Equations

+
Ratios
Theory
( QB – Pages)
Chapter 1
Equations
An important aspect in solving any mathematical problem is to form equations and solve
them. This chapter will provide some basic concepts and to master this skill.

1.1 EQUATIONS IN ONE UNKNOWN

Step 1: Read the problem carefully, and assign a variable to the unknown quantity.
Step 2: Form the mathematical equation.
Step 3: To solve the equation, isolate the variable on one side and remaining values on
the other side.

Example 1.1:
10 years later, Peter’s age will be twice of his present age. Find Peter’s present age.

Solution:
Step 1: In the above problem, Peter’s present age is unknown. Hence, let it be p.
Step 2: Now 10 years later, his age (p + 10) will be twice of his present age (p).
i.e. p + 10 = 2p (age after 10 years = 2 × present age)
Step 3: Isolate variable on one side.
⇒ 2p−p = 10
⇒ p = 10
Thus, Peter’s present age is 10 years.

Practice Set 1.1

1. Solve for x: 7x + 23 = 2(x + 4)

2. Solve for x: 2(5x− 2) = 3[2(x + 1) + 14]

3. 15 years later, Harry’s age will be thrice of his age 5 years ago. Find Harry’s present
age.

4. Adam had $17.10 with him. He bought 3 apples for $1.50 each, 2 mangoes of $1.35
each and the rest he spent on 9 guavas. Find the cost of 2 apples and 1 guava.

5. Initially, a tank is ⅜ full of water. After adding 3 gallons water, tank becomes half
filled. Find the capacity of the tank.

6. Last year, Betty’s income from January to June was $15,000 more than her income
from July till September in the same year. If her income is same in every month, find
her annual income.

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1.2 EQUATIONS IN TWO UNKNOWNS

Step 1: Read the problem carefully, and assign variables to unknown quantities.
Step 2: Form the mathematical equations.
Step 3: To solve the equations, isolate variables on one side and remaining quantities on
the other side. Then eliminate one of the variables (as illustrated in the following
example).

Example 1.2:
A store sells pens for $5 each and pencils for $4 each. If John buys a total of 10 pens and
pencils for $44, how many pens did he buy?

Solution:
Step 1: In above problem, number of pens and pencils bought is unknown. Let these be x
and y respectively.
Step 2: Total pens and pencils John bought:
x + y = 10 … (1)
Since cost of a pen is $5 and cost of a pencil is $4 , he has spent 5x amount on pens
and 4y on pencils. Total amount he spent is $44. Hence:
5x + 4y = 44 … (2)
Step 3: Eliminate one of the variables (say y). Multiplying equation (1) by 4:
4x + 4y = 40 … (3)
To eliminate y, subtract equation (3) from (2):
(5x + 4y) − (4x + 4y) = 44 − 40
⇒ 5x− 4x = 4
⇒x = 4, i.e. Number of pens John bought is 4.

A Smarter Way

Remember: Too many equations take too much time to solve. Hence, try to solve the
question by assuming only one unknown. Often a systematic approach and the use of a
tabular method to frame the equations help to solve problem efficiently.
Since the number of pens John bought is to be calculated, so let it be x.
Pens Pencils
Quantity: x 10 −x
Cost of each: $5 $4
Total cost: 5x + 4(10 −x) = 44
⇒ 5x + 40 − 4x = 44
⇒ 5x − 4x = 44 − 40
⇒x = 4, i.e. Number of pens John bought is 4.

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Carefully examine this method. If one unknown is assumed, one equation is to be solved.
In previous case, there were two equations to be solved for two unknowns.Also, after
solving the problem, read the question once again to verify what quantity is asked.

Practice Set 1.2

1. A store sells only 2 type of books: text books at $5 per book and note books at $4 per
book. If Barrett buys 7books that cost him $31, how many text books did he buy?

2. Peter is 10 years older than Adam. 5 years ago, Peter was twice as old as Adam. How
old is Peter now?

3. Peter and John weigh a total of 75 pounds. If Peter’s weight is 15 pounds less than
twice of John’s weight, how much does Peter weigh?

4. For a party, Nick spends a total of $200 on 125 sandwiches, which consists of single
sandwiches and double sandwiches only. If single sandwiches cost $1 each and
double sandwiches cost $2 each, how many double sandwiches did Nick buy for the
party?

5. Victoria has 50 pieces of chocolates divided into 5-piece and 10-piece packages. If she
has 4 more 5-piece packages than 10-piece packages, how many 10-piece packages
does she have?

6. Ronan cuts a rope of length 50 inches into 2 pieces. If the length of the first piece is 5
inch more than the second piece, what is the length of the longer piece of the rope?

7. Smith has equal number of nickels and quarters worth a total of $9. How many coins
does he have? (Note: 1 nickel = 5 cents, 1 quarter = 25 cents, $1 = 100 cents)

1.3 SPECIAL EQUATIONS

Sometimes a question might involve two unknowns, but only one equation is given. In
such a case, it may ask one possible value, not a definite answer. Or it may ask for a ratio,
which can be calculated by simplifying the given equation. Take a look at the following
example.

Example 1.3:
Adam received ⅓ more votes than Peter in a student election. Which of the following
could have been the total number of votes cast for the two candidates?
(A)12 (B)13 (C)14 (D)15 (E)16

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Solution:
Let Peter receives x votes. So Adam receives x + x/3 = 4x/3 votes.
Adam Peter Total
4x/3 + x = 7x/3
Total votes cast for two candidates cannot be a fraction, so 3 in the denominator definitely
cancels with x (i.e. x is a multiple of 3). Hence, x/3 is an integer, and it follows that total
votes should be a multiple of 7.
∴ 7x/3 = 14 is the only possible value among the given options.

Example 1.4:
ab
= 10. Find a/b.
a

Solution:
Cross multiplication gives: a + b = 10a
⇒ b = 10a−a
⇒ b = 9a
⇒ a/b = 1/9

Practice Set 1.3

1. a+ b= 15, b+ c = 10, and a+ c = 10. Find the value ofa + b + c.

xy x 3 y
2. = 5. Find .
y y

3. Andy has half as many books as Bill, who has one third as many books as Charlie.
Which of these can be total number of books three of them have?
(A) 30 (B) 60 (C) 90 (D) 120 (E) 150

NON-LINEAR EQUATIONS: Non-linear equations (mainly quadratic equations) are an

important part of algebra. This section will provide basic concepts regarding how to solve
quadratic equations, equations with square roots, and inequalities.

1.4 QUADRATIC EQUATIONS

Using Factorization:

First write the equation in descending powers of variable (i.e. first term with x2, second
term with x, and third term a constant). Then, split middle term into two terms, whose
product is equal to the product of first term and last term.

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Example 1.5:

Solve: x2 + 5x + 6 = 0

Solution:

Split +5x into two terms whose product is equal to +6x2.

Two terms will be +2x and +3x.
x2 + 5x + 6 = 0
⇒ x2 + 2x + 3x + 6 = 0
Take x common from first and second term, and 3 common from third and fourth term.
⇒ x(x + 2) + 3(x + 2) = 0
⇒ (x + 2) (x + 3) = 0 (Product of two numbers is 0 ⇒ Atleast of these numbers is 0.)
⇒ x + 2 = 0 or x + 3 = 0
⇒ x = −2 or x = −3

Using Formula: Roots (or solutions) of a quadratic equation of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0
are:

Formula 1:

 b  b 2  4 ac
x=
2a

 b  b 2  4 ac  b  b 2  4 ac
i.e. one root is and other is .
2a 2a
Note: a, b, and c have to be considered with sign.
Also, if b2 − 4ac is negative, then roots don’t exist, i.e. given equation has no real
solution (no value of x possible on number line).

Example 1.6:

Solve: x2 + 5x + 6 = 0 by using the formula.

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Solution:
Here a = +1, b = +5 and c = +6. Hence roots are given by:

 b  b 2  4 ac  5  52  4(1)(6)
x = =
2a 2(1)
5 1  5 1  5 1
= i.e. roots are and .
2 2 2
⇒ x = −2 or x = −3

Practice Set 1.4

1. Solve the following equations:

a) x2 + 5x − 6 = 0 b) x2 − 4x − 5 = 0 c) 2x2 + 7x + 6 = 0 d) x2 + 5x − 7 = 0

2. If x = 4 is a root of the equation: x2 + kx − 8 = 0, then find the value of k.

3. Which of these equations has 4 and 2 as roots?

(A) x2 − 6x − 8 = 0 (B) x2 − 4x + 8 = 0 (C) x2 + 6x + 8 = 0
(D) x2 − 6x + 8 = 0 (E) x2 + 6x + 12 = 0
4. If x2 + a = b and x is an integer, what could be the value of b − a?
(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6 (E) 7

1.5 EQUATIONS WITH SQUARE ROOT

To solve equations with square root, take the quantity with square root on one side and
then square both sides.

Example 1.7:

Solve for t: t  2 = 4

Solution:
Squaring both sides gives: t − 2 = 16 ⇒t = 18

Note: After solving, always check the answer by substituting it back in the original
equation. All the quantities in square root should be non-negative. Also, square root
of a number is non-negative.

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Example 1.8:

Solve for x: x =x−2

Solution:

Squaring both sides gives: x = x2 − 4x + 4

⇒ x2 − 5x + 4 = 0 (Split −5x into two terms whose product +4x2)
⇒ x2 − 4x − x + 4 = 0
⇒ (x − 4) (x − 1) = 0
⇒ x = 4 or x = 1
Substituting x = 4 in x = x − 2: 4 = 4 − 2 which is true.
Substituting x = 1 in x = x − 2: 1 = 1 − 2 which is false.
Hence, x = 4 is the only solution.

Practice Set 1.5

1. Solve the following equations:

2
a) x 8 = 6 b) x 2  21 = 5 c) x = d) x2 2 − x =0
x 3
2. If x = 9 is a root of the equation: x + k x  8 = 0, then find the value of k.

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Answers: Practice Set 1.1

1. −3 3. 15 years 5. 24 gallons

2. 13 4. $4.10 6. $60,000

Answers: Practice Set 1.2

1. 3 4. 75 7. 60

2. 25 years 5. 2

3. 45 lbs. 6. 27.5 inches

Answers: Practice Set 1.3

1. 17.5 2. 7 3. c)

Answers: Practice Set 1.4

1. a) 1, −6 
1. d)  5 53 2  4. b)

1. b) 5, −1 2. −2
1. c) −2, −3/2 3. d)

Answers: Practice Set 1.5

1. a) 44 1. c) 4 2. −3

1. b) 2, −2 1. d) 2

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Solutions: Practice Set 1.1

1. 7x + 23 = 2(x + 4)
⇒ 7x + 23 = 2x + 8
⇒ 7x − 2x = 8 − 23
⇒ 5x = −15
⇒ x = −3

2. 2(5x − 2) = 3[2(x + 1) + 14]

⇒ 10x − 4 = 3[2x + 16]
⇒ 10x − 4 = 6x + 48
⇒ 10x − 6x = 48 + 4
⇒ 4x = 52
⇒ x = 13

3. Let Harry’s present age be h.

After 15 years, his age (h + 15) will be thrice of his age 5 years ago (h − 5).
⇒ h + 15 = 3(h − 5)
⇒ h + 15 = 3h − 15
⇒ 3h − h = 15 + 15
⇒ h = 15 years

4. Cost of 3 apples = 3 × 1.50 = $4.50; Cost of 2 mangoes = 2 × 1.35 = $2.70;

Say, cost of 9 guavas = 9g (where g is the cost of 1 guava)
Total amount he paid = $4.50 + $2.70 + 9g which should be equal to $17.10
⇒ 4.5 + 2.7 + 9g = 17.1
⇒ 9g = 17.1 − 4.5 − 2.7
⇒ 9g = 9.9
⇒ g = $1.10, So, cost of 2 apples and 1 guava = 2 × 1.50 + 1.10 = $4.10
5. Let capacity of tank be x gallons.
Tank is initially ⅜ full ⇒ Water in tank = ⅜ x gallons
After adding 3 gallons, total water = ⅜ x + 3, which is same as half of the capacity.
⇒⅜x+3=½x
⇒½x−⅜x=3
4x  3x
⇒ =3
8
1
⇒ x = 3 ⇒ Hence, total capacity = x = 24 gallons
8

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6. Let Betty’s monthly income be x.
Betty’s income from January till June (6x) is $15,000 more than her income from July
till September (3x).
⇒ 6x = 15000 + 3x
⇒ 6x − 3x = 15000
⇒ 3x = 15000
⇒ x = $5000
Annual Income = 12 × 5000 = $60,000

Solutions: Practice Set 1.2

1. Text Books Note Books

Quantity: x 7−x
Cost of each: $5 $4
Total cost: 5x + 4(7 − x) = 31
⇒ 5x − 4x + 28 = 31 ⇒x = 3

2. Adam Peter
Present age: x x + 10
5 years ago: x−5 x+5 (present age − 5)
Also, 5 years ago, Peter was twice as old as Adam. Hence,
⇒ x + 5 = 2(x − 5)
⇒ x = 15.
⇒ Peter’s age = 15 + 10 = 25 years

3. Peter John
Weights: x 75 − x
Peter weighs 15 pounds less than twice John’s weight, i.e., P = 2J − 15
⇒ x = 2(75 − x) − 15
⇒ x = 45, i.e. Peter weighs 45 pounds.

