given in the statements are sufficient for answering the question. Using the data given in the statements plus your knowledge of mathematics and everyday facts (such as the number of days in July or the meaning of counterclockwise), you must indicate whether

Note:

In data sufficient problems that ask for the value of a quantity the data given in the statements are sufficient only when it is possible to determine exactly one numerical value for the quantity.

If a salesman received a commission of 3% of the sales that he has booked in a month, what was the sales booked by the salesman in the month of November 2003?

(1) The sales booked by the salesman in the month of November 2003 minus salesman’s commission was $245,000
(2) The selling price of the sales booked by the salesman in the month of November 2003 were 125 percent of the original purchase price of $225,000.

Explanatory answer

From statement (1), we know that the sales value after the salesman’s commission. If his commission is 3% of the sales booked. Then the net sales value is 100 – 3 = 97% of the sales booked.

From statement (1), we know that 97% of sales booked = $245,000. So we can find out the sales booked. Statement (1) alone is sufficient.

From statement (2), we know that the original cost of the products is $225,000. We know the sales booked = 1.25 * 225,000. Hence, statement (2) is also sufficient.

As each of the two statements are independently sufficient to answer the question, choice (D) is the best answer.