MR GMAT Algebra 6e

6 th
Edition
GMAT Algebra Guide

Joern Meissner
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Contents
1 Welcome 1
2 Concepts of Algebra 3
2.1 Identities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Linear Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3 Quadratic Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.4 Inequalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.5 Functions and graphs of functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3 Practice Questions 39
3.1 Problem Solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
3.2 Data Sufficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
4 Answer-key 97
4.1 Problem Solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
5 Solutions 101
5.1 Problem Solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
6 Talk to Us 223
vii
viii Algebra Guide

Chapter 1
Welcome
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1
2 Algebra Guide Concepts

Chapter 2
Concepts of Algebra
3
2.1 Identities
Let us first look at a few basic terms.
Polynomial: A polynomial is an expression of variables that can only have rational coefficients.
For example, x 3 + 2xy 2 + 6z is a polynomial.
Order and Degree: The Order of a polynomial refers to the number of variables involved in the poly-
nomial.
For example, x 2 + 2xy is a polynomial of order 2 since there are two variables, x and y.
The Degree of a polynomial refers to the highest value of the exponent of any variable in the polyno-
mial.
For example, x 2 + 2xy has degree 2 since the highest exponent is 2.
Identities: An identity is a statement equating two expressions which are equal for all values of the
variables involved.
For example, 5x = 2x + 3x is an identity, as 5x and 2x + 3x are equal for all values for x.
Some important identities are as follows:
(a b)2 = a2 2ab + b2
1 2 1

x = x2 + 2 2
x x
a2 b2 = (a + b) (a b)
(a b)3 = a3 3a2 b + 3ab2 b3 = a3 b3 3ab(a b)
Let us take an example:
1 1
If x + = 2, what is the value of x 4 + 4 ?
x x
1 2 1

We have: x + = 22 => x 2 + 2 + 2 = 4
x x
1
=> x 2 + 2 = 4 2 = 2
x
1 2 1

=> x 2 + 2 = 22 => x 4 + 4 + 2 = 4
x x
1
=> x 4 + 4 = 4 2 = 2.
x
Let us take another example:

(0.21 + 0.17)2 + (0.21 0.17)2
What is the value of ?
0.212 + 0.172
Let a = 0.21 and b = 0.17

Algebra Guide Concepts 5
Thus, we have:
(0.21 + 0.17)2 + (0.21 0.17)2

0.212 + 0.172
2 2
(a + b) + (a b)
= 2 2
(a + b )
a2 + 2ab + b2 + a2 2ab + b2
=
a2 + b 2
2 a2 + b2

=
a2 + b 2
=2

2.2 Linear Equations

Linear equations are equations in which the highest exponent/index of the variables is 1, i.e. the de-
gree is 1.
For example, 2x + 5 = 11 is a linear equation with a single variable, x, whose index is one.
Similarly, 3x + 5y = 9 is a linear equation with two variables, x and y, and the indices of both are 1.
Solving linear equations with a single variable:
While solving any linear equation with a single term, we need to group all terms containing the variable
on the left and all other constant terms on the right.
While shifting terms from left to right as addition or subtraction, the sign of the terms are negated.
Similarly, while shifting terms from left to right as a multiplication or division, the processes are in-
terchanged.
2x + 1 3
4= x
3 2
We group all terms with x to the left and the other constant terms to the right. Thus, the term x,
when taken to the left becomes +x, similarly, the term 4, when taken to the right, becomes +4:
2x + 1 3
+x = +4
3 2
Simplifying the left and right sides:
(2x + 1) + 3x 3+24
=
3 2
5x + 1 11
=> =
3 2
The 3 on the left and the 2 on the right are both divisions, and hence, on changing sides, they
become multiplication:
=> 2 (5x + 1) = 11 3
=> 10x + 2 = 33
We take the constant 2 to the right:
=> 10x = 33 2 = 31
The 10 as a product on the left is taken to the right as a division:
31
=> x =
10
Solving Linear Equations with two variables:
There are two possible ways of solving such equations:

Method of substitution: From the first equation, we express one variable in terms of the other
and substitute in the second equation.
Solving simultaneously: Using both equations simultaneously we eliminate one of the two vari-
ables.
2x + 3y = 15 . . . (i)
5x 2y = 28 . . . (ii)
Solving by the method of substitution:

15 3y
From (i): x =
2
Substituting in (ii):

5 15 3y
2y = 28
2
The above can be solved as discussed above, for a single variable:
=> 75 15y 4y = 56 => 19y = 19
=> y = 1
Substituting y = 1 in the expression for x, we have:
15 3 1
x= =6
2
Solving simultaneously:
We need to eliminate one of the variables by multiplying the equations with a suitable constant
and then adding/subtracting them:
Equation (i) 2 + equation (ii) 3:
4x + 6y = 30
15x 6y = 84
=> 19x = 114 => x = 6
Substituting x = 6 in (i):
2 6 + 3y = 15
15 12
=> y = =1
3

Graphically, a pair of linear equations with two variables represents two straight lines, the solution of
which represents their point of intersection.
Let us take two general equations:
ax + by = c . . . (i)
Ax + By = C . . . (ii)
Here, a, b, c, A, B, C are the constants and x, y are the variables.
There are three important results possible:
a b c
= = : This implies that the equations are identical equations, i.e. they are overlapping
A B C
lines and hence, they have infinite solutions.
a b c
= 6= : This implies that the equations are equations of parallel lines and since parallel
A B C
lines never intersect, there exists no possible solution.
a b
6= : This refers to the case of intersecting lines, i.e. a unique solution can be obtained from
A B
the two equations.
a b c
6= = : Since the ratio of coefficients of y is the same as the ratio of the constant
A B C
terms, the value of y in the equation is zero.
b a c
6= = : Since the ratio of coefficients of x is the same as the ratio of the constant
B A C
terms, the value of x in the equation is zero.
Solving for x and y from a single equation given they are integers:
Find all the possible values of x and y if 6x + 32y = 102, where x, y are positive integers:
First we need to reduce the coefficients to their lowest terms.

Thus, we have: 3x + 16y = 51
We find any possible integer solution of the above equation (it is not important to keep both x
and y positive at this stage).
We can see that x = 17 and y = 0 obviously satisfies.
It is clear that we need to increase the value of y to make it positive. Thus, we add the coefficient
of x to the value of y and simultaneously, we subtract the coefficient of y from the value of x
to generate the next possible integer solution. Thus, we get:

x y
17 0
17 16 = 1 0+3=3
1 16 = 15 3+3=6
We see that on repeating the same process a second time, the value of x becomes negative and hence,
inadmissible. Thus, there is only one possible solution: x = 1, y = 3.
Determining the value of an expression involving the variables without solving:
2x + 5y = 19 . . . (i)
x + 2y = 8 . . . (ii)
We need to determine the values of:
(1) 3x + 7y
(2) x + 3y
(3) 4x + 9y
For (1): Simply adding (i) and (ii): 3x + 7y = 27
For (2): Simply subtracting (ii) from (i): x + 3y = 11
For (3): (i) + 2 (ii): 4x + 9y = 35
Additional solved problems:
(1) In the GCAT test, for every correct answer, a student is awarded +3 marks and for every wrong
answer, the student is awarded 1 marks. There are 40 questions and the student must answer
all questions.
I. If the student gets 40 marks, how many questions did he get correct?
II. How many different scores can the student get, if he randomly marks the answers?
Explanation:
Let the student got x correct and y wrong answers.
I. Thus, we have:
x + y = 40 (There are 40 questions and he answered all questions)
3x y = 40 (Each correct answer is of 3 marks and each wrong is of 1 mark)
Adding the above two equations:
4x = 80 => x = 20

II. If the student answers all questions randomly, x changes from 0 to 40 and y, correspond-
ingly changes from 40 to 0.
Thus, there are 41 possible values of the score: 120, 116, . . . . . . . . . 36, 40.
(2) A and B have a number of marbles. The total number of marbles is 24. If A gives B 6 marbles,
the ratio of the number of marbles with A and B is reversed. How many marbles does A have?
Explanation:
Let the number of marbles with A be x.
Thus, the number of marbles with B = (24 x).
After A gives 6 marbles to B, we have:
Number of marbles with A = (x 6).
Number of marbles with B = (24 x + 6) = (30 x).
Since the ratio of the number of marbles with A and B is reversed, we have:
x6 24 x
=
30 x x
=> x 2 6x = 720 54x + x 2
=> 48x = 720
=> x = 15
Alternate approach:
As we can see, the above approach is a bit complicated.
However, we can use a much simpler logic.
After A gives B 6 marbles, the total number of marbles with A and B remain unchanged.
Since the ratio of the number of marbles has reversed, we can simply say that the number of
marbles with A and B have been interchanged.
Thus, we have:
x 6 = 24 x
=> x = 15

(3) Abe has 20 coins with him. A few of the coins are dimes (a dime is equal to 10 cents) and the
rest are quarters (a quarter is equal to 25 cents). If the total amount with him is $4.25, how many
dimes and quarters does he have separately? (Note: 100 cents make a dollar)
Explanation:
Let us solve this problem in three different ways.
Approach 1: Using two variables
Let the number of dimes be x and the number of quarters be y.
Thus, we have:
x + y = 20 . . . (i)
Total worth of dimes is 10x cents and the total worth of quarters is 25y cents.
Since the total amount with him is $4.25, i.e. 425 cents, we have:
10x + 25y = 425
=> 2x + 5y = 85 . . . (ii)
(ii) (i) 2:
3y = 45
=> y = 15
=> x = 5
Approach 2: Using one variable
Let the number of dimes be x.
Since there are 20 coins, the number of quarters = (20 x)
Since the total amount is 425 cents, we have:
10x + 25 (20 x) = 425
=> 10x 25x = 425 500
=> 15x = 75

=> x = 5
=> Number of quarters = 20 5 = 15
Approach 3: Using No variables
Let us assume that all his coins are dimes.
Thus, he has 20 dimes, which account for 20 10 = 200 cents.
However, he actually has 425 cents.
Thus, there is a shortage of 425 200 = 225 cents.
Thus, we can conclude that some of his dimes are actually quarters.
In that case, each such dime would increase in value from 10 cents to 25 cents, i.e. an increase
of 25 10 = 15 cents.
The number of times such a conversion from dime to quarter required to fulfill the shortage of
225 cents
225
= = 15 times
15
Thus, of the 20 dimes, 15 need to be converted to quarters and the rest should remain as dimes.
Thus, number of quarters is 15 and the number of dimes is 5.
(4) Joe purchases 7 identical gift-packs from Shop A and 4 identical gift-packs from Shop B. Each
gift pack has a number of pens. The total number of pens in the 11 gift-packs is 26. If he wants
additional 18 pens, what is the maximum number of gift-packs, similar to the ones he purchased
initially, he needs to buy?
Explanation:
Let the number of pens present in gift-packs from Shop A = x
Let the number of pens present in gift-packs from Shop B = y

Thus, total number of pens = 7x + 4y
Thus, we have:
7x + 4y = 26
Since x and y must be positive integers, 4y is even. Thus, 7x must also be even since the sum
of 7x and 4y is 26, an even number.

Since 7x is even, x must be even.
Thus, the only value of x = 2 (any value of x greater than 3 is not possible since 7x would exceed
26 and y would become negative).
Thus, we have:
26 7 2
y= =3
4
Thus, the gift-packs from Shop A have 2 pens each and those from Shop B have 3 pens each.
Thus, to maximize the number of gift-packs, he should purchase the ones from Shop A.
Thus, to buy 18 pens, the maximum number of gift-packs required
18
= =9
2

2.3 Quadratic Equations

An equation is said to be quadratic when the variable contains the highest exponent of 2, thus
a x 2 + b x + c is a quadratic expression in one variable i.e. of x .
Solving a Quadratic Equation by Factorization:
A quadratic equation can be solved quickly if it can be written in the form of a product of two linear
equations.
2x 2 7x + 6 = 0
The given equation can be written as:
2x 2 4x 3x + 6 = 0
While dividing the middle term in two parts, it should be seen that the product of the two terms equals
the product of the first and last terms of the quadratic.
Thus, here we have: (4x) (3x) = 2x 2 (6) = 12x 2

=> 2x (x 2) 3 (x 2) = 0
=> (2x 3) (x 2) = 0
This results in two separate linear equations:
2x 3 = 0
OR
x2=0
3
=> x = OR x = 2
2

Thus, each quadratic equation can be written in the form x p x q = 0, where p and q are the
roots of the quadratic equation.
Roots of a Quadratic Equation:
After suitable reduction, every quadratic equation can be written in the form:
ax 2 + b x + c = 0
The solution or the roots of the above equation is given by:

q q
2 2
ac
b + b 4a ac
b b 4a
p= and q = , where p and q are the roots of the equation.
a
2a a
2a
Let us see how:

ax 2 + bx + c = 0
Dividing throughout by a:
b c
x2 + x+ =0
a a
Let us combine the first two terms of the above equation to form a perfect square:
b b 2 b 2 c

=> x 2 + 2x + + =0
2a 2a 2a a
2 2 2
b b c b 4ac

=> x + = =
2a 2a a 4a2
Taking square roots on both sides:
s
b b2 4ac b2 4ac
=> x + = 2
=
2a 4a 2a

b 2
b 4ac
=> x =
2a 2a

2
b b 4ac
=> x =
2a
Let us find the roots of the previous equation 2x 2 7x + 6 = 0 using the above formula:
We have: a = 2, b = 7, c = 6
Thus, the roots are:

q
b b2 4ac (7) (7)2 4 (2) (6) 71 71 7+1 3
= = = OR = OR 2
2a 2 (2) 4 4 4 2
Discriminant:
2
The value given by D ( 4))= b 4a
ac , i.e. the quantity under the square root, is called the discriminant
and depending upon its value we can determine the nature of the roots of the quadratic equations:
If D 0: The roots are real
If D = 0: The roots are real and equal
If D > 0: The roots are real and unequal
If D < 0: The roots are imaginary
If D is a perfect square: The roots are real and rational
If D is not a perfect square: The roots

are real and irrational (one root is conjugate of the other,
i.e. the roots are of the form a b)
Let us take some example
In the equation x 2 + 2x + 1 = 0, D = b2 4ac = 22 4 (1) (1) = 0 => The roots are real and
equal.

In the equation x 2 +2x +2 = 0, D = b2 4ac = 22 4 (1) (2) = 4 < 0 => The roots are complex.
Sum and Product of the roots:
If the roots of the quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 are p and q, we have:
ax 2 + bx + c a x p

xq
=> ax 2 + bx + c a x 2 x p + q + pq

=> ax 2 + bx + c ax 2 a p + q x + apq

Comparing the coefficient of x and the constant term, we have:

b = a p + q and c = apq
b c
=> p+q= and pq=
a a
Expressing a quadratic equation in terms of its roots:
Suppose we have to form the equation whose roots are p and q.

Thus, we have: x p = 0 and x q = 0

=> x p xq =0
=> x 2 x p + q + pq = 0

=> x 2 (Sum of roots) x + (Product of roots) = 0
The equation having roots 2 and 5 is:
x 2 (2 + 5) x + (2) (5) = 0
=> x 2 3x 10 = 0
(1) A man can swim in still water (without any current) at a rate of 4 miles per hour. He undertakes
to swim from point A to point B and back, in a river which has a current of its own. If the distance
between the points A and B is 15 miles, and the total time he takes for the trip is 8 hours, what
is the rate of flow of the river current in miles per hour?
Note: While swimming against the river, the mans normal swimming rate would be reduced by
the amount of the rate of the current, similarly, while going along with the flow of the river, his
speed would be increased by the rate of the current.
Explanation:

Let the rate of the river current be r miles per hour.
Since the man makes a round trip, one way he would be swimming against the river, while the
other way, he would be swimming with the river.
Thus, while swimming against the river, the rate of the man = (4 r ) miles per hour
15

Thus, time taken to cover 15 miles = hours.
4r
While swimming with the river, the rate of the man = (4 + r ) miles per hour
15

Thus, time taken to cover 15 miles = hours.
4+r
Since the total time is 8 hours, we have:
15 15
+ =8
4r 4+r
=> 15 (4 + r + 4 r ) = 8 42 r 2

=> 8r 2 = 8 42 15 8 = 128 120
=> 8r 2 = 8 => r 2 = 1
=> r = 1
(2) A man buys a number of pieces of chocolates for $24. If the price of a piece of chocolate in-
creases by $2, he can buy 1 piece of chocolate less for the same amount. What is the price of 1
piece of chocolate?
Explanation:
Let the price of a piece of chocolate be $x.
24

Thus, the number of chocolate pieces the man can buy for $24 =
x
New price of a piece of chocolate = $ (x + 2).
24

Thus, the number of chocolate pieces the man can now buy for $24 =
x+2
Since the number of pieces of chocolate is 1 less than previously, we have:
24 24
= 1
x+2 x
24 24
=> =1
x x+2

24 (x + 2 x)
=> =1
x (x + 2)
=> x (x + 2) = 48
Since 48 = 6 8, we have:
x=6
Alternately, we can solve the quadratic:
x (x + 2) = 48 => x 2 + 2x 48 = 0
=> (x + 8) (x 6) = 0
=> x = 6
(3) The total cost, in dollars, of manufacturing n items of a product is given by 2n2 + 30 . The

selling price of each item is fixed at $36. What is the number of items that must be sold so as to
have maximum profit?
Explanation:
Total cost of manufacturing n items = $ 2n2 + 30 .

Selling price of each item = $36.
Thus, total selling price of n items = $ (36n).
Thus, profit earned = Selling price Cost price
= 36n 2n2 + 30

= 2 n2 18n + 15

= 2 n2 18n + 81 66

= 2(n 9)2 + 132
The profit would be maximized if the negative square term, i.e. 2(n 9)2 becomes 0, which
happens when n = 9.
The corresponding maximum value of the profit is $132.

2.4 Inequalities
Inequalities: It deals with cases where variables or numbers are less than or more than other variables
or numbers. The following symbols are used: >: More than <: Less than
: Less than or equal to : More than or equal to
Let us look at some of important rules:
(1) In any given inequality, we can add or subtract any quantity from both sides keeping the inequal-
ity the same.
For example: If we have: x > y
Adding z to both sides: x + z > y + z
Subtracting z from both sides: x z > y z
(2) In any given inequality, we can multiply or divide any other positive quantity on both sides
keeping the inequality the same.
Multiplying a positive quantity z on both sides: x z > y z
x y
Dividing by a positive quantity z on both sides: >
z z
(3) In any given inequality, we can multiply or divide any other negative quantity on both sides,
thus, reversing the inequality.
Multiplying a negative quantity (z) on both sides: x z < y z
x y
Dividing by a negative quantity (z) on both sides: <
z z
(4) Any two inequalities having the same inequality can be added.
For example: If we have: x > y and p > q
Adding the inequalities, we have: x + p > y + q
(5) In order to subtract one inequality from another, the former has to be negated, thus reversing
the inequality and then the inequalities can be added.
For example: If we have x > y and p > q
Negating the former inequality, we have: x < y => y > x
Thus, on adding the inequalities p > q and y > x, we have:
py >qx
(6) Any term with an even exponent is always non-negative, its minimum value being 0. Thus, we
have:
x 2 0, y 4 0, z6 0, etc.
Thus, if we have: x 5 y 2 z > 0, we have:

=> x 4 y 2 xz > 0


Since x 4 y 2 is always non-negative, we have:

=> xz > 0
=> x > 0 and y > 0
OR
x < 0 and y < 0
(7) Inequality of ratio of two quantities and the inequality of the product of those quantities are
similar.
x
For example: If we have: >0
y
x
=> y 2 > 0 (since y 2 > 0)
y
=> xy > 0
Note: However, there is a slightly different result for greater than or equal to or less than or
equal to type of inequalities, as shown:
x
If we have: 0
y
x
=> y2 0
y
=> xy 0
On careful observation, it can be seen that y = 0 is a possible solution for xy 0, however, not
x
so in the case of 0.
y
(1) Number line based inequalities: There are four important regions on a number line, as shown
below:
IV III II I
1 0 1
Some properties of the above four regions:
Region I: A number x in the region satisfies 1 < x <
Higher the exponent of x, higher is the value of the term and vice versa.
Thus, we have:
x < x 2 < x 3 . . . For example: 2 < 22 < 23
3
x > x > 3 x . . . For example: 2 > 2 > 2
Region II: A number x in the region satisfies 0 < x < 1
Higher the exponent of x, smaller is the value of the term and vice-versa.

Thus, we have:
2 3
1 1 1
x > x 2 > x 3 . . . For example:> >
2 2
s s2
1 1 3 1
x < x < 3 x . . . For example: < <
2 2 2
Region III: A number x in the region satisfies 1 < x < 0
For odd exponents (the values are always negative):

Thus, we have:
1 1 3 1 5

x < x 3 < x 5 . . . For example: < <
2 s2 s 2
1 3 1 5 1
x > 3 x > 5 x . . . For example: > >
2 2 2
For even exponents (the values are always positive):

Higher the exponent of x, smaller is the value of the term and vice versa.
Thus, we have:
1 2 1 4 1 6

x 2 > x 4 > x 6 . . . For example: > >
2 2 2
(Note: Square roots and fourth roots, etc. are not possible for negative numbers)
An even exponent results in a positive value, which will always be greater than the value
resulting from an odd exponent, which is always negative.
Region IV: A number x in the region satisfies < x < 1

For odd exponents (the values are always negative):
Higher the exponent of x, smaller is the value of the term and vice versa.
Thus, we have:
x > x 3 > x 5 . . . For example: 2 > (2)3 > (2)5

3

5

3

5
x< x< x . . . For example: 2 < 2 < 2
For even exponents (the values are always positive):

Thus, we have:
x 2 < x 4 < x 6 . . . For example: (2)2 < (2)4 < (2)6
(Note: Square roots and fourth roots, etc. are not possible for negative numbers)
An even exponent results in a positive value, which will always be greater than the value
resulting from an odd exponent, which is always negative.
(2) Quadratic inequalities: We have the following two rules:
x 2 < k2 => k < x < k

x 2 > k2 => x < k OR x > k
Any quadratic can be converted to one of the above two forms.
x 2 8x + 12 < 0
=> x 2 2 x 4 + 42 42 + 12 < 0

=> (x 4)2 < 4
=> 2 < x 4 < 2
=> 2 < x < 6
Alternately, we can use the rules below: If (x k) and (x m) are the factors of a quadratic, and
k > m, we have:
(x k) (x m) > 0 => x > k OR x < m

Thus, x is greater than the greatest root OR smaller than the smallest root.
(x k) (x m) < 0 => m < x < k

Thus, x lies between the two roots.
x 2 8x + 12 < 0
=> (x 2) (x 6) < 0
Since the roots are 2 and 6, with 6 being the greater root, we have:
=> 2 < x < 6
Modulus or Absolute value: Modulus of a number is a function that returns the magnitude of the
number ignoring the sign.
Thus, we have: |2| = |2| = 2
Hence, we have: |x| = 2 = > x=2
Another way of interpreting the modulus of a number is distance of the number from a point on the
number line.
For example, |x 3| denotes the distance of x from the point 3 on the number line.