4. Double Sandwiches Single Sandwiches

Quantity: x 125 − x
Cost of each: $2 $1
Total cost: 2x + 1(125 − x) = 200
⇒ 2x + 125 − x = 200
⇒ x = 75

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5. 5-piece Packages 10-piece Packages
Quantity: x+4 x
Chocolates in each: 5 10
Total chocolates: 5(x + 4) + 10x = 50
⇒ 5x + 20 + 10x = 50
⇒x=2

6. Longer Piece Shorter Piece

Length: x+5 x
Total length: (x + 5) + x = 50
⇒ x = 22.5ʺ
⇒ Length of longer piece = 22.5 + 5 = 27.5ʺ

7. Currency system followed in US is as follows:

1$ = 100¢ (cent),
1 quarter = 25¢,
1 dime = 10¢,
1 nickel = 5¢,
1 penny = 1¢.
Quarters Nickels
Number of coins: x x
Value of each coin: 0.25 0.05
Total amount: 0.25x + 0.05x =9
⇒ x = 30
⇒ Total number of coins = 2x = 60

Solutions: Practice Set 1.3

1. By solving given 3 equations, values of a, b, and c can be calculated. However, value

of 3 unknowns is not asked, only a + b + c is to be calculated, which can be obtained
by adding 3 equations:
⇒ a + b + b + c + c + a = 15 + 10 + 10
⇒ 2(a + b + c) = 35
⇒ a + b + c = 17.5

2. x + y = 5y
⇒ x = 4y
Substituting x gives:
⇒ (x + 3y) / y = (4y + 3y) / y

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 = 7y / y
=7

3. Let number of books with Andy be a, with bill be b, and with Charlie be c.
As per the question, b = 2a, and c= 3b.
⇒ 3b =6aandc = 3b
⇒ 6a= 3b =c
⇒ 6a=c
∴ a + b + c = a + 2a + 6a
⇒ a + b + c = 9a
⇒ Total number of books is a multiple of 9
Only option (c) 90 is a multiple of 9, answer will be (c) 90.

Solutions: Practice Set 1.4

1. a) x2 + 5x − 6 = 0
⇒ x2 + 6x − x − 6 = 0 (Product of two factors must be −6x2, i.e. +6x and −x)
⇒ x(x + 6) − 1(x + 6) = 0
⇒ (x + 6) (x − 1) = 0
⇒ x = 1 or −6

b) x2 − 4x − 5 = 0
⇒ x2 − 5x + x − 5 = 0 (Product of two factors must be −5x2, i.e. +x and −5x)
⇒ (x + 1) (x − 5) = 0
⇒ x = 5 or −1

c) 2x2 + 7x + 6 = 0
⇒ 2x2 + 4x + 3x + 6 = 0 (Product of two factors must be 12x2, i.e. +3x and +4x)
⇒ (x + 2) (2x + 3) = 0
⇒ x = −2 or −3/2

d) x2 + 5x − 7 = 0
⇒ By using formula 1: a = +1, b = +5, c = −7
 5 53
⇒ x=
2

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2. x = 4 satisfies the equation x2 + kx − 8 = 0
⇒ 42 + k(4) − 8 = 0
⇒ 4k + 8 = 0
⇒ k = −2

3. 4 and 2 are the roots of equation: (x − 4) (x − 2) = 0 i.e.x2 − 6x + 8 = 0

4. b−a = x2, i.e. b−a is square of an integer. Hence, b−a could be 4.

Solutions: Practice Set 1.5

1. a) x 8 = 6
Squaring gives: x − 8 = 36 ⇒x = 44
b) x 2  21 = 5

Squaring gives: x2 + 21 = 25
⇒ x2 = 4
⇒ x = 2 or −2

2
c) x =
x 3
⇒ x ( x  3) = 2 (Cross multiply)

⇒ x2 − 3x = 4 (Squaring both sides)

⇒ x2 − 3x − 4 = 0
⇒ (x − 4) (x + 1) = 0
⇒ x = 4 or −1. But x = −1 does not satisfy original question.

d) x2 2 = x
⇒ x2 − 2 = x (Squaring both sides)
⇒ x2 − x − 2 = 0
⇒ (x − 2) (x + 1) = 0
⇒ x = 2 or −1. But x = −1 does not satisfy original question.

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2. x = 9 satisfies the equation x + k x 8 = 0

⇒ 9 + k 98 = 0

⇒ 3 + k (1) = 0
⇒k = −3

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Chapter 2
Ratio and Proportion
Ratio and Proportion is the basic of percentages, and ultimately, of arithmetic. To form
equations and understand variations, one should be thorough with the concepts of ratio.

2.1 RATIO

Ratio is comparison of two or more similar quantities (units of both quantities have to be
same). E.g. days in a non-leap year and in the month of April can be expressed as 365 ∶ 30,
365 73
i.e. 365 is to 30. It can also be written as or in simpler form as or 73 ∶ 6.
30 6
If a and b are in the ratio 3 ∶ 5, then assume a as 3k and b as 5k. This method is very useful
to solve ratio questions. Similarly, if a ∶ b ∶ c = 3 ∶ 5 ∶ 8, assume a = 3k, b = 5k and c = 8k.

Example 2.1:
a and b are in the ratio 4 ∶ 7. Sum of a and b is 132. Find a.

Solution:
Let a = 4k and b = 7k.
⇒ a + b = 4k + 7k = 132, which gives: k = 12
∴ a = 4k = 4 × 12 = 48

Practice Set 2.1

1. Kim has a total of 15 marbles of red and yellow color. Ratio of the number of red to
that of yellow marbles is 2 ∶ 1. How many red marbles does Kim have?

2. A, B, and C divide the profit in the ratio of 3 ∶ 4 ∶ 5. If they made a total profit of $72000,
then C’s share of profit is how much more than A’s share?

3. Initially, the men and women in a room were in the ratio 4 ∶ 3. Five women leave the
room. If there are 28 men in the room, how many women are left in the room?

4. In a room, men and women were in the ratio 2 ∶ 3. Later, 2 men entered and 3 women
left, and their respective ratio now is 2 ∶ 1. Find the number of people in the room
now.

5. Amount of time three people spent on a project was in the ratio 1 ∶ 3 ∶ 4. If the project
took total 200 hours, how many more hours did the person who worked for maximum
time spend than the person who worked for the least time?

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2.2 PROPORTION
Proportion is equality of two ratios, i.e. a ∶ b ∷ c ∶ d
a c
⇒ =
b d

For two variables:

Direct Proportion:
a is directly proportional to b, i.e. a increases as b increases (or b increases as a
increases).
⇒ a∝b
a
⇒ = constant
b
Inverse Proportion:
a is inversely proportional to b, i.e. a decreases as b increases (or b decreases as a
increases).
1
⇒a∝
b
⇒ a × b = constant

Remember: If directly proportional, then RATIO IS CONSTANT;

and if inversely proportional, then PRODUCT IS CONSTANT.

Example 2.2:
Cost of a diamond (in dollars) is directly proportional to the square of its weight (in
carats). Diamond of weight 20 carats costs $20,000. What is the cost of a diamond that
weighs 30 carats?

Solution:
Let c be the cost in dollars and w be the weight in carats.
⇒ c∝w2
⇒ Ratio of c to w2, i.e. cost to square of weight, is constant.
When weight of diamond is 20 carats, cost is $20000. And cost is to be calculated when
weight is 30 carats.

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 20 ,000 c
⇒ 2
 2
20 30
20,000
⇒ c = 302 ×
202
⇒ c = $45,000

Practice Set 2.2

1. 24 ∶ x is proportional to 144 ∶ 400. What is x?

2. x∶ 10 is proportional to y ∶ x. Given that y = 5x, what is x? (x ≠ 0)

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Answers: Practice Set 2.1

1. 10 3. 16 5. 75 hrs

2. $12,000 4. 9

Answers: Practice Set 2.2

1. 200/3

2. 50

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Solutions: Practice Set 2.1

1. Red ∶ Yellow = 2 ∶ 1 ⇒ Let yellow marbles be x and red marbles be 2x.

⇒ Total marbles = 3x = 15 ⇒x = 5
⇒ Red marbles = 2x = 10

2. Let A got 3x, B got 4x and C got 5x dollar amount as profit share.
⇒ Total = 3x + 4x + 5x = 72,000
⇒ x = 6000
∴ A got 3x (i.e. 18000) and C got 5x (i.e. 30000)
⇒ C got $12000 more than A.

3. Men ∶ Women = 4 ∶ 3
⇒ Let number of men be 4x and that of women be 3x.
If 5 women left the room, number of men left in room is still 4x, which is given as 28.
⇒ 4x = 28
⇒x=7
∴ Number of women initially present = 3x = 21
5 women left the room. Hence, women finally left = 21 − 5 = 16

4. Men ∶ Women = 2 ∶ 3
⇒ Let number of men be 2x and that of women be 3x.
2 men entered and 3 women left.
⇒ Number of men in room is 2x + 2, and that of women is 3x − 3.
Ratio is 2 ∶ 1.
2x  2 2
=
3x  3 1
Cross multiply and simplify: x = 2
∴ People in the room now = (2x + 2) + (3x − 3) = 5x − 1 = 9

5. Time is in the ratio 1 ∶ 3 ∶ 4 ⇒ Let it be x, 3x and 4x respectively.

Total time = 8x = 200 ⇒ x = 25
Hardest working person spent 4x or 100 hrs and time spent by least working x or 25
hrs.
∴ Difference between their time = 75 hrs

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Solutions: Practice Set 2.2

24 144
1. =
x 400
⇒ 144x = 24 × 400
⇒ x = 200/3

x y
2. = and y = 5x
10 x
x y
⇒ =5 (y = 5x gives: = 5)
10 x
⇒ x = 50

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Class Handout
( QH – Pages)
“TO BE SOLVED ONLY WHEN INSTRUCTED BY YOUR FACULTY : STRICT INSTRUCTION”

EQUATIONS AND RATIOS

Today Tina is thrice as old as Rita and Rita is 4 A magician marks-off on a stick of length 1 yard
years younger than Agatha. If Tina, Rita, and in thirds and fifths and breaks the stick at the
Agatha are all alive 5 years from today, which marked points. What is the maximum number of
of the following must be true on that day? pieces which are equal in length?

Tina is thrice as old as Rita. 2

3
Rita is 4 years younger than Agatha.
4
Tina is older than Agatha.
5
6

A store currently charges the same price for each

candy box that it sells. If the current price of
each candy box were to be increased by $1, 6
fewer of the candy boxs could be bought for A certain number of candies is distributed equally
$180. What is the current price of each candy among Alice, Ben, Cane and Dino. Alice further
box?
distributes of his candies equally among the
$4
other three people. Later, Ben gives half of his
$5
candies to Dino. What fraction of the total
$6
number of candies does Dino have in the end?
$30
$40

QH - 22
The weights of two wrestlers are in the ratio A water bottle costs $x and a cola bottle costs
7: 8. If each of the wrestlers wears additional $y. Ratio of cost of 2 bottles of water and 5
fighting accessories weighing 2 pounds, what is bottles of cola to 6 bottles of water and 15 bottles
the ratio of their new weights? of cola is 1:3.
Quantity A Quantity B
Cost of 1 bottle Cost of 1 bottle
of water of cola

If 2x2 – bx + 36 = 7x has one root equal to 3,

what is the value of other root?
4
6
7
14
The initial ratio of three variables x, y, and z is
3 : 24 : 100. Values of x, y, and z are changed 25
such that ratio of x to z is doubled while the ratio
of y to z is halved. If the new value of x is 24,
what is the new value of y?
25
48
75
100
150

QH - 23
Practice Questions
( Q – Pages)
 EQUATIONS

If = 2, then what is the value of b in terms of

If p > 0, = 0, then what is the value of
a?
p?
–2
–1

If 2x + 3y = 5 and 3y + 6 = 0, then what is the value

of x?
If a2 = 2b and a2 = 4, a > 0 then a2 + b2 =
4 3
5
8
9

7 17

If a + b = 5 and a – b = 2, then 4ab =

21
28
29

Q - 32
 Which of the following must be equal to zero, where
If x ≠ –2, then = x is a non-zero integer?

4x + 8 –
4x – 3
x + ( –x)
4x – 2
2x + 1
3x + 4

The product of the number 7 and a number x is

divided by 4. If the square root of the resulting Three years ago, Sam was thrice as old as his son.
number is twice of x and x > 0, then what is the Seven years later, son’s age would be half the age
value of x ? of Sam. What is the present age of the son?
13
23
33
43
53

In the first half of a football match team X was 6

goals behind team Y, whereas in the second half team
Y got ‘k’ goals less than team X. It is also known
If = 1 and b=1, then which of the that team X won the match.
following cannot be the value of a? Quantity A Quantity B
0 k 6

1
2
3
4

Q - 33
Which of the following is the least? For a new office, Tom purchased some tables and
chairs. If the total number of tables and chairs
purchased by Tom is 10, such that cost of each chair
is $40 and cost of each table is $50, then how many
chairs did he buy if his total expenditure was $440?
4
5
6
7
8

If x + y = 10, and y + z = 20 and x + z = 30, then what The cost of making a gold necklace is $10 less than
percent of x + y + z is x + y? four times the cost of making a diamond ring. If the
25% cost of making a gold necklace is $50 then the total
cost of making a gold necklace and a diamond ring
30% is?
50
%
60
40%
65
50%
75
80

If 8 is one of the roots of 2x2 – ax – 40 = 0 where a

is a constant, what is the other root?
–5 In a math test, it was found that of the students

– scored 170, of the students scored 168 and half

0 of the students scored 165. If the remaining 54

students scored less than 165, what was the total

number of math test takers ?

