Help before I smash my computer (GRE Q)

Test Preparation
1

<p>The good news: I have been studying math review for a month (no math classes cince 1998) and I downloaded the paper GRE test from the ETS. I took the first of 2 quantatative sections and hit 28 out of 30 right (extrapolated is a 770). MUCH better than the 550 I got in 1993. </p>

<p>The BAD NEWS: This 1 problem SEEMS EASY, but I cannot figure out what I am doing wrong. If you can help me, I'd REALLY APPRECIATE it!</p>

<p>"Before Maria changed jobs, her salary was 24% higher than Juans. After she changed jobs, her salary was 24% LOWER than her previous salary. Who's salary is higher, or are they equal."</p>

<p>My Answer:</p>

<p>J's salary = 1.0
M's first salary =1.24
M's new salary= (1.24) X 0.86 = 1.0664 </p>

<p>Therefore M's NEW salary is greater than J's salary.</p>

<p>The answer key states that Juan's current salary is higher. </p>

<p>I cannot see what I am doing wrong here. PLEASE HELP and thank you.</p>

2

<p>sorry dude, but that would be 1.24 x 0.76, not 0.86 if it was 24% lower....</p>

3

<p>You inadvertently made a simple arithmetic error.</p>

<p>If Juan's salary was currently $1.00 and Maria's salary was $1.24. After she changed jobs (resulting in a 24% deduction), the correct procedure would be:</p>

<p>Let M = Maria's new salary</p>

<p>M = 1.24(0.76) = $0.9424</p>

<p>.:. Juan's salary > Maria's salary</p>

<p>*1.00-0.24 = 0.76 (Not 0.86 as you mistakenly put)</p>

4

<p>Holey cow, thanks a lot. Man, I am a goofball! I just need to not be so careless on the test. Sooooo releived now! Shouldnt have drank those Mic Lights before I started the test LOL.</p>