CAT Question Paper | CAT Verbal Ability Slot
CATKing Student
Question :

A shop wants to sell a certain quantity (in kg) of grains. It sells half the quantity and an additional 3 kg of
these grains to the first customer. Then, it sells half of the remaining quantity and an additional 3 kg of
these grains to the second customer. Finally, when the shop sells half of the remaining quantity and an
additional 3 kg of these grains to the third customer, there are no grains left. The initial quantity, in kg, of
grains is

Started 1 day ago by Admin in

Option C is the correct answer.

Explanatory Answer

Let the initial quantity of grains be x kg.  

Step 1: First customer  
Grains sold = (1/2)x + 3  
Remaining grains = x - [(1/2)x + 3] = (1/2)x - 3  

Step 2: Second customer  
Grains sold = (1/2)((1/2)x - 3) + 3 = (1/4)x - 3/2 + 3 = (1/4)x + 3/2  
Remaining grains = ((1/2)x - 3) - ((1/4)x + 3/2) = (1/4)x - 9/2  

Step 3: Third customer  
Grains sold = (1/2)((1/4)x - 9/2) + 3 = (1/8)x - 9/4 + 3 = (1/8)x + 3/4  

Remaining grains = ((1/4)x - 9/2) - ((1/8)x + 3/4) = 0  

Step 4: Solve for x  
(1/4)x - 9/2 - 1/8 x - 3/4 = 0  
(1/8)x - 21/4 = 0  
(1/8)x = 21/4  
x = (21/4) * 8 = 42  

Answer: Initial quantity of grains = 42 kg

  • No one is replied to this question yet. Be first to reply!