5
54
100
128
280
360

Q - 34
Tom and Harry hired cabs and were charged at the T-shirts can be purchased in a pack of 10 at $2.50
rate of $0.2 and $0.1 per mile respectively. Tom each pack, in a pack of 5 at $1.50 each pack or $0.5
paid a bill of $23 and Harry paid $25. Find the individually per T-shirt.
difference between the distance travelled by them?
Quantity A Quantity B
(Note : no other cost involved.)
Maximum number of 56
135 T-shirts that could be
175 purchased for $14.5

190
200
210

Steve works for 10 hours a day on each day of the

month in his office and he is paid a monthly salary
of $8400 in November, on hourly basis. If he works
more than 10 hours in a day, he is paid $80 per hour
A person set up a factory which included setting up
for the additional hours. In a certain week, he
machines, which costs $80,000 and the cost of
worked 4 hours extra. What was his salary for that
producing each item was $10. If the manufacturer
week? (Note : hourly wage is a fixed constant.)
wants to make a profit of atleast $120,000 on the
sale of 50,000 units, what should be the minimum $600
selling price of each item?
$1960
$10
$2280
$12.4
$2300
$13.4
$2480
$14
$16

Rahul is waiting in a line to purchase a movie ticket

at counter A and there are 8 people waiting behind
Rahul. As a new counter B was opened, few people
Which of the following equation has one root in
behind Rahul from counter A went to counter B,
common with 2x2 – 14x + 24 = 0?
also a new person joined counter B, there are 6
x2 + 1 = 0 people wating at each of both counters. How many
people are in front of Rahul before counter B was
x2 – 2x – 3 = 0
opened?
x2 + 6x + 5 = 0
1
x2 – 1 = 0
2
x2 + 5x – 6 = 0
3
4
5

Q - 35
Kim purchased x items from an online store at a A watch dealer has a total of N watches in his stock
price of $10 each. The delivery charges for each of on Monday. He sold half of the stock of watches on
the first two items were $2.5 and for the rest it was Tuesday. However, 15 of the sold watches were
$0.5 per item. What was the total amount that Kim returned on Wednesday. The number of watches in
had to pay for her purchase? stock on Thursday is N–28. What is the value of N?
(Note : There was no other wathces sold or added
4 + 0.5x
in the stock.)
4 + 10x
29
4 + 10.5x
43
5 + 10x
71
5 + 10.5x
86
101

To characterize the type of flow in a fluid which is

Today Tom celebrates his 15th birthday, his father
in motion, Reynolds formula is used, which is given
celebrates his 48th birthday. After how many years
would Tom & his father celebrate their birthday such
as , where denotes Reynolds number,
that their combined age will be 83 years?

ρ denotes the density, V denotes the velocity, L 5

7
denotes the diameter and μ denotes the viscosity of
10
the fluid.
15
20
Quantity A Quantity B
Reynolds number Reynolds number
when ρ = 800, when ρ =900,
μ = 0.4 and μ = 0.5 and
L = 0.02 and L = 0.02 and In a shop, shirts were priced at $60 each, however, if
V = 2.5 V = 2.5 you buy one shirt you get a flat discount of 20%
and you can buy a pack of three shirts at the price
of two. If Mr. William brought home a total of 10
shirts, what is the minimum amount he could have
paid at the shop?
$360
$408
$420
$468
$480

Q - 36
The number of boys and the number of girls in a A Cake costs 4 times the cost of a Pastry. If the cost
class is b and g respectively. If 2 boys leave and 3 of 11 Pastries and 3 Cakes is $69 then how much
girls join the class, the number of boys would would 15 Pastries cost more than 2 Cakes?
become 6 more than half the number of girls. Which
$9
of the following is equal to g?
$11
2b – 21
$15
2b – 19
$21
b – 12
$33
2b + 19
2b + 21

12 buses, each of which can accommodate a

maximum of 8 passengers and a minimum of 5
If x and y are integers and x + xy + y = 5, which of passengers, were arranged to drop n players to a
the following could be the value of the product of x stadium. Not all the buses are filled to the maximum
and y? or the minimum capacity.

–14 Quantity A Quantity B

–2 The minimum possible 61

value of n
0
2
12

Which of the following quadratic equations has at

least one root common with the quadratic equation
2x2 + x – 1 = 0?
A total of $75 was paid for buying fruits &
vegetables costing $12.5 & $6.25 per pound x2 + 5x – 6 = 0
respectively. It is also known that the quantity of
3x2 + 5x + 2 = 0
fruit bought is less than the quantity of vegetables
bought. x2 + 4x – 5 = 0
Quantity A Quantity B 6x2 + 13x – 8 = 0
Amount spent on Amount spent on
9x2 + 4x – 5 = 0
Fruits Vegetables

Q - 37
In a class, having more number of girls than boys, An 18 pages long book comprises either of 3 pages
students were given a task of collecting flowers. or 4 pages long chapters .
Each boy collected 5 flowers whereas each girl
Quantity A Quantity B
collected 3 flowers. If a total of 46 flowers were
collected, which of the following could be the The number of The number of
number of girls in the class? chapters with chapters with
3 pages 4 pages
6
10
12
14

(x + 3)(x – 2)2(x2–3)(2x – 4) = 0
Quantity A Quantity B
A charitable organization collected a total of The number of integer 3
$(x + 3y), where x and y are positive integer and values of x for which
x > y, amount out of which (3x – 2y) was collected above equation is true
from office A and the remaining from office B.
Quantity A Quantity B
Amount collected Amount collected
from office A from office B

A theater artist charges $150 per show for a 4 hour

show and $85 for a 2 hours show. Last week the
artist performed 5 less 4-hour shows than 2-hour
shows. If the artists income was $1835, the total
Renting office chairs costs $2 per day per chair and number of shows performed by the artist is
tables costs $1.5 per day per table whereas 11
purchasing a chair and a table costs $15 and $12
respectively. 13
Quantity A Quantity B 15
Cost of renting Cost of purchasing 17
8 tables and 10 chairs 10 chairs and
for 12 days and 12 tables 19
9 days respectively

Q - 38
The price of a pack of 6 juice bottles is $60. Each A lemon solution consists of 60 g of sugar per
bottle of juice individually costs $12.5. What is the 100 cc of the solution. If 20 cc of the solution is
amount saved on purchasing 12 juice bottles in two mixed with 80 cc of water to prepare a lemonade.
packs of six bottles as compared to purchasing them What is the amount of sugar in the lemonade drink?
individually?
6g
$2.5
12 g
$20
36 g
$25.5
45 g
$30
60 g
$40.25

A club offers discounted membership for $2x each

for the first two people and charged $(x + n) for
At a certain food festival, out of ‘n’ stalls, of the
each member who joins thereafter. 5 friends, Alice,
total stalls were serving non vegetarian dishes only Beth, Clain, Dino and Eric were the first to join the
club, paid a total of $75 as the fee. If x and n are
and of the remaining stalls were serving vegetarian positive integers and n + x < 20, what could be the
value of n?
dishes only. The remaining stalls were serving a
4
combination of vegetarian and non vegetarian
11
dishes. How many stalls were serving the 15
combination of vegetarian and non vegetarian 18
dishes? 25

An institute charges $ for one time registration

and $ per session for first ‘n’ sessions after which

each session is charged $n only. If a student paid

$60 for (n + 4) sessions he attended, including the

registration fee, what is the value of n?

4
5
6
7
8

Q - 39
 The price of a vanilla candy is $x less than twice the
The difference between the present ages of two cost of a chocolate candy. Their combined cost is
less than the cost of 3 vanilla candies.
brothers is 6 years. If after 4 years, the elder brother
Quantity A Quantity B
would be times the age of the younger brother,
Cost of 4 chocolate x
what is the sum of their present ages? candies
8
10
14
16
Alice, Beth, Clan, Dino and Eric decide to buy a
22 drum set by pooling in money equally. However,
Alice and Beth were short on cash so they decided
that they would pay their total share later and the
cost would be divided equally between the remaining
members. If the cost of the drum set is $180, how
While noting down a Quadratic equation Lauren much did Dino currently paid more than he would
noted the coefficient of x incorrectly and got the have paid, had all of them contributed?
roots as 7 and – 2, whereas Harry noted the same $12
equation and noted constant term incorrectly and
got the roots of the equation as –11 and 6 $20

Quantity A Quantity B $24

Larger of the two 3 $36
roots of actual
$40
quadratic equation

On her 20th birthday, Alice spent $240 to buy her

When John’s mother was of John’s present age, favourite chocolates and the price of each of the
chocolate was $15. The price of the chocolate
John was of his mother’s present age. If John’s increased next year due to which Alice could buy
one fewer chocolate on her 21st birthday. What is
present age is 48 years, what is his mother’s present the price of each of the chocolate on her 21st
birthday?
age?
$16
60 $17
70 $18
72 $19
84 $20
Cannot be determined

Q - 40
 Tom purchased a total of $5000 worth of traveler’s
For any stretch of distance covered without halting, checks in $50 and $100 denominations for his
vacation. During his vacation Tom cashed 14 checks
vehicle first runs for 4 miles on petrol and is then and then lost all the rest. If the number of $50 checks
cashed was two more or two less than the number
switched to diesel to save money. Petrol costs of $100 checks cashed, what is the maximum
possible value of checks that were lost?
$ per mile whereas the cost of diesel is $2.5 for
$3800
every 2 mile strech. A car travelled a total of 36 $3900
miles in which it had a total of 2 stoppages in $4000
$4100
between.
None of the above
Quantity A Quantity B
The total amount spent 2k + 35
on Petrol & Diesel

A bottle contains 4 pints of mango crush. 0.5 fluid

ounce of mango crush is required to make one glass
of drink. How many glasses of the drink can be made
from a pack of 6 bottles of mango crush?
(1 pint = 16 fluid ounces)
12
48
192
768
None of the above

Q - 41
Answers
 ANSWER KEY
TOPIC-WISE QUANTITATIVE PRACTIC QUESTIONS
EQUATIONS 27 C
1 D 28 B
2 B 29 B
3 B 30 C, D, E
4 C 31 D
5 C 32 D
6 B 33 C
7 E 34 B, D, E
8 B 35 C
9 B, C, D 36 D
10 A 37 A
11 A 38 B
12 C 39 B
13 C 40 D
14 B 41 D
15 C 42 B
16 C 43 B
17 E 44 A, B
18 A 45 B
19 D 46 E
20 B 47 B
21 C 48 B
22 C 49 A
23 B 50 C
24 C 51 A
25 A 52 D
26 D 53 C
54 D
 Answer
Explanations
Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
1. It is given that 𝑃 > 0,
2
(𝑃 + 2) (5 − ) = 0
𝑝
4
5𝑃 – 2 + 10 − = 0
𝑝
5𝑃2 + 8𝑃 – 4 = 0
5𝑃2 + 10𝑃 − 2𝑃 – 4 = 0
5𝑃(𝑃 + 2) − 2(𝑃 + 2) = 0
(𝑃 + 2)(5𝑃 − 2) = 0
2
𝑃 = − 2 OR 𝑃 = 5
2
As 𝑃 > 0, we get 𝑃 = 5

Ans. (D)

2. Given that 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 5 … (1)

Also, 3𝑦 + 6 = 0
3𝑦 = − 6
𝑦 = −2

Substituting the value of y in (1) we get,

2𝑥 + 3 (−2) = 5
2𝑥 = 11
11
𝑥 = 2

Ans. (B)

(𝑎+𝑏)
3. =2
3𝑎𝑏

(𝑎 + 𝑏 ) = 6𝑎𝑏 (Multiplied both sides by 3ab)

𝑎 + 𝑏 – 6𝑎𝑏 = 0
𝑎 + 𝑏(1 – 6𝑎) = 0
𝑏(1 – 6𝑎) = − 𝑎
−𝑎
𝑏 =
(1 − 6𝑎)

Take -1 common in the denominator,

−𝑎 𝑎
𝑏 = =
−(6𝑎 − 1) (6𝑎 − 1)
Ans. (B)

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
4. Given that 𝑎2 = 4 and 𝑎2 = 2b

Equating both the values of a2, we get

4 = 2𝑏
𝑏=2

Therefore, 𝑏 2 = 22 = 4
We need to find
𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 = 4 + 4 = 8

Ans. (C)

5. Given that 𝑎 + 𝑏 = 5 and 𝑎 – 𝑏 = 2;

Adding both the equations, we get
𝑎 + 𝑏 = 5
+
𝑎− 𝑏 = 2
2𝑎 = 7
7
Hence, 𝑎 = 2

Putting the value of 𝑎 in 𝑎 + 𝑏 = 5

7
We get, 2 + 𝑏 = 5
7
𝑏 = 5 − 2
10 − 7
𝑏 = 2
3
𝑏= 2

Let us calculate,
7 3
4𝑎𝑏 = 4 × ( ) × ( )
2 2
= 21

Ans. (C)

6. Given that 𝑥 ≠ − 2
4𝑥 2 +5 𝑥−6
Let us simplify .
𝑥+2
4𝑥 2 +5 𝑥−6 4𝑥 2 +8𝑥−3𝑥−6
𝑥+2
= 𝑥+2

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
4𝑥(𝑥+2)−3(𝑥+2)
= 𝑥+2

(𝑥+2)(4𝑥−3)
= (𝑥+2)

= 4𝑥 – 3

Ans. (B)

7. Given product is 7𝑥.

7𝑥
When divided by 4 it becomes 4
7𝑥
Resulting number = 4
7𝑥
Taking square root = √ 4
Given that,
7𝑥
√ = 2𝑥
4
Squaring both sides,
7𝑥
= 4𝑥 2
4

7𝑥 = 16𝑥 2

We have,

16𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 = 0

𝑥 (16𝑥 − 7) = 0

This implies, either 𝑥 = 0 or 16𝑥 − 7 = 0

But 𝑥 > 0,

Therefore, 16𝑥 − 7 = 0
7
⇒ 𝑥 =
16

Ans. (E)

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
(𝑎−𝑏)(𝑏−𝑐)
8. Given that =1
(𝑎−𝑐)
We know, b = 1
(𝑎−1)(1−𝑐)
Hence, we get, = 1 (eqn.1)
(𝑎−𝑐)
We need to find the answer choices which cannot be the value of a.