Thus, |x 3| = 4 implies the distance of the point x from the point 3 on the number line is 4 units.
Since the distance can be measured on either side of 3, we attain the points 3 + 4 = 7 and 3 4 = 1
on the number line, as shown below.
4 4
1 3 7
Thus, using the above concept, we have:
|x a| = b => x a = b
=> x = a b
(1) Modulus based inequality: We have the following two rules:

|x a| > b
=> x a > b OR x a x > a + b OR x < a b
Alternately, the given inequality implies that the distance of x from a is greater than b units.
If the distance were equal to b units, we would have got the points (a + b) and (a b). Since
the distance should be greater than b units, x should overshoot the above two points, i.e. x
is greater than the greatest point or x is less than the smallest point.
Thus, we have: x > a + b OR x < a b
|x a| b < x a a b < x < a + b
Alternately, the given inequality implies that the distance of x from a is lesser than b units.
If the distance were equal to b units, we would have got the points (a + b) and (a b). Since
the distance should be lesser than b units, x should remain within the above two points.
Thus, we have: a b < x < a + b
For any two positive numbers a and b, we always have:

(a+b)
ab
2
For a given sum of two or more quantities, the product of the quantities is maximized if the
quantities are made equal.
Similarly, for a given product of two or more quantities, the sum of the quantities is minimized if the
quantities are made equal.
Let us take a few examples:

What is the maximum value of a b if 2a + 3b = 20?
Since we need to maximize a b, we need to maximize a and b.

Since 2a + 3b = 20, the product 2a 3b would be maximized if 2a = 3b
=> 2a + 2a = 20 => a = 5
=> 2a = 3b = 10
Thus, the maximum value of 2a 3b = 10 10 = 100
(2a) (3b) 100 50

=> The maximum value of a b = = =
6 6 3
What is the minimum perimeter of a rectangle having an area of 100?
Let the length and width of the rectangle be l and w, respectively.

Thus, the area of a rectangle = l w = 100
We need to minimize the perimeter, i.e. 2 (l + w). Thus, we need to minimize the value of (l + w).
The value of (l + w) will be minimized if l = w

=> l l = 100 => l = 10
=> l = w = 10
Thus, minimum perimeter = 2 (10 + 10) = 40.
2x 3

(1) What are the integer values of x satisfying 0?
x+1
Explanation:
2x 3

We have: 0
x+1
Thus, we have:
Case I:
2x 3 0 AND x + 1 > 0
3
=> x AND x > 1
2
3
=> 1 < x
2
=> The integer values of x are: 0 and 1.
Case II:
2x 3 0 AND x + 1 < 0
3
=> x AND x < 1, which is not a possible scenario
2

Thus, the only possible integer values of x are: 0 and 1.
(2) What are the integer values of x satisfying x 2 6 < 3?

Explanation:
We have: x 2 6 < 3

=> 3 < x 2 6 < 3

=> 3 < x 2 < 9
Case I: x 2 < 9
=> 3 < x < 3
=> The possible integer values of x are: 2, 1, 0, 1, 2
Case II: x 2 > 3

=> x > 3 OR x < 3
=> The possible integer values of x are: 4, 3, 2, 2, 3, 4, . . .
Thus, the common set of values of x are: 2 and 2.
(3) Which of the following is true about x if x 2 > x > x 3 ?
(A) x > 1
(B) 0 < x < 1
(C) 1 < x < 0
(D) x < 1
Explanation:
We know that there are four major regions on the number line:
I. x > 1
II. 0 < x < 1
III. 1 < x < 0
IV. x < 1
Let us pick 1 number from each region and check whether it satisfies the given inequality:
x = 2 : 22 > 2 23
2 3
1 1 1 1
x= : >
2 2 2 2

1 1 2 1 1 3

x= : >
2 2 2 2
x = 2 : (2)2 > 2 > (2)3 Satisfies
Alternate approach:
Since x 2 is greater than both x, a term with a lower exponent and x 3 , a term with a higher expo-
nent, the value of x must be negative.
Since x, a term with a smaller odd exponent, is greater than x 3 , a term with a higher odd expo-
nent, the value of x must be less than 1.
Hence, correct answer is option D.
(4) If 5 < x < 3, 9 < y < 5, 13 18 < 2y < 10
=> 5 18 < x + 2y < 3 10
=> 23 < x + 2y < 7
II. We have: 5 < x < 3

=> 10 < 2x < 6
=> 10 9 < 2x + y < 5 + 6
=> 19 < 2x + y < 1
III. We have: 13 12 p 7 and 3 q 5
Thus, the maximum value of p q
= The greater among {(12) (3)} and {(7) (5)} = 36

Also, the minimum value of p q
= The smaller among {(12) (5)} and {(7) (3)} = 60

Thus, we have: 60 pq 36

IV. We have: 4 < q < 6 => 3 q 5 and 1 r 8

q
To determine the maximum value of , we must keep the ratio positive. Since r is entirely
r
positive, we must take the positive value of q = 5 and the least positive value of r = 1.
q 5
Thus, the maximum value of = = 5
r 1
q
Again, to determine the minimum value of , we must keep the ratio negative. Since r is
r
entirely positive, we must take the negative value of q = 3 and the least positive value of
r = 1.
q
(Note: the minimum value of is the negative number with the largest magnitude)
r
q 3
Thus, the minimum value of = = 3
r 1
q
Thus, we have: 3 5
r

2.5 Functions and graphs of functions

If y is expressed in terms of x, such that, for any x, a unique value of y is obtained, the expression
of y in terms of x is called a function of x.
Functions of x are usually denoted by symbols of the form f (x) , g (x) , h(x), etc.
Some examples of functions:
f (x) = 2x + 5
f (x) = x 2 2x + 1
1
f (x) =
x

f (x) = x + 1
x2
g (x) =
x2 + 3
g (x) = 1
The idea of a function can be represented by a simple diagram as shown below:
Input Output
Method of substitution in functions:
For any given f (x), the value of f (a) is determined by substituting x = a on the right side of the
equality.
f (x) = 2x + 1
Thus, we have:
f (1) = 2 (1) + 1, i.e. we replace x with 1 on the right side of the equality
=> f (1) = 3
f x 2 = 2 x 2 + 1 = 2x 2 + 1

f (2x + 1) = 2 (2x + 1) + 1 = 4x + 3
Domain and Range:
The Domain refers to the set of values of x that can be used in the function.
The Range refers to the set of values of f (x) obtained using the above values of x.

f (x) = x 2 1
Let the set of values of x to be used be {1, 0, 1}.
Thus, we have:
f (1) = (1)2 1 = 0
f (0) = 02 1 = 1
f (1) = 12 1 = 0
Here, Domain = {1, 0, 1} and Range = {1, 0}
To determine the Domain for a function, two things need to considered:
For any term under a square-root or fourth-root, etc., the term should be non-negative.

For example: f (x) = x 1
We have: x 1 0 => x 1
Thus, the Domain is: 1 x <
For any term in the denominator, the term must be non-zero.

2x
For example: f (x) =
x3
We have: x 3 6= 0 => x 6= 3
Thus, the Domain is: x is any real number except 3
=> < x < 3 OR 3 < x <
x+3
f (x) =
2x44
Thus, we have:
2x 4 0 => x 2 . . . (i)

2x 4 4 6= 0 => 2x 4 6= 4 => 2x 4 6= 16 => x 6= 10 . . . (ii)
Thus, the Domain: 2 x < 10 OR 10 < x <
Composite functions:

For any two functions f (x) and g (x), the functions defined as f (f (x)), f g (x) , g g (x) and
g (f (x)) are composite functions.

f (x) = 2x + 1 and g (x) = x 2 1
Thus, we have:
f (f (x)) = 2 (f (x)) + 1 = 2 (2x + 1) + 1 = 4x + 3
f g (x) = 2 g (x) + 1 = 2 x 2 1 + 1 = 2x 2 1

2 2
g g (x) = g (x) + 1 = x 2 + 1 + 1 = x 4 + 2x 2 + 2

2
g (f (x)) = (f (x)) + 1 = (2x + 1)2 + 1 = 4x 2 + 4x + 2
Special case in a composite function:

If f (x) and g (x) are two functions and it is observed that f g (x) = g (f (x)) = x, we have:
Input Output Input Output
Thus, we have:
If f (a) = b => g (b) = a
Note: Such functions f (x) and g (x) are inverse functions of one another.

If f (x) = (x + 1)3 1 and g (x) =
3

x + 1 k, such that f g (x) = g (f (x)), what is the value of k?

The normal way of solving, by evaluating the composite functions f g (x) and g (f (x)), is compli-
cated. Instead, we use the above method:
f (1) = (1 + 1)3 1 = 7
=> g (7) = 1

3
=> 7 + 1 k = 1 => 2 k = 1
=> k = 1
Periodic function:
A function f (x) is periodic if there exists a number n so that f (x + n) = f (x) for all x. Here, n is
the period of the function.
If f (x + 3) = f (x + 2) f (x + 1), what is the value of n if f (1) = f (1 + n)?
We have: f (x + 3) = f (x + 2) f (x + 1)
Substituting different values of x:

x = 0 : f (3) = f (2) f (1) . . . (i)

x = 1 : f (4) = f (3) f (2) . . . (ii)
Adding (i) and (ii):
f (3) + f (4) = f (3) f (1)
=> f (1) = f (4)
=> f (1) = f (1 + 3)
=> n = 3
Piece-wise functions:
Functions which have different expressions over different values of x are piece-wise functions. Some
examples are shown below:
Modulus function: f (x) = |x|:
f (x) = x, if x 0,
f (x) = x, if x < 0
The graph of f (x) = |x| is shown:
X
O
Greatest Integer Function: f (x) = [x]: It is a function that returns the greatest integer less than
or equal to x. Thus, we have:
[1.23]: The greatest integer less than or equal to 1.23, i.e. the greatest integer among
1, 0, 1, 2, = 1
[1]: The greatest integer less than or equal to 1, i.e. the greatest integer among 1, 0, 1, 2, =
1
[1.23]: The greatest integer less than or equal to 1.23, i.e. the greatest integer among
2, 3, 4, = 2
[1]: The greatest integer less than or equal to 1, i.e. the greatest integer among 1, 2, 3, 4, =
1
Least Integer Function: f (x) = {x}: It is a function that returns the least integer greater than
or equal to x. Thus, we have:

{1.23}: The least integer greater than or equal to 1.23, i.e. the least integer among 2, 3, 4, =
2
{1}: The least integer greater than or equal to 1, i.e. the least integer among 1, 2, 3, 4, =
1
{1.23}: The least integer greater than or equal to 1.23, i.e. the least integer among
1, 0, 1, 2, = 1
{1}: The least integer greater than or equal to 1, i.e. the least integer among 1, 0, 1, 2, =
1
Max-Min function:
f (x) = max(a, b) implies that f (x) = a if a > b OR f (x) = b if b > a

f (x) = min(a, b) implies that f (x) = a if a x 2 6x + 8 < 0
=> (x 2) (x 4) < 0 => 2 < x < 4
Thus, the only integer value of x = 3
Properties of graphs of functions:

The graph of f x+p is obtained by shifting the graph of f (x) by p units left

The graph of f xp is obtained by shifting the graph of f (x) by p units right
The graph of f (x) +p is obtained by shifting the graph of f (x) by p units up
The graph of f (x) p is obtained by shifting the graph of f (x) by p units down
The graph of f (x) is obtained by reflecting the graph of f (x) about the Y-axis
The graph of f (x) is obtained by reflecting the graph of f (x) about the X-axis
Graphs of some quadratic functions:
f (x) = x 2 :

f (x) = x 2 + 1:
0, 1
X
f (x) = (x 1)2 :
X
1, 0


1 1 1 f (4) f (3) f (2)

4 3
(1) If f (x) = x + x + x + 1 + + + , what is the value of + + ?
f 1 1 1
3 4

x x x
f f

4 3 2
Explanation:
We have:

4

3
1 1 1
f (x) = x+ x+1+ +
x+ 3
+ 4
x x x
s s s
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
=> f = 4 + 3 + +1+ s + s + s
x x x x 1 3 1 4 1
x x x
1 1 1 1

=> f = 4
+
3
+ +1+ x+ 3x+ 4x
x x x x
1 f (x)

=> f = f (x) => = 1
x 1
f
x
f (2) f (3) f (4)
=> = = =1
1 1 1
f f f
2 3 4
Thus, we have:
f (4) f (3) f (2)

+ +
1 1 1
f f f
4 3 2
=1+1+1=3
4x
(2) If f (x) = , what is the value of f (a) + f (1 a)?
4x+2
1
(A)
2
(B) 1
(C) 2
Explanation:
We have:
4x
f (x) =
4x + 2

4a
=> f (a) =
4a + 2
Also, we have:
4(1a)
f (1 a) =
4(1a) + 2
4

4a 4 1
= =
a

4 4a 4+24
+2
4a 4a
4 4a
= a

4 2 (2 + 4a )
2
=
2 + 4a
Thus, we have:
f (a) + f (1 a)
4a 2 4a + 2
= + =
4a + 2 2 + 4a 4a + 2
=1
Alternate approach:
Let a = 1 => 1 a = 0:
41 4 2
f (1) = = =
41 +2 6 3
4o 1
f (0) = =
4o +2 3
2 1
=> f (1) + f (0) = + =1
3 3
Since the answer options are constant values, the answer must be Option B.
(3) Are the following functions the same?
(A) f (x) = x x
(B) g (x) = x x x x x (x times)
Explanation:

(A) We have f (x) = x x
For example:
If x = 3 => f (x) = 33 = 27
If x = 1 => f (1) = (1)1 = 1
12
1 1 1 1 1
If x = => f = = = = 0.71
2 2 2 2 1.4
Thus, f (x) = x x is valid for all real values of x.
(B) We have: g (x) = x x x x x (x times)
If x is multiplied for x times, the result obtained is x x .
Thus, apparently, f (x) and g (x) appear to be identical.
However, we are multiplying x for x times, which makes sense only when x is a positive
1 1
integer. (Multiplying for times or multiplying 1 for 1 times makes no sense)
2 2
For example:
g (3) = 3 3 3 (3 is multiplied for 3 times)
= 27
Thus, g (x) is valid only for positive integer values of x.
Thus, f (x) is not the same as g (x).
(4) If (2, 1) are the coordinates of a point on the graph of f (x), what would be the coordinates of
that point for the function f (x) + 1?
Explanation:
To modify f (x) to f (x) + 1, we follow the following steps:
f (x) f (x): The graph is reflected about the X-axis. Thus, the Y-coordinate of the point
would be negated.
Thus, the coordinates of f (x) = (2, 1)
f (x) f (x) + 1: The graph is shifted up by 1 unit. Thus, the Y-coordinate of th point
would increase by 1.
Thus, the final coordinates of f (x) + 1 = (2, 1 + 1) = (2, 0)

In the GMAT, only two kinds of questions asked: Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency.
Problem Solving
Problem solving (PS) questions may not be new to you. You must have seen these types of questions
in your school or college days. The format is as follows: There is a question stem and is followed
by options, out of which, only one option is correct or is the best option that answers the question
correctly.
PS questions measure your skill to solve numerical problems, interpret graphical data, and assess
information. These questions present to you five options and no option is phrased as None of these.
Mostly the numeric options, unlike algebraic expressions, are presented in an ascending order from
option A through E, occasionally in a descending order until there is a specific purpose not to do so.
Data Sufficiency
For most of you, Data Sufficiency (DS) may be a new format. The DS format is very unique to the
GMAT exam. The format is as follows: There is a question stem followed by two statements, labeled
statement (1) and statement (2). These statements contain additional information.
Your task is to use the additional information from each statement alone to answer the question. If
none of the statements alone helps you answer the question, you must use the information from both
the statements together. There may be questions which cannot be answered even after combining
the additional information given in both the statements. Based on this, the question always follows
standard five options which are always in a fixed order.
(A) Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) ALONE is not sufficient to answer the ques-
tion asked.
(B) Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) ALONE is not sufficient to answer the ques-
tion asked.
(C) BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but NEITHER
statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
(D) EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
(E) Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and additional
data specific to the problem are needed.
In the next chapters, you will find 150 GMAT-like quants questions. Best of luck!


Chapter 3
Practice Questions
39
40 Algebra Guide Questions
3.1 Problem Solving

1. The price of 19 chocolates and 21 pens is $29, while the price of 21 chocolates and 19 pens is
$31. What is the price of 1 chocolate?
(A) $0.50
(B) $1.00
(C) $1.25
(D) $1.50
(E) $2.00
Solve yourself:
2. Abes age is equal to the sum of the ages of his son and a 12-year old daughter. If Abes son is
elder to Abes daughter, and the average age of Abe and his two children ten years ago was 20
years, what is Abe present age?
(A) 30 years
(B) 33 years
(C) 39 years
(D) 45 years
(E) 51 years
Solve yourself:
3. 3 apples, 3 guavas and 4 bananas, together cost $10. Also, 3 apples, 2 guavas and 4 bananas
together cost $9. What is the total cost of 9 apples, 8 guavas and 12 bananas?
(A) 26
(B) 29
(C) 30
(D) 32
(E) 37

Algebra Guide Questions 41
Solve yourself:
4. A person has a few cents and a few dollars such that the total amount is a dollars and b cents,
where b < 100. After spending $3.50, he was left with 2b dollars and 64 cents. What is the value
of (a + b)?
(A) 14
(B) 28
(C) 32
(D) 46
(E) 64
Solve yourself:
1
5. . If
In a fraction, if 4 is added to both numerator and denominator, the fraction increases by
8
1
however, 2 is subtracted from both numerator and denominator, the fraction decreases by .
4
What is the value of the original fraction?
7
(A)
8
3
(B)
4
1
(C)
2
1
(D)
4
3
(E)
16
Solve yourself:

6. If 7x 2y = 12, 4x + y = 9 and 2x + 5y = K, what is the value of K?

(A) 9
(B) 10
(C) 11
(D) 12
(E) 13
Solve yourself:
x y 1
7. If 2x + 3y = 7, 5x + 3y = 13 and = = , where A, B and C are positive integers and the
A B C
greatest common divisor of A, B and C is 1, what is the value of (A + B + C)?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 8
Solve yourself:
8. The sum of the digits of a two-digit number is 5. The ratio of 20 less than the number and 12
3
more than the number is . What is the product of the digits of the number?
11
(A) 0
(B) 1
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6
Solve yourself:

9. x, y and z satisfy the following set of equations:
3x + 7y 11z = 0
6x y 7z = 0
3x + y kz = 0
What is the value of k?
(A) 1
4
(B)
3
(C) 2
7
(D)
3
(E) 5
Solve yourself:
10. A group of children have a number of pens, such that each child has at least one pen. If one of
the children, Ann, takes 1 pen from each of the other, the number of pens with her would be
thrice the number of children in the group. If the total number of pens among the children is 42,
which of the following could be the number of children in the group, so that it can be ensured
that Ann has the greatest number of pens?
I. 5
II. 9
III. 15
(A) Only I
(B) Only II
(C) Only III
(D) Both I and II
(E) Both II and III
Solve yourself:

11. A ball is thrown from the top of a building. The distance, in feet, covered by the ball in t seconds
after it was dropped is given by 15t 2 . If the distance covered by the ball in the t th second after
it was dropped was 225 feet. What is the value of t?
(A) 3
(B) 4
(C) 7
(D) 8
(E) 10
Solve yourself:
12. A ball is thrown up from a height of 3 feet above the ground. The distance, in feet, of the ball
from the ground is given by h = 3 + 24t 4t 2 , where t = time in seconds. What is the maximum
height above the ground reached by the ball?
(A) 32 feet
(B) 33 feet
(C) 35 feet
(D) 36 feet
(E) 39 feet
Solve yourself:
13. The number of units sold, N, of a new product is expected to follow the relation: N = 120 P ,
where P is the selling price per unit.
If the cost of manufacturing any number of units of the new product is constant, and equal to
$2000, what should be the maximum selling price of each unit so that there is neither profit nor
loss?
(A) $20
(B) $60
(C) $80
(D) $100
(E) $110

Solve yourself:
14. What is the minimum positive integer value of p so that x 2 px + 8p = 0 has real and unequal
roots?
(A) 12
(B) 24
(C) 27
(D) 32
(E) 33
Solve yourself:
3
15. If one of the solutions of x 2 px + 12 = 0 is x = , what is the value of p?
2
3
(A)
2
(B) 8
19
(C)
2
57
(D)
4
(E) 15
16. If y = x 2 + kx + l intersects the X-axis at (4, 0) and the Y-axis at (0, 64), what is the value of k?
(A) 80
(B) 40
(C) 20
(D) 20
(E) 80
Solve yourself:

17. The inside dimensions of a rectangular steel frame, as shown in the diagram below, having
uniform width of x inches, are 12 inches by 8 inches. If the area of the frame is 44 square
inches, what is the total perimeter of the frame?
12
(A) 98 inches
(B) 49 inches
(C) 48 inches
(D) 24 inches
(E) 8 inches
Solve yourself:
18. A roller-coaster track is designed in the form of a parabolic arch, whose height, in feet, above
the ground is given as h = kd (d 20), where k is a positive number and d represents the
distance along the length of the track measured from the left-most point where the arch starts.
If the arch reaches to a maximum height of 30 feet, what is the value of k?
3
(A)
10
2
(B)
5
3
(C)
4
4
(D)
5
3
(E)
2
Solve yourself:

19. For f (x) = x 2 + bx + c, f (1) = 0. If f (3) = 2f (5), what is the value of k such that f (k) = 0,
k 6= 1?
10
(A)
3
37
(B)
7
17
(C)
3
(D) 7
19
(E)
2
Solve yourself:
20. If the roots of the fourth

degree
equation x 4 2x 3 + x 2 + x + 3 = 0 are p, q, r and s, what is
the value of 2 + p 2 + q (2 + r ) (2 + s)?
(A) 37
(B) 9
(C) 9
(D) 37
(E) 40
Solve yourself:
2
21. Which of the following is the correct solution of the inequality x + 3?
x
I. x>2
II. 1x2

III. x<0
(A) Only I
(B) Only II
(C) Only III
(D) Both I and III
(E) Both II and III
Solve yourself:
x+3
22. Which of the following is the correct solution of the inequality: 1 < < 1?
x+7
I. x<7
II. x < 5
III. x > 5
(A) Only I
(B) Only II
(C) Only III
(D) Both I and II
(E) Both I and III
Solve yourself:
x3 1
23. What is the smallest integer value of x which satisfies the inequality > ?
x2 9x + 18 2
(A) 5
(B) 6
(C) 7
(D) 8
(E) 9

Solve yourself:
24. Which of the following is the correct solution of the inequality x 3 9x 5 > 0?
1
I. 0<x<
3
1
II. <x<0
3
1
III. x<
3
(A) Only I
(B) Only II
(C) Only III
(D) Both I and II
(E) Both I and III
Solve yourself:
25. If 2 x 3, 6 y 4, 1 a 2 and 3 b 1, which of the following is the correct

range of values of (a + b) x + y ?

