GRE DI: Additional, Challenging Problem

In the previous lesson, we solved a set of 10 rich and diverse Data Interpretation questions. In this short lesson, you now solve one additional challenging GRE style DI question. This question sits at the highest level of difficulty that you may encounter on the GRE. After the learning built across the earlier lessons, this exercise acts as a final checkpoint. If you solve this question with comfort, you are progressing very well in your DI preparation. If the question stretches your thinking, that is natural. Take the learning forward and apply it across your GRE prep and practice across GRE exercises and full-length GRE practice tests. 

A Challenging GRE-style Data Interpretation Problem

Correct Answer: 72

 

For a detailed explanation, please refer to the video presented earlier on this page.

 

Following is a concise, step-wise written explanation…

 

Question

If 64 percent of the total waste generated by households came from single-family homes and if 52 percent of the waste from single-family homes consisted of organic waste, approximately what percent of all organic waste was generated by single-family homes?

A. 28

B. 37

C. 44

D. 57

E. 72

 

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify Total Organic Waste

From the table, the total organic waste is 46 percent of the total waste.

Identify Organic Waste from Single-Family Homes

Single-family homes produce 64 percent of the total waste.

Out of that waste, 52 percent is organic.

Organic waste from single-family homes = 0.52 * 0.64 of the total waste.

Calculate the Required Percentage

To find what percent this is of ALL organic waste, divide the single-family organic waste by the total organic waste: (0.52 * 0.64) / 0.46

Simplify and Solve

0.3328 / 0.46 = 0.7234

Converting to percentage: 0.7234 * 100 = 72.34 percent.

The closest approximate value is 72.

 

Correct Answer: 72

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