Yesterday, Integrated Learning posted a 700 level GMAT question on our blog. Today, they have followed up with the answer:
There are many ways to figure this one out. We will do it algebraically:
The first p people sold 200 knives, so they sold 200p knives all together. As well, each of the p people found p more people to sell knives, each who sold 200 knives apiece. That means there are p2 people who sold 200 knives. The total number of knives sold can be written as: 200p + 200p2 = T.
Statement 1 tells us that the first p people sold 1/9 of the total. That means 200p = 1/9T. Now we have two equations with two variables. We can insert the second equation into the first: 1/9T + 1/9Tp = T. Solve for p, and p = 8.
Statement 2 tells us what the value of T is, so we can substitute that as well: 200p + 200p2 = 14,400. Solve for p and you will get p = 8.
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