Free Practice Question
PS · Problem Solving
505-555
Algebra
In a group of 60 scientists, 50 percent will be assigned to Group X and the remaining 50 percent to Group Y. However, 80 percent of the scientists prefer Group X and 20 percent prefer Group Y. What is the lowest possible number of scientists who will NOT be assigned to the group they prefer?
Answer Choices
Correct answer marked belowA
10
B
12
C
15
18
Correct
E
20
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Explanation
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Official Explanation
Official
To find the lowest possible number of scientists who will not be assigned to the group they prefer, we first calculate the number of scientists assigned to each group and their preferences. There are 60 scientists in total. 50 percent assigned to Group X means 30 scientists (60 * 0.5 = 30) will be in Group X, and the same for Group Y. 80 percent prefer Group X, which is 48 scientists (60 * 0.8 = 48), and 20 percent prefer Group Y, which is 12 scientists (60 * 0.2 = 12). To minimize the number of scientists not…
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Comments
6
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D
DevanganaFeb 18, 2025
thanks
A
AlejandroApr 1, 2025
Greatt
C
chungJan 17, 2025
Great!
N
NiharikaMay 4, 2025
this helped me
N
NikhilJul 6, 2024
Good question
S
ShivamFeb 16, 2025
thanks
What this question tests
What it tests
Your ability to manipulate linear and quadratic expressions, substitute unknowns, and solve equations under time pressure.
Common trap
Losing a sign when moving terms across the equals sign, or dividing both sides by a variable that could equal zero.
Details
Difficulty
505-555
Type
PS
Category