Julio is trying to decide between 4 different vendors for a new IT system. Vendor D is less expensive than Vendor C. Vendor C is more expensive than Vendor B. Vendor B is less expensive than Vendor D. Vendor D is less expensive than Vendor A. If Julio wants to purchase the least expensive system, which Vendor will he pick?
Vendor A
Vendor B
Vendor C
Vendor D
Vendor A or B
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The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To determine which vendor Julio should choose for the least expensive IT system, we must compare the relative costs of the four vendors based on the given information:
Given:
- Vendor D is less expensive than Vendor C.
→ D < C - Vendor C is more expensive than Vendor B.
→ C > B → B < C - Vendor B is less expensive than Vendor D.
→ B < D - Vendor D is less expensive than Vendor A.
→ D < A
Step-by-step comparison:
From statement 3:
- B < D
From statement 1:
- D < C, and since B < D, we now know: B < D < C
From statement 4:
- D < A, so now we can add A into the sequence:
→ B < D < C, and D < A
→ So B < D < C and D < A, meaning B < D < C, and A is highest.
So putting all together in order from least to most expensive:
- B < D < C < A
Conclusion:
Since Vendor B is the least expensive of all, Julio should choose Vendor B.
✅ Correct Answer: Vendor B
300-Word Explanation:
To determine which vendor offers the least expensive IT system, we must analyze and compare the relative pricing given in the problem.
First, we’re told Vendor D is less expensive than Vendor C. This gives us D < C. Next, Vendor C is more expensive than Vendor B, or C > B, which implies B < C. Then, it is said that Vendor B is less expensive than Vendor D, giving us B < D.
Putting these relationships together:
- From B < D and D < C, we can conclude: B < D < C
The last comparison states that Vendor D is less expensive than Vendor A, or D < A. Combining this with the previous relationships, we get:
- B < D < C
- And D < A, so Vendor A must be the most expensive.
Now we can build the full ranking of the vendors from least to most expensive:
- Vendor B < Vendor D < Vendor C < Vendor A
From this, it’s clear that Vendor B is the cheapest option.
When faced with relative comparisons like these, a good strategy is to list the vendors and slowly establish relationships based on the given statements. Drawing a number line or simple inequality expressions can help you keep track.
Julio’s goal is to purchase the least expensive system. Based on the logical order we’ve established, the lowest-priced vendor is Vendor B, making it the best choice for his budget.