Let us simplify eqn.1.

(𝑎 – 1)( 1 – 𝑐 ) = 𝑎 − 𝑐
𝑎 − 𝑎𝑐 − 1 + 𝑐 = 𝑎 − 𝑐
2𝑐 – 𝑎𝑐 = 1
𝑐( 2 – 𝑎 ) = 1 (eqn.2)

Since, the answer choices represent the values of a so let us put them in the eqn.2
and check which of them cannot be the value of a.

A. 0
If 𝑎 = 0, the eqn.2 reduces to
𝑐(2 − 0) = 1
1
i.e. 𝑐 = 2 which is satisfying eqn.1
Hence, this can be the value of a.

B. 1
If 𝑎 = 1, the eqn.2 reduces to
𝑐 (2 − 1) = 1
i.e. 𝑐 = 1
If we put 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑐 = 1 in eqn.1 then we are getting denominator 0 which
is possible.’
Hence, 𝑎 ≠ 1

Since this question has only one answer, so we do not need to check rest of
the answer choices.

Ans. (B)

9. Given that 𝑥 ≠ 0
We need to find an expression, which when solved for 𝑥 (𝑥 ≠ 0), goes zero.

1
A) − 𝑥
For any non-zero value of x, this equation would never be zero
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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
B) 𝑥 + (− 𝑥)

Solving this, we get

𝑥– 𝑥 = 0
For any non-zero value of 𝑥, (𝑥 – 𝑥) would always be zero.

2 1
C) 2𝑥+1 − 𝑥+0.5

Take 2 common in the denominator:

2 1
=
2(𝑥 + 0.5) 𝑥 + 0.5

1 1
Hence, 𝑥+0.5 − =0
𝑥+0.5

0
D) 𝑥
For any value of 𝑥, If we divide zero by anything, it would be zero only.

Ans. (B, C, D)

10. Let us assume Sam’s present age = 𝑥

And, his son’s present age = 𝑦

Three years ago;

Age of Sam = 𝑥 – 3
Age of Sam’s son = 𝑦 – 3

It is given that Sam was thrice as old as his son.

i.e. 𝑥 – 3 = 3 (𝑦 − 3)
i.e. 3𝑦 – 𝑥 = 6 (eqn.1)

And seven years later;

Age of Sam = 𝑥 + 7
Age of Sam’s son = 𝑦 + 7

It is given that his son would be half the age of Sam.

1
i.e. 𝑦 + 7 = 2 (𝑥 + 7)
i.e. 2(𝑦 + 7) = 𝑥 + 7
i.e. 2𝑦 – 𝑥 = −7 (eqn.2)

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
Simplifying eqn.1 and eqn.2, we get
𝑦 = 13
𝑥 = 33

Ans. (A)

11. We are given that in the first half of a football match, X was 6 goals behind Y.
i.e. 𝑥1 = 𝑦1 – 6

In the second half, Y got k goals less than team X.

i.e. 𝑦2 = 𝑥2 – 𝑘

Since X won the match that means the total goals got by X are more than that of Y.
𝑥1 + 𝑥2 > 𝑦1 + 𝑦2
𝑦1 – 6 + 𝑥2 > 𝑦1 + 𝑥2 – 𝑘
−6 > −𝑘
6 < 𝑘
𝑘 > 6
Hence, Quantity A is greater than Quantity B.

Ans. (A)

12. For a fraction, we know, greater is the numerator, greater is the fraction and greater
is the
denominator, smaller is the fraction.

Consider five fractions given in the answer choices.

The fraction is,
24 72 108 50 100
2 , 2 2 , 4 , 4 , 2
3 ×2×3 3 ×2 3 ×2×5 5×2 5 ×2×4

23 ×3 23 ×32 22 ×33 52 ×2 22 ×52

, , , ,
32 ×2×3 32 ×22 34 ×2×5 5×24 52 ×2×4

22 2 5 1
, 2, 3×5 , 23 , 2
32

4 2 5 1
, 2, 15 , 8 , 2
9

Here we can see that 2 is the largest value. So, let us compare the fractions to find
the least possible value.

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
4 2 2
In 9 and 15, 15 is the smallest as the numerator is increased and the denominator is
4
decreased in 9.

2 5 2
In 15 and 8 , again 15 is the smallest as the numerator is increased and denominator
5
is decreased in 8 .

2 1 2
In 15 and 2, we know that 15 is the smallest value.

2
So, we can conclude that 15 is the least value among all.
Ans. (C)

13. Subtracting 𝑦 + 𝑧 from 𝑥 + 𝑦, we get

𝑥 + 𝑦 = 10
−(𝑦 + 𝑧) = −20
____________
𝑥 – 𝑧 = −10

Adding 𝑥 – 𝑧 with given 𝑥 + 𝑧, we get

𝑥 – 𝑧 = −10
+
𝑥 + 𝑧 = 30
_________
2𝑥 = 20
𝑥 = 10

We know,
𝑥 + 𝑧 = 30
10 + 𝑧 = 30

Therefore, 𝑧 = 20
Also, 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 10
𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 10 + 20 = 30
𝑥+𝑦
Required percentage = 𝑥+𝑦+𝑧 × 100
10
= 30 × 100
100
= 3
Ans. (C)

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
14. For a quadratic equation, 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0,
𝑐
Product of the roots is 𝑎.
Here, 𝑎 = 2
𝑏 = −𝑎
𝑐 = − 40

Given, one root is 8.

Let us assume that the other root as r.
That implies,
− 40
8×𝑟 =
2
8𝑟 = − 20
− 20 −5
𝑟 = =
8 2

Ans. (B)

15. Let Tom purchased x number of chairs. So, we can say he bought (10 - x) number of
tables as total number of tables and chairs is 10.

Cost of 1 chair = $ 40
Cost of x chairs = 𝑥 × 40 = 40 𝑥

Cost of 1 table = $ 50
Cost of (10 – x) tables = (10 − 𝑥) × 50 = 50 (10 − 𝑥)

So, we can say,

40𝑥 + 50(10 − 𝑥) = 440 (as total amount spent is 440 $)
40𝑥 + 500 − 50𝑥 = 440
60 = 10𝑥
𝑥=6
Ans. (C)

16. It is given that, the cost of making a gold necklace is given as $ 50

Let us assume cost of making a diamond ring = $ 𝑥

Also,

(Cost of making a gold necklace) = 4 × (Cost of making a diamond ring) - 10

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
Hence, we can say
50 = 4𝑥 – 10
60 = 4𝑥
𝑥 = 15
Cost of making a gold necklace + Cost of making a diamond ring = 50$ + 15$ = 65$

Ans. (C)

17. Let 𝑥 be the number of total students who appeared for the test,

We can say that

1
𝑥 students scored 170
10

1
𝑥 students scored 168
4
1
And 2 𝑥 students scored 165

So,
1 1 1
𝑥 + 𝑥 + 𝑥 is the number of students scored at least 165 and it is given that the
10 4 2
remaining students are 54.

1 1 1
Hence, 𝑥 + 9 𝑥 +2 𝑥 + 54 = 𝑥
10

1 1 1
54 = 𝑥 – (10 𝑥 + 9 𝑥 + 2 𝑥)
20 𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 5𝑥 − 10𝑥
54 = 20
54 × 20 = 3𝑥
54 × 20
𝑥 =
3
𝑥 = 360

Ans. (E)

18. We know that

Rate per mile × Number of miles = Amount paid

Let Tom and Harry travelled a distance of x and y miles respectively.

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GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
Now,
For Tom:
0.2 × 𝑥 = 23
23
𝑥 =
0.2
⇒ 𝑥 = 115 miles

For Harry:
× 𝑦 = 25
25
𝑦 = 0.1 SSS
⇒ 𝑦 = 250 miles

Difference in the distance travelled by Tom and Harry = 250 – 115

= 135
Ans. (A)

19. A fixed cost of setting up the factory is $80,000 and there is a variable cost of $10 for
producing each item.
According to the question, 50,000 units are produced.

Total cost of producing 50,000 units = fixed cost + variable cost

= 80,000 + 50,000(10)
= 80,000 + 500,000
So, Cost Price = $ 580,000

Let Selling Price of each unit = 𝑥

Therefore, SP of 50,000 units = 50,000𝑥
We know that, Profit = SP – CP

Given that profit should be at least $120,000 i.e. 𝑃 ≥ 120,000

i.e. 50,000𝑥 – 580,000 ≥ 120,000
i.e. 50,000 ≥ 700,000
700,000
i.e. 𝑥 ≥ 50,000
i.e. 𝑥 ≥ 14

Therefore, the minimum SP of each item should be $14.

Ans. (D)

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20. Let us find out roots for 2𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 24 = 0

We have,
2𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 24 = 0

Divide both sides of the equation by 2, we get

𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 12 = 0
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 3𝑥 + 12 = 0
𝑥 (𝑥 − 4) − 3(𝑥 − 4) = 0
(𝑥 – 3)(𝑥 – 4) = 0
𝑥 = 4 or 𝑥 = 3.
So, roots for 2𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 24 = 0 are 4 and 3.

Let us check with the answer choices.

𝑥2 + 1 = 0
𝑥 2 = −1
Here no real root of x exists.

B) 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3 = 0
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 𝑥 − 3 = 0
We get 𝑥 = 3 and 𝑥 = −1.
Here 3 is the common root with 2𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 24 = 0
Since, it is a one answer question and we got that B is satisfying the equation, hence
we do not need to check the remaining answer choices.

Ans. (B)

21. We are given that T-shirts can be purchased in a pack of 10 at $2.50 each pack, in a
pack of 5 at $1.50 each pack or $0.30 individually per T-shirt.

We have to compare;

Quantity A - Maximum number of T-shirt that could be purchased for $14.5 and
Quantity B - 56

2.5
Let us find price of each t-shirt in a pack of 10 = = 0.25
10
1.5
The price of each t-shirt in a pack of 5 = = 0.3
5
The price of individual t-shirt = 0.5

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So, cheapest is when bought in pack of 10.

Now, to find the maximum number of t-shirts, let us buy them in the pack of 10.

With $14.5 (2.5 × 5 = 12.5), we can buy a maximum of 5 packs of 10 t-shirts.

That means we can buy 5 × 10 = 50 t-shirts.
The amount left = $14.5 - $12.5 = $ 2

With $2, we can buy a pack of 5 T-shirts at $1.50

Now, the number of t-shirts bought = 50 + 5 = 55
So, the amount left = $2 - $1.50 = $ 0.50

And with $ 0.50, we can buy an individual T-shirt.

So, the maximum number of T-shirts that could be purchased for $14.5 is 50 + 5 + 1 =
56.
Hence both the quantities are equal.
Ans. (C)

22. It is given that Steve works for 10 hours a day on each day of the month in his office
and his monthly salary is $8400 in November, on hourly basis. If he works more than
10 hours in a day, he is paid $80 per hour for the additional hours.
We have to find his salary of a certain week in which he worked 4 hours extra.
Now, using the unitary method,
His salary in November i.e. for 30 days → $8400
8400
His salary of 1 day → $ 30 = $ 280

So, his salary for the certain week → $ 280 × 7 = $ 1960

Now, for one additional hour he is getting → $80

For 4 additional hours, he will get → $ 80 × 4 = $ 320

So, his salary for that week = $ 1960 + $ 320 = $ 2280.

Ans. (C)

23. We are given that behind Rahul there are 8 people waiting in a line on counter A to
purchase a movie ticket. As a new counter B was opened, few people behind Rahul
from counter A went to counter B. Also, a new person joined the counter B and there
are 6 people waiting at each of the counters.

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We need to find the number of people who were in front of Rahul before counter B
was opened.

In Counter A:
Let us assume there are y people in front of Rahul.
So, total people = 𝑦 + Rahul + 8
=9 + 𝑦

Few people from Counter A (behind Rahul) went to counter B; i.e. from 8 people
some went to Counter B.

In Counter B:
People came from Counter A and a new person joined, then total people are 6.
Therefore, 5 people came from Counter A.

Hence, Counter A has: y + Rahul + 3 people behind Rahul = 𝑦 + 4

Also, we know 𝑦 + 4 = 6

Therefore, 𝑦 = 2

Ans. (B)

24. It is given that Kim purchased 𝑥 items from an online store at a price of $ 10 each.
The delivery charges for each of the first two items were $ 2.5 and for the rest it was
$0.5 per item.

We have to find the total amount Kim had to pay for her purchase.
Since, she purchased 𝑥 items at a price of $10 each so the total price = Number of
Items × Price per item
= 𝑥 × 10
= $ 10𝑥

Now, the delivery charges for first two items = $ 2.5 each
So, the total charges for the first two items = 2 × 2.5 = $ 5
The number of items remaining to be delivered = 𝑥 − 2
The charge for remaining items = $ 0.5 per item
So, the total charge for the remaining (𝑥 − 2) items = (𝑥 − 2) × 0.5 = $ (0.5𝑥 −
1)

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Hence, the total amount she has to pay for her purchase = Total price of the 𝑥 items
+ total delivery charges
= 10𝑥 + 0.5𝑥 − 1 + 5
= 4 + 10.5𝑥
Ans. (C)

𝜌𝑉𝐿
25. We are given that the type of flow in a fluid is given as Re = where ρ = density, V =
µ
velocity, L= diameter and µ = viscosity of the fluid.