(A) 32 (a + b) x + y 21

(B) 28 (a + b) x + y 21

(C) 24 (a + b) x + y 32

(D) 24 (a + b) x + y 21

(E) 28 (a + b) x + y 32
Solve yourself:

26. If x and y are integers, such that 2 x 10 and 12 y 5, what is the product of the
x y
maximum possible value of and the minimum possible value of ?
y x
(A) 1
2
(B)
3
2
(C)
3
(D) 1
(E) 6
Solve yourself:
27. A dealer in electronic goods spends $15000 on a certain model of TV sets and a certain model
of DVD players. The price of each TV set is $360 and the price of each DVD player is $240. If he
does not wish to purchase greater than 42 items, what is the minimum number of total items
that the dealer can purchase?
(A) 23
(B) 36
(C) 37
(D) 41
(E) 42
Solve yourself:
28. A burger store sells chicken burgers, priced at $8 per burger and vegetable burgers, priced at $5
per burger. If potato fries are also ordered along with a burger, there is a discount of $1 on the
burger irrespective of the type of burger. The total revenue from selling burgers on a particular
day was not greater than $1110, and potato fries were ordered along with a burger 50 times. If
the total number of burgers purchased is at least 160, what is the maximum number of chicken
burgers that were sold?
(A) 41
(B) 58
(C) 120
(D) 159

(E) 169
Solve yourself:
29. The people working in a company X are planning a trip, for which they want to use sedans
and minivans. Each sedan can accommodate 4 people, while each minivan can accommodate 8
people. The rent applicable for each sedan and each minivan is $60 and $80, respectively. The
total amount available for transportation is $600. If the sedans and minivans are always filled
to capacity, and the number of people interested for the trip is at least 48, what is the minimum
number of minivans necessary for the trip?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 5
(D) 6
(E) 8
Solve yourself:
30. Gift boxes, to be distributed among school children, contain pencils and erasers. Each gift box
can hold a maximum of 12 items. If each box must have at least 3 more pencils than the number
of erasers, what is the maximum number of erasers in a gift box?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6
Solve yourself:

31. A cylinder has to be designed such that its diameter is 3 inches, allowing for a margin of error
of 1 inch. The height of the cylinder has to be 10 inches, allowing for a margin of error of 1 inch.
What is the difference between the maximum and the minimum volumes of the cylinder?
(A) 9
(B) 32
(C) 35
97
(D)
2
(E) 140
Solve yourself:
32. If y = |x + 3| + |x 4| + |x 7|, what is the minimum value of y?

(A) 2
(B) 7
(C) 10
(D) 13
(E) 17
Solve yourself:
How many integer values of x satisfy the inequality x 2 15 6?

33.
(A) Two
(B) Four
(C) Five
(D) Seven
(E) Nine
Solve yourself:

34. How many integer values of x satisfy the inequality |x 3| + |x 9| 8?

(A) Three
(B) Seven
(C) Nine
(D) Ten
(E) Twelve
Solve yourself:
35. What is the sum of the possible values of x if |x + 15| = 3 |x 15|?

(A) 7.5
(B) 22.5
(C) 30.0
(D) 37.5
(E) 52.5
Solve yourself:

36. If x and y are non-negative
integers such that x + y + x y = 6, how many possible pairs
of solutions of x, y exist?
(A) Four
(B) Five
(C) Seven
(D) Nine
(E) Twelve
Solve yourself:

x + 5 x + 3

37. How many integer values of x satisfy the inequality
x 3 x 5 ?

(A) Three
(B) Four
(C) Seven
(D) Eight
(E) Nine
Solve yourself:
x

38. What is the greatest value of x that satisfies the inequality
< 1?
x 1
(A) 1
(B) 0
(C) 2
(D) 3
(E) 4
Solve yourself:
39. What is the greatest possible integer value of x if |x + 2| + |2x 1| > |3x + 1|?
(A) 2
(B) 1
(C) 0
(D) 1
(E) 3
Solve yourself:

40. How many integer values of x exist such that |x 1| > |x| + 3?
(A) None
(B) One
(C) Two
(D) Four
(E) Five
Solve yourself:
f (x) = 2x 4 3x 2 + 1 has roots p, q, r and s. What is the value of p + q + r + s ?

41.

(A) 2
(B) 0
1
(C)
2
3
(D)
2
(E) 2
Solve yourself:
x2
42. At how many points do the graphs of f (x) = x 2 + 4 and g (x) = + 3 intersect?
2
(A) None
(B) One
(C) Two
(D) Three
(E) Four
Solve yourself:


43. Let p and q be positive integers and the function f p, q is defined as shown:

f p, q = 0, if p < q

f p, q = f p q, q + 1 if p q

If f p, q = 3, which of the following CANNOT be true?
I. p = 7, q = 2
II. p = 10, q = 3
III. p = 17, q = 6
(A) Only I
(B) Only II
(C) Only III
(D) Both I and II
(E) I, II and III
Solve yourself:


f p, q = f p, q 1 + p if q 1

f p, q = 0 if q = 0

If f p, q = 12, which of the following are correct?
I. p = 6, q = 2
II. p = 4, q = 3
III. p = 6, q = 3
(A) Only I
(B) Only II
(C) Only III
(D) Both I and II
(E) I, II and III
Solve yourself:



f p, q = p if p < q

f p, q = f p q, q if p > q

f p, q = 0 if p = q

If f p, q = 7, which of the following is true?
I. p = 12, q = 5
II. p = 25, q = 8
III. p = 27, q = 20
(A) Only I
(B) Only II
(C) Only III
(D) Both I and II
(E) I, II and III
Solve yourself:
p p+q
46. Let p and q be two positive integers. If f p, q = and g p, q = , which of the
p+q q
following options is correct?

f p, q q
(A) =
g p, q p

f p, q pq
(B) =
g p, q p+q

f p, q p+q
(C) =
g p, q pq
(D) f p, q g p, q = p 2 q2

p
(E) f p, q g p, q =
q
Solve yourself:

2x

47. For all positive integer values of x, let f (x) = , where [x] denotes the greatest integer
x+1
less than or equal to x.
What is the value of f (1) + f (2) + f (3) + + f (100)?
(A) 11
(B) 99
(C) 100
(D) 101
(E) 202
Solve yourself:
1 x
48. For all positive integer values of x, if f (x) = and g (x) = 2 , what is the value of
x x +1
f g (x) g (f (x))?
(A) 1
(B) 0
(C) 1
3
(D)
2
(E) 2
Solve yourself:
49. For all non-negative numbers x, let f (x) = x 2 + 8 and g (x) = x + 2. For how many integer
values of x is f (x) 4 g (x)?
(A) None
(B) One
(C) Two
(D) Three
(E) Four

Solve yourself:
x

50. If p and q are the roots of x 2 + 4x 12 = 0, and f (x) = , where [x] denotes the greatest
4
integer less than or equal to x, what is the maximum value of f p f q ?
(A) 2
(B) 1
(C) 1
3
(D)
2
(E) 2
Solve yourself:
51. The graph of a quadratic function f (x) shown below is symmetric about the line x = 4. If
f (1) = 9, what is the value of f (7)?
Y
X
O 4, 0
(A) 3
(B) 5
(C) 6
(D) 9
(E) 12

Solve yourself:
52. In the graph shown below, the functions f (x) = x 2 6x + 8, which intersects the X-axis at x = 2
and x = 4 and g (x) = x 2 are shown. For how many integer values of x is g (x) f (x)?
X
O
2, 0 4, 0
(A) One
(B) Two
(C) Three
(D) Four
(E) Five
Solve yourself:
53. The graphs of f (x) and g(x) are shown below. Which of the options is correct?

Y
15

10
X
O 1 2 3
(A) f (x) = 5x
(B) f (x) = x 2 + 4
(C) g (x) = (x + 1)2 4
(D) g (x) = (x 1)2 + 4
(E) f (x) g (x) = 2x + 1
Solve yourself:
54. What is the area of the triangle bounded by the lines f (x) = x 2, g (x) = 2x 3 and the Y-axis,
as shaded in the graph below?
Y

X
O 1 2
1
(A)
4

1
(B)
2
(C) 1
(D) 2
3
(E)
2
Solve yourself:
55. The graph of a quadratic function f (x) = ax 2 + bx + c shown below intersects the X-axis at
(2, 0) and (4, 0) and intersects the Y-axis at (0, 4). What is the value of (a + b + c)?
Y
X
O 2 4
1
(A)
2
3
(B)
2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 6
Solve yourself:
56. f (x) is a function which satisfies 2f (x) + f (x) = 2x + 1. What is the value of f (1)?

(A) 1
5
(B)
4
4
(C)
3
7
(D)
3
(E) 3
Solve yourself:
57. f (x) is a function such that f (2x 1) = x 2 + 3x. What is the value of f (5)?
(A) 3
(B) 15
(C) 18
(D) 25
(E) 40
Solve yourself:
58. If f (x) = ax 2 + bx + c and f (x + 1) = f (x) + x + 1, what is the value of a?

(A) 1
1
(B)
2
(C) 0
1
(D)
2
(E) 1
Solve yourself:

59. Let x and y be positive integers and the function f (a, b) is defined as shown:
f (a, b) = a if a b
f (a, b) = b if a > b
If a = 6x 8 and b = x 2 , for how many integer values of x will f (a, b) = b?

(A) None
(B) One
(C) Two
(D) Three
(E) Four
Solve yourself:

60. If f (x) = |x 1|, g (x) = x + a and f g (3) = 2, what is the sum of the possible values of a?
(A) 2
(B) 6
(C) 8
(D) 9
(E) 10
Solve yourself:
61. For what value of n the equation below have no possible solution?
4 (2x 1) + 3 (x 2) = n (x + 2) 3 (x + 1)
(A) 4
7
(B)
2
7
(C)
2
(D) 7
(E) 14

Solve yourself:
62. If the equation x 2 px + 12 = 0 has exactly one root common with the equation x 2 6x + 9 = 0,
what is the value of p?
(A) 10
(B) 7
(C) 4
(D) 7
(E) 10
Solve yourself:

(0.23 + 0.52)2 0.232 + 0.522

63. What is the value of ?
0.752 0.292
(A) 0.3
(B) 0.4
(C) 0.5
(D) 2.0
(E) 4.0
Solve yourself:
If p and q, p > q are the roots of x 2 x 12 = 0, the roots of the equation x 2 50x + 49 = 0

64.
are
(A) 2p and 3q
(B) p 2 and q2


(C) p + q and p q
2 2
(D) p + q and p q
p 2 + q2 and p 2 q2

(E)
Solve yourself:
65. If a and b are non-zero integers such that a2 + 2b2 + 2a + b = 0 and a2 + b2 = 2ab, what is the
value of (a + b)?
(A) 2
(B) 1
(C) 0
(D) 1
(E) 2
Solve yourself:
66. If x + y = 2 and z = x 2 + y 2 , what is the minimum value of z?

1
(A)
2
(B) 1
(C) 2
(D) 4
(E) 6
Solve yourself:
If q and 2q are the roots of the equation k x 2 x + x + 1 = 0, where q 6= 0, which of the

67.
following is a correct relation between k and q?

q
(A) k=
2
1
(B) k=
1 + 3q
(C) k = 2q 1
1
(D) k=
2q2
(E) k = q2 + 1
Solve yourself:
68. f (x) is a quadratic polynomial such that f (1) = 1 and f (2) = 2. If f (3) = 5, what is the value
of f (0)?
(A) 6
(B) 2
(C) 0
(D) 1
(E) 2
Solve yourself:
69. For all positive integers x > 2, let f (x) be defined as

f (x) = (1)x f (x 1) f (x 2). If f (1) = f (2) = 1, what is the value of f (23)?
(A) 1
(B) 0
(C) 1
(D) 3
(E) 7
Solve yourself:

2x + 1
70. For all values of x, let f (x) = . If f p = q, what is the value of f q ?
x2
3
(A)
2
1
(B)
3
(C) 1
(D) p
(E) pq
Solve yourself:
71. What is the area bounded by f (x) = |x 1| x, the X and Y axes?

1
(A)
4
1
(B)
2
(C) 1
(D) 2
3
(E)
2
Solve yourself:
72. If f (x) = ax 2 + bx such that f (1) = f (1) + 2, what is the value of f (3) f (3)?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 4
(D) 6
(E) 8
Solve yourself:


3, what is the value of x 2 2x 2 ?

73. If x = 1 +
(A) 2

(B) 3
(C) 0
(D) 1

(E) 3
Solve yourself:

x x x
74. If x is a positive integer such that 24 + 10 = 26 , what is the value of x?
(A) 0
(B) 1
(C) 2
(D) 4
(E) 6
Solve yourself:
75. The function f (x) = 2x 2 7x + 6 is positive for all values of x except when x lies in a particular
range. How many integer values of x lie within that range?
(A) None
(B) One
(C) Two
(D) Three
(E) Four

Solve yourself:
12 x

76. Which of the following is the correct range of values of x such that
3 2?

(A) 2x6
(B) 4 x 10
(C) 8 x 16
(D) 6 x 18
(E) 4 x 24
Solve yourself:
77. How many integer values of x satisfy x 2 4 |x| + 3 0?

(A) Two
(B) Three
(C) Four
(D) Six
(E) Eight
Solve yourself:
12

78. What is the maximum value of ?
x 2 12x + 40
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4

(E) 6
Solve yourself:
79. If a and b are distinct roots of x 2 px q = 0, which of the following denotes the value of
(a + b)?
(A) p
(B) q
(C) p+q
(D) pq
(E) pq
Solve yourself:
80. Let [x] denote the greatest integer value less than or equal to x for all positive x, such
integers
x+1 x+2

that 1 x 4. Which of the following expressions denotes the value of + +
2 4
x+4

?
8
(A) 2x 2
(B) 2x 1
(C) x
(D) x+1
(E) x+2
Solve yourself:
81. If f (x) = x 3 kx 2 + 2x, and f (x) = f (x), what is the value of f (1 k)?

(A) 3
(B) 0
(C) 1
(D) 3
(E) 4
Solve yourself:
82. The function f is defined as f (x) = ax 2 + bx + c. If f (2) = f (3) = 0, and f (4) = 2, what is
the value of (a + b + c)?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 8
(D) 11
(E) 12
Solve yourself:
83. Running at their respective constant rates, machine X takes 2 days longer to produce w widgets
5
than machine Y. At these rates, if the two machines together produce w widgets in 3 days,
4
how many days would it take machine X alone to produce 2w widgets?
(A) 4
(B) 6
(C) 8
(D) 10
(E) 12
Solve yourself:

84. If f (x 1) = 2x 2 3x + 3, what is the expression for f (x)?

(A) 2x 2 + x + 2
(B) 2x 2 x + 1
(C) 2x 2 + 2x 3
(D) 2x 2 2x + 4
(E) 2x 2 4x + 2
Solve yourself:
xb xa f (a) + f (b)

85. If f (x) = a +b , what is the value of ?
ab ba f (a + b)
(A) 1
(B) 0
(C) 1
(D) ba
(E) a+b
Solve yourself:
h (a) h (b)
86. If h (x) = 2px+1 , what is the value of ?
h (a + b)
(A) 21
(B) 1
(C) 2
(D) 2p
(E) 2a+b
Solve yourself:

87. If f (x) = ax 2 + bx + c, and f (x + 1) = f (x) + x + 1, what is the value of (a + b)?

1
(A)
2
(B) 1
3
(C)
2
(D) 3
(E) 4
Solve yourself:
88. If f (x) = x 2 +3 and g (x) = 3f (x), what is the greatest possible value of f (x 1) if g (x) = 84?
(A) 11
(B) 19
(C) 29
(D) 39
(E) 41
Solve yourself:
2 f (x)
89. If the function f is defined by f (x) = x 2 1 x 2 for all values of x, then =
f 1x
(A) (1 x)2
(B) (1 x)3
(C) (1 + x) (1 x)2
(D) (1 x) (1 + x)2
2
(E) 1 x2
Solve yourself:

90. If the cost of a dozen eggs were reduced by x cents, a buyer would pay one cent less for (x + 1)
eggs than he would pay if the cost of a dozen eggs were increased by x cents. What is the value
of x?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 6
Solve yourself:
91. If a and b are real numbers such that a percent of (a 2b) when added to b percent of b, the
value obtained is 0, then which of the following statements is true?
I. a=b
II. a+b =0
III. ab =1
(A) Only I
(B) Only II
(C) Only III
(D) Only I and III
(E) Only II and III
Solve yourself:
92. If xy 6= 0 and x 2 y 2 xy = 6, which of the following could be y in terms of x?

6
I.
x
2
II.
x
3
III.
x
(A) Only I

(B) Only II
(C) Only I and II
(D) Only I and III
(E) Only II and III
Solve yourself:
1
93. y=
1
2+
1
2+
1

2+
...
The expression of y above extends to infinity. Which of the following is the correct equivalent
of y?
1
(A)
3

(B) 21

(C) 2 2
1
(D)
2
(E) 1
Solve yourself:
x+1 x1

94. If x 6= 0, what quantity can be added to or multiplied with to obtain the same
x x
result?
x
(A)
x+1
(B) x+1
x
(C)
x1
(D) (x + 1)
x2
(E)
x1

Solve yourself:
95. The sum of the squares of two positive numbers x and y is 20. If the sum of their reciprocals
is 2, what is the product of the numbers?
1
(A)
2
(B) 2
5
(C)
2
(D) 3
(E) 4
Solve yourself:
3
x m+2
96. If =
3
3 , what is x 3 , if expressed in terms of m?
x+1 m+2+ m2
m+2
(A)
m2
m2
(B)
m+2
m+2
(C)
m
m
(D)
m2
m3 + 2
(E)
m3 2
Solve yourself:
3
97. How many solutions of x are possible, if x 3 + x 2 = 2?

(A) One
(B) Two
(C) Four
(D) Five
(E) Six
Solve yourself:
x
98. If the function f is defined by f (x) = , what is f (2x) in terms of f (x)?
x2
f (x)
(A)
3f (x) 1
2f (x)
(B)
f (x) + 1
f (x)
(C)
f (x) + 1
3f (x)
(D)
2f (x) + 1
2f (x)
(E)
f (x) 1
Solve yourself:
2x 2 5
99. If g (x) = x + 4 for all x and f (x) = for all x < 0, then for what value of x is
x
f (x) = g (x)?
(A) 5
(B) 3
(C) 2
(D) 1
1
(E)
2

Solve yourself:
100. The function f is defined such that f (n) = f (n 1) f (n 2), for all n > 2. If f (1) = 1 and
f (2) = 1, what is the value of f (33) + f (34)?
(A) 2
(B) 1
(C) 0
(D) 1
(E) 2
Solve yourself:

3.2 Data Sufficiency
Data sufficiency questions have five standard options. They are listed below and will not be
repeated for each question.
(A) Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) ALONE is not sufficient to answer the
question asked.
(B) Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) ALONE is not sufficient to answer the
question asked.
(C) both the statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but
NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
(E) Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and
additional data specific to the problem are needed.

101. A man has three sons, among whom he distributed his wealth. Is the share of the eldest son
greater than $12000?
(1) The eldest son received the greatest share.

(2) The total wealth was $30000.
Solve yourself:
102. Is x > y?
(1) 2x + 3y z = 0
(2) 7x 3y 2z = 0
Solve yourself:
103. If z is positive, is x > z?
(1) 2x + 3y z = 0
(2) 7x 3y 2z = 0
Solve yourself:
104. What is Harrys present age?
(1) When Harry joined school with Ron, five years ago, sum of their ages was 13 years.
(2) When Harry joined school with Ron, five years ago, Harry was one year younger to Ron.
Solve yourself:

105. What is Harrys present age?

(1) When Harry joined school, five years ago, he was half as old as his elder brother.
(2) The age of Harrys elder brother is five years less than twice Harrys age.
Solve yourself:
106. A man purchased few oranges and few apples. What is the total price of one orange and one
apple?
(1) The man purchased 30 fruits, consisting of only apples and oranges and the total price
came to $40.
(2) Had the man purchased as many apples as oranges and as many oranges as apples, he
would have paid $80.
Solve yourself:
107. What is the sum of digits of a four-digit number abcd, where a is the first digit, b is the second
digit, c is the third digit and d is the fourth digit and the sum of the first three digits equals the
fourth digit?
(1) The sum of its third digit and twice its second digit equals 10 times its first digit.
(2) The sum of the first and last digits equals 5 times the second digit.
Solve yourself:

108. The individual ages of Ann and Bob are whole numbers such that each of them is a two-digit
number. What is Anns age?
(1) Anns age is such that if the digits of her age are reversed, Bobs age is obtained.
1
(2) Bobs age exceeds Anns age by of the combined ages of Ann and Bob.
11
Solve yourself:
109. The price of an apple is $1 and the price of an orange is $2. A man purchased few apples and
few oranges. What is the number of oranges and apples purchased by the man?
(1) The man spent $41 to purchase the fruits.

(2) Had the man purchased as many apples as oranges and as many oranges as apples, he
would have saved half the cost of an orange.
Solve yourself:
110. If a = b = 1, what is the value of c?

p 1 1 q 1 1

(1) = a+ and = b+
q 2 b r 2 c
r 1 1

(2) = c+
p 2 a
Solve yourself:
111. What is the value of q?

(1) p + 2q p + 3q = 35
(2) p and q are positive integers.

Solve yourself:
112. What is the largest possible integer value of k?

(1) The roots of x 2 kx + 35 = 0 and the roots of x 2 7x + k = 0 are real numbers.
(2) k>0
Solve yourself:
1 1 2a
113. Is + = ?
x+1 y +1 a+b
(1) ax 2 = by
(2) ay 2 = bx
Solve yourself:
114. P, Q, R and S are four cakes, is the total cost of P and S less than that of Q and R?
(1) The cost of R is half of the cost of S.
(2) The cost of Q is twice that of R, which in turn, is costlier than P.
Solve yourself:
115. If m and n are integers, what is the largest possible value of m?

1 2 1
(1) + =
m n 10
(2) m and n are positive integers.
Solve yourself:
116. A, B and C have some marbles with them. Does C have at least 50 percent of all the marbles with
them together?
(1) The sum of the number of marbles with A and B together is 40 percent less than that with
B and C together.
(2) The sum of the number of marbles with B and C together is 20 percent less than that with
A and C together.
Solve yourself:
117. A group of friends wanted to purchase a camera by sharing the cost equally. What is the price
of the camera?
(1) The price of the camera is between $210 and $230.

(2) If two friends back out, the remaining friends have to contribute $1 extra to purchase the
camera.
Solve yourself:
118. A man has a certain amount of money in $1 and $10 bills. Can the total number of bills with
him be nine?
(1) The number of $1 bills multiplied by the number of $10 bills is equal to the total money (in
dollars) with him.
(2) The number of $1 bills is greater than eight.

Solve yourself:
119. The letters A, B, C, D and E represent distinct numbers among 2, 4, 5, 6 and 10, not necessarily
in the same order. What is the value of B?
(1) A+C=E
(2) A+E=B
Solve yourself:
120. If x, y and z are positive numbers and 5x + 7y + 8z = k, can the value of k equal 20?
(1) 2x + 3y + 4z = 10
(2) 3x + 4y + 5z = 12
Solve yourself:
121. Can the value of k equal 20?

