I've Noticed that the Builders are Mixing 10% More than the Regular Amount of Chemical Hardener

Question: Engineer: I've noticed that the builders are mixing 10% more than the regular amount of chemical hardener into the A504 building material that they are using. This will lead to problems at a later stage in the project.

Project manager: The extra hardener causes the material to stabilize in a shorter amount of time. This method will allow us to reach the painting stage sooner, and thereby complete the project well before the deadline.

Which of the following, if true, most supports the engineer's claim?

1. Because a hardened form of A504 does not release toxic gases, it cannot be inhaled and is, therefore, not harmful.
2. When a hardener is mixed into a building material, the mixed substance immediately begins to react, leaving a builder only a few minutes to work, before it loses all elasticity.
3. When preparing A504, the chemical hardener should make up no more than 10% of the final mixture.
4. The chemical reaction caused by A504's contact with an excess amount of hardener is quicker, releasing higher levels of heat energy, and resulting in a much weaker final structure.
5. Construction companies are given the last payment for a project on delivery of the completed building, and are heavily penalized for not meeting deadlines.

Answer: D

Explanation: This is a GMAT Critical Reasoning Conclusion-Weakening question in the Dialog format. We need to choose the answer choice which strengthens the engineer's claim (or weakens the project manager's claim):

Now, let us check the given options:

1. Incorrect.
   Option A is neutral. It neither weakens nor strengthens the claim of the engineer. The extra hardener can be useful. However, there are no details about it being poisonous. Hence this statement is not correct.
2. Incorrect.
   Option B neither weakens nor strengthens the claim of the engineer. The extra hardener can help in the task. This statement is incorrect as this specific detail does not affect the statement.
3. Incorrect.
   Option C neither weakens nor strengthens the claim of the engineer. The statement implies that the addition to the amount of hardener is used in a regular amount. Hence, we cannot know if this statement is for, or against, the engineer's claim.
4. Correct.
   Option D is correct as this statement strengthens the engineer's claim. The resultant material can be weakened when used in a larger amount of hardener. So, the engineer’s claim is right to lead to problems at a later stage in the project. Hence option E is the correct answer.
5. Incorrect.
   Option E strengthens the project manager's claim. But the deadlines are critical, and that the last payment depends on finishing the building. Hence this statement cannot be considered.

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