We need to compare

Quantity A: Re when ρ = 800, µ = 0.4, L = 0.02 and V = 2.5

Quantity B: Re when ρ = 900, µ = 0.5, L = 0.02 and V = 2.5

800 × 0.02 × 2.5 900 × 0.02 × 2.5

i.e. and
0.4 0.5

800 900
i.e. and
0.4 0.5

8 9
i.e. and 0.5
0.4

Cross multiplying the numerator and denominator, we get

8 × 0.5 and 9 × 0.4
i.e. 4 and 3.6

Hence, quantity A is greater.

Ans. (A)

26. It is given that a watch dealer has N watches in his store on Monday. He sold half of
the stock on Tuesday. 15 of the sold watches were returned on Wednesday and the
number of watches in stock on Thursday is N - 28.
We have to find N.
The number of watches on Monday = 𝑁
𝑁 𝑁
Half are sold on Tuesday so the watches left in the stock on Tuesday = 𝑁 - =
2 2
15 of the sold watches were returned on Wednesday. So, the watches in the stock
𝑁
now = 2 + 15

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According to the question, number of watches in the stock on Thursday = 𝑁 − 28.
Now, we know that the number of watches in the stock on Wednesday should be
equal to the number of the watches in the stock on Thursday

𝑁
i.e. + 15 = 𝑁 − 28
2

𝑁
i.e. 15 + 28 = 2

𝑁
i.e. 43 = 2

i.e. 𝑁 = 86

Ans. (D)

27. We are given that today Tom and his father celebrates their 15 th and 48th birthday
respectively.
We need to find after how many years Tom and his father will celebrate their
birthday such that their combined age will be 83 years.

Let us assume after 𝑥 years, Tom and his father will celebrate their birthday such that
their combined age will be 83 years.

So, the present age of Tom = 15

Age of Tom after 𝑥 years = 15 + 𝑥

Present age of Tom’s father = 48

So, the age of his father after 𝑥 years = 48 + 𝑥

According to the question,

Age of Tom after x years + the age of his father after x years = 83
i.e. ( 15 + 𝑥 ) + ( 48 + 𝑥 ) = 83
i.e. 15 + 48 + 2𝑥 = 83
i.e. 2𝑥 = 83 – 63
i.e. 𝑥 = 10

So, after 10 years, when Tom and his father will celebrate their birthday, their
combined age will be 83 years.
Ans. (C)

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28. It is given that each shirt is priced at $60, where if you buy one shirt you get a flat
discount of 20% and can buy a pack of three shirts at the price of two.
We need to find the minimum amount Mr. William could have paid if he bought 10
shirts.

A pack of 3 shirts will be charged at the price of 2 shirts, i.e. 60 × 2 = 120

He can buy three packs of 3 shirts at $120 per pack i.e. 9 shirts for 3 × 120 = $360
Rest, he can buy 1 shirt for 20% discount i.e. the price of the shirt will be $ 0.8 × 60 =
$ 48.
Hence, the minimum price he could pay = 360 + 48 = $408.

Ans. (B)

29. We are given that the number of boys and the number of girls in a class is b and g
respectively.
If 2 boys leave and 3 girls join the class, the number of boys would become 6 more
than half the number of girls.
The number of boys after 2 boys leave = 𝑏 − 2
The number of girls after 3 girls join = 𝑔 + 3
According to the question,
𝑔+3
𝑏−2 = 6 +
2
12+ 𝑔+3
i.e. 𝑏 − 2 = 2
i.e. 2(𝑏 − 2) = 12 + 𝑔 + 3
i.e. 2𝑏 − 4 = 𝑔 + 15
i.e. 𝑔 = 2𝑏 – 19

Ans. (B)

30. It is given that 𝑥 and 𝑦 are integers such that 𝑥 + 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 = 5. (eqn.1)

We have to find the possible values of 𝑥𝑦.
Since the answer choices represents the possible values of 𝑥𝑦, so let us check if they
are satisfying the given conditions,
A. -14
If 𝑥𝑦 = −14 then equation 1 reduces to 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 14 = 5 i.e. 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 19
We don’t have integers which will give a sum 19 and the product -14 as the factors
of -14 are 1, -1, 2, -2, 7, -7, 14 and -14. Hence, A is not the answer.

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GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
B. -2
If 𝑥𝑦 = −2 then equation 1 reduces to 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 2 = 5 i.e. 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 7
We don’t have integers which will give a sum 7 and the product -2 as the factors of -
2 are 1, -1, 2 and -2. Hence, B is not the answer.

C. 0
If 𝑥𝑦 = 0 then equation 1 reduces to 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 0 = 5 i.e. 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 5
We need integers which will give a sum 5 and the product 0 i.e. 𝑥 and 𝑦 are 0 and 5.
Hence, C is the answer.

D. 2
If 𝑥𝑦 = 2 then equation 1 reduces to 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 2 = 5 i.e. 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 3
We need integers which will give a sum 3 and the product 2 i.e. 𝑥 and 𝑦 are 1 and 2.
Hence, D is the answer.

E. 12
If 𝑥𝑦 = 12 then equation 1 reduces to 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 12 = 5 i.e. 𝑥 + 𝑦 = −7
We need integers which will give a sum -7 and the product 12 i.e. 𝑥 and 𝑦 are -3 and
-4.
Hence, E is the answer.

Ans. (C, D, E)

31. We are given that the total cost of $75 was paid for buying fruits and vegetables
costing $12.5 and $6.25 per pound respectively. Also, the quantity of fruit bought is
less than the quantity of vegetables bought.

We have to compare

Quantity A: Amount spent on Fruits and

Quantity B: Amount spent on vegetables

Let’s assume the quantity of fruits bought = 𝑥 and

the quantity of vegetables bought = 𝑦
According to the question,
6.25𝑥 + 12.5𝑦 = 75
i.e. 625 𝑥 + 1250𝑦 = 7500
i.e. 5𝑥 + 10𝑦 = 60
i.e. 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 12

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We cannot find a unique value of x and y from the above equation (𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 =
5 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 3, 𝑦 = 4.5).

Hence, we cannot compare the quantities.

Ans. (D)

32. It is given that a cake costs 4 times the cost of a pastry. Also, the cost of 11 pastries
and 3 cakes is $69.
We need to find how much 15 pastries cost more than 2 cakes.

Let’s assume the cost of a pastry = 𝑥

The cost of a cake = 4𝑥
According to the question,
11𝑥 + 3(4𝑥) = 69
i.e. 11𝑥 + 12𝑥 = 69
i.e. 23 𝑥 = 69
i.e. 𝑥 = 3
Now, Cost of 15 pastries = 15𝑥
Cost of 2 cakes = 2(4𝑥) = 8𝑥
The difference = 15𝑥 – 8𝑥 = 7𝑥 = 7 × 3 = 21.
Ans. (D)

33. We are given that 12 buses, each of which can accommodate a maximum of 8
passengers and a minimum of 5 passengers, were arranged to drop n players to a
stadium. Not all the buses are filled to the maximum or the minimum capacity.

We have to compare

Quantity A: The minimum possible value of n

Quantity B: 61

Since, not all the buses were filled to the minimum capacity so let’s assume that 11
buses are filled to the minimum capacity and the 12th has 6 (1 more than the
minimum capacity) people in it. (If we consider all the buses has 5 people then it will
contradict the information given in the question.)
So, total passengers in 12 buses = (11 × 5) +(1× 6) = 55 + 6 = 61
Hence, both the quantities are equal.
Ans. (C)

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34. We need to check which of the following answer choices has at least one root
common with the equation
2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 = 0.

First of all, we need to factorize the equation to find its roots.

2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 = 0
2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 𝑥 − 1 = 0
2𝑥(𝑥 + 1) − 1(𝑥 + 1) = 0
(2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1) = 0
2𝑥 − 1 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 + 1 = 0
i.e. 𝑥 = 0.5 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −1

A. 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 6 = 0
After factorizing we get, 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 𝑥 − 6 = 0
i.e. 𝑥 = −6 or 𝑥 = 1
Hence, A is not the answer.

B. 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 2 = 0
After factorizing we get, 3𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2𝑥 + 2 = 0
i.e. 3𝑥 (𝑥 + 1 ) + 2 ( 𝑥 + 1) = 0
i.e. (3𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 1) = 0
i.e. 𝑥 = −2/3 or 𝑥 = −1
Hence, B is the answer.

C. 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 5 = 0
After factorizing we get, 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 𝑥 − 5 = 0
i.e. 𝑥 (𝑥 + 5) – 1 (𝑥 + 5) = 0
i.e. (𝑥 − 1) (𝑥 + 5) = 0
i.e. 𝑥 = 1 or 𝑥 = 5
Hence, C is not the answer.

D. 6𝑥 2 + 13𝑥 − 8 = 0
After factorizing we get, 6𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 − 3𝑥 − 8 = 0
i.e. 2𝑥 (3𝑥 + 8) – (3𝑥 + 8) = 0
i.e. (2𝑥 – 1) (3𝑥 + 8 ) = 0
i.e. 𝑥 = 0.5 or 𝑥 = −8/3
Hence, D is the answer.

E. 9𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 5 = 0
After factorizing we get, 9𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 − 5𝑥 − 5 = 0

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GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
i.e. 9𝑥 (𝑥 + 1) − 5 ( 𝑥 + 1) = 0
i.e. (9𝑥 − 5) (𝑥 + 1) = 0
i.e. 𝑥 = 5/9 or 𝑥 = −1
Hence, the answer is E.
Ans. (B, D, E)

35. We are given that the girls are more than boys in a class. Each boy collected 5 and
each girl collected 3 flowers. A total of 46 flowers were collected.
We have to find the number of girls in the class.
Let’s assume there are x girls and y boys in the class such that x > y.
According to the question,
3𝑥 + 5𝑦 = 46 (eqn.1)
Since, the number of boys and girls has to be a positive integer value and options are
given for the number of girls so we can check which answer choice gives me a
positive integer value for the number of boys in the class.

A. 6
If 𝑥 = 6 then from equation 1 we get,
3 × 6 + 5𝑦 = 46
i.e. 18 + 5𝑦 = 46
i.e. 5𝑦 = 28
28
i.e. 𝑦 = 5 which is not an integer.
Hence, A is not the answer.

B. 10

If 𝑥 = 10 then from equation 1 we get,

30 + 5𝑦 = 46
i.e. 5𝑦 = 16
16
i.e. 𝑦 = 5 which is not an integer.
Hence, B is not the answer.

C. 12

If 𝑥 = 12 then from equation 1 we get,

36 + 5𝑦 = 46
i.e. 5𝑦 = 10
i.e. 𝑦 = 2 which is a positive integer.
Hence, C is the answer.

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D. 14

If 𝑥 = 14 then from equation 1 we get,

42 + 5𝑦 = 46
i.e. 5𝑦 = 4
4
i.e. 𝑦 = 5 which is not an integer.
Hence, D is not the answer.

Ans. (C)

36. It is given that a charitable organization collected a total of $ (x + 3y) where x and y
are positive integer and x > y, amount out of which 3x - 2y was collected from office
A and the remaining from office B.

We have to compare
Quantity A: Amount collected from office A and
Quantity B: Amount collected from office B

Amount collected from office A = 3𝑥 – 2𝑦

Then, amount collected from office B = 𝑥 + 3𝑦 – (3𝑥 − 2𝑦) = −2𝑥 + 5𝑦

Quantity A Quantity B
3𝑥 – 2𝑦 − 2𝑥 + 5𝑦
Taking the terms of x on one side and y on another.
3𝑥 + 2𝑥 5𝑦 + 2𝑦
5𝑥 7𝑦
Divide both sides by 5
7𝑦
𝑥 = 1.4𝑦
5
We know, 𝑥 > 𝑦 but we can’t establish relation between 𝑥 and 1.4𝑦. So, we can’t
compare the quantities.
Ans. (D)

37. We are given that renting office chairs costs $2/day per chair and tables costs
$1.5/day per table whereas purchasing a chair and a table costs $15 and $12
respectively.

We have to compare

Quantity A: Cost of renting 8 tables and 10 chairs for 12 days and 9 days respectively
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GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
Quantity B: Cost of purchasing 10 chairs and 12 tables

Now, the cost of renting a table for 1 day = $1.5

The cost of renting 8 tables for 1 day = 1.5 × 8
The cost of renting 8 tables for 12 days = 12 × 1.5 × 8 = $144

Similarly, the cost of renting a chair for 1 day = $ 2

The cost of renting 10 chairs for 1 day = 2 × 10
The cost of renting 10 chairs for 9 days = 9 × 2 × 10 = $180

So, the total cost of renting 8 tables and 10 chairs for 12 days and 9 days respectively
= $144 + $ 180 = $ 324

Hence, the quantity A = $ 324

Cost of purchasing a table = $12

The cost of purchasing 12 tables = 12 × 12 = $ 144

Cost of purchasing a chair = $15

The cost of purchasing 10 chairs = 15 × 10 = $150

So, the total cost of purchasing a table and a chair = $144 + $150 = $294

Hence, the quantity B = $ 294

Hence, quantity A is greater than quantity B.

Ans. (A)

38. It is given that an 18 pages long book comprises either of 3 pages or 4 pages long
chapters.

We have to compare

Quantity A: The number of chapters with 3 pages

Quantity B: The number of chapters with 4 pages

Let us assume that the number 3 pages and 4 pages chapters in the book is 𝑥 and 𝑦
respectively.

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Then we have, 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 18

Taking 𝑥 in terms of 𝑦, we get

18 − 4𝑦
𝑥 = 3 (eqn.1)

Since, the number of pages cannot be in decimals or fractions so we need to find an

integer solution for eqn.1
Also, we can see that 18 – 4𝑦 should be a multiple of 3 to give integer value for 𝑥.

So, let us put value for 𝑦 and check if we are getting a positive integer for 𝑥.