(1) 5x + 7y + 9z = k
(2) x, y and z are positive integers
Solve yourself:
122. If f (x) = x 3 4x + p, is 0 0
Solve yourself:

1
If f (x) = (a x n )

123. m and f (1) = p, what is the value of f p ?
(1) n=m
(2) a=1
Solve yourself:
124. a, b, x, y, . . .
1
Each term of the above sequence is 9 more than of the previous term. What is the value of
3
xy ?
(1) a = 54
5
(2) y= x
6
Solve yourself:
125. If f(n+1) (x) = f(n) (x) + 1, for all positive integer values of n = 1, 2, 3, . . . , what is the value of
f(4) (x)?
(1) f1 (x) = 0
(2) f5 (x) = 4

Solve yourself:
126. If f (n + 3) = f (n + 2) f (n), for all positive integer values of n = 1, 2, 3, . . . , what is the

value of f (5) f (3)?
(1) f (1) = f (2) = 1

(2) f (3) = 1
Solve yourself:
127. Aluminum costs $2 per kilogram, and copper costs $4 per kilogram. If 10 kilograms of alloy K
consists of x kilograms of aluminum and y kilograms of copper, is x > y?
(1) y >3
(2) The cost of 10 kilograms of alloy K is less than $30.
Solve yourself:
128. What is the age of P, if the average (arithmetic mean) age of P, Q, and R is 24 years?
(1) The difference between the ages of P and Q is 6 years and R is 6 years elder to Q.
(2) Among the three, P is the youngest and R is the oldest.
Solve yourself:

129. What is the age of P, if the average (arithmetic mean) age of P, Q, and R is 24 years and no two
among the three have the same age?
(1) The difference between the ages of P and Q is 6 years and R is 6 years elder to Q.
(2) Among the three, P is the youngest and R is the oldest.
Solve yourself:
130. A, B and C have a total of $60 with them. Does A have the highest amount?
(1) A and B together have 40 percent more than what C has.

(2) B has $6 more than what A and C together have.
Solve yourself:
131. Is the present age of B more than double the age of A?
(1) Bs age was double the age of A, four years back.

(2) B is 20 years older than A.
Solve yourself:
132. Jill bought only apples worth $0.30 each and oranges worth $0.58 each. How many apples did
she buy?
(1) She bought $8.80 worth of apples and oranges.

(2) She bought an equal number of apples and oranges.
Solve yourself:

133. Juan bought some paperback books that cost $8 each and some hardcover books that cost $25
each. If Juan bought more than 10 paperback books, how many hardcover books did he buy?
(1) The total cost of the hardcover books that Juan bought was at least $150.
(2) The total cost of all the books that Juan bought was less than $260.
Solve yourself:
134. Some computers at a certain company are Brand X and the rest are Brand Y. If there are a total
of 880 computers at the company, how many of the computers are Brand Y?
(1) Ratio of the number of Brand Y computers to the number of Brand X computers at the
company is 5 to 6.
(2) The number of Brand X computers is greater than the number of Brand Y computers at the
company by 80.
Solve yourself:
135.
+ x y z
d p m
e q n
f
The figure above represents an addition table where four entries, p, q, m and n are shown; for
example, d + x = p. What is the value of (m + n)?
(1) d + y = 3
(2) e + z = 12

Solve yourself:
136. The total charge to rent a car for one day from Company J consists of a fixed charge of $15.00
and a charge of $0.20 per mile driven. The total charge to rent a car for one day from Company
K consists of a fixed charge of $20.00 and a charge of $0.10 per mile driven. Is the total charge
to rent a car from Company J for one day and drive it for x miles less than $25.00?
(1) The total charge to rent a car from Company K for one day and drive it for x miles is less
than $25.00
(2) x < 50
Solve yourself:
137. What was the cost of a certain telephone call?
(1) The call lasted 8 minutes.

(2) The cost of the first minute of the call was $0.32, which was twice the cost of each minute
of the call after the first.
Solve yourself:
138. Yesterday, Nan parked her car at a certain parking garage that charges more for the first hour
than for each additional hour. If Nans total parking charge at the garage yesterday was $3.75,
for how many hours of parking was she charged?
(1) Parking charges at the garage are $0.75 for the first hour and $0.50 for each additional hour
or fraction of an hour.
(2) If the charge for the first hour had been $1.00, Nans total parking charge would have been
$4.00.

Solve yourself:
139. A piece of chalk, 8 cm long is broken into three pieces whose lengths, in cm, are distinct integers.
What is the product of the length of the three pieces?
(1) The length of the longest piece is equal to the sum of the lengths of the other two pieces.
(2) The length of the shortest piece is 1 cm.
Solve yourself:
140. Barbara sells two products, A and B. She earns commissions of $12 per unit on product A sold
and $5 per unit on product B sold. If her total commission was $300, how many units of product
A did she sell?
(1) Her commission from the sale of product A was at least $120.
(2) She sold 8 more units of product A than units of product B.
Solve yourself:
141. What is the total cost of 1 apple, 1 orange and 1 lemon?

(1) The total cost of 5 apples, 4 oranges and 3 lemons is Rs. 130
(2) The total cost of 3 apples, 4 oranges and 5 lemon is Rs. 110
Solve yourself:

142. If the sum of the ages of A and B is 70 years, what is the age of A?
(1) A, at present, is twice as old as B was x years ago.

(2) B, at present, has the same age as A had x years ago.
Solve yourself:
143. If x and y are positive integers, what is the value of xy?
(1) 2x+2y = 8
(2) 23x+2y = 32
Solve yourself:
144. Joe purchased a number of cakes priced at $13 each and a number of biscuit packets priced at
$7 each. What is the total number of cakes and biscuit packets purchased by Joe?
(1) The total price of items purchased is $33.

(2) If the count of cakes and the count of biscuit packets purchased had been interchanged,
the total price of the items would have been $27.
Solve yourself:
145. Three friends, A, B and C decided to have a beer party. If each of the three friends consumed
equal quantities of beer, and paid equally for it, what was the price of one beer bottle?
(1) A, B and C brought along 4, 6 and 2 bottles of beer, respectively; all bottles of beer being
identical.
(2) C paid a total of $16 to A and B for his share.

Solve yourself:
146. In an experiment with n bacteria, it was found that each bacteria weighed 1012 grams. Each of
the n bacteria gave birth to n new bacteria, each of which also weighed 1012 grams. What was
the value of n?
1
(1) The first n bacteria weighed of the total weight of all bacteria.
16

(2) The total weight of all bacteria was 24 1011 grams.
Solve yourself:
147. If p is an integer, what is the value of p?

(1) pq = 4
(2) q 2p = 7
Solve yourself:
148. If a2 b2 = 20, what is value of a?

(1) a and b are positive integers.
(2) a + b = 10
Solve yourself:

a
149. What is the value of ?
b
a2
(1) + b = 2a
b
(2) (a 2)2 + |b 2| = 0
Solve yourself:
1 1

150. What is the value of + ?
a b
1a 1b
(1) + =2
a b
ab 1
(2) =
a+b 4
Solve yourself:

96 Algebra Guide Answer Key

Chapter 4
Answer-key
97
4.1 Problem Solving
(1) C (23) C (45) C
(2) D (24) E (46) E
(3) B (25) E (47) C
(4) D (26) D (48) C
(49) B
(5) B (27) E
(50) E
(6) A (28) C
(51) D
(7) D (29) B
(52) D
(8) B (30) C
(53) E
(9) E (31) C
(54) B
(10) B (32) C
(55) B
(11) D (33) B
(56) D
(12) E (34) C
(57) C
(13) D (35) D
(58) D
(14) E (36) C
(59) B
(15) C (37) D
(60) C
(16) C (38) B
(61) E
(17) A (39) C
(62) D
(18) A (40) A
(63) C
(19) C (41) B (64) D
(20) D (42) A (65) A
(21) E (43) C (66) C
(22) C (44) D (67) D

Algebra Guide Answer Key 99
(68) E (79) A (90) B
(69) C (80) C (91) A
(70) D (81) D (92) E
(71) A (82) B (93) B
(72) D (83) E (94) D
(73) C (84) A (95) C
(74) D (85) C (96) A
(75) B (86) C (97) A
(76) D (87) B (98) B
(77) D (88) D (99) D
(78) C (89) D (100) C

(101) E (118) D (135) C
(102) E (119) C (136) D

(103) C (120) A (137) C
(104) C (121) C (138) A
(105) E (122) A
(139) A
(106) C (123) D
(140) B
(107) C (124) D
(141) C
(108) C (125) D
(142) C
(109) C (126) A
(143) D
(110) C (127) B
(144) D
(111) C (128) C
(145) C
(112) A (129) A
(146) D
(113) C (130) B
(114) C (131) A (147) C
(115) A (132) A (148) D
(116) C (133) C (149) D
(117) C (134) D (150) D

Chapter 5
Solutions
101
102 Algebra Guide Solutions
5.1 Problem Solving
1. Let the price of 1 chocolate and 1 pen be $x and $y, respectively.
Thus, we have:
19x + 21y = 29 . . . (i)
21x + 19y = 31 . . . (ii)
40x + 40y = 60
3
=> x + y = . . . (iii)
2
Subtracting (i) from (ii):
2x 2y = 2
=> x y = 1 . . . (iv)
Adding (iii) and (iv):

3 5
2x = 1 + =
2 2
5
=> x = = 1.25
4
Thus, the price of a chocolate is $1.25
The correct answer is option C.
2. We know that the average age of the Abe and his two children ten years ago was 20 years.
Thus, at present, the age of each must have increased by 10 years; hence their average age must
have been 10 + 20 = 30 years.
Thus, the present total age of Abe and his two children = 30 3 = 90 years.
Since Abes age is equal to the sum of the ages of his two children, we have:
Abes age + Sum of ages of his two children = 90 years
=> 2 (Abes age) = 90 years

90
=> Abes age = = 45 years.
2
Alternate approach:
Let the present age of Abes son = x years.
Present age of Abes daughter = 12 years.

Algebra Guide Solutions 103
Thus, Abes present age = (x + 12) years.
Thus, total present age of Abe and his two children = (2x + 24) years.
Ten years back, each must have been 10 years younger, thus the total age would have been 10
3 = 30 years less.
Thus, total age of Abe and his two children = (2x + 24 30) = (2x 6) years.
Since their average age was 20 years, their total age = 20 3 = 60 years.
Thus, we have:
2x 6 = 60 => x = 33
Thus, Abes present age = (x + 12) = 45 years.
The correct answer is option D.
3. Let the cost of one apple, one guava and one banana be $x, $y and $z, respectively.
Thus, we have:
3x + 3y + 4z = 10 . . . (i)
3x + 2y + 4z = 9 . . . (ii)

We need to determine the value of 9x + 8y + 12z .
6x + 5y + 8z = 19 . . . (iii)
Adding (i) and (iii):
9x + 8y + 12z = 29
Alternate approach:
We can see that if (i) is multiplied by 3:
9x + 9y + 12z = 30
=> 9x + 8y + 12z = 30 y, i.e. the required value is less than 30.
Similarly, if (ii) is multiplied by 3:
9x + 6y + 12z = 27
=> 9x + 8y + 12z = 27 + 2y, i.e. the required value is greater than 27.
Thus, the required answer lies between 27 and 30, and hence, must be 29 (the only possible
option).

The correct answer is option B.
4. Initial amount = a dollars, b cents.
Amount spent = $3.50 = 3 dollars, 50 cents.
Final amount = 2b dollars, 64 cents.
There are two possibilities:
b > 50: b 50 = 64 => b = 114
However, we know that b < 100
Hence, this scenario is not possible.
b < 50: Since b is less than 50, in order to properly subtract 50 cents from b, we need to
borrow 100 cents from a dollars, so that the initial sum of money becomes (a 1) dollars
and (100 + b) cents.
Thus, we have: 100 + b 50 = 64 => b = 14
Considering the subtraction of the dollars:
(a 1) 3 = 2b
=> a 4 = 2 14 = 28
=> a = 32
Thus, we have:
Initial amount = $32.14, amount spent = $3.50, final amount = $28.64
Thus, we have:
a + b = 32 + 14 = 46.
x
5. Let the fraction be .
y
Thus, we have:
x+4 x 1
= +
y +4 y 8
x+4 x 1
=> =
y +4 y 8


4 y x 1
=> =
y y +4 8
y x 1
=> = . . . (i)
y y +4 32
x2 x 1
=
y 2 y 4
x x2 1
=> =
y y 2 4

2 y x 1
=> =
y y 2 4
y x 1
=> = . . . (ii)
y y 2 8
Dividing (i) by (ii):

y 2 1
= => 4y 8 = y + 4
y +4 4
=> y = 4
Substituting y = 4 in (i):
4x 1
=
4 (4 + 4) 32
=> 4 x = 1
=> x = 1
x 3
Thus, the required fraction = = .
y 4
Alternate approach:
We can use the options and find the value of the fraction that satisfies the given condition.
For example, working with Option B:

3
Assuming the original fraction to be :
4
3+4 3 7 3 1
= = Satisfies
4+4 4 8 4 8
3 32 3 1 1
= = Satisfies
4 42 4 2 4

6. We solve the first two equations and substitute the values of x and y in the third equation.
Thus, we have:
7x 2y = 12 . . . (i)
4x + y = 9 . . . (ii)
2x + 5y = K . . . (iii)
Multiplying (ii) by 2 and adding with (i):
7x + 8x = 12 + 18 => x = 2
Substituting x = 2 in (ii):
8 + y = 9 => y = 1
Substituting x = 2 and y = 1 in (iii):
K = 2 2 + 5 1 = 9.
The correct answer is option A.
7. We have:
2x + 3y = 7 . . . (i)
5x + 3y = 13 . . . (ii)
x y 1
= = . . . (iii)
A B C
3x = 6 => x = 2
3y = 7 4 => y = 1
Substituting x = 2 and y = 1 in (iii):

2 1 1
= =
A B C
Since A, B and C are positive integers and the greatest common divisor (GCD) of A, B and C is
1, we can see that the only possible sets of values are: A = 2, B = C = 1
(Note: Other values: A = 4, B = 2, C = 2; etc. (not possible since the GCD should be 1); A =
1 1 1
, B = , C = ; etc. (not possible since A, B, C are positive integers).
2 4 4
=> A + B + C = 2 + 1 + 1 = 4.

8. Let the two-digit number be N = 10x + y, where x and y are the tens and unit digit of N,
respectively.
Thus, we have:
x + y = 5 . . . (i)
The fraction formed:

10x + y 20 3
=
10x + y + 12 11
=> 110x + 11y 220 = 30x + 3y + 36
=> 80x + 8y = 256

=> 8 10x + y = 256
256
=> 10x + y = = 32
8
Thus, we have: N = 10x + y = 32
Note: One should NOT solve the equations 10x +y = 32 and x +y = 5 and determine the values

of x and y, since, finally, the value of 10x + y has to be determined.
Observe that: 10x + y = 32 = 10 3 + 2 => x = 3 and y = 2 satisfies x + y = 5.
Thus, the product of the digits of the number = 3 2 = 6.
Alternate approach:
Since the sum of digits of the number is 5, the possible numbers are:
50, 41, 32, 23 and 14

3
We know that the ratio of 20 less than the number and 12 more than the number is .
11
Working with the above numbers:
50 20 30 3
N = 50 => = 6= Does not satisfy
50 + 12 62 11
41 20 21 3
N = 41 => = 6 = Does not satisfy
40 + 12 52 11
32 20 12 3
N = 32 => = = Satisfies
32 + 12 44 11
Thus the product of the digits = 3 2 = 6
9. We have:
3x + 7y = 11z . . . (i)

6x y = 7z . . . (ii)
3x + y = kz . . . (iii)
Multiplying (i) with 2 and subtracting (ii) from it:

14y y = 22z 7z
=> y = z
Substituting y = z in (ii):
6x = 7z + y = 7z + z
4
=> x = z
3
4
Substituting x = z and y = z in (iii):
3
4

3 z + z = kz
3
=> 5z = kz
=> k = 5.
The correct answer is option E.
10. Let the number of children in the group be n.
Let the number of pens initially with Ann be x.
If Ann takes 1 pen from each of the other children, she would have taken (n 1) pens from the
others, and hence, the total number of pens with her = (x + n 1).
Since the number of pens with her would be thrice the number of children in the group, we have:
x + n 1 = 3n
=> x = 2n + 1 . . . (i)
Since the total number of pens with n children is 42, and Ann alone has x = (2n + 1) pens, the
number of pens with the other (n 1) children = 42 (2n + 1) = (41 2n).
Since Ann has the greatest number of pens, none of the other children can have (2n + 1) pens.
Working with the options:
Statement I: n = 5
Number of pens with Ann = 2n+1 = 11 Number of pens with the other 4 children = 412n = 31
Assuming that each of the 3 children has a minimum of 1 pen, then the 4th child would have
31 3 = 28 pens, which is greater than the number of pens (11) Ann has. Does not satisfy

Statement II: n = 9
If any one other child has 19 pens, then the number of pens with the remaining 7 children would
be 23 19 = 4, which is not possible since each child should have at least one pen. Thus, Ann
definitely has the greatest number of pens. Satisfies
Statement III: n = 15
Since each child must have at least one pen, we cannot have a scenario where 14 children have
a total of 11 pens with them. Does not satisfy
Note: Though it appears while working with the first two options, that the value of n should be
on the higher side, it is not prudent to assume that the largest value of n in the options would
also satisfy the conditions.
11. The distance covered by the ball in the t th second
= (Distance covered in t seconds) (Distance covered in (t 1) seconds) = 15t 2 15(t 1)2

n o
= 15 t 2 (t 1)2
= 15 (t (t 1)) (t + (t 1))
= 15 (2t 1)
Thus, we have:
15 (2t 1) = 225
=> 2t 1 = 15
=> t = 8
12. Height of the ball above the ground
= 3 + 24t 4t 2
= 4 t 2 6t + 3

= 4 t 2 2 t 3 + 3

= 4 t 2 2 t 3 + 32 32 + 3


n o
= 4 (t 3)2 9 + 3
= 4(t 3)2 + 39
Since (t 3)2 is a perfect square term, it is always non-negative. Thus, when it is multiplied with
(4), it becomes non-positive.

n o
Thus, the height of the ball from the ground is 39, reduced by the amount 4(t 3)2 .
Thus, the height of the ball above the ground will be the maximum when the negative term, i.e.
n o
4(t 3)2 becomes zero, which happens when: 4(t 3)2 = 0 => t = 3
The corresponding value of the height (maximum value) is thus, 39 feet.
13. For N units sold at price P , total selling price (in dollars) = P N
= P (120 P )
Total cost incurred = $2000
Since there is neither profit nor loss, we have:
Cost price = Selling price
=> 2000 = P (120 P )
=> P 2 120P + 2000 = 0
=> P 2 100P 20P + 2000 = 0
=> (P 100) (P 20) = 0
=> P = 20 or 100
Thus, the maximum selling price = $100.
14. In a quadratic ax 2 +bx +c = 0, the roots are real and unequal, if the discriminant, i.e. b2 4ac >
0.
Thus, for the quadratic x 2 px + 8p = 0, we have:

2
p 4 (1) 8p > 0
=> p 2 32p > 0
=> p 2 2 p 16 + 162 162 > 0

2
=> p 16 > 162
Thus, we have:
p 16 > 16 => p > 32
OR
p 16 < 16 => p < 0
Thus, the minimum positive integer value of p = 33.
3
15. We know that x = satisfies the equation x 2 px + 12 = 0
2
3
Substituting x = in the equation, we have:
2
2
3 3

p + 12 = 0
2 2
3 9 57
=> p = + 12 =
2 4 4
2 57 19
=> p = =
3 4 2
Alternate approach:
Let the other solution be x = k.
Thus, we have:
3

2
x px + 12 x (x k)
2
3 3

2 2
=> x px + 12 x x k + + k
2 2
Comparing coefficients:
3 2
12 = k => k = 12 = 8
2 3
3 3 19
p =k+ =8+ =
2 2 2

16. To determine the point where y = x 2 + kx + l intersects the Y-axis, we need to substitute x = 0.
Since the point of intersection on the Y-axis is (0, 64), we have: 0 + 0 + l = 64
=> l = 64 . . . (i)
We also know that y = x 2 + kx + l intersects the X-axis at (4, 0).
Thus, substituting x = 4 and y = 0 in the equation, we have:
42 + 4k + l = 0
Substituting l = 64:
16 + 4k + 64 = 0
=> k = 20
17.
12
Area of the frame
= (Area of outer rectangle) (Area of inner rectangle)
= (12 + 2x) (8 + 2x) 12 8
= 24x + 16x + 4x 2
= 40x + 4x 2
Since the area is 44 square inches, we have:
40x + 4x 2 = 44
=> x 2 + 10x 11 = 0
=> (x + 11) (x 1) = 0
=> x = 11 or 1
=> x = 1 (Negative value for the width is not possible)
Thus, the required perimeter
= (Perimeter of outer rectangle) + (Perimeter of inner rectangle)

= 2 {(12 + 2x) + (8 + 2x)} + 2 (12 + 8)
= 2 (14 + 10) + 40
= 98
18. We know that the height of the arch above the ground is zero at the two ends of the arch, as
shown in the diagram below:
Parbolic arch
30 feet
=0 = 20
Thus, we have:
h = 0 => kd (d 20) = 0
=> d = 0 or 20
0 + 20
The arch reaches its maximum height of 30 feet at the middle, i.e. for d = = 10
2
Thus, we have:
d = 10, h = 30
=> h = kd (d 20)
=> 30 = k 10 (10 20)

3
=> k =
10
Alternate approach:
h = kd (d 20)
= k d2 20d

n o
= k (d 10)2 100
= k(d 10)2 + 100k

n o
In order to maximize the height, the negative term, i.e. k(d 10)2 should be 0, i.e. d = 10
and the corresponding maximum value is 100k.

