GMAT Arithmetic: If the excess amount is to be refunded…
Question
Three people each contributed x dollars toward the purchase of a car. They then bought the car for y dollars, an amount less than the total number of dollars contributed. If the excess amount is to be refunded to the three people in equal amounts, each person should receive a refund of how many dollars?
- (3x-y)/3
- (x-y)/3
- (x-3y)/3
- (y-3x)/3
- 3(x-y)
Topics: calculations, fractions
Solution
Step 1
We translate "Three people each contributed x dollars" into an equation
x + x + x = 3x
Step 2
We translate "excess amount" by subtracting the car's cost from the total contribution
3x - y
Step 3
We translate "refunded to the three people in equal amounts" as dividing the excess by 3
(3x-y)/3
Answer
(3x-y)/3 (A)