(18 – 4) 14
If 𝑦 = 1, 𝑥 = = which is not an integer value.
3 3

(18−8) 10
Similarly, if 𝑦 = 2, 𝑥 = = which is not an integer value.
3 3

(18−12) 6
If 𝑦 = 3, 𝑥 = = = 2 which is an integer value.
3 3

So, we can see that 𝑥 = 2, 𝑦 = 3 is an integer solution for eqn.1

(18 −16) 2
Now, if we take 𝑦 = 4, 𝑥 = = which is not an integer.
3 3

If we take 𝑦 > 4 then we will get 𝑥 < 0 which can’t be true.

Hence, the only integer solution we are getting for eqn.1 is 𝑥 = 2 and 𝑦 = 3.

So, Quantity A is 2 and Quantity B is 3.

Clearly, Quantity B is greater.

Ans. (B)

39. We are given that (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑥 2 − 3)(2𝑥 − 4) = 0 (eqn.1)

We have to compare

Quantity A: The number of integer values of x for which above equation is true
Quantity B: 3

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If the product of numbers is 0; then, at least one of them has to be 0.

Therefore, either 𝑥 + 3 = 0 or 𝑥 − 2 = 0 or 𝑥 2 − 3 = 0 or 2𝑥 – 4 = 0
i.e. 𝑥 = −3 or 𝑥 = 2 or 𝑥 2 = 3 or 2𝑥 = 4

Since, we want to find the number of integer values of x from the above equations,
𝑥 2 = 3 is giving me 𝑥 = ±√3 which is not integer.
Also, 2𝑥 = 4 gives us 𝑥 = 2.
So, we can see that the integer values of 𝑥 are -3 and 2.
Hence, quantity B is greater.

Ans. (B)

40. We are given that an artist charges $150 per show for 4 hours show and $85 for a 2
hours show.
Last week the artist performed 5 less 4 hour shows than 2 hours shows.

If his income was $1835, we need to find the total number of shows performed by
him.

Let us assume the number of 2-hour shows = 𝑥

The number of 4-hour shows = 𝑥 − 5

According to the question,

85𝑥 + 150(𝑥 − 5) = 1835
Divide the equation by 5:
17𝑥 + 30(𝑥 − 5) = 367
i.e. 17𝑥 + 30𝑥 – 150 = 367
i.e. 47𝑥 = 517
i.e. 𝑥 = 11
So, 𝑥 − 5 = 11 − 5 = 6
The total number of shows performed = 11+ 6 = 17

Ans. (D)

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
41. It is given that the price of a pack of 6 juice bottles is $60. Each bottle of juice
individually costs $12.5.

We need to find the amount saved on purchasing 12 juice bottles in two packs of six
bottles as compared to purchasing them individually.

The cost of purchasing the bottles individually = 12 × 12.5 = $150

The cost of purchasing the bottles in two packs = 2 × 60 = $120
The amount saved = 150 – 120 = 30

Ans. (D)

42. It is given that the total number of stalls = 𝑛

1 𝑛
Stalls serving non vegetarian dishes = 5 × 𝑛 = 5
𝑛 4𝑛
Remaining stalls = 𝑛 - 5 = 5
1 4𝑛 2𝑛
Stalls serving vegetarian dishes = 2 × =
5 5
4𝑛 2𝑛 2𝑛
Remaining stalls = − =
5 5 5
2𝑛
Stalls serving a combination of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes = 5
Ans. (B)

43. We are given that a lemon solution consists of 60 g of sugar per 100cc of the
solution. If 20 cc of the solution is mixed with 80 cc of water to prepare lemonade.

We need to find the amount of sugar in the lemonade drink.

60 3
The fraction of sugar in the lemon solution = 100 = 5

3
In 20 cc of the solution, the amount of sugar = 5 × 20 = 12𝑔

Since, rest is water in the lemonade solution, the amount of sugar remains 12 grams.

Ans. (B)

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
44. It is given that a club offers discounted membership for $2𝑥 each for the first two
people and charged $(𝑥 + 𝑛) for each member who joins thereafter. 5 friends, A, B,
C, D and E were the first to join the club, paid a total of $75 as the fee. 𝑥 and 𝑛 are
positive integers and 𝑛 + 𝑥 < 20, we need to find the possible values of 𝑛.

The charges for the first two member = 2 × 2𝑥 = 4𝑥

The charges for the remaining 3 members = 3(𝑥 + 𝑛) = 3𝑥 + 3𝑛

According to the question,

4𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 3𝑛 = 75
i.e. 7𝑥 + 3𝑛 = 75

75 − 7𝑥
i.e. 𝑛 = 3

7𝑥
i.e. 𝑛 = 25 − (eqn.1)
3

Now, 𝑥 must be a multiple of 3, to the given integer value of n.

Hence, 𝑥 can be 3, 6, 9. (𝑥 can’t be more than 9 as n will become negative).
7×3
Therefore, when, 𝑥 = 3; 𝑛 = 25 − 3 = 18
7×6
𝑥 = 6; 𝑛 = 25 − = 11
3
7×9
𝑥 = 9; 𝑛 = 25 − = 4
3
Ans. (A, B, D)

𝑛 3𝑛
45. We are given that an institute charges $ 2 for one-time registration and $ 2 per
session for the first 𝑛 sessions after which each session is charged $𝑛 only. A student
paid $60 for (𝑛 + 4) sessions including the registration fee.

We need to find the value of 𝑛.

𝑛
The one-time registration = $ 2
3𝑛 3𝑛2
The charges for first 𝑛 sessions = 2 × 𝑛 = 2
Question says, total sessions are (𝑛 + 4),
Therefore, the charges for remaining 4 sessions after the first n sessions = 4 × 𝑛
= 4𝑛

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
According to the question,
𝑛 3𝑛2
+ + 4𝑛 = 60
2 2
n + 3𝑛2 + 8n
i.e. = 60
2

i.e. 3𝑛2 + 9𝑛 = 120

i.e. 𝑛2 + 3𝑛 − 40 = 0

i.e. 𝑛2 + 8𝑛 − 5𝑛 − 40 = 0

i.e. 𝑛(𝑛 + 8) − 5(𝑛 + 8) = 0

i.e. (𝑛 − 5)(𝑛 + 8) = 0

i.e. 𝑛 = 5 or 𝑛 = −8 (not possible)

Ans. (B)

46. It is given that the difference between the present ages of two brothers is 6 years. If
3
after 4 years, the elder brothers would be 2 times the age of the younger brother, we
need to find the sum of their present ages.

Let’s assume the present age of younger brother = 𝑥

Then the present age of elder brother = 𝑥 + 6

After 4 years, the age of younger brother = 𝑥 + 4

The age of elder brother = 𝑥 + 6 + 4 = 𝑥 + 10

According to the question,

3
𝑥 + 10 = (𝑥 + 4)
2
i.e. 2(𝑥 + 10) = 3(𝑥 + 4)
i.e. 2𝑥 + 20 = 3𝑥 + 12
i.e. 20 − 12 = 3𝑥 – 2𝑥
i.e. 𝑥 = 8
𝑥 + 6 = 8 + 6 = 14
So, the sum of their age = 8 + 14 = 22
Ans. (E)
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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS

47. It is given that while noting down a quadratic equation Lauren noted the coefficient
of 𝑥 incorrectly and got the roots 7 and -2, whereas Harry noted the same equation
and noted constant term incorrectly and got the roots of the equation as -11 and 6.

We need to compare

Quantity A: Larger of the two roots of actual quadratic equation

Quantity B: 3

Now, the standard form of quadratic equation is 𝑦 = a𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where 𝑎 ≠ 0 and

𝑏 and 𝑐 are constants.
Since, Lauren got 𝑏 wrong and the roots are 7 and -2 so the equation becomes 𝑦 =
(𝑥 − 7)(𝑥 + 2)
i.e. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 14
Since, 𝑏 is wrong so the actual equation has 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑐 = -14.
Similarly, Harry got 𝑐 wrong and got the roots -11 and 6 so the equation is 𝑦 = (𝑥 +
11)(𝑥 − 6)
i.e. y = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 66
Since, 𝑐 is wrong so the actual equation has 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑏 = 5.

Hence, the original equation is 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 14.

Factorizing we get, 𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 14 = 0
i.e. 𝑥(𝑥 + 7) − 2(𝑥 + 7) = 0
i.e. (𝑥 + 7)(𝑥 − 2) = 0
i.e. 𝑥 = − 7 or 𝑥 = 2

Hence the larger of the two roots is 2.

Ans. (B)

3 1
48. We are given that when John’s mother was 4 of John’s present age, John was 5 of his
mother’s present age.
John’s present age is 48 years.
Let’s assume the present ages of John and his mother as J and M, respectively.

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GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
3
Question says, when John’s mother was 4 of John’s present age (let’s assume we are
talking about mother’s age 𝑥 years ago), then the equation becomes:
3
(𝑀 − 𝑥) = 4 𝐽 (eqn.1)

1
Then, John was 5 of his mother’s present age:
1
(𝐽 − 𝑥) = 5 𝑀 (eqn.2)
It is given that, John’s present age = 48 years
3
𝑀 − 𝑥 = (48)
4
𝑀 − 𝑥 = 36
𝑀 − 36 = 𝑥 (eqn.3)
1
𝐽−𝑥 = 𝑀
5
1
48 – 𝑥 = 𝑀
5
240 – 5𝑥 = 𝑀
(240−𝑀)
= 𝑥 (eqn.4)
5

Equating the value of 𝑥 from eqn.3 and eqn.4

240 − 𝑀
𝑀 − 36 =
5
5𝑀 – 180 = 240 – 𝑀
6𝑀 = 420
𝑀 = 70

Ans. (B)

Alternate Method

We need to find his mother’s present age.

Let’s assume John’s mothers present age = 𝑥
According to the question,
3
When John’s mother was 4 × 48 = 3 × 12 = 36
1
Age of John = 5 𝑥
Since, the number of years are same from when his mother was 36 to the present
year for both of them.
i.e. Present age of John – previous age = Present age of his mother – previous age

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
1
i.e. 48 − 𝑥 = 𝑥 – 36
5
1
i.e. 48 + 36 = 𝑥 + 𝑥
5
6
i.e. 84 = 5 𝑥
i.e. 𝑥 = 70

Ans. (B)

49. It is given that the price of a vanilla candy is $𝑥 less than twice the cost of a chocolate
candy. Their combined cost is less than the cost of 3 vanilla candies.

We have to compare

Quantity A: Cost of 4 chocolate candies

8
Quantity B: 3 𝑥

Let’s assume the cost of a chocolate candy = 𝑦

The price of vanilla candy = 2𝑦 – 𝑥
Now,
𝑦 + 2𝑦 – 𝑥 < 3(2𝑦 − 𝑥)
i.e. 3𝑦 – 𝑥 < 6𝑦 – 3𝑥
i.e. 3𝑥 – 𝑥 < 6𝑦 – 3𝑦
i.e. 2𝑥 < 3𝑦
2
i.e. 3 𝑥 < 𝑦
To find the cost of 4 chocolate candies, let’s multiply the above inequality with 4:
2
(4 × 𝑥) < 4𝑦
3
8
𝑥 < 4𝑦
3
Hence, quantity A is greater than quantity B.

Ans. (A)

50. We are given that A, B, C, D and E decide to buy a drum be pooling in money equally.
However, A and B are both short of money so they will contribute later. The cost of
the drum is $180.
We need to find the extra amount currently paid by D than he would have paid, had
all of them contributed.

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
180
If all of them are contributing equally, the amount each has to pay = = 36
5
180
Since, A and B are not pooling, so the amount D, E and F has to contribute = = 60
3
So, the extra amount paid by D = 60 – 36 = 24

Ans. (C)

51. It is given that Alice spent $240 to buy chocolates for $15 each and next year the
price of the chocolate increased due to which she could buy 1 fewer chocolate.

We need to find the increased price of the chocolate.

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑦 𝑠ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑠 240

The number of chocolates she can buy if the price is $15 = =
𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 15

Let’s assume the increased price is 𝑝.

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑦 𝑠ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑠 240
Then, the number of chocolates she can buy = 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 = 𝑝

According to the question, she bought 1 fewer chocolate after the price increased to
𝑝. So, we have:
240 240
− =1
15 𝑝
240
i.e. 16 – 𝑝 = 1
240
i.e. 15 = 𝑝
240
i.e. 𝑝 = 15 = 16
Hence, the new price is 16.

Ans. (A)

52. We are given that for any stretch of distance covered without halting, vehicle first
runs for 4 miles on petrol and is then switched to diesel to save money. Petrol costs
𝑘
$ 4 per mile whereas the cost of diesel is $2.5 for every 2 miles. A car travelled a total
of 36 miles in which it has 2 stoppages in between.

We need to compare

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
Quantity A: The total amount spent on Petrol and Diesel
Quantity B: 2𝑘 + 35

Since we have quantity comparison question, we need to find the minimum and
maximum fuel cost.
𝑘
Now, Cost of petrol for 1 mile = $ 4 and
5
Cost of diesel for 2 miles = $2.5 = $ 2
5
Cost of diesel for 1 mile = $4

It is given in the question that vehicle was switched from petrol to diesel to save
money that means the price of petrol is more than that of diesel.
𝑘 5
i.e. 4 > 4
i.e. 𝑘 > 5 (eqn.1)

Case 1. Maximum fuel cost: Since there are two stoppages so let’s assume the
stoppages had at least a distance of 4 miles between them and the vehicle ran
thrice for 4 miles on petrol (once in the starting, then after first stoppage then
after second stoppage)
𝑘
So, Cost of petrol for 1 mile = $ 4
𝑘
Cost of petrol for 4 miles = $ 4 × 4 = $𝑘

The cost of petrol for 4 miles after 2 stoppages = 3 × 𝑘 = 3𝑘

The distance covered by petrol = 4 × 3 = 12 miles

So, the distance covered by diesel = 36 – 12 = 24 miles

5
Similarly, cost of diesel for 24 miles = $ × 24 = $30
4

So, the total amount spent on petrol and diesel = 3𝑘 + 30 and we need to compare
3𝑘 + 30 with 2𝑘 + 35.