Thus, we have:
100k = 30
3
=> k =
10
19. We know that f (1) = 0, i.e. x = 1 is a solution of x 2 + bx + c = 0.
We need to determine k, where f (k) = 0, k 6= 1, i.e. we need to determine the other solution of
x 2 + bx + c = 0.
Since 1 and k are the solutions of x 2 + bx + c = 0, we have:
x 2 + bx + c (x 1) (x k)
Since f (3) = 2f (5), we have:
(3 1) (3 k) = 2 (5 1) (5 k)
=> 2 (3 k) = 8 (5 k)
=> 3 k = 20 4k
17
=> k =
3
20. Since p, q, r and s are the roots of x 4 2x 3 + x 2 + x + 3 = 0, we have:
x 4 2x 3 + x 2 + x + 3 x p

x q (x r ) (x s)
Substituting x = 2 above, we have:
(2)4 2(2)3 + (2)2 + (2) + 3 = 2 p

2 q (2 r ) (2 s)

=> 16 + 16 + 4 + 1 = 2 + p 2 + q (2 + r ) (2 + s)

=> 2 + p 2 + q (2 + r ) (2 + s) = 37
21. We have:
2
x+ 3
x
2
=> x + 30
x

x 2 + 2 3x
=> 0
x
(x 2) (x 1)
=> 0
x
Thus, the possible scenarios are:
(x 2) (x 1) 0 AND x < 0
(a) x 2 0 AND x 1 0 AND x < 0
=> x 2 AND x 1 AND x < 0 Not possible
(b) x 2 0 AND x 1 0 AND x < 0
=> x 2 AND x 1 AND x < 0
=> x < 0 . . . (i)
(x 2) (x 1) 0 AND x > 0
(a) x 2 0 AND x 1 0 AND x > 0
=> x 2 AND x 1 AND x > 0 Not possible
(b) x 2 0 AND x 1 0 AND x > 0
=> x 2 AND x 1 AND x > 0
=> 1 x 2 . . . (ii)
Thus, the solution, from (i) and (ii), is:
x<0
OR
1x2
Alternate Approach:
Using the options: Plug in values of x in I, II and III:
I. Let x = 3,
2
3+ 3
3
Thus, I does not satisfy.
II. Let x = 1.5

2
1.5 + 3
1.5
Thus, II satisfies.
III. Let x = 1
Obviously, sum of two negatives is less than 3.
Thus, III satisfies.
22. We have:
x+3
1 < <1
x+7
Let us break this in two parts:
x+3
1 <
x+7
x+3
=> +1>0
x+7
x+3+x+7
=> >0
x+7
2 (x + 5)
=> >0
x+7
x+5
=> >0
x+7
Thus, we have the following scenarios:
(a) x + 5 > 0 AND x + 7 > 0
=> x > 5 AND x > 7
=> x > 5
(b) x + 5 < 0 AND x + 7 < 0
=> x < 5 AND x < 7
=> x < 7
Thus, we have: x > 5 OR x < 7 . . . (i)

x+3
<1
x+7
x+3
=> 1<0
x+7

x+3x7
=> <0
x+7
=> 4x + 7 < 0
1
=> >0
x+7
=> x + 7 > 0
=> x > 7 . . . (ii)
Thus, from (i) and (ii), we finally have:
x > 5 OR x < 7 Shown by the black arrows
AND
x > 7 Shown by the gray arrow
Placing them on a number line, we have:
7 5
Thus, the overlapping region is:
x > 5
23. We have:
x3 1
>
x 2 9x + 18 2
x3 1
=> >0
(x 3) (x 6) 2
Cancelling (x 3) from numerator and denominator, we have:

1 1
>0
x6 2

2 (x 6)
=> >0
2 (x 6)
x + 8
=> >0
x6
x8
=> <0
x6
x 8 < 0 AND x 6 > 0
=> x < 8 AND x > 6
Thus, the only integer value of x = 7
x 8 > 0 AND x 6 < 0
=> x > 8 AND x < 6 Not possible
Alternate approach:
x3 1
>
(x 3) (x 6) 2
1 1
=> >
(x 6) 2
Plugging in the options:
1 1
Option A: x = 5: Does not satisfy
56 2
Option B: x = 6: Division by 0 is not possible Does not satisfy
1 1
Option A: x = 7: > Satisfies
76 2
1 1
86 2
1 1
96 2
24. We have:
x 3 9x 5 > 0
=> x 3 1 9x 2 > 0


=> x 2 x 1 9x 2 > 0

Cancelling x 2 , since it is always positive:
x {(1 3x) (1 + 3x)} > 0
x > 0 AND (1 3x) (1 + 3x) > 0
(a) x > 0 AND 1 3x > 0 AND 1 + 3x > 0

1 1
=> x > 0 AND x < AND x >
3 3
1
=> 0 < x < . . . (i)
3
(b) x > 0 AND 1 3x < 0 AND 1 + 3x < 0
1 1
=> x > 0 AND x > AND x < Not possible
3 3
x < 0 AND (1 3x) (1 + 3x) < 0
(a) x < 0 AND 1 3x > 0 AND 1 + 3x < 0

1 1
=> x < 0 AND x < AND x <
3 3
1
=> x < . . . (ii)
3
(b) x < 0 AND 1 3x < 0 AND 1 + 3x > 0
1 1
=> x < 0 AND x > AND x > Not possible
3 3
Thus, from (i) and (ii), we have:

1 1
0<x< OR x <
3 3
25. We have: 2 x 3 . . . (i)
6 y 4 . . . (ii)
Thus: Adding (i) and (ii):
8 x+y 7 . . . (iii)
We also have: 1 a 2 . . . (iv)
3 b 1 . . . (v)
Thus: Adding (iv) and (v):
4 a+b 3 . . . (vi)

Using (vi) and (iii), for (a + b) x + y , we have:

Maximum possible value occurs by multiplying 4 and 8, i.e. 32
Minimum possible value occurs by multiplying 4 and 7, i.e. 28
Thus, we have:

28 (a + b) x + y 32
26. We observe that the values of x are positive while the values of y are negative.
x x
Thus, to maximize the value of , we should try to get the least negative value of .
y y
Thus, we take x to be the least positive number, i.e. 2 and y to be the most negative number,
i.e. 12.
x 2 1
Thus, the maximum possible value of = = . . . (i)
y 12 6
y y
Similarly, to minimize the value of , we should try to get the most negative value of .
x x
Thus, we take y to be the most negative number, i.e. 12 and x to be the least positive number,
i.e. 2.
y 12
Thus, the minimum possible value of = = 6 . . . (ii)
x 2
Thus, from (i) and (ii):
1

The required product = (6) = 1.
6
Alternate approach:
We can simply use logic to answer this problem.
It is common knowledge that the reciprocal of the maximum value of any term, k, results in the
1
minimum value of the term . Thus, the product of the values definitely has to be 1.
k
27. Let the number of TV sets and the number of DVD players be x and y, respectively.
Thus, we have:
360x + 240y = 15000
=> 3x + 2y = 125 . . . (i)

The least value of x + y occurs when x is the largest, i.e. 41 (since 125 when divided by 3
gives 41 as quotient and 2 as remainder). Thus, 2y = 2, i.e. the value of y is 1.

Alternatively, since the coefficient of x is 3, which is greater than the coefficient of y which is

2, least value of x + y would occur if we maximize the value of x or minimize the value of
y.
=> x + y = 41 + 1 = 42 (least)

The largest value of x + y occurs when y is the largest, i.e. 62 (since 125 when divided by 2
gives 62 as quotient and 1 as remainder). However, in that case, x becomes a fraction. However,
if we take y = 61, then we have 3x = 3, i.e. the value of x is 1.
=> x + y = 61 + 1 = 62 (largest)
Since the dealer does not wish to purchase greater than 42 items, we have: x + y 42
Thus, the only possible solution is:
x + y = 42.
Thus, the minimum number of total items that the dealer can purchase is 42.
28. Let the number of chicken burgers and the number of vegetable burgers sold be x and y, re-
spectively.

Thus, total price of the burgers = $ 8x + 5y .
Since potato fires were ordered with burgers 50 times, each time the discount on a burger being
$1, total discount on the burgers = $50.

Thus, total revenue generated = $ 8x + 5y 50 .
Thus, we have:
8x + 5y 50 1110
=> 8x + 5y 1160 . . . (i)
Since the total number of burgers sold was at least 160, we have: x + y 160
=> 5x + 5y 800

=> 5x + 5y 800 . . . (ii)
Thus, adding (i) and (ii):

8x + 5y 5x + 5y < 1160 800
=> 3x 360

=> x 120
Thus, the maximum number of chicken burgers sold was 120.
29. Let the number of sedans and the number of minivans used be s and m, respectively.
Since the number of people is at least 48, we have:
4s + 8m 48
=> s + 2m 12 . . . (i)
Since the total amount available is $600, we have:
60s + 80m 600
=> 3s + 4m 30
=> 3s 4m 30 . . . (ii)
From (i) 2 + (ii):
s 6 . . . (iii)
Adding (i) and (iii):
2m 6
=> m 3
Thus, the minimum number of minivans required is 3.
30. Let the number of pencils and the number of erasers in a gift box be x and y, respectively.
Thus, we have:
x + y 12 . . . (i)
x y + 3 . . . (ii)

From (ii): Assuming x = y + 3 and substituting in (i), we have: y + 3 + y 12
=> 2y 9
=> y 4.5

If x is greater than y + 3 , the value of y will reduce even further to accommodate the higher
value of x.

Thus, the maximum value of y is 4 (Since y is an integer).
31. Let the radius and the height of the cylinder be r and h, respectively.
Thus, we have:
Maximum and maximum height = 10 + 1 = 11 inches and 10 1 = 9 inches, respectively.
Maximum and minimum diameter = 3 + 1 = 4 inches and 3 1 = 2 inches, respectively.

4 2
Thus, maximum and minimum radius = = 2 inches and = 1 inches, respectively.
2 2
Thus, maximum volume = (2)2 (11) = 44 cubic inches.
Also, minimum volume = (1)2 (9) = 9 cubic inches.
Thus, required difference = 44 9 = 35 cubic inches.
32. |x a| refers to the distance of x from a.
Thus, y is the sum of distances of x from the points 3, 4 and 7.
Thus, the sum of the distances will be minimized if one of the distances becomes 0, i.e. x takes
a value 3, 4 or 7:
x= 3: y = |3 + 3| + |3 4| + |3 7| = 0 + 7 + 10 = 17
x = 4: y = |4 + 3| + |4 4| + |4 7| = 7 + 0 + 3 = 10
x = 7: y = |7 + 3| + |7 4| + |7 7| = 10 + 3 + 0 = 13
Thus, the minimum value of y = 10.
33. We have:
2
x 15 6
=> 6 x 2 15 6
=> 9 x 2 21
Thus, possible integer values of x are: 4, 3, 3, 4.
Thus, there are four possible integer values of x.

34. |x a| refers to the distance of x from a.
Thus, |x 3| + |x 9| is the sum of distances of x from 3 and 9.
3 9
Thus, we have:
If x is anywhere between 3 and 9, inclusive, the sum of the distances of x from 3 and 9
would always be 6, i.e. less than 8.
Thus, possible integer values of x are: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
If x is d distance to the left of 3:
Distance of x from 3 = d
Distance of x from 9 = d + 6
Thus, we have:
d + (d + 6) 8 => d 1
Thus, only possible integer value of x = 3 1 = 2.
If x is D distance to the right of 9:
Distance of x from 9 = D
Distance of x from 3 = D + 6
Thus, we have:
(D + 6) + D 8 => D 1
Thus, only possible integer value of x = 9 + 1 = 10.
Thus, the integer values of x are: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
Thus, there are nine possible integer values of x.
35. We have:
|x + 15| = 3 |x 15|

=> x + 15 = 3 (x 15)
Thus, we have:
x + 15 = 3 (x 15)
=> x + 15 = 3x 45
=> 2x = 60
=> x = 30
x + 15 = 3 (x 15)
=> x + 15 = 3x + 45
=> 4x = 30
=> x = 7.5
Thus, sum of the possible values of x = 30 + 7.5 = 37.5

36. Since x and y are integers, x + y and x y are also integers.
Also, since x and y are non-negative integers, we must have:

x + y x y . . . (i)
x + y 0 . . . (ii)

Once the values of x + y and x y are determined, the two equations can be solved to
obtain the values of x and y.
Thus, the possible scenarios are:
|x+y| |xy| x+y xy x y
6 0 6 0 3 3
5 1 5 1 3 2
5 1 5 1 2 3
4 2 4 2 3 1
4 2 4 2 1 3
3 3 3 3 3 0
3 3 3 3 0 3

Thus, there are seven possible pairs of solutions of x, y .

37. We have:
x + 5 x + 3

x 3 x 5
|x + 5| |x + 3|
=>
|x 3| |x 5|
Since the denominators are absolute values, we may cross multiply keeping the inequality un-
changed:
=> |x + 5| |x 5| |x + 3| |x 3|
=> |(x + 5) (x 5)| |(x + 3) (x 3)|
=> x 2 25 x 2 9

Thus, we have:
x 2 25 x 2 9 => 25 > 9 Not possible
x 2 25 x 2 9

=> x 2 25 x 2 + 9
=> 2x 2 34
=> x 2 17

=> 17 x 17
=> 4._ x 4._
Thus, the possible integer values of x are: 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4.
However, since (x 3) is in the denominator of the original inequality, x cannot take the value
3.
Thus, there are eight possible integer values of x.
38. We have:
x

x 1 < 1

Since the denominator is an absolute value, we may cross multiply keeping the inequality un-
changed:

=> |x| < |x 1|
=> (x 1) < x < x 1
=> x + 1 < x < x 1
=> x + 1 < x OR x < x 1 (which is not possible)
=> x + 1 < x
=> 1 < 2x
1
=> x <
2
Thus, the greatest possible integer value of x = 0.
Alternately, one could simply substitute the options and among those options which satisfy the
inequality, the greatest value of x which satisfies the equation would be the answer.
39. We know that:
|a| + |b| |a + b|
The equality holds if both a and b are of the same sign
The inequality holds if a and b are of opposite signs
Thus, we have:
|x + 2| + |2x 1| > |3x + 1|
=> |x + 2| + |2x 1| > |(x + 2) + (2x 1)|
Thus, we have:
x + 2 > 0 AND 2x 1 < 0

1 1
=> x > 2 AND x < => 2 < x < . . . (i)
2 2
OR
x + 2 < 0 AND 2x 1 > 0

1
=> x < 2 AND x > Not possible
2
Thus, from (i), the greatest possible integer value of x = 0.
Alternately, one could simply substitute the options and among those options which satisfy the
inequality, the greatest value would be the answer.

40. We have:
|x 1| > |x| + 3
Thus:
If x 0:
|x| = x
Also, x > x 1
Thus, the LHS is definitely smaller than the RHS.
Thus, there is no possible positive value of x.
If x < 0:
|x| = x
Also, x 1 < 0 => |x 1| = (x 1)
=> (x 1) > x + 3
=> 1 > 3, which is not true
Thus, there is no possible negative value of x.
Thus, there is no possible value of x.
41. f (x) = 2x 4 3x 2 + 1
The roots of f (x) = 0 are p, q, r and s.
Thus, we have:
2x 4 3x 2 + 1 = 0
Let k = x 2
2k2 3k + 1 = 0
=> 2k2 2k k + 1 = 0
=> 2k (k 1) 1 (k 1) = 0
=> (2k 1) (k 1) = 0
1
=> k = or 1
2
1
=> x 2 = or 1
2

1
=> x = or 1
2
1 1
Thus, the roots p, q, r and s are: , , 1, and 1
2 2
1 1

=> p + q + r + s = + + (1) + 1 = 0
2 2
42. To find the points of intersection, we need to equate the two functions and determine the value
of x (that satisfies both the equations). The value of x gives the X-coordinate value of the
point of intersection. On substituting the value of x in either of the two functions, we get the
Y-coordinate of the point of intersection.
Thus, we have:
f (x) = g (x)
x2
=> x 2 + 4 = +3
2
x2
=> x 2 = 1
2
=> x 2 = 2
However, the square of any number must always be non-negative.
Since x 2 comes to be negative, the values of x are imaginary, i.e. there are no real points of
intersection.
43. We are given that:

f p, q = 0, if p < q

f p, q = f p q, q + 1 if p q
The above functions determine the quotient when p is divided by q.
For example:
If p = 10 and q = 12: since 10 cannot be divided by 12 (since 10 < 12), the quotient
obtained is 0.

If p = 10 and q = 3, the quotient obtained is 3. Let us see how the function gives the
result as 3:
f (10, 3) = f (10 3, 3) + 1 = f (7, 3) + 1
f (7, 3) + 1 = f (7 3, 3) + 1 + 1 = f (4, 3) + 2
f (4, 3) + 2 = f (4 3, 3) + 1 + 2 = f (1, 3) + 3
f (1, 3) + 3 = 0 + 3 (since 1 < 3) = 3

Since we have: f p, q = 3, we have: p when divided by q gives a quotient 3.
Statement I: f (7, 2): 7, when divided by 2, gives a quotient 3 (and remainder 1) Satisfies
Alternately: f (7, 2) = f (7 2, 2) + 1 = f (5, 2) + 1
f (5, 2) + 1 = f (5 2, 2) + 1 + 1 = f (3, 2) + 2
f (3, 2) + 2 = f (3 2, 2) + 1 + 2 = f (1, 2) + 3
f (1, 2) + 3 = 0 + 3 = 3
Statement II: f (10, 3): 10, when divided by 3, gives a quotient 3 (and remainder 1)
Satisfies
Statement III: f (17, 6): 17, when divided by 6, gives a quotient 2 (and remainder 5) Does
not satisfy

f p, q = f p, q 1 + p if q > 1

f p, q = 0 if q = 0
The above functions determine the product when p is multiplied with q.
For example:
If p = 10 and q = 3, the product obtained is 30. Let us see how the function gives the result
as 30:
f (10, 3) = f (10, 3 1) + 10 = f (10, 2) + 10
f (10, 2) + 10 = f (10, 2 1) + 10 + 10 = f (10, 1) + 20
f (10, 1) + 20 = f (10, 1 1) + 10 + 20 = f (10, 0) + 30

f (10, 0) + 30 = 0 + 30 = 30

Since we have: f p, q = 12, we have: p when multiplied with q gives 12.
Working with the statements:
Statement I: f (6, 2): 6, when multiplied with 2 gives 12 Satisfies
Alternately: f (6, 2) = f (6, 2 1) + 6 = f (6, 1) + 6
f (6, 1) + 6 = f (6, 1 1) + 6 + 6 = f (6, 0) + 12
f (6, 0) + 12 = 0 + 12 = 12
Statement II: f (4, 3): 4, when multiplied with 3 gives 12 Satisfies
Statement III: f (6, 3): 6, when multiplied with 3 gives 18 Does not satisfy

f p, q = p if p < q

f p, q = f p q, q if p > q

f p, q = 0 if p = q
The above function determines the remainder when p is divided by q.
For example:
If p = 10 and q = 12: since 10 cannot be divided by 12 (since 10 < 12), the remainder
obtained is 10.
If p = 10 and q = 3, the remainder obtained is 1. Let us see how the function gives
the result as 1: f (10, 3) = f (10 3, 3) = f (7, 3) f (7, 3) = f (7 3, 3) = f (4, 3)
f (4, 3) = f (4 3, 3) = f (1, 3)
f (1, 3) = 1 (since 1 < 3)
If p = 12 and q = 3, the remainder obtained is 0. Let us see how the function gives
the result as 0: f (12, 3) = f (12 3, 3) = f (9, 3) f (9, 3) = f (9 3, 3) = f (6, 3)
f (6, 3) = f (6 3, 3) = f (3, 3) f (3, 3) = 0 (since 3 = 3)

Since we have: f p, q = 7, we have: p when divided by q leaves a remainder 7.

Statement I: f (12, 5): 12, when divided by 5, leaves a remainder 2 (and quotient 2) Does
not satisfy
Alternately: f (12, 5) = f (12 5, 5) = f (7, 5)
f (7, 5) = f (7 5, 5) = f (2, 5)
f (2, 5) = 2
Statement II: f (25, 8): 25, when divided by 8, leaves a remainder 1 (and quotient 3) Does
not satisfy
Statement III: f (27, 20): 27, when divided by 20, leaves a remainder 7 (and quotient 1)
Satisfies
46. Working with the options:

! ! !
f p, q p 1 p q pq
Option A/B/C: = ! = = 2
g p, q p+q p+q p+q p+q p+q
q
Thus, options A, B and C are incorrect.
! !
p p+q p
Option D/E: f p, q g p, q = =
p+q q q
Thus, option D is incorrect, and option E is correct.
47. We know that [x] denotes the greatest integer less than or equal to x.
Thus, for example, [2.3] equals the greatest integer less than or equal to 2.3:
The integers less than 2.3 are: 2, 1, 0, 1, etc.
Among these, the greatest is 2.
Thus, [2.3] = 2.
We know that x is a positive integer.
Thus, we have:
x + 1 x + x (the equality holds only if x = 1)
=> x + 1 2x
2x
=> 1 . . . (i)
x+1

Also, we have:
x+1>x
x
=> <1
x+1
2x
=> < 2 . . . (ii)
x+1
Thus, from (i) and (ii):
2x
1 <2
x+1
Thus, we have:
2x 2x

For x = 1: = 1 => = [1] = 1
x+1 x+1
2x 2x

For all other x: is a number between 1 and 2 => =1
x+1 x+1
Thus, each of the 100 terms, i.e. f (1) , f (2) . . . f (100), has the value 1.
Hence, the sum is 1 + 1 + 1 . . . 1 (100 times) = 100.
Alternate Approach:
x
We know that for positive numbers, <1
x+1
2x
Thus, <2
x+1
So we have:
2x

<2
x+1
If x = 1
2x 2

= =1
x+1 2
If x = 2
2x 4

= =1
x+1 3
...
...
...
If x = 100
2x 200

= =1
x+1 101
As we get 1 for all terms, and we have 100 terms, so the sum = 100.

1
48. f (x) =
x
x
g (x) =
x2 +1
x

=> f g (x) = f 2
x +1
1 x2 + 1
= =
x x
2
x +1
Also, we have:
1

g (f (x)) = g
x
1

x x
= 2 =
1 x2 + 1
+1
x
Thus, we have:
x2 + 1 x
f g (x) g (f (x)) = 2 =1
x x +1
Alternate approach:
For functions, plug-in method works really well. Since the options are constant numbers, the

value of x will not affect the value of f g (x) g (f (x)). Thus, we can arbitrarily choose a
value of x and work out the answer.
Let us take x = 1:
1 1 1
f (1) = = 1 and g (1) = 2 =
1 1 +1 2
Thus, we have:
1 1 1 1

f g (1) g (f (1)) = f g (1) = 2 =2 =1
2 1 (1 + 1) 2
2

Thus, for any value of x the value of f g (x) g (f (x)) = 1
49. f (x) = x 2 + 8

g (x) = x + 2
We have:
f (x) 4 g (x)
=> x 2 + 8 4x + 8
=> x 2 + 4x 0
=> x (x + 4) 0
=> 4 x 0
Thus, the only non-negative integer value of x is x = 0
Thus, there is only one possible value of x.
Thus, for example:
[2.3] equals the greatest integer less than or equal to 2.3:
Thus, [2.3] = 2.
[2.3] equals the greatest integer less than or equal to 2.3:
The integers less than 2.3 are: 3, 4, 5, etc.
Thus, [2.3] = 3.
We have: x 2 + 4x 12 = 0
=> x 2 + 6x 2x 12 = 0
=> (x + 6) (x 2) = 0
=> x = 6 or 2
Thus, the values of p and q are 6 and 2

2

Since we need to maximize f p f q , we assign p = 2 and q = 6: f (2) = = [0.5] = 0
4
6

f (6) = = [1.5] = 2
4


=> f p f q
= f (2) f (6)
= 0 (2) = 2
51.
Y
X
O 4, 0
f (1) refers to the value of y at x = 1, which is 3 units to the left of x = 4.
Since the graph is symmetric about the line x = 4, the value of y for a value of x 3 units to
the left of x = 4 is the same as the value of y for a value of x 3 units to the right of x = 4, i.e.
x =4+3=7
Thus, we have:
f (7) = f (1) = 9
52. From the graph, it is clear that the shaded region depicts g (x) f (x), since the line for g (x)
is above the line for f (x).

=2 =5

X
O
2, 0 4, 0
The other intersecting point would be given by equating g (x) with f (x) .
=> x 2 6x + 8 = x 2
=> x 2 7x 10 = 0
=> x 2 5x 2x 10 = 0
=> x = 2 or 5
The shaded region is bounded by the lines x = 2 and x = 5.
Thus, the integer values of x are: 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Thus, there are four possible values of x.
Alternate approach:
We have:
f (x) g (x)
=> x 2 6x + 8 x 2
=> x 2 7x + 10 0
=> (x 2) (x 5) 0
=> 2 x 5
Integer values for x are, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

53.
Y
15

10
X
O 1 2 3
From the graphs, we observe that:
f (x) satisfies the coordinates: (0, 2) , (1, 5) , (2, 10)
g (x) satisfies the coordinates: (0, 1) , (1, 2) , (2, 5) , (3, 10)

f (x) g (x) satisfies the coordinates: (0, 1) , (1, 3) , (2, 5)
Option A: Does not satisfy the coordinate (0, 2)
Option B: Does not satisfy the coordinates (0, 2) or (2, 10)
Option C: Does not satisfy the coordinates (0, 1) or (1, 2) or (3, 10)
Option D: Does not satisfy the coordinates (0, 1) or (1, 2) or (3, 10)
Option E: Satisfies the coordinates (0, 1) , (1, 3) and (2, 5)
54. From the graph, we have:

X
O 1 2
1
Area of triangle ABC
1
= Base Height
2
1 1
= 11=
2 2
Alternate approach:
g (0) = 2 0 3 = 3 => Coordinates of C are (0, 3)
f (0) = 0 2 = 2 => Coordinates of B are (0, 2)
Thus BC = 2 (3) = 1
Equating g (x) and f (x):
2x 3 = x 2 => x = 1
Thus height of the triangle ABC = 1
1 1
Thus, area of triangle ABC = 11=
2 2
55.

