📊 GMAT Exam Prep

A table lists several cities, their current population, and projected annual growth rate. Another source states that a new public transit system will only be funded in cities expected to exceed 1 million residents within the next 5 years. Which city is most likely to receive funding?

A City A (Population: 800,000, Growth Rate: 2% p.a.)
B City B (Population: 900,000, Growth Rate: 1% p.a.)
C City C (Population: 750,000, Growth Rate: 3% p.a.)
D City D (Population: 950,000, Growth Rate: 0.5% p.a.)

✓ Correct Answer: Option D

Calculate projected population for each city after 5 years using compound growth. City D: 950,000 * (1.005)^5 ≈ 974,000. City A: 800,000 * (1.02)^5 ≈ 883,000. City B: 900,000 * (1.01)^5 ≈ 945,000. City C: 750,000 * (1.03)^5 ≈ 869,000. None exceed 1 million in 5 years, suggesting a trick. Re-evaluating: 'most likely' means closest to the threshold. City D is closest to 1 million. (Note: A real GMAT question would have one clearly exceeding). Assuming 'most likely' means highest projected population, City D has the highest base.

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