Quantity A Quantity B
3𝑘 + 30 2𝑘 + 35
3𝑘 – 2𝑘 35 – 30
𝑘 5

From eqn.1 we know that 𝑘 > 5 so quantity A is greater than B.

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS

Case 2: Let us assume both the stoppages are within 100 cm of the starting point
then on petrol the distance covered is 4 miles only and on diesel distance covered
is 36 – 4 = 32 miles.

So, the cost of petrol for 4 miles = $𝑘

5
The cost of diesel for 32 miles = $ × 32 = $40
4

Then the total amount spent on petrol = 𝑘 + 40

Now, if we compare the quantities

Quantity A Quantity B
𝑘 + 40 2𝑘 + 35
40 – 35 2𝑘 – 𝑘
5 𝑘
Now, quantity B is greater.

Hence, we cannot determine a relationship.

Ans. (D)

53. It is given that Tom purchased a total of $5000 worth of traveller’s checks in $50 and
$100 denominations. He cashed 14 checks and lost all the other.

Also, the number of $50 checks cashed was two more or two less than the number of
$100 checks cashed then we need to find the maximum possible value of checks that
were lost.

Total number of checks = Checks that were cashed + Checks that were lost

To find the maximum possible value of checks that were lost, we will minimize the
number of checks that were cashed.

Let us assume the number of $100 check cashed = 𝑥

Then $50 checks cashed = 14 − 𝑥
Also,
14 − 𝑥 = 𝑥 + 2 or 14 − 𝑥 = 𝑥 – 2
i.e. 14 − 2 = 2𝑥 or 14 + 2 = 2𝑥

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Equations
GRE Book 1 - SOLUTIONS
i.e. 12 = 2𝑥 or 16 = 2𝑥
i.e. 𝑥 = 6 or 𝑥 = 8
Now, if 𝑥 = 6 then 14 − 𝑥 = 14 – 6 = 8 which gives us $100 checks cashed = 6
and $50 checks cashed = 8

Similarly, if 𝑥 = 8 then 14 – 𝑥 = 6 gives us $100 checks cashed= 8 and $50 checks

cashed = 6.

Since, we need to find the minimum value of checks cashed so let’s consider the first
case, where x = 6.

So, the amount cashed = 50 × 8 + 100 × 6 = 400 + 600 = 1000

Hence, the maximum possible value of checks that were lost = 5000 – 1000 = 4000.

Ans. (C)

54. We are given that a bottle contains 4 pints of mango crush. 0.5 fluid ounce of mango
crush is required to make one glass of drink.
We need to find the number of glasses of the drink that can be made from a pack of
6 bottles of mango crush.
Using the unitary method,
1 bottle = 4 pints of mango crush
So, 6 bottles = 6 × 4 = 24 pints of mango crush
Now, 1 pint = 16 fluid ounces
24 pints = 24 × 16 = 384 fluid ounces
Also, 0.5 fluid ounce = 1 glass of drink
1 fluid ounce = 2 glasses of drink
384 fluid ounces = 2 × 384 glasses of drink
= 768 glasses of drink
Ans. (C)

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Practice Questions
( Q – Pages)
 RATIO

If a, b and c are non-negative consecutive integers

What is the ratio of ? and a < b < c, which of the following must be greater
than 1?

Three friends decided to split the bill of the dinner

Which of the following is greater than ? in the ratio 3 : 4 : 5. The total bill was $20000.
What was the least share paid among all the three
friends?
$3000
$4000
$5000
$6000
$8000

In a certain town, the number of people having a

master’s degree is 1.5 times the number of people
What is the maximum number of 1.4 inch pieces of not having a master’s degree. What is the ratio of
wire that can be cut from a wire that is 126 feet number of people with a master’s degree to the total
long? (1 foot = 12 inches) number of people in the town?
90 1 to 5
108 2 to 5
900 3 to 5
1080 5 to 2
1200 5 to 3

Q - 42
The ratio of the number of graduate to post graduate In a survey it was found that every 3 people out of
staff in an office is 5 : 3, whereas the ratio of number 1 million people have been struck by lightning. If
of undergraduate to graduate staff is 4: 7 there are approximately 7.4 billion people on the
planet, approximately how many people have been
Quantity A Quantity B
struck by lightning? (1 billion = 1,000,000,000)
The number of The number of
postgraduate staff undergraduate staff 22200
222000
2220000
22200000
222000000

If = , then =

–9 A mix fruit juice contains juices of orange, apple

and pineapple in the ratio 4 : 6 : 7 respectively. If
– 153 ml of juice is present in a jar, by what amount
does the pineapple juice exceeds the apple juice in
the mixture?
–
9ml
18ml
36ml
63ml
72ml

If , which of the following can be

If one-third of the water is removed with each stroke
true? of a drainage pump, what fraction of the original
amount of water is left after 4 strokes?

Q - 43
The cost of purchasing a bike was to be divided In a certain company, the ratio of number of workers
among 4 people. The total cost of the bike is ‘x’ to managers is 7 : 2. The total number of employees
dollars. One more person agrees to pool in money which consists of workers and managers only is
for the bike. How much fewer dollars each would 45,000. The company plans to hire new workers
have contributed after the addition of new person? such that for every five workers there is a manager.
How many new workers should the company hire?
(Note : no current employee leaves the company.)
30,000
26,000
20,000
15,000
10,000

Currency Value in INR

In a test, there were two true false questions. The 1 US Dollar 70
ratio of number of people who answered ‘true’ for
both the questions to number of people who 1 Euro 80
answered ‘false’ for both the questions is 2 : 7. If
three new people join the class and they all answer Quantity A Quantity B
‘false’ for both the questions, what is the new ratio
of number of people who answer true for both the The value of The value
questions to the number of people who answer false 1 unit of INR of 1 unit INR
for both the questions ? in terms of in terms of
US Dollar Euro
1:5
2:7
6 : 21
5:7
Cannot be determined. Among the students, if boys and girls are in the ratio
of 2 : 3 and for every one teacher there are 10
students whereas for every 4 male teachers there
are 5 female teachers. Which of the following is the
ratio of number boy students to the number of male
teachers?
1:9
36 : 5
54 : 5
27 : 2
9:1

Q - 44
A father divided his land between his two son’s such The ratio of the number of items bought to the

that the younger son received of what the elder number of items discarded in the month of May was

son received. If the share of the elder son was 120 . If 5 items were discarded in the month of June,

sq. yards more than what younger son received, what which of the following could be the number of items

was the younger son’s share? bought in June, so that the ratio of items bought to

70 sq. yards the items discarded goes up in June compared to

140 sq. yards
that in May?
210 sq. yards
1
220 sq. yards
330 sq. yards 2
3
4
5

In a garden of the land is covered with plants &

trees whereas of the remaining area is occupied

with tables & benches and the remaining area is Two plots I & II having area in the raio of 1: 2 are
divided into ‘x’ parts of area 20 sq. feet each and
used as walking passage. What fraction of the total into ‘y’ parts of area 30 sq. feet each respectively.
Quantity A Quantity B
area of the garden is used as the walking passage?
x y

If in a certain map, 12 sq. yard of ground area is

represented by 4 sq. cm, how much area on the map
would represent 15000 sq. yard ground area?
450 sq. cm
500 sq. cm
1500 sq. cm
2700 sq. cm
5000 sq. cm

Q - 45
The height a ball would reach when thrown in the The selling price of two articles is in the ratio 3: 4. If
upward direction, is directly proportional to the the first article sold at 10% profit and the second
square of its weight. An ‘x’ gram heavy ball when article sold at 10% loss on their respective cost
thrown upward, reaches to a height of 2 feet. prices, what is the ratio of their respective cost
prices?
Quantity A Quantity B

The height at which 1

gram ball would

reach when thrown

upwards

The speed of a vehicle is directly proportional to

the square of the radius of the wheel and is inversely
proportional to weight of the stuff loaded. For 10cm
radius and 5 tons of load, the speed of the vehicle is
40km/hr. What would be the maximum possible
load, an integer value, in the vehicle where the wheel
has 8cm radius, if the speed of the vehicle can not
On the number line, p is equidistant from r and s
be less than 30 km/hr?
(r < p < s). t is twice as far from p as from s. Which
3 tons of the following could be the ratio of (t – p) to
(s – r)?
4 tons
5 tons 1

6 tons
7 tons

Q - 46
Two positive integer m and n are such that In the annual day celebration of a school, the
m : n = 4: 5 students who were performing came in red colour
shirt while the rest of the students wore blue colour
Quantity A Quantity B
shirt. Three-fourth of the boys wore red shirt while
the number of girls who wore blue shirt were half
the total number of boys. If the ratio of boys and
girls who were present in the event was 2 : 3, what
fraction of the girls wore red shirt?

The Tiff tower’s height is 3 times the height of the

Cliff tower whereas the height of the Jive tower is

times the height of the Tiff tower. The difference

between the heights of the Cliff and the Jive towers

is how many times the height of the Tiff tower?

The tree in Mrs. George’s garden is ‘y’ feet taller

than the tree in Mrs. William’s garden. If the height

of Mrs. George’s garden tree were feet more, its

height would have been double the height of Mrs.

William’s garden tree.

Quantity A Quantity B

The height of
Mrs. William’s
garden tree

Q - 47
Answers
 ANSWER KEY
TOPIC-WISE QUANTITATIVE PRACTIC QUESTIONS
RATIOS 15 D
1 C 16 A
2 E 17 E
3 D 18 C
4 D 19 D
5 C 20 D, E
6 C 21 B
7 A 22 E
8 A 23 B
9 A, B, C, D 24 B
10 A 25 A
11 A 26 A, D
12 D 27 D
13 D 28 D
14 E 29 D
30 C
 Answer
Explanations
 RATIO
57 10
1. We have to find the ratio of to (3 + )
7 3
57 9 + 10
On simplifying this expression, it becomes the ratio of to ( ) .
7 3
57
57 19 7 57 3 9
i.e. the ratio of to = 19 = × =7
7 3 7 19
3
Hence, the answer is C.
Ans. (C)

4
2. We have to find a fraction greater than 7 .
Here, we need to compare the fractions, so we can use the method of
cross-multiplication to do the same.

13 4
A) 27 and 7
After cross-multiplication (i.e. multiplying numerator of one with the
denominator of other),
i.e. 13×7 and 27×4, we get 91 and 108.
13 4
Since 91 < 108, so < .
27 7

26 4
B) and
51 7
After cross-multiplication, i.e. 26×7 and 51×4, we get 182 and 204.
26 4
Since 182 < 204, so < .
51 7

8 4
C) and
15 7
After cross-multiplication, i.e. 8×7 and 15×4, we get 56 and 60.
8 4
Since 56 < 60, so < .
15 7

5 4
D) 9 and ∶
7
After cross-multiplication, i.e. 5×7 and 4×9, we get 35 and 36.
5 4
Since 35 < 36, so < .
9 7

7 4
E) and ∶
11 7
After cross-multiplication, i.e. 7×7 and 4×11, we get 49 and 44.
 RATIO
7 4
Since 49 > 44, so > .
11 7

Hence, the answer is E.

Ans. (E)

3. The question is asking the maximum number of 1.4-inch pieces of wire

that can be cut from a wire which is 126 feet long.
Since the values in the question are mentioned in two units, let us convert
any one into the other.
i.e. maximum number of 1.4-inch pieces of wire that can be cut from a
wire which is 126 feet = 126×12 inches = 1512 inches long.
Here, we can use the unitary method.

1.4 inch = 1 piece of wire

1
1 inch = 1.4 piece of wire
1
1512 inches = 1.4 × 1512 = 1080 pieces of wire.
Hence, the answer is D.
Ans. (D)

4. We are given that a, b and c are nonnegative consecutive integers and

a < b < c. We have to find out which of the following must be greater
than 1. So, for this we will check with options .we will eliminate the
options which are not greater than 1.
Since a, b and c are nonnegative that means a can be 0 also.

𝑐−𝑎
A)
𝑏
We know that a, b and c are consecutive integers and a < b < c.
If a = 1, b = 2 and c = 3 then
𝑐−𝑎 3−1 2
Therefore, = = 2 = 1 which is not more than 1.
𝑏 2
𝑎+𝑏
B) 𝑐
Since a is nonnegative integer, so it can be 0 as well.
𝑏
If a = 0 then the fraction reduces to 𝑐 which is less than 1 as b < c.

𝑎𝑏
C) 𝑐
 RATIO
Since a is nonnegative integer, so it can be 0 as well.
0
If a = 0 then the fraction reduces to 𝑐 = 0, which is less than 1.

𝑎+𝑏+𝑐
D) 2

If 𝑎 = 𝑥, then 𝑏 = 𝑥 + 1 and 𝑐 = 𝑥 + 2
So, 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 = 𝑥 + 𝑥 + 1 + 𝑥 + 2 = 3𝑥 + 3
𝑎+𝑏+𝑐 3(𝑥+1)
Hence, = . This expression is always greater than 1 even if
2 2
𝑥 is 0.

𝑎𝑐
E) 𝑏
Since a is nonnegative integer, so it can be 0 as well.
0
If a = 0, then the fraction reduces to 𝑏 = 0, which is less than 1.
Hence, the answer is D.
Ans. (D)

5. We are given that three friends are splitting the total bill of $20,000 in the
ratio 3:4:5.
We have to find out the least share paid.

Let us assume the shares paid are 3𝑥, 4𝑥 and 5𝑥 respectively.