X
O 2 4
The above quadratic has roots 2 and 4.
Thus, we have:
f (x) = ax 2 + bx + c = a (x 2) (x 4)
Since the graph intersects the Y-axis at (0, 4), we have:
f (0) = 4
=> a (0 2) (0 4) = 4
1
=> 8a = 4 => a =
2
1
=> f (x) = (x 2) (x 4)
2
1 1
=> f (x) = x 2 6x + 8 = x 2 3x + 4
2 2
Thus, we have:
1 2
ax 2 + bx + c = x 3x + 4
2
1
=> a = , b = 3, c = 4
2
3
=> a + b + c =
2
Alternate approach:
We know that c is the y-intercept.
As the graph intersects the y axis at (0, 4), we have: c = 4
The graph intersects X-axis at (2, 0) and (4, 0) so we have:
0 = a 22 + b 2 + 4

=> 4a + 2b = 4
=> 2a + b = 2 . . . (i)
Also, we have:
0 = a 42 + b 4 + 4
=> 16a + 4b = 4
=> 4a + b = 1... (ii)
Subtracting (i) from (ii) we get,

1
2a = 1 => a =
2
Plugging this value in (i) we get,
b = 3
1 3
Thus, a + b + c = + (3) + 4 =
2 2
56. We have: 2f (x) + f (x) = 2x + 1
Substituting x = 1: 2f (1) + f (1) = 2 1 + 1
=> 2f (1) + f (1) = 3 . . . (i)
Substituting x = 1: 2f (1) + f ( (1)) = 2 (1) + 1
=> 2f (1) + f (1) = 1 . . . (ii)
From (i) 2 (ii):
4f (1) f (1) = 3 2 (1)
=> 3f (1) = 7
7
=> f (1) =
3
57. We have:
f (2x 1) = x 2 + 3x . . . (i)
Since we need the value of f (5), we need to use a suitable value of x so that we have:
2x 1 = 5
=> x = 3

Thus, substituting x = 3 in (i):
f (2 3 1) = 32 + 3 3
=> f (5) = 18
58. We have: f (x) = ax 2 + bx + c . . . (i)
Also, we have: f (x + 1) = f (x) + x + 1 . . . (ii)
f (0 + 1) = f (0) + 0 + 1
=> f (1) = f (0) + 1
=> a 12 + b (1) + c = a 02 + b (0) + c + 1

=> a + b = 1 . . . (iii)
f (1 + 1) = f (1) + (1) + 1
=> f (0) = f (1)

=> a 02 + b (0) + c = a (1)2 + b (1) + c

=> a b = 0
=> a = b . . . (iv)
Substituting a = b in (iii):
a+a=1
1
=> a =
2
59. We have:
f (a, b) = b
=> a > b
Since a = 6x 8 and b = x 2 , we have:
=> 6x 8 > x 2

=> x 2 6x + 8 < 0
=> (x 2) (x 4) < 0
=> 2 < x < 4
Thus, the only integer value of x = 3.
60. We have: f (x) = |x 1| and g (x) = x + a
=> g (3) = 3 + a

=> f g (3) = f (3 + a) = |(3 + a) 1| = |a 4|

Since f g (3) = 2, we have:
|a 4| = 2
=> a 4 = 2
=> a = 4 2 = 6 or 2
Thus, sum of the possible values of a = 6 + 2 = 8
61. The above is a linear equation. On simplifying the above, we would finally get a form:
kx + l = nx + m, where k, l, n and m are constants
In the above, if k = n, the terms with x will cancel out.
Thus, if l = m, i.e. the constant terms are equal, it implies that the above equation is true for
any value of x.
However, if l 6= m, the above equation would not be true for any value of x, i.e. there will be no
solution.
We have:
4 (2x 1) + 3 (x 2) = n (x + 2) 3 (x + 1)
=> n (x + 2) = 4 (2x 1) + 3 (x 2) + 3 (x + 1)
=> nx + 2n = 14x 7
Thus, we should have:
nx = 14x AND 2n 6= 7

=> n = 14 (which satisfies 2n 6= 7)
62. We have:
x 2 6x + 9 = 0
=> (x 3)2 = 0
=> x = 3
Thus, the above equation has only one root.
Thus, x 2 px + 12 = 0 must have one root as x = 3
Thus, substituting x = 3 in x 2 px + 12 results in 0
=> 32 3p + 12 = 0
=> 3p = 21
=> p = 7
63. We have:

(0.23 + 0.52)2 0.232 + 0.522

0.752 0.292
Considering the numerator:

(0.23 + 0.52)2 0.232 + 0.522

= 0.232 + 2 0.23 0.52 + 0.522 0.232 + 0.522
= 2 (0.23 0.52)
Considering the denominator:

0.752 0.292
= (0.75 0.29) (0.75 + 0.29)
= (0.46) (1.04)
= (2 0.23) (2 0.52)
= 4 (0.23 0.52)
Thus, we have:


(0.23 + 0.52)2 0.232 + 0.522

0.752 0.292
2 (0.23 0.52)
=
4 (0.23 0.52)
2
= = 0.5
4
64. We have:
x 2 x 12 = 0
=> (x 4) (x + 3) = 0
=> x = 4 or 3
Since p and q are the roots, with p > q, we have:
p = 4, q = 3
Again, we have:
x 2 50x + 49 = 0
=> (x 1) (x 49) = 0
=> x = 1 or 49
Thus, the roots are 1 and 49, which have to be expressed in terms of p and q.
Working with the options, we find that in Option D:

2
p+q = (4 + (3))2 = 1
AND
2
pq = (4 (3))2 = 49
65. We have:
a2 + 2b2 + 2a + b = 0 . . . (i)
a2 + b2 = 2ab . . . (ii)
=> a2 2ab + b2 = 0

=> (a b)2 = 0
=> a b = 0
=> a = b
Substituting a = b in (i):
a2 + 2a2 + 2a + a = 0
=> 3 a2 + a = 0

=> a (a + 1) = 0
=> a = 0 or 1
Since a is non-zero, we have:
a = b = 1
=> a + b = 2
66. We have:
x+y =2
=> y = 2 x
Thus, we have:
z = x2 + y 2
= x 2 + (2 x)2
= 2x 2 4x + 4
= 2 x 2 2x + 2

= 2 x 2 2x + 1 + 2

= 2(x 1)2 + 2
The minimum value of z occurs when the square term, i.e. (x 1)2 = 0 (which occurs at x = 1).
Thus, the minimum value of z = 0 + 2 = 2.
Alternate approach:
If sum of two variables is a constant, the sum of their squares would be the minimum if they are
equal.

Let us see why:
We have: x + y = 2 => x = 2 y
Thus, we have: x 2 + y 2
2
= 2y + y2
= 4 4y + 2y 2
= 2 y 2 2y + 4

n 2 o
=2 y 1 1 +4
2
=2 y 1 +2
2
The above would have the minimum value if the square term, i.e. y 1 = 0 (which occurs if
y = 1 => x = 2 y = 1. The corresponding minimum value is 0 + 2 = 2).
Thus, we have: x = y => x = 1 => z = 12 + 12 = 2

67. Since q and 2q are the roots, the quadratic equation can be represented as: x q x 2q = 0
=> x 2 3qx + 2q2 = 0 . . . (i)
The given quadratic equation is:
k x2 x + x + 1 = 0

=> kx 2 x (k 1) + 1 = 0
k1 1

=> x 2 x + = 0 . . . (ii)
k k
Comparing (i) and (ii):
k1
= 3q
k
1
=> 1 = 3q
k
1
=> = 1 3q
k
1
=> k = . . . (iii)
1 3q
1
= 2q2
k
1
=> k = . . . (iv)
2q2

68. Let f (x) = ax 2 + bx + c
Thus, we have:
f (1) = 1 => a + b + c = 1 . . . (i)
f (2) = 2 => 4a + 2b + c = 2 . . . (ii)
f (3) = 5 => 9a + 3b + c = 5 . . . (iii)
From (ii) (i): 3a + b = 1 . . . (iv)
From (iii) (ii): 5a + b = 3 . . . (v)
From (v) (iv): 2a = 2 => a = 1
From (iv): b = 1 3 = 2
From (i): c = 1 1 (2) = 2
Thus, we have:
f (x) = x 2 2x + 2
=> f (0) = 2
Alternate approach:
We have:
f (1) = 1 => f (1) 1 = 0
f (2) = 2 => f (2) 2 = 0
Let the function g (x) = f (x) x
Thus, we see that: g (1) = f (1) 1 = 0 AND g (2) = f (2) 2 = 0
Thus, 1 and 2 are the roots of g (x)
=> g (x) = k (x 1) (x 2)
=> f (x) x = k (x 1) (x 2)
=> f (x) = k (x 1) (x 2) + x
Since f (3) = 5, we have:
k (3 1) (3 2) + 3 = 5
=> 2k = 2 => k = 1
=> f (x) = (x 1) (x 2) + x
=> f (0) = (0 1) (0 2) + 0 = 2

69. We have: f (1) = f (2) = 1
=> f (1) = 1 and f (2) = 1 . . . (i)
Also, we have: f (x) = (1)x f (x 1) f (x 2) . . . (ii)
Substituting x = 3, 4 . . . etc. in (ii), we have:
x = 3: f (3) = (1)3 f (2) f (1) = 1
x = 4: f (4) = (1)4 f (3) f (2) = 1
x = 5: f (5) = (1)5 f (4) f (3) = 1
Thus, we observe that the values of f (x) alternate between 1 and 1, with the even values of x
resulting in 1 while the odd values of x resulting in 1.
Thus, we have: f (23) = 1 (since 23 is odd)
70. We have:
2p + 1
f p = =q
p2
2q + 1
=> f q =
q2
!
2p + 1
2 +1
p2
=
2p + 1
2
p2
4p + 2 + p 2
=
2p + 1 2p + 4
5p
= =p
5
71. The intercept on the X-axis is obtained from f (x) = 0
=> |x 1| x = 0 => |x 1| = x
=> x 1 = x or x

Since x 1 6= x, we have:
1
x 1 = x => x =
2
1

Thus, f (x) intersects the X-axis at , 0 .
2
The intercept on the Y-axis is obtained by substituting x = 0 in f (x)
=> f (0) = |0 1| 0 = 1
Thus, f (x) intersects the Y-axis at (0, 1).

1

Thus, the required area is the area of the triangle formed by the points , 0 , (0, 1) and
2
(0, 0), as shown in the diagram below:
Y
0,1
X
0,0 $
,0
%
Thus, required area

1 1 1
= 1 =
2 2 4
72. We have:
f (x) = ax 2 + bx
Since f (1) = f (1) + 2, we have:
a 12 + b (1) = a(1)2 + b (1) + 2

=> a + b = a b + 2
=> b = 1
=> f (x) = ax 2 + x
n o
=> f (3) f (3) = a 32 + 3 a(3)2 + (3)

= (9a + 3) (9a 3) = 6
73. We have:


x =1+ 3

=> x 1 = 3
Squaring both sides:

2
(x 1)2 = 3
=> x 2 2x + 1 = 3
=> x 2 2x 2 = 0
Alternate approach:

Substituting x = 1 + 3 in the expression, we have:
x 2 2x 2
2
= 1+ 3 2 1+ 3 2

=1+2 3+322 32
=0

74. Since the numbers have x as their exponent, x must be an integer, i.e. x must be a perfect
square (if x is not a perfect square, then each term will be irrational and the equation would
never hold).
The only possible options are A, B and D.

Option A: x = 0 => x=0
Thus, each term becomes 1 and we get: 1 + 1 = 1, which is not true. Does not satisfy

Option B: x = 1 => x=1
Thus, the equation becomes: 24 + 10 = 26, which is not true. Does not satisfy

Option D: x = 4 => x=2
Thus, the equation becomes: 242 + 102 = 262 , i.e. 576 + 100 = 676, which is true. Satisfies.
Alternate approach:
We have:


x x x
24 + 10 = 26
The numbers 24, 10 and 26 form a Pythagorean triplet, since the numbers are in the ratio 12, 5
and 13, which form a Pythagorean triplet, i.e. 122 + 52 = 132
Thus, we have:
242 + 102 = 262

=> x=2
=> x = 4
75. We need to determine the range of values of x for whichf (x) 0 => 2x 2 7x + 6 0
=> 2x 2 3x 4x + 6 0
=> x (2x 3) 2 (2x 3) 0
=> (x 2) (2x 3) 0
3

=> 2 (x 2) x 0
2
3

=> (x 2) x 0
2
3
=> x 2
2
Thus, the only one integer value of x = 2
76. We have:
12 x

3 2

|12 x|
=> 2
|3|
|12 x|
=> 2
3
=> |12 x| 6
=> | (x 12)| 6
=> |x 12| 6
=> 6 x 12 6

Adding 12 throughout:
=> 6 + 12 x 12 + 12 6 + 12
=> 6 x 18
Alternately, from |x 12| 6, we can say that the distance of x from 12 is 6 units, resulting in
the extremities 12 + 6 = 18 and 12 6 = 6.
77. We know that:
|x| = x if x 0
|x| = x if x < 0
We have: x 2 4 |x| + 3 0
Let x < 0, i.e. |x| = x:
x 2 4 |x| + 3 0
=> x 2 4 (x) + 3 0
=> x 2 + 4x + 3 0
=> (x + 1) (x + 3) 0
=> 3 x 1
Thus, the integer values of x are: 3, 2, 1, i.e. there are three values . . . (i)
Let x 0, i.e. |x| = x:
x 2 4 |x| + 3 0
=> x 2 4x + 3 0
=> (x 1) (x 3) 0
=> 1 x 3
Thus, the integer values of x are: 1, 2, 3, i.e. there are three values . . . (ii)
Thus, there are six possible values of x.
12

78. We have to maximize the value of .
x 2 12x + 40
The value will be maximized if the value of the denominator is minimized.

Thus, we have:
x 2 12x + 40
= x 2 2 x 6 + 62 + 4
= (x 6)2 + 4
The above value is minimized if the square term, i.e. (x 6)2 = 0 (which occurs at x = 6).
Thus, the minimum value of the denominator is 4.
Thus, the maximum value of the expression

12
= =3
4
79. We have:
Since a is a root of x 2 px q = 0, we have:
a2 ap q = 0 . . . (i)
Since b is a root of x 2 px q = 0, we have:
b2 bp q = 0 . . . (ii)
b2 a2 bp + ap = 0
=> (b a) (b + a) p (b a) = 0

=> (b a) b + a p = 0
=> b a = 0 OR b + a p = 0
=> b = a OR b + a = p
Since a and b are distinct roots, a 6= b
=> a + b = p
Thus, for example, [2.3] equals the greatest integer less than or equal to 2.3:

Thus, [2.3] = 2.
Since x is a positive integer and 1 x 4, we have:
x+1 x+2 x+4 1+1 1+2 1+4 3 5

x = 1: + + = + + = [1] + + =
2 4 8 2 4 8 4 8
1+0+0=1
x+1 x+2 x+4 2+1 2+2 2+4 3 6

x = 2: + + = + + = + [1] + =
2 4 8 2 4 8 2 8
1+1+0=2
x+1 x+2 x+4 3+1 3+2 3+4 5 7

x = 3: + + = + + = [2] + + =
2 4 8 2 4 8 4 8
2+1+0=3
x+1 x+2 x+4 4+1 4+2 4+4 5 6 8

x = 4: + + = + + = + + =
2 4 8 2 4 8 2 4 8
2+1+1=4
Thus, we see that the value of the expression is the same as the value of x assumed.
x+1 x+2 x+4

Thus, the value of + + =x
2 4 8
Alternate approach:
x+1 x+2 x+4

Check for = 1 : + + =1
2 4 8
Plug in x = 1 in all answer options and we get the answer as 1 in only B and C, rest all options
gets eliminated.
x+1 x+2 x+4

Check for = 2 : + + =2
2 4 8
Plug in x = 2 in B and C and we get the answer as 2 in only C.
81. f (x) = x 3 kx 2 + 2x
=> f (x) = (x)3 k(x)2 + 2 (x)
= x 3 kx 2 2x
Since f (x) = f (x), we have:

x 3 kx 2 2x = (x 3 kx 2 + 2x)
=> 2kx 2 = 0
=> k = 0
Thus, we have:
f (x) = x 3 + 2x
=> f (1 k) = f (1) = 1 + 2 = 3
82. Since f (2) = f (3) = 0, the roots of f (x) = ax 2 + bx + c must be x = 2 or 3.
Thus, we have:
f (x) = ax 2 + bx + c
= a (x 2) (x 3)
Since f (4) = 2, we have:
f (4) = a (4 2) (4 3) = 2a
=> 2a = 2
=> a = 1

Thus, we have:
f (x) = 1 (x 2) (x 3) = x 2 5x + 6
Comparing coefficients:
ax 2 + bx + c x 2 5x + 6
=> a = 1, b = 5, c = 6
=> a + b + c = 2
83. Let machine Y takes a days to produce w widgets.
Thus, machine X takes (a + 2) days to produce w widgets.
Thus, total widgets produced by machines X and Y in 1 day

w w
= +
a a+2
1 1

=w +
a a+2
w (2a + 2)
=
a (a + 2)
Thus, total widgets produced by machines X and Y in 3 days

3w (2a + 2)
=
a (a + 2)
Thus, we have:

3w (2a + 2) 5
= w
a (a + 2) 4
3 (2a + 2) 5
=> =
a (a + 2) 4
=> 24a + 24 = 5a2 + 10a
=> 5a2 14a 24 = 0
=> 5a2 20a + 6a 24 = 0
=> (a 4) (5a + 6) = 0
Since a is positive, we have:
a=4
Thus, time taken by machine X to produce w widgets = (a + 2) = 6 days
Thus, time taken by machine X to produce 2w widgets = 2 6 = 12 days
84. f (x 1) = 2x 2 3x + 3
We need to express the RHS in terms of (x 1).
Since f (x 1) is a quadratic with coefficient of x 2 as 2, the expression for f (x 1) must have
a 2(x 1)2 term present.
2(x 1)2 = 2 x 2 2x + 1 = 2x 2 4x + 2


Thus, we can express:
2x 2 3x + 3 = 2x 2 4x + 2 + (x + 1)

Thus, we have:
f (x 1) = 2(x 1)2 + (x + 1)
=> f (x 1) = 2(x 1)2 + (x 1) + 2
Thus, we have successfully expressed the RHS in terms of (x 1)
=> f (x) = 2x 2 + x + 2
Alternate Approach:
f (x 1) = 2x 2 3x + 3
f (x 1) = 2((x 1) + 1)2 3 ((x 1) + 1) + 3
Thus, we have expressed the RHS in terms of (x 1).
Similarly, f (x) = 2(x + 1)2 3(x + 1) + 3
=> f (x) = 2 x 2 + 2x + 1 3x 3 + 3

=> f (x) = 2x 2 + 4x + 2 3x
=> f (x) = 2x 2 + x + 2

85. We have:
xb xa

f (x) = a +b
ab ba
ab aa

=> f (a) = a +b = a + 0 = a . . . (i)
ab ba
bb ba

f (b) = a +b = 0 + b = b . . . (ii)
ab ba
a+bb a+ba

f (a + b) = a +b
ab ba
a2 b2 a2 b2 a2 b 2
= + = = = a + b . . . (iii)
ab ba ab ab ab
Thus, we have:
f (a) + f (b) a+b

= =1
f (a + b) a+b
Alternate Approach:
A smarter approach could be to assume convenient, smart values of a & b.
Say, a = 1 & b = 2
Thus,
12 11

f (a = 1) = 1 +2 =1
12 21

22 21

f (b = 2) = 1 +2 =2
12 21
32 31

f (a + b = 3) = 1 +2 =3
12 21
Thus, we have:
f (a) + f (b) 1+2

= =1
f (a + b) 3
86. We have:
h (x) = 2px+1
=> h (a) = 2pa+1
h (b) = 2pb+1
h (a + b) = 2p(a+b)+1 = 2pa+pb+1
Thus, we have:
h (a) h (b)
h (a + b)
2pa+1 2pb+1
=
2pa+pb+1
2pa+pb+2
=
2pa+pb+1
= 2(pa+pb+2)(pa+pb+1)
=2

Alternate Approach:
A smarter approach could be to assume convenient, smart values of a, b, & p.
Say, a = 0, b = 1, p = 1
Thus,
h (a = 0) = 210+1 = 2
h (b = 1) = 211+1 = 4
h (a + b = 0 1 = 1) = 4
h (a) h (b) 24
= =2
h (a + b) 4
87. We have:
f (x) = ax 2 + bx + c . . . (i)
f (x + 1) = f (x) + x + 1 . . . (ii)
f (0) = c . . . (iii)

f (1) = a + b + c . . . (iv)
f (0 + 1) = f (0) + 1
=> f (1) = f (0) + 1
=> a + b + c = c + 1 . . . using (iii) and (iv)
=> a + b = 1
88. We have:
f (x) = x 2 + 3
g (x) = 3f (x) = 3 x 2 + 3

Since g (x) = 84, we have:
3 x 2 + 3 = 84

=> x 2 = 25
=> x = 5
Thus, we have:

f (x 1) = (x 1)2 + 3
If x = 5: f (x 1) = (5 1)2 + 3 = 19
If x = 5: f (x 1) = (5 1)2 + 3 = 39
Thus, the maximum possible value of f (x 1) = 39
2
89. f (x) = x 2 1 x 2
2 2 2
=> f 1x = 1x 1 1x
= (1 x) (1 (1 x))2
= (1 x) x 2
2
f (x) x2 1 x2
=> =
f 1x (1 x) x 2
2
1 x2 1 x 2 (1 x) (1 + x)

= =
(1 x) (1 x)
= 1 x 2 (1 + x)

= (1 x) (1 + x) (1 + x)
= (1 x) (1 + x)2

90. Let the cost of a dozen eggs be d cents.
Cost of a dozen eggs if the price were reduced by x cents = (d x) cents.
dx
Thus, cost of 1 egg = cents.
12
(d x) (x + 1)
Thus, cost of (x + 1) eggs = cents . . . (i)
12
Cost of a dozen eggs if the price were increased by x cents = (d + x) cents.
d+x
Thus, cost of 1 egg = cents.
12
(d + x) (x + 1)
Thus, cost of (x + 1) eggs = cents . . . (ii)
12
(d + x) (x + 1) (d x) (x + 1)
=1
12 12
=> dx + d + x 2 + x dx + d x 2 x = 12

=> 2x 2 + 2x 12 = 0
=> x 2 + x 6 = 0
=> (x + 3) (x 2) = 0
Since x must be positive, we have:
x=2

91. We know that if a percent of (a 2b) when added to b percent of b, the value obtained is 0
a b
=> (a 2b) + b =0
100 100
a2 2ab b2
=> + =0
100 100
a2 2ab + b2
=> =0
100
=> a2 2ab + b2 = 0
=> (a b)2 = 0
=> a b = 0
=> a = b
Thus, only statement I is correct.
92. x 2 y 2 xy = 6
=> x 2 y 2 xy 6 = 0
=> x 2 y 2 3xy + 2xy 6 = 0

=> xy xy 3 + 2 xy 3 = 0


=> xy + 2 xy 3 = 0
=> xy = 2 OR 3
2 3
=> y = OR
x x
Alternate Approach:
We can assume a convenient value of x and cross-check with the options for the value of y.
Say, x = 1, then
6
Option I: y = =6
1
Since xy = 1 6 = 6 6= 0, it satisfies the first condition, but x 2 y 2 xy = 12 62 1 6 = 30 6=
6, hence we discard this option.
2
Option II: y = = 2
1
Since xy = 12 = 2 6= 0, it satisfies the first condition, and x 2 y 2 xy = 12 (2)2 12 =
4 + 2 = 6, hence we accept this option.
3
Option III: y = =3
1
Since xy = 1 3 = 3 6= 0, it satisfies the first condition, and x 2 y 2 xy = 12 32 1 3 =
9 3 = 6, hence we accept this option.

