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After replacing her old air conditioner with a new, energy-efficient unit, Paula’s electric bills increased.
Q. Each of the following, if true, contributes to an explanation of the increase mentioned above EXCEPT: 
  • a)
    Paula installed an electricity-intensive indoor tanning bed after she replaced her air conitioning unit.
  • b)
    The new air conditioner uses a smaller share of the electricity used by Paula’s home than did the old unit.
  • c)
    Following the installation of her new air conditioner, Paula's neighborhood experienced a prolonged and severe heat wave, requiring heavy use of the new unit.
  • d)
    Paula's electricity costs increased by 15 cents per kilowatt hour after she replaced her air conditioner.
  • e)
    Soon after the new air conditioner was installed, Paula adopted a child, doubling the size of her household.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
After replacing her old air conditioner with a new, energy-efficient u...



Explanation:

Paula's Electric Bills Increase
- After replacing her old air conditioner with a new, energy-efficient unit, Paula noticed an increase in her electric bills.

Analysis of Each Option:

a) Paula installed an electricity-intensive indoor tanning bed after she replaced her air conditioning unit:
- This could explain the increase in electric bills as the new tanning bed consumes a significant amount of electricity.

b) The new air conditioner uses a smaller share of the electricity used by Paula’s home than did the old unit:
- This option does not contribute to explaining the increase in electric bills as it implies that the new air conditioner is more energy-efficient, which should result in lower electricity consumption.

c) Following the installation of her new air conditioner, Paula’s neighborhood experienced a prolonged and severe heat wave, requiring heavy use of the new unit:
- This could be a contributing factor as increased usage of the air conditioner during a heatwave would lead to higher electricity consumption.

d) Paula’s electricity costs increased by 15 cents per kilowatt-hour after she replaced her air conditioner:
- This information suggests a direct correlation between the increase in electric bills and the replacement of the air conditioner.

e) Soon after the new air conditioner was installed, Paula adopted a child, doubling the size of her household:
- This could also explain the increase in electric bills as a larger household would consume more electricity for various activities.

In Conclusion:
- Option B does not contribute to explaining the increase in electric bills, as a more energy-efficient air conditioner should result in lower electricity consumption. The other options provide plausible explanations for Paula's increased electric bills.
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Community Answer
After replacing her old air conditioner with a new, energy-efficient u...
The correct answer here is the one that does not explain the apparent paradox. That the new unit uses a smaller share of total electricity is consistent with its being more energy efficient. It does not explain how her electric bills could have gone up despite her installation of the more efficient unit; all other answers provide possible resolutions of such apparent paradox.
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After replacing her old air conditioner with a new, energy-efficient unit, Paula’s electric bills increased.Q. Each of the following, if true, contributes to an explanation of the increase mentioned above EXCEPT:a)Paula installed an electricity-intensive indoor tanning bed after she replaced her air conitioning unit.b)The new air conditioner uses a smaller share of the electricity used by Paula’s home than did the old unit.c)Following the installation of her new air conditioner, Paulas neighborhood experienced a prolonged and severe heat wave, requiring heavy use of the new unit.d)Paulas electricity costs increased by 15 cents per kilowatt hour after she replaced her air conditioner.e)Soon after the new air conditioner was installed, Paula adopted a child, doubling the size of her household.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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After replacing her old air conditioner with a new, energy-efficient unit, Paula’s electric bills increased.Q. Each of the following, if true, contributes to an explanation of the increase mentioned above EXCEPT:a)Paula installed an electricity-intensive indoor tanning bed after she replaced her air conitioning unit.b)The new air conditioner uses a smaller share of the electricity used by Paula’s home than did the old unit.c)Following the installation of her new air conditioner, Paulas neighborhood experienced a prolonged and severe heat wave, requiring heavy use of the new unit.d)Paulas electricity costs increased by 15 cents per kilowatt hour after she replaced her air conditioner.e)Soon after the new air conditioner was installed, Paula adopted a child, doubling the size of her household.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2024 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about After replacing her old air conditioner with a new, energy-efficient unit, Paula’s electric bills increased.Q. Each of the following, if true, contributes to an explanation of the increase mentioned above EXCEPT:a)Paula installed an electricity-intensive indoor tanning bed after she replaced her air conitioning unit.b)The new air conditioner uses a smaller share of the electricity used by Paula’s home than did the old unit.c)Following the installation of her new air conditioner, Paulas neighborhood experienced a prolonged and severe heat wave, requiring heavy use of the new unit.d)Paulas electricity costs increased by 15 cents per kilowatt hour after she replaced her air conditioner.e)Soon after the new air conditioner was installed, Paula adopted a child, doubling the size of her household.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for After replacing her old air conditioner with a new, energy-efficient unit, Paula’s electric bills increased.Q. Each of the following, if true, contributes to an explanation of the increase mentioned above EXCEPT:a)Paula installed an electricity-intensive indoor tanning bed after she replaced her air conitioning unit.b)The new air conditioner uses a smaller share of the electricity used by Paula’s home than did the old unit.c)Following the installation of her new air conditioner, Paulas neighborhood experienced a prolonged and severe heat wave, requiring heavy use of the new unit.d)Paulas electricity costs increased by 15 cents per kilowatt hour after she replaced her air conditioner.e)Soon after the new air conditioner was installed, Paula adopted a child, doubling the size of her household.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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