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Algebraic Funds GMAT, GRE Algebra Problem



Ms. Morris invested in Fund A and Fund B. The total amount she invested, in both funds combined, was $100,000. In one year, Fund A paid 23% and Fund B paid 17%. The interest earned in Fund B was exactly $200 greater than the interest earned in Fund A. How much did Ms. Morris invest in Fund A?
(A) $32,000
(B) $36,000
(C) $40,000
(D) $42,000
(E) $45,000




Let's make a couple equations to accommodate a couple of variables,

A+B=100,000

0.17B=0.23A+200

You now have two equations, so you can either substitute or eliminate. In the explanation above, elimination is used, here I use substitution (elimination is easier in this case)

Multiply everything to get rid of the decimals 
17B=23A+20,000

Isolate first equation to solve for A
B=100,000-A

Plug in for B:
17(100,000-A)=23A+20,000
1,700,000-17A=23A+20,000
1,680,000=40A
1,680,000/40=A

A=42,000

D

Jeremiah LaBrash

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