1
93. y=
1
2+
1
2+
1

2+
...
Taking reciprocal on both sides:
1 1
=> =2+
y 1
2+
1

2+
...
1 1
=> 2= =y
y 1
2+
1

2+
...
1
=> 2=y
y
=> 1 2y = y 2
=> y 2 + 2y = 1
=> y 2 + 2y + 1 = 1 + 1
2
=> y + 1 =2

=> y + 1 = 2

=> y = 2 1
Since y consists of all positive terms, y > 0

=> y = 21

94. Let the required quantity be k.
Thus, according to the problem, we have:
x+1 x1

k+ =k
x x
x1 x+1

=> k k=
x x
x1 x+1

=> k 1 =
x x
1 x+1

=> k =
x x
x+1

=> k = x
x
=> k = (x + 1)
95. Since the sum of the squares of x and y is 20, we have:
x 2 + y 2 = 20 . . . (i)
Since the sum of the reciprocals of x and y is 2, we have:
1 1
+ =2
x y
x+y
=> =2
xy
=> x + y = 2xy

2 2
x+y = 2xy
=> x 2 + y 2 + 2xy = 4x 2 y 2
Substituting x 2 + y 2 = 20 from (i):
20 + 2xy = 4x 2 y 2
=> 2x 2 y 2 xy 10 = 0
=> 2x 2 y 2 5xy + 4xy 10 = 0

=> 2xy 5 xy + 2 = 0
5
=> xy = OR 2
2
Since x and y are positive numbers, their product must also be positive
5
=> xy =
2
96. We have:
3
x m+2
=
3
3
x+1 m+2+ m2


3
3
x+1 m+2+ m2
= 3
x m+2
Subtracting 1 from both sides:

3
3
x+1 m+2+ m2
1= 3 1
x m+2

3

3

3
1 m+2+ m2 m+2
=> =
3
x m+2

3
1 m2
=> =
3
x m+2

3
m+2
=> x =
3
m2
Cubing both sides:
m+2
x3 =
m2
97. We have:
3
x 3 + x 2 = 2
3
Let x 2 = a
3 2
=> x 3 = x 2 = a2
=> a2 + a = 2
=> a2 + a 2 = 0

=> (a + 2) (a 1) = 0
=> a = 2 OR 1
3
=> x 2 = 2 OR 1
1
=> 3 = 2 OR 1
x2
3
=> x 2 = 12 OR 1
21
=> x 3 = 12 OR 1
21
Since x 3 represents the square root of a number x 3 , it must be positive (since the square

root, by definition only takes the positive root)
Thus, we have:
12
x3 =1
=> x 3 = 1
Taking cube-root on both sides:
=> x = 1
Thus, there is only one solution for x.

x
98. f (x) = . . . (i)
x2
Let f (x) = y
x
=> y =
x2
=> xy 2y = x
=> xy x = 2y

=> x y 1 = 2y
2y
=> x = . . . (ii)
y 1
From (i), we have:
2x
f (2x) =
2x 2
x
=
x1
Substituting the value of x from (ii), we have:
!
2y
y 1
f (2x) = !
2y
1
y 1
!
2y
y 1
= !
2y y + 1
y 1

2y
=
y +1
Substituting y = f (x), we have:
2f (x)
f (2x) =
f (x) + 1
2x 2 5
99. f (x) =
x
g (x) = x + 4
Since f (x) = g (x), we have:
2x 2 5
=x+4
x
=> 2x 2 5 = x 2 + 4x
=> x 2 4x 5 = 0
=> (x + 1) (x 5) = 0
=> x = 1 OR 5
However, we know that f (x) is only defined for x < 0
Thus, the only possible value of x = 1
100. We have:

f (n) = f (n 1) f (n 2), for all n > 2
We also have:
f (1) = 1
f (2) = 1
Thus, using the above, we have:
For n = 3 : f (3) = f (2) f (1) = (1) 1 = 1
For n = 4 : f (4) = f (3) f (2) = (1) (1) = 1
For n = 5 : f (5) = f (4) f (3) = 1 (1) = 1
For n = 6 : f (6) = f (5) f (4) = (1) 1 = 1
Thus, we observe the different values of f (n) follow the sequence: (1, 1, 1)
Thus, when k is an integer, we have:
If n = 3k + 1 => f (n) = 1
If n = 3k + 2 => f (n) = 1
If n = 3k => f (n) = 1
=> f (33) + f (34)
f (3k) + f (3k + 1)
= 1 + 1
=0

Data sufficiency questions have five standard options. They are listed below and will not be
repeated for each question.
(A) Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) ALONE is not sufficient to answer the
question asked.
(B) Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) ALONE is not sufficient to answer the
question asked.
(C) both the statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but
NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
(E) Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and
additional data specific to the problem are needed.

101. Let the shares of the three sons be $x, $y and $z, with the eldest sons share being $x.
We need to determine whether x > 12000.
From statement 1:
The total wealth is not known. Insufficient
From statement 2:
Though the total wealth is known, the manner it was divided among the three sons is not known.
Insufficient
Thus, from both the statements together:
x + y + z = 30000
x > y and x > z

30000
If we have: x = y = z, then value of each = = 10000
3
Since x is greater than y or z, we can have:
x = 10002, y = z = 9999
x = 20000, y = z = 5000
Thus, the value of x may or may not exceed 12000.
Thus, there is no unique answer. Insufficient
102. From statement 1:
We only have one equation with three unknowns. Insufficient
From statement 2:
Since we need to compare x and y, we eliminate z from the two equations:
2x + 3y = z
=> 4x + 6y = 2z . . . (i)
7x 3y = 2z . . . (ii)
From (i) and (ii):

4x + 6y = 7x 3y
=> 3x = 9y
=> x = 3y
Thus, it apparently seems that x > y.
However, x and y are variables, whose exact values cannot be determined from the equations.
Thus, x and y may be positive or negative.
If x and y are positive, x = 3y => x > y
However, if x and y are negative, x = 3y => x < y
From statement 2:
Since we need to compare x and z, we eliminate y from the two equations:
2x + 3y z = 0 . . . (i)
7x 3y 2z = 0 . . . (ii)
By adding (i) & (ii):
9x = 3z
=> z = 3x
Thus, it apparently seems that x < z.
Again, we know that x and z are variables, whose exact values cannot be determined from the
equations. It is given that z is positive, but x may be positive or negative.
If x is positive, z = 3x => x < z
We know that z is positive, so by the equality z = 3x, we can deduce that x is also positive, thus
x z Sufficient

104. Let Harrys present age be x years.
From statement 1:
Harrys age 5 years ago = (x 5) years.
Sum of ages of Harry and Ron = 13 years.
Thus, Rons age 5 years ago = 13 (x 5) = (18 x) years . . . (i)
There is no information using which the value of x can be determined. Insufficient
From statement 2:
Harry is 1 year younger to Ron.
Thus, Rons age 5 years back = (x 5) + 1 = (x 4) years . . . (ii)
There is no information using which the value of x can be determined. Insufficient
Equating (i) and (ii):
18 x = x 4
=> x = 11 Sufficient
105. Let Harrys present age be x years.
From statement 1:
Let the present age of Harrys brother be y years.

Age of Harrys brother 5 years ago = y 5 years.
We know that five years ago, Harry was half as old as his elder brother.
Thus, we have:
1
x5= y 5
2
=> 2x = y + 5 . . . (i)
Since we only have one equation with two unknowns, the value of x cannot be determined.
Insufficient

From statement 2:
Let the present age of Harrys brother be y years.
We know that the age of Harrys elder brother is five years less than twice Harrys age.
Thus, we have:
y = 2x 5
=> 2x = y + 5 . . . (ii)
Since we only have one equation with two unknowns, the value of x cannot be determined.
Insufficient
From equations (i) and (ii), we find that they are identical equations.
Hence, the value of x cannot be determined. Insufficient
106. Let the number of apples and the number of oranges be a and b, respectively.
Let the price of one apple and the price of one orange be $x and $y, respectively.

We need to determine the price of one apple and one orange, i.e. the value of x + y .
From statement 1:
Since 30 fruits were purchased, we have:
a + b = 30 . . . (i)
Since the total price was $40, we have:
ax + by = 40 . . . (ii)

Since we have two equations with four unknowns, the value of x + y cannot be determined.
Insufficient
From statement 2:
We know that on interchanging the number of apples and oranges, the total price is $80.
Thus, we have:
bx + ay = 80 . . . (iii)

Since we have one equation with four unknowns, the value of x + y cannot be determined.
Insufficient

Adding (ii) and (iii):
x (a + b) + y (a + b) = 120

=> x + y (a + b) = 120 . . . (iv)
Substituting a + b = 30 from (i) in (iv), we have:

=> x + y 30 = 120
=> x + y = 4 Sufficient
107. We know that the four-digit number is abcd, where a, b, c and d are the digits of the number.
Since the sum of the first three digits equals the fourth digit, we have:
a + b + c = d . . . (i)
We need to determine the value of (a + b + c + d).
Since a + b + c = d, we have: a + b + c + d = 2d.
Thus, the required value we need to determine is 2d.
From statement 1:
We know that the sum of its third digit and twice its second digit equals 10 times its first digit
=> c + 2b = 10a . . . (ii)
Only from (i) and (ii), the value of d cannot be determined. Insufficient
From statement 2:
We know that the sum of the first and last digits equals 5 times the second digit
=> a + d = 5b . . . (iii)
Only from (i) and (iii), the value of d cannot be determined. Insufficient
Substituting d = a + b + c from (i) in (iii):
a + (a + b + c) = 5b
=> 2a + c = 4b . . . (iv)
From (ii): 2b = 10a c

=> 4b = 20a 2c . . . (v)
Substituting the value of 4b from (v) in (iv):
2a + c = 20a 2c
=> 3c = 18a
=> c = 6a
Since a, b, c and d are single digit numbers, we have:
The only possible value of a = 1 (a 6= 0 as this will make the number a three-digit number)
=> c = 6 . . . (vi)
From (ii) and (vi): 6 + 2b = 10 => b = 2 . . . (vii)
From (i), (vi) and (vii): d = a + b + c = 1 + 2 + 6 = 9 . . . (viii)
Thus, the required answer = 2d = 18. Sufficient

108. Let Anns age be 10x + y years, where x and y are the digits of the two-digit value of Anns
age.
From statement 1:
We know that Anns age is such that if the digits of her age are reversed, Bobs age is obtained.

Thus, Bobs age = 10y + x years . . . (i)
However, we cannot solve for x and y. Insufficient
From statement 2:
1
We know that Bobs age exceeds Anns age by of the combined ages of Ann and Bob.
11
Assuming Bobs age to be n years, we have:
1
n 10x + y = n + 10x + y
11

=> 11n 11 10x + y = n + 10x + y

=> 10n = 12 10x + y
12
=> n = 10x + y . . . (ii)
10
However, we cannot solve for x and y. Insufficient

From (i) and (ii), we have:

12
10y + x = 10x + y
10
=> 50y + 5x = 60x + 6y
=> 44y = 55x

x 4
=> =
y 5
Since x and y are single digit numbers, the only possible values of x and y are:
x = 4, y = 5
Thus, Anns age = 10x + 5 = 45 years.
109. Let the number of apples and the number of oranges be a and b, respectively.
The price of one apple and the price of one orange are $1 and $2, respectively.
We need to determine the number of apples and oranges, i.e. the value of (a + b).
From statement 1:
Since the man spent $41 to purchase the fruits, we have:
a + 2b = 41 . . . (i)
Multiple integer solutions are possible from the above equation, for example:
a = 21, b = 10
a = 11, b = 15, etc.
Thus, the value of (a + b) cannot be uniquely determined. Insufficient
From statement 2:
We know that had the man purchased as many apples as oranges and as many oranges as apples,
2
he would have saved half the cost of an orange, i.e. $ = $1.
2
Thus, we have:
b + 2a = (a + 2b) 1
=> a = b 1 . . . (ii)
Multiple integer solutions are possible from the above equation.
Thus, the value of (a + b) cannot be uniquely determined. Insufficient

Substituting the value of a from (ii) in (i):
(b 1) + 2b = 41
=> b = 14
Thus, from (ii): a = 14 1 = 13
=> a + b = 13 + 14 = 27 Sufficient
110. We know that a = b = 1
From statement 1:
We have:
p 1 1

= a+ . . . (i)
q 2 b
q 1 1

= b+ . . . (ii)
r 2 c
To determine the value of c, we either need to eliminate p, q and r or we need to have those
values.
Since p, q and r cannot be eliminated from (i) and (ii) and neither are those values known, the
answer cannot be determined. Insufficient
From statement 2:
We have:
r 1 1

= c+ . . . (iii)
p 2 a
Since there are three unknowns (p, r and c), the value of c cannot be determined using a single
equation. Insufficient
Multiplying (i), (ii) and (iii):

3
p q r 1 1 1 1

= a+ b+ c+
q r p 2 b c a
1 1 1 1

=> 1 = 1 + 1+ c+
8 1 c 1

1 1+c

=> 2 (1 + c) = 1
8 c
=> (1 + c)2 = 4c
=> 1 + 2c + c 2 = 4c
=> 1 2c + c 2 = 0
=> (1 c)2 = 0
=> c = 1 Sufficient

p + 2q p + 3q = 35 . . . (i)
Since there are two unknowns, the value of q cannot be determined. Insufficient
From statement 2:
We only know that p and q are positive integers. Insufficient
From (i), we have:

p + 2q p + 3q = 35

Since p and q are positive integers, p + 2q and p + 3q are also positive integers and hence,
are factors of 35.
Also, we have: p + 2q < p + 3q; ; since p and q are positive integers
Thus, we have:
p + 3q = 7 AND p + 2q = 5: Solving, we have: q = 2, p = 1
p + 3q = 35 AND p + 2q = 1: Solving, we have: q = 34, p = 67 (not possible since q
should be a positive integer)
Thus, we have: q = 2 Sufficient
Since the roots of x 2 kx + 35 = 0 are real, we have: (k)2 4 (1) (35) 0

=> k2 140

=> k 140 OR k 140
=> k 11. _ OR k 11. _ . . . (i)
Again, since the roots of x 2 7x + k = 0 are real, we have:
(7)2 4 (1) (k) 0
=> 4k 49
49
=> k
4
=> k 12.25 . . . (ii)
The greatest possible integer value of k = 12 Sufficient
From statement 2:
There is not enough information to determine the exact value of k. Insufficient
ax 2 = by
x2 b
=> = . . . (i)
y a
!
1 1
However, the required value of + cannot be determined. Insufficient
x+1 y +1
From statement 2:
ay 2 = bx
y2 b
=> = . . . (ii)
x a
!
1 1
However, the required value of + cannot be determined. Insufficient
x+1 y +1
Equating (i) and (ii):

x2 y2
=
y x
=> x 3 = y 3
=> x = y
Thus, from (i):

x2 b
=
x a
b
=> x = y =
a
Thus, we have:
1 1 2
+ =
x+1 y +1 x+1
2 2a
= =
b a+b
+1
a
Thus, the answer is Yes. Sufficient
114. Let the cost of P, Q, R and S be p, q, r and s, respectively.
We need to determine whether: p + s < q + r
From statement 1:
s
We have: r =
2
=> s = 2r . . . (i)
There is no information about the prices of the other cakes. Insufficient
From statement 2:
q = 2r . . . (ii)
p < r . . . (iii)
There is no information about the price of S. Insufficient
From (i) and (iii), we have:
p + s = p + 2r < r + 2r
=> p + s < 3r . . . (iv)
From (ii):
q + r = 2r + r
=> q + r = 3r . . . (v)
Thus, from (iv) and (v):
p+s <q+r

The answer to the question is Yes. Sufficient
We have:
1 2 1
+ =
m n 10
=> 10 (n + 2m) = mn
=> 10n = mn 20m
=> m (n 20) = 10n

10n
=> m =
n 20
n (n 20) + 20 20 200

=> m = 10 = 10 = 10 1 + = 10 +
n 20 n 20 n 20 n 20
Since m is an integer, 200 should be divisible by (n 20).

200

Since we need the largest possible value of m, the value of should be maximized,
n 20
i.e. the value of (n 20) should be minimized (but kept positive, as we expect the largest
possibility).
Thus, we have: n 20 = 1 => n = 21

200
=> m = 10 + = 210 Sufficient
21 20
From statement 2:
There is not enough information to determine the exact value of m. Insufficient
116. Let the number of marbles with A, B and C be a, b and c, respectively.

c

We need to determine whether: 100 50
a+b+c
From statement 1:
We know that the sum of the number of marbles with A and B together is 40 percent less than
that with B and C together

40

=> a + b = 1 (b + c)
100

3
=> a + b =(b + c)
5
a+b 3
=> = . . . (i)
b+c 5
We cannot determine the number of marbles with C as a percent with the total marbles.
Insufficient
From statement 2:
We know that the sum of the number of marbles with B and C together is 20 percent less than
that with A and C together

20

=> b + c = 1 (a + c)
100
4
=> b + c = (a + c)
5
a+c 5
=> = . . . (ii)
b+c 4
We cannot determine the number of marbles with C as a percent with the total marbles.
Insufficient
We can see that (b + c) is in the denominator of both (i) and (ii). In (i), it corresponds to 5 and
in (ii), it corresponds to 4.
Let (b + c) = LCM of 5 and 4 = 20
a+b 3 12 a+c 5 25
=> = = AND = =
b+c 5 20 b+c 4 20
Thus, we have: a + b = 12, b + c = 20, a + c = 25

57
Adding the above: 2 (a + b + c) = 57 => a + b + c =
2
57 33
Subtracting the value of (a + b) from the above: c = 12 =
2 2
Thus, the required value
33

c 2
= 57 100
100 =
a+b+c
2
33
= 100
57
30
> 100 = 50% Sufficient
60

117. Let the price of the camera = $x.
Let the number of friends be n.
From statement 1:
We know that:
210 < x < 230 . . . (i)
The exact value of x cannot be determined. Insufficient
From statement 2:
x

Price each friend had to pay initially = $
n
After 2 friends back out, number of friends left = (n 2)
x

Thus, price each friend has to pay now = $
n2
Since each of the remaining friends has to pay $1 extra, we have:
x x
=1
n2 n
1 1

=> x =1
n2 n
n (n 2)

=> x =1
n (n 2)
=> 2x = n (n 2) . . . (ii)
The value of x cannot be determined. Insufficient
Since 210 < x < 230, we have:
420 < 2x < 460
=> 420 < n (n 2) < 460
The value of n (n 2) is close to n2 , and it lies between 420 and 460.
We know that 202 = 400, 20 21 = 420, 20 22 = 440 and 20 23 = 460
Thus, we have: n = 22

Thus, from (ii):
n (n 2) 22 20
=> x = = = 220 Sufficient
2 2
118. Let the number of $1 bills and $10 bills be x and y, respectively.

We need to determine whether: x + y can equal nine.
From statement 1:

Total amount of money with him = $ x + 10y
Since the number of $1 bills multiplied by the number of $10 bills is equal to the total money
(in dollars) with him, we have:
xy = x + 10y

=> x y 1 = 10y
10y
=> x =
y 1
10y 10y + y 2 y 9y + y 2
=> x + y = +y = =
y 1 y 1 y 1
Let x + y = 9
9y + y 2
=> =9
y 1
=> 9y + y 2 = 9y 9
=> y 2 = 9, which is not possible

Thus, x + y cannot be 9. Sufficient
From statement 2:
We know that the number of $1 bills is greater than 8, i.e. the minimum number is 9.
Thus, the total number of bills with him cannot be 9 (it must be greater than 9). Sufficient

We have:
A+C=E
Since the numbers are 2, 4, 5, 6 and 10, and we have 2 + 4 = 6 and 4 + 6 = 10, the possible cases
are:
A C E
2 4 6 . . . (i)
4 2 6 . . . (ii)
4 6 10 . . . (iii)
6 4 10 . . . (iv)
However, nothing is mentioned about B. Insufficient
From statement 2:
We have:
A+E=B
Since the numbers are 2, 4, 5, 6 and 10, and we have 2 + 4 = 6 and 4 + 6 = 10, the possible cases
are:
A E B
2 4 6 . . . (v)
4 2 6 . . . (vi)
4 6 10 . . . (vii)
6 4 10 . . . (viii)
Thus, the value of B cannot be uniquely determined. Insufficient
From the possibilities tabulated above, we have:
If A = 2, from (i) and (v), both C and E have to be 4, which is not possible since each letter
represents a distinct digit.
Thus, A 6= 2
If A = 6, from (iv) and (viii), both C and E have to be 4, which is not possible since each letter
represents a distinct digit.
Thus, A 6= 6

If A = 4, then we have:
(a) From (iii): C = 6 and E = 10. But from (v) to (viii), it is clear that E 6= 10.
Thus, C 6= 6
(b) From (ii) and (vii): C = 2, E = 6 and B = 10
Thus, the only possible scenario: A = 4, B = 10, C = 2, E = 6 and hence, D = 5.
Thus, we have B = 10. Sufficient
We have:
2x + 3y + 4z = 10
Multiplying throughout by 2:
4x + 6y + 8z = 20
Thus, we have:
k = 5x + 7y + 8z

= 4x + 6y + 8z + x + y
= 20 + x + y
Since x and y are positive, we have:
k > 20
Thus, the answer to the question is No. Sufficient
From statement 2:
We have:
3x + 4y + 5z = 12
Multiplying throughout by 2:
6x + 8y + 10z = 24
Thus, we have:
k = 5x + 7y + 8z

= 6x + 8y + 10z x + y + 2z


= 24 x + y + 2z
Since x, y and z are positive, we have:
k < 24
Thus, the value of k can be greater than 20, equal to 20 or less than 20.
Thus, the answer cannot be uniquely determined. Insufficient
We have no information about the values of x, y, & z. k may nor may not be 20.
From statement 2:
We have no information about the values of x, y, z, & k. k may nor may not be 20.
From statement 2, the minimum values of x, y and z are 1 each, thus the minimum value of
k = 5x + 7y + 9z = 5 1 + 7 1 + 9 1 = 21. Thus, k CANNOT be equal to 20. Sufficient
122. We have:
f (x) = x 3 4x + p
From statement 1:
We have:
f (0) = 0 0 + p = p
Also, f (1) = 1 4 + p = p 3
Since f (0) f (1) < 0, we have:

p p3 <0
=> 0 0, we have:
p>0
Thus, p may be greater than 3 or equal to 3 or less than 3.
1

123. f (x) = (a x n ) m
1

=> f (1) = (a 1n ) m
1

=> f (1) = p = (a 1) m

Let us express the value of f p
n
m
f p = ap
1

n
1 1

m
=> f p = a (a 1) m

; by plugging in the value of p = (a 1) m

n
!

