We know $$3 x+2 y+z=42$$, where $$x, y \& z$$ are positive integers; we need to compare the value of $$x+y+z$$ with 18 .

If we put $x=y=z$ in the equation $$3 x+2 y+z=42$$, we get $$6 x=42 \Rightarrow x=7$$, so the value of $$x+y+z=21$$ which implies column $$A$$ has higher quantity.


But if we take only $$y=z$$, we get $$3 x+3 y=42 \Rightarrow x+y=14$$ which is true for many pairs out of which $$(x, y)=(10,4)$$ is one. So, we get $$x+y+z=10+4+4=18$$ which implies column $$A$$ quantity equals column B quantity, so the answer is (C)

Since there are many values possible for the sum of $$\mathrm{x}, \mathrm{y}$$ \& $z$ which may or may not be greater than 18 , a unique comparison cannot be made.

Hence the answer is (D).