At the end of August, a store discounts all s… | GMAT Sprint

Free Practice Question

PS · Problem Solving

705-805

Fractions/Ratios/Decimals

At the end of August, a store discounts all swimsuits by 40 percent to 50 percent. At the beginning of October, all remaining swimsuits are discounted by an additional 10 percent. What is the lowest possible original price of a swimsuit that cost $27 in October?

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

$30

$45

$50

Correct

$55

$60

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Explanation

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Official Explanation

Official

The question asks for the lowest possible original price which after discount becomes $27.

To minimize the original price, we should apply the maximum discount at each stage.

First discount: 50% (to minimize price) → multiplier =

0.5

Additional discount: 10% → multiplier =

0.9

Let original price =

x

Equation:

0.5 \times 0.9 \times x = 27

0.45x = 27

x = \frac{27}{0.45} = 60

But wait — this gives $60, which is option E. However, the question asks for the lowest possible original price. If we use 50% discount first, we get $60.…

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What this question tests

What it tests

Your ability to convert between fractions, ratios, and decimals and to reason proportionally.

Common trap

Cross-multiplying incorrectly or mixing up the ratio parts — a part:part ratio is not a fraction of the whole.