m
= a (a 1) m . . . (i)

From statement 1:
n=m
Thus, from (i), we have:
m
!

m
f p = a (a 1) m

1

o
m
n
1
= a (a 1)

1

=1 m
= 1 Sufficient
From statement 2:
a=1
n
!

m
f p = 1 (1 1) m

1

= {1 0} m
1

=1 m
= 1 Sufficient
1
124. In the sequence a, b, x, y, . . . , each term of the sequence above is 9 more than of the previous
3
term.
Thus, we have:
a
b =9+ . . . (i)
3
b
x =9+ . . . (ii)
3
x
y =9+ . . . (iii)
3
From statement 1:
a = 54
54
=> b = 9 + = 27
3
Thus, from (ii), we have:

27
=> x = 9 + = 18
3
Thus, from (iii), we have:
18
=> y = 9 + = 15
3
=> x y = 18 15 = 3 Sufficient
From statement 2:
5
y= x
6
From (iii), we have:
x
y =9+
3
5 x
=> x =9+
6 3
x
=> =9
2
=> x = 18
5
=> y = 18 = 15
6
=> x y = 3 Sufficient
Alternate Approach:
The question can be solved through Logical deduction approach too.
We know that the sequence a, b, x, y, . . . follows a common logic: Each term of the above
1
sequence is 9 more than of the previous term. This follows that if the value of any term or
3
the relationship between any two terms of the sequence: a, b, x, y is given, the whole sequence
can be deduced. We see that statement 1 provides us with the value of the first term of the
sequence: a = 54 and statement 2 provides us with a relationship between two terms of the
sequence: x & y, thus each statement alone is sufficient to reach the answer.
125. f(n+1) (x) = f(n) (x) + 1 . . . (i)
From statement 1:
f(1) (x) = 0

For n = 1 f(1+1) (x) = f(1) (x) + 1 => f(2) (x) = 0 + 1 = 1

For n = 2 f(2+1) (x) = f(2) (x) + 1 => f(3) (x) = 1 + 1 = 2
For n = 3 f(3+1) (x) = f(3) (x) + 1 => f(4) (x) = 2 + 1 = 3
Thus, we have:
f(4) (x) = 3 Sufficient
From statement 2:
f(5) (x) = 4
For n = 4:
f(4+1) (x) = f(4) (x) + 1
=> f(4) (x) = f(5) (x) 1
=> f(4) (x) = 4 1 = 3 Sufficient
126. f (n + 3) = f (n + 2) f (n)
From statement 1:
f (1) = f (2) = 1
Thus, we have:
For n = 1 f (1 + 3) = f (1 + 2) f (1) => f (4) = f (3) f (1) => f (4) = f (3)

For n = 2 f (2 + 3) = f (2 + 2) f (2) => f (5) = f (4) f (2) => f (5) = f (4)
Thus, we have:
f (3) = f (4) = f (5)
=> f (5) f (3) = 0 Sufficient
From statement 2:
f (3) = 1
Thus, we have:

For n = 1 f (1 + 3) = f (1 + 2) f (1) => f (4) = f (3) f (1) => f (4) = f (1)

For n = 2 f (2 + 3) = f (2 + 2) f (2) => f (5) = f (4) f (2)
Thus, we have:
f (5) f (3) = f (4) f (2) (1)
= f (1) f (2) + 1
However, the values of f (1) and f (2) are unknown. Insufficient
Thus, the correct answer is option A.
127. Since 10 kilograms of alloy K consists of x kilograms of aluminum and y kilograms of copper,
we have:
x + y = 10 . . . (i)
Cost of x kilograms of aluminum = $2x.
Cost of y kilograms of copper = $4y.
We need to determine whether x > y
From statement 1:
y >3
x + y = 10 . . . from (i)
x = 10 y
=> x < 7
Thus, we may have:
(1) y = 5, x = 5 => x y
(2) y = 4, x = 6 => x > y
Thus, a unique answer cannot be determined. Insufficient
From statement 2:
Total cost of 10 kilograms of alloy

K, which consists of x kilograms of aluminum and y
kilograms of copper = $ 2x + 4y

Thus, we have:
2x + 4y < 30

=> 2 x + y + 2y < 30
=> 20 + 2y < 30 . . . from (i)
=> 2y < 10
=> y < 5
=> x > 10 5 = 5 . . . from (i)
=> x > y Sufficient
128. Let the ages of P, Q and R be p, q and r respectively.
We have:
p+q+r
= 24
3
=> p + q + r = 72 . . . (i)
From statement 1:
Since R is 6 years elder to Q, we have:
r = q + 6 . . . (ii)
Since the difference between the ages of P and Q is 6 years, we can have the following possibili-
ties (depending on who between P and Q is older):
(a) pq =6
=> p = q + 6

=> p + q + r = q + 6 + q + q + 6 , using (ii) above
= 3q + 12
=> 3q + 12 = 72, using (i) above
=> q = 20
=> p = 20 + 6 = 26

OR
(b) qp =6
=> p = q 6

=> p + q + r = q 6 + q + q + 6 , using (ii) above
= 3q
=> 3q = 72, using (i) above
=> q = 24
=> p = 24 6 = 18
Thus, the value of p cannot be uniquely determined. Insufficient
From statement 2:
The actual ages of any of the persons is not known. Insufficient
Thus, from statements 1 and 2 together:
We know that:
p<q<r
Thus, from statement 1, we must have:
qp =6
Thus, we have: p = 18 Sufficient
129. Let the ages of P, Q and R be p, q and r respectively.
We have:
p+q+r
= 24
3
=> p + q + r = 72 . . . (i)
We also know that:
p 6= q 6= r

From statement 1:
Since R is 6 years elder to Q, we have:
r = q + 6 . . . (ii)
Since the difference between the ages of P and Q is 6 years, we can have the following possibili-
ties (depending on who between P and Q is older):
(a) pq =6
=> p = q + 6
=> p = r , using (ii) above
Thus, this situation is not possible, since p 6= q 6= r
OR
(b) qp =6
=> p = q 6

=> p + q + r = q 6 + q + q + 6 , using (ii) above
= 3q
=> 3q = 72, using (i) above
=> q = 24
=> p = 24 6 = 18 Sufficient
From statement 2:
The actual ages of any of the persons is not known. Insufficient
130. Let the amounts with A, B and C be $a, $b and $c respectively.
Thus, we have:
a + b + c = 60 . . . (i)
From statement 1:
a + b = (100 + 40) % of c

140
=> a + b = c
100
7c
=> a + b =
5
7c 12c
=> a + b + c = +c =
5 5
Since a + b + c = 60, we have:
12c
=> = 60
5
=> c = 25
=> a + b = 60 c, using (i) above
=> a + b = 35
It may be possible that:
(1) a = 34, b = 1 => a has the highest amount

(2) a = 1, b = 34 => a does not have the highest amount
From statement 2:
Since B has more than what A and C together have, it is clear that B must have the highest
amount.
Thus, A does not have the highest amount. Sufficient
131. Let the present ages of A and B be a years and b years, respectively.
We need to determine whether:
b > 2a
From statement 1:
Four years back, As age = (a 4) years.
Four years back, Bs age = (b 4) years.
Thus, we have:

b 4 = 2 (a 4)
=> b = 2a 4
=> b < 2a; the answer is No. Sufficient
From statement 2:
b = a + 20
We can apply a logical deduction approach to reach to a conclusion on whether b > 2a.
If a is a relatively smaller value compared to 20, for example, say a = 5, then b = a + 20 = 25,
thus b = 5a => b > 2a.
If a is a relatively larger value compared to 20, for example, say a = 40, then b = a + 20 = 60,
thus b = 1.5a => b < 2a.
132. Let the number of apples purchased be x and oranges purchased be y.
From statement 1:
Worth of apples = $(0.30x).
Worth of oranges = $(0.58y).
Thus, total worth of all fruits = $(0.30x + 0.58y).
Thus, we have:
0.30x + 0.58y = 8.80
=> 0.15x + 0.29y = 4.40 (Dividing by 2 throughout)
=> 15x + 29y = 440 (Multiplying by 10 throughout)
We know that x and y are non-negative integers.
Thus, we have:
15x = 440 29y

440 29y
=> x =
15

Since x is an integer, 440 29y must be divisible by 15.

We separate out the part from 440 29y which is divisible by 15.
Thus, we have:

435 30y + 5 + y
=> x =
15
5+y
=> x = 29 2y +
15

Thus, the value of y should be such that 5 + y is divisible by 15 => y = 10, 25, 40 . . . etc.
Thus, we have:
If y = 10:
5+y
x = 29 2y +
15
5 + 10
= (29 2 10) +
15
= 10
Working with the next value of y = 25, we have:
5+y
x = 29 2y + = 19, i.e.not possible
15
Thus, the only solution is:
x = y = 10 Sufficient
From statement 2:
We have:
x=y
However, the information provided is not sufficient to determine the value of x. Insufficient
133. Let the number of paperback and hardcover books be x and y, respectively.
We know that:

x > 10
Thus, the cost of paperback books = 8x > 80
Since the minimum value of x = 11, we have
=> 8x 88 . . . (i)
From statement 1:

Cost of hardcover books = $ 25y
Thus, we have: 25y 150
=> y 6 . . . (ii)
However, the unique value of y cannot be determined. (y could be 6, 7, etc.) Insufficient
From statement 2:
The total cost of all the books was less than $260
=> 8x + 25y < 260
However, from (i), we know that: 8x 88
=> 25y < 260 88 = 172
172
=> y <
25
y < 6.48 . . . (iii)
Thus, possible values of y cannot be uniquely determined (y could be 6, 5, etc.). Insufficient
From (ii) and (iii), we have:
6 y < 7.2
=> y = 6 Sufficient
134. Let the number of Brand X computers and Brand Y computers be x and y, respectively.

Thus, we have:
x + y = 880 . . . (i)
From statement 1:
The ratio of the number of Brand Y computers to the number of Brand X computers at the
company is 5 to 6.
Thus, we have:
y 5
=
x 6
Using (i), we have:
5

=> y = 880 = 400 Sufficient
5+6
From statement 2:
Since the number of Brand X computers is greater than the number of Brand Y computers at the
company by 80, we have:
x y = 80
Using (i), we have, by adding the equations:
2x = 960 => x = 480 => y = 400 Sufficient
135. From the table, we have:
m=d+z
n=e+y
Thus, we have:

m + n = (d + z) + e + y

= d + y + (e + z)
From statement 1:
The value of (e + z) is not known. Insufficient

From statement 2:

The value of d + y is not known. Insufficient

m + n = d + y + (e + z)
=> m + n = (3) + 12 = 9 Sufficient
136. Total charge to rent a car from Company J

= $ (15 + 0.2x)
Total charge to rent a car from Company K

= $ (20 + 0.1x)
We need to determine whether:

15 + 0.2x < 25
From statement 1:
20 + 0.1x < 25
=> 0.1x < 5
=> x < 50
=> 0.2x < 50 0.2
=> 0.2x < 10
=> 15 + 0.2x < 15 + 10
=> 15 + 0.2x < 25 Sufficient
From statement 2:
x < 50
This is the same condition as obtained from Statement 1. Sufficient

The call rates are not known. Insufficient
From statement 2:
The call duration is not known. Insufficient
Cost of the first minute of the call = $0.32
0.32

Cost per minute after the first minute = $ = $0.16
2
Total call duration = 8 minutes.
Thus, cost of the remaining 8 1 = 7 minutes of the call = $(0.16 7) = $1.12
Thus, total cost of the call = $(0.32 + 1.12) = $1.44 Sufficient
138. Let the total hours the car was parked be t.
Let the charge for the first hour be $x and for each additional hour (or fraction of an hour), for
(t 1) hours be $y.

Thus, the total parking charge = $ x + (t 1) y
Thus, we have:
x + (t 1) y = 3.75 . . . (i)
We need to determine the value of t.
From statement 1:
x = 0.75, y = 0.50
Thus, we have, from (i):
0.75 + (t 1) 0.5 = 3.75
=> (t 1) 0.5 = 3
=> t 1 = 6

=> t = 7 Sufficient
From statement 2:
If the charge for the first hour had been $1.00, Nans total parking charge would have been $4.00
Thus, we have:
1 + (t 1) y = 4
=> (t 1) y = 3
Since the value of y is not know, we cannot determine the value of t. Insufficient
139. Let the lengths of the 3 pieces, in cm, be a, b and c, where a > b > c
(Since the lengths are distinct integers, we can arrange them in a pre-defined order)
Thus, we have:
a + b + c = 8 . . . (i)
We need to determine the value of (a b c).
From statement 1:
a=b+c
From (i):
a + (b + c) = 8
=> a + a = 8
=> a = 4
=> b + c = 4
=> b = 3, c = 1 (since b > c)
Thus, the product of the lengths
= a b c = 4 3 1 = 12 Sufficient

From statement 2:
c=1
From (i), we have:
a + b + 1 = 8 => a + b = 7
=> a = 4, b = 3 OR a = 5, b = 2 (since a > b > c)
Thus, the product of the lengths
=abc
= 4 3 1 = 12 OR 5 2 1 = 10
140. Let the number of units of products A and B sold be a and b, respectively.
Thus, we have:
=> 12a + 5b = 300
We need to determine the values of a and b, given that they are positive integers.
300
The obvious set of values is: a = = 25, b = 0
12
To generate the other integer values, we subtract the coefficient of b from the value of a
obtained in previous set and simultaneously, add the coefficient of a to the value of b obtained
in previous set.
a b
25 0
25 5 = 20 0 + 12 = 12
20 5 = 15 12 + 12 = 24
15 5 = 10 24 + 12 = 36
10 5 = 5 36 + 12 = 48
55=0 48 + 12 = 60
From statement 1:
10a 120 => a 12
Thus, the possible values of a and b are:

a b
25 0
20 12
15 24
Thus, there is no unique solution. Insufficient
From statement 2:
a=b+8
Thus, the only set of values is: a = 20, b = 12 Sufficient
141. Let the price of 1 apple, 1 orange and 1 lemon be a, r and l respectively.
We need to determine the value of (a + r + l)
From statement 1:
5a + 4r + 3l = 130 . . . (i)
We cannot determine the values of a, r and l from a single equation.
Hence, the answer cannot be determined. Insufficient
From statement 2:
3a + 4r + 5l = 110 . . . (ii)
We cannot determine the values of a, r and l from a single equation.
Hence, the answer cannot be determined. Insufficient
Even after combining both statements, we cannot determine the individual values of a, r and l.
However, we need to check, if by combining both equations, we can find the value of (a + r + l).
We can see that if we add (i) and (ii):
8a + 8r + 8l = 240
240
=> a + r + l = = 30 Sufficient
8

We have no information about the value of the ages. Insufficient
From statement 2:
We have no information about the value of the ages. Insufficient
Let the age of B x years ago was b years.
Thus, the present age of B = (x + b) years.
Since A, at present, is twice as old as B was x years ago, we have:
As present age = 2b years.
Thus, As age x years ago = (2b x) years.
Since B, at present, has the same age as A had x years ago, we have:
x + b = 2b x
=> b = 2x
Thus, the present age of B = (x + b) years = 3x years.
Also, the present age of A = 2b years = 4x years.
Since the sum of the present ages of A and B is 70 years, we have:
3x + 4x = 70
=> x = 10
Thus, As present age = 4x years = 40 years. Sufficient
2x+2y = 8
=> 2x+2y = 23

=> x + 2y = 3
Since x and y are positive integers, the only possible values of x and y are:
x = 1, y = 1
=> xy = 1 Sufficient
From statement 2:
23x+2y = 32
=> 23x+2y = 25
=> 3x + 2y = 5
Since x and y are positive integers, the only possible values of x and y are:
x = 1, y = 1
=> xy = 1 Sufficient
144. Let the number of cakes and the number of biscuit packets purchased be x and y, respectively.

We need to determine the value of x + y .
From statement 1:
13x + 7y = 33
The number of items purchased must be positive integers.
Let us try with a few positive integer values of x:
x y
20
1 13 + 7y = 33 => y = 7 ,
which is not an integer Not a valid solution
2 26 + 7y = 33 => y = 1, which is an integer A valid solution
3 39 + 7y = 33 => y is negative Not a valid solution
(Thus, for all other higher values of x, the value of y would be negative, and hence, can
be ignored)
x = 2, y = 1

From statement 2:
The number of cakes and the number of biscuit packets purchased are y and x, respectively.
7x + 13y = 27
The number of items purchased must be positive integers.
Let us try with a few positive integer values of x:
x y
20
1 7 + 13y = 27 => y = 13 , which is not an integer Not a valid solution
2 14 + 13y = 27 => y = 1, which is an integer A valid solution
6
3 21 + 13y = 27 => y = 13 , which is not an integer Not a valid solution
4 28 + 13y = 27 => y is negative Not a valid solution
(Thus, for all other higher values of x, the value of y would be negative, and hence, can
be ignored)
x = 2, y = 1
Note:
It apparently seems that we have two equations:
13x + 7y = 33 . . . (i)
7x + 13y = 27 . . . (ii)
By adding them, we have: 20x + 20y = 60 => x + y = 3, implying the answer as C; which is
not correct.
145. Let the price of each bottle of beer = $x.
From statement 1:
Total bottles purchased = 4 + 6 + 2 = 12.
Thus, total cost of all beer bottles = $12x.

12
Number of bottles of beer consumed by each friend = = 4 bottles.
3
However, C had purchased only 2 bottles of beer.
Thus, he had to pay to A and B the price of 4 2 = 2 bottles of beer.
Thus, the amount C paid to A and B = $2x.
However, we cannot determine the value of x. Insufficient
From statement 2:
There is no information about the number of bottles of beer purchased. Insufficient
Thus from statement 1 and 2 together:
We have:
2x = 16
=> x = 8 Sufficient
146. Each of the initial n bacteria weighed 1012 grams.
Thus, total weight of the initial n bacteria = 1012 n grams.
Each of the n bacteria gave birth to n more bacteria weighing 1012 grams each.
Thus, total number of bacteria born = n2
Thus, total weight of the bacteria born = 1012 n2 grams.
From statement 1:
1
The first n bacteria weighed of the total weight of all bacteria.
16
1 15

Thus, the weight of the new bacteria born was 1 = of the total weight of all bacteria.
16 16
Thus, we have:
Ratio of the weight of the initial n bacteria and the new bacteria born
1

16 1
= =
15 15
16

1012 n 1
=> =
1012 n2 15
=> n = 15 Sufficient
From statement 2:

Total weight of all bacteria = 1012 n + 1012 n2 grams.
Thus, we have:

1012 n + 1012 n2 = 24 1011

24 1011 240 1012
=> n + n2 = = = 240
1012 1012
=> n2 + n 240 = 0
=> n2 + 16n 15n 240 = 0
=> (n + 16) (n 15) = 0
=> n = 15 OR 16
Since n must be positive, we have: n = 15. Sufficient
pq = 4 . . . (i)
The value of p cannot be determined from a single equation with two unknowns. Insufficient
From statement 2:
q 2p = 7 . . . (ii)
The value of p cannot be determined from a single equation with two unknowns. Insufficient
From (ii), we have:
q 2p = 7
=> q = 2p + 7

Substituting the value of q in (i):

p 2p + 7 = 4
=> 2p 2 + 7p 4 = 0

=> p + 4 2p 1 = 0
1
=> p = 4 OR
2
Since p is an integer, we have:
p = 4 Sufficient
148. a2 b2 = 20 . . . (i)
From statement 1:
We know that a and b are positive integers.
a2 b2 = 20
=> (a + b) (a b) = 20
Since a and b are positive integers, (a + b) and (a b) are also integers.
Thus, (a + b) and (a b) are factors of 20.
Let us assume that:
a + b = k and a b = l, where k l = 20
Thus, by adding the above two equations, we have:
2a = k + l
(k + l)
=> a =
2
Since a is an integer, (k + l) must be even, which is possible if:
k and l are both odd Not possible, since 20 is an even number

k and l are both even The only possible scenario
=> (a + b) and (a b) are both even
Since 20 = 22 5, the possible cases are:
(a + b) = 2 5 = 10 and (a b) = 2
OR
(a + b) = 2 and (a b) = 2 5 = 10
For any two positive integers, their sum is always greater than their difference.
Since a and b are positive integers, we have:
a+b >ab
Thus, we finally have:
a + b = 10
AND
ab =2
Adding the above two equations, we have:
2a = 12
=> a = 6 Sufficient
From statement 2:
a + b = 10 . . . (ii)
Dividing (i) by (ii), we have:
a2 b 2 20
=
a+b 10
=> a b = 2
This is the same situation as obtained from statement 1. Sufficient

a2
+ b = 2a
b
=> a2 + b2 = 2ab
=> a2 2ab + b2 = 0
=> (a b)2 = 0
=> a b = 0
=> a = b
a
=> = 1 Sufficient
b
From statement 2:
(a 2)2 + |b 2| = 0 . . . (i)
We can observe that (a 2)2 is a perfect square term
=> (a 2)2 0
Again, |b 2| is an absolute value term
=> |b 2| 0
Thus, from (i), we observe that two non-negative terms add up to 0, which is only possible if
both terms are individually 0.
Thus, we have:
(a 2)2 = 0
=> a 2 = 0
=> a = 2 . . . (ii)
Also, we have:
|b 2| = 0
=> b 2 = 0
=> b = 2 . . . (iii)

Thus, from (ii) and (iii), we have:
a 2
= = 1 Sufficient
b 2
1a 1b
+ =2
a b
1 1

=> 1 + 1 =2
a b
1 1
=> + = 4 Sufficient
a b
From statement 2:
ab 1
=
a+b 4
a+b
=> =4
ab
a b
=> + =4
ab ab
1 1
=> + = 4 Sufficient
b a


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For example, x 3 + 2xy 2 + 6z is a polynomial.

For example, x 2 + 2xy has degree 2 since the highest exponent is 2.

Some important identities are as follows:

(a b)3 = a3 3a2 b + 3ab2 b3 = a3 b3 3ab(a b)

Let us take an example:

Let a = 0.21 and b = 0.17

www.manhattanreview.com 19992016 Manhattan Review

(0.21 + 0.17)2 + (0.21 0.17)2

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2.2 Linear Equations

Solving linear equations with a single variable:

Let us take an example:

We take the constant 2 to the right:

The 10 as a product on the left is taken to the right as a division:

There are two possible ways of solving such equations:

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Solving by the method of substitution:

The above can be solved as discussed above, for a single variable:

=> 75 15y 4y = 56 => 19y = 19

Substituting y = 1 in the expression for x, we have:

Equation (i) 2 + equation (ii) 3:

=> 19x = 114 => x = 6

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Let us take two general equations:

Here, a, b, c, A, B, C are the constants and x, y are the variables.

There are three important results possible:

Let us take an example:

First we need to reduce the coefficients to their lowest terms.

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Determining the value of an expression involving the variables without solving:

Let us take an example:

We need to determine the values of:

For (1): Simply adding (i) and (ii): 3x + 7y = 27

For (2): Simply subtracting (ii) from (i): x + 3y = 11

For (3): (i) + 2 (ii): 4x + 9y = 35

Additional solved problems:

Let the student got x correct and y wrong answers.

3x y = 40 (Each correct answer is of 3 marks and each wrong is of 1 mark)

Adding the above two equations:

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Let the number of marbles with A be x.