Then according to the question,
3𝑥 + 4𝑥 + 5𝑥 = 20,000
i.e. 12𝑥 = 20,000
20,000 5,000
i.e. 𝑥 = =
12 3

5,000
Now, the least share paid = 3𝑥 = 3 × = 5,000.
3
Hence, the answer is 5,000.
Ans. (5,000)

6. We are given that the ratio of number of people with master’s degree is
1.5 times the number of people not having a master’s degree.
We have to find out the ratio of number of people with master’s degree to
the total number of people.
 RATIO
According to the question,

Number of people having master’s degree = 1.5 × number of people

without master’s degree
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟 ′ 𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒 3
i. e. = 1.5 =
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟 ′ 𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒 2

So, if the number of people with master’s degree is 3𝑥, then the number
of people without master’s degree is 2𝑥.
Total people = people with master’s degree + people without master’s
degree = 3𝑥 + 2𝑥 = 5𝑥
𝑆𝑜,
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟 ′ 𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒 3𝑥 3
= =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 5𝑥 5
3
Hence, the answer is 5.
3
Ans. 5

7. Let us say the number of graduates is G, postgraduates are P and

undergraduates are U.
Given that the ratio of number of graduates to postgraduate is 5:3. i.e.
G:P = 5:3
The ratio of number of undergraduate to graduate is 4:7 i.e. U: G = 4:7

We have to compare P and U.

G is common in both the ratios so we can make G equal in both.
Let us multiply the first ratio with 7 to get G: P = 35: 21
Multiply the second ratio with 5 to get U: G = 20: 35

So, if we combine, we are getting U: G: P = 20: 35: 21

Since the ratio gives me the number of staff so it cannot be negative or
zero. So, we can see that the number of postgraduate staff is greater than
the undergraduate staff.

Hence, the answer is A.

Ans. (A)
 RATIO
𝑎 4
8. If 𝑏 = 5, then let us assume 𝑎 = 4𝑥 and 𝑏 = 5𝑥, where 𝑥 is any
number.
𝑎+𝑏 4𝑥+5𝑥 9𝑥
Then, 𝑎−𝑏 = = = −9.
4𝑥−5𝑥 −𝑥

Hence, the answer is A.

Ans. (A)

𝑎+𝑏 5
9. We are given that 𝑐
= 7
. We need to answer which of the following
can be true.
𝑐 7
A) 𝑎+𝑏 = 5
This is always true as it is nothing but the reciprocal of the information
given.

Let us say (𝑎 + 𝑏) = 5𝑥 and 𝑐 = 7𝑥 for some 𝑥.

𝑐 7𝑥 7
Then 𝑎+𝑏 = 5𝑥 = 5

Hence, this is the answer.

𝑎+𝑏+𝑐 12
B) =
𝑐 7

Using the same approach, let us say, 𝑎 + 𝑏 = 5𝑥 and 𝑐 = 7𝑥 for some

𝑥.
Then 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 = 5𝑥 + 7𝑥 = 12𝑥
𝑎+𝑏+𝑐 12𝑥 12
= =
𝑐 7𝑥 7
Hence, this is the answer.

𝑎+𝑏−𝑐 −2
C) =
𝑐 7

Using the same approach, let us say, 𝑎 + 𝑏 = 5𝑥 and 𝑐 = 7𝑥 for some

𝑥.
Then, 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 𝑐 = 5𝑥 – 7𝑥 = −2𝑥
 RATIO
So,
𝑎+𝑏−𝑐 −2𝑥 −2
= =
𝑐 7𝑥 7
Hence, this is the answer.

D) 𝑎 + 𝑏 = −5 and 𝑐 = −7
𝑎+𝑏 5
If we assume that a + b = −5 and c = −7 then the ratio, =
𝑐 7
Hence this is also true.

So, the answer is A, B, C and D.

Ans. (A, B, C, D)

10. We are given that every 3 people out of 1 million (106 ) have been struck
by lightning.
We have to find out if there are approx. 7.4 billion = 7.4 × 109 (1 billion =
109 ) people on the planet, then how many people got struck by the
lightning.
Let us use the unitary method.
From a total population of 1 million i.e. 106 people ------- 3 people got
struck.
3
From a total population of1 million i.e. 1 people ------- 106 people got
struck.
From a total population of 7.4 × 109 people ----------------------
3
× 7.4 × 109 people got struck.
106
i.e. 22200 people got struck by the lightning.
Hence, the answer is A.
Ans. (A)

11. It is given that the ratio of Orange, Apple and Pineapple juice is 4:6:7 in
the mixture of 153 ml of juice.
We have to find out the difference in the amount of pineapple and apple
juices.
Let us assume the amount of orange juice = 4𝑥,
the amount of apple juice = 6𝑥,
the amount of pineapple juice = 7𝑥,
Now, the total juice = 153 ml
 RATIO
i.e. 4𝑥 + 6𝑥 + 7𝑥 = 153 ml
i.e. 17𝑥 = 153 ml
i.e. 𝑥 = 9.
So, the difference in the amount of pineapple and apple juices =
7𝑥 – 6𝑥 = 𝑥 = 9.
Hence, the answer is A.
Ans. (A)

1
12. We are given that 3 of the water is removed with each stroke of a drainage
pump.
We have to find out the fraction of the original amount of water left after 4
strokes.

1
So, in the first stroke water removed = 3
1
In the second stroke, water removed = 3
1
In the third stroke, water removed = 3
1
And in the fourth stroke, water removed = 3

Now, we know that when we have fractions in a question, we can take total
as the product of the denominators of the factions given.

So, let us assume the volume of the drainage pump = 3×3×3×3 = 81

1
After the first stroke, water removed = 3 × 81 = 27
So, the water left in the pump = 81 – 27 = 54

1
After the second stroke, water removed = 3 × 54 = 18
So, water left in the pump = 54 – 18 = 36

1
After the third stroke, water removed = 3 × 36 = 12
So, the water left in the pump = 36 – 12 = 24

1
After the fourth stroke, water removed = 3 × 24 = 8
So, the water left in the pump = 24 – 8 = 16
 RATIO
The fraction of the original amount of water left after 4 strokes
𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 4 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑠 16
= = .
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑝𝑢𝑚𝑝 81

Hence, the answer is D.

Ans. (D)

OR

Let us assume that say the volume of the water is 1 unit.

1
Now, the water removed in first stroke = 3
1 2
Hence, the water left = 1 − =
3 3

1 2
The water removed in second stroke = 3 × 3
2 1 2 2 2
The water left = − (3 × )= ×
3 3 3 3

2 2 2
Similarly, water left after third stroke = 3 × ×
3 3
2 2 2 2 16
And the water left after fourth stroke = × × × = 81
3 3 3 3

Hence, the answer is D.

Ans. (D)

13. We are given that the cost of a bike is $x which is divided into 4 people.
Later one more person agrees to pool in money for the bike.
We have to find how much fewer dollars each would have to contribute after
the addition of new person.

𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙
If there are 4 people, average amount each will contribute = 𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 =
𝑥
4
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙
If there are 5 people, average amount each will contribute = =
𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒
𝑥
5

𝑥 𝑥 5𝑥−4𝑥 𝑥
The fewer dollars contributed = − = =
4 5 20 20
 RATIO
Hence, the answer is D.
Ans. (D)

OR

Since, the amount contributed will be one fourth and one fifth so we can take
total cost of bike as the product of the denominators of the fractions one
fourth and one fifth.
So, let us assume 𝑥 = 4 × 5 = 20

20
The amount contributed by each of the 4 people = =5
4
20
The amount contributed by each of the 5 people = =4
5
The fewer amount contributed = 5 – 4 = 1.

Now, the answer choices represent the fewer dollars contributed by each of
them after the addition of new person and are given in terms of 𝑥.
We have assumed 𝑥 as 20, so if we put 𝑥 = 20 in the answer choices, we
should get 1.
𝑥
After checking all, D = 20 is giving us 1.
Hence, the answer is D.
Ans. (D)

14. We are given that the ratio of number of people who answered both the
questions true to number of people who answered both the questions false is
2:7.
Now, three more people join and they all answer false for both the questions.
We have to find the new ratio of number of people who answered both the
questions true to number of people who answered both the questions false.

Now,
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑒 2
=
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑒 7

Let us assume the number of people who answered both the questions true
= 2𝑥
So, the number of people who answered both the questions false = 7𝑥
 RATIO
Since all 3 people answered false so,

the new number of people who answered both the questions false =7𝑥 + 3
So, the new ratio is
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑒 2𝑥
=
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑒 7𝑥 + 3
2 1
If 𝑥 = 1, the new ratio = 10 = 5
4
If 𝑥 = 2, the new ratio = 17 and so on.
Since, here we do not know the value of 𝑥 is, we cannot find out the new
ratio.
Hence, the answer is E.
Ans. (E)

15. It is given that,

𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑠 7
=
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑠 2
Total number of employees (consisting of workers and managers only) =
45,000
Let us assume the number of workers = 7𝑥, for some positive integer 𝑥
The number of managers = 2𝑥
Total employees = total workers + total managers = 7𝑥 + 2𝑥 = 9𝑥
i.e. 45,000 = 9𝑥
i.e. 5,000 = 𝑥
So, the total workers = 7 × 5000 = 35,000
Then total managers = 2 × 5000 = 10,000
Now, let us assume the company hired y new workers so the new number of
workers = 35000 + y
But new number of managers remains the same.
35,000+𝑦
Hence, the new ratio becomes which is equal to 5:1 (given in the
10,000
question).

35,000 + 𝑦 5
=
10,000 1
On simplifying, we get y = 15,000.
Hence, the answer is D.
 RATIO
Ans. (D)

16. We are given that,

1 US Dollar = 70 INR
1 Euro = 80 INR

Using the unitary method,

70 INR = 1 US Dollar
1
1 INR = 70 US Dollar which is Quantity A.

Similarly, 80 INR = 1 Euro

1
1 INR = 80 Euro which is Quantity B.

Now, we have to compare Quantity A with Quantity B.

1 1
i.e. we have to compare 70 with 80 .
Also, we know that the fraction with smaller denominator is bigger. Hence
1 1
is bigger than 80.
70
Hence, Quantity A is greater and the answer is A.
Ans. (A)

OR
To compare two fractions, we can cross multiply them as well.
Quantity A Quantity B
1 1
70 80
1×80 1×70
After cross-multiplication,
80 70

Hence, quantity A is greater and the answer is A.

Ans. (A)

17. We are given that

𝐵𝑜𝑦𝑠 𝑆𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠(𝐵) 2 𝑇𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟(𝑇) 1 𝑀𝑎𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟(𝑀𝑇) 4
= = and =
𝐺𝑖𝑟𝑙𝑠 𝑆𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠(𝐺) 3 𝑆𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡(𝑆) 10 𝐹𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟(𝐹𝑇) 5
 RATIO
𝐵𝑜𝑦𝑠 𝑆𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠(𝐵)
We have to find 𝑀𝑎𝑙𝑒 𝑇𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠(𝑀𝑇) = ?

As we know,
Teachers

Male Female
Teacher Teacher
s s
𝑀𝑎𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟(𝑀𝑇) 4
If = ,
𝐹𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟(𝐹𝑇) 5

→ we have at least, 4 male and 5 female teachers.

(Because, number of teachers not specified, number of teachers may
be 4:5, 8:10, 40:50 or 400:500)

→Let us take

4 Male + 5 Female = 9 is total number of teachers.

𝑇𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟(𝑇) 1
Because Students and Teachers are in the ratio → =
𝑆𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡(𝑆) 10

Means, for each teacher there are 10 students.

If there are 9 teachers, we have 90 students.

Therefore, we have 90 students.

As we know, we have 90 students

Students

Boys Girl
𝐵𝑜𝑦𝑠 𝑆𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠(𝐵) 2
 RATIO

𝐵𝑜𝑦 𝑆𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠(𝐵) 36 9
Therefore, ratio of 𝑀𝑎𝑙𝑒 𝑇𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠(𝑀𝑇) = =
4 1

Hence, the answer is E.

Ans. (E)

18. Let us assume the elder son received 𝑥 amount of land.

According to the question,
7
The land received by younger son = 11 𝑥
Also, the share of elder son is 120 yards more than the younger son.
7
Which implies 𝑥 = 11 𝑥 + 120
7
i.e. 𝑥 – 11 𝑥 = 120
4
i.e. 11 𝑥 = 120
120×11
i.e. 𝑥 = = 330
4
So, the land received by elder son is 330 yards.
7
Then the land received by younger son = 11 × 330 = 210 yards.
 RATIO
Hence, the answer is C.
Ans. (C)

2
19. We are given that in a garden 3 of the land is covered with plants and trees
1
whereas of the remaining is occupied with tables and benches and the
4
remaining area is used as walking.
We have to find out walking passage is what fraction of the total area.

2 1
Since, we have fractions 3, 4 in the question so let us assume the total area
of the garden as the product of the denominators.
Total area = 3×4 = 12 units
2
Area covered with plants and trees = 3 × 12 = 8
Remaining area = 12 – 8 = 4
1
Area occupied with benches and tables = 4 × 4 = 1
Remaining area = 4 – 1 = 3
Area used as walking passage = 3
Now, the question asks what fraction of 12 is 3.
3 1
I.e. 12 = 4
Hence, the answer is D.
Ans. (D)

20. We are given that in May,

𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡 3
=
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑑 5

In June, 5 items were discarded.

We have to find the number of items bought in June so that the ratio of items
bought to items discarded in goes up in June as compared to May.

𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝐽𝑢𝑛𝑒 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑀𝑎𝑦

Now, 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝐽𝑢𝑛𝑒 > 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑀𝑎𝑦

𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝐽𝑢𝑛𝑒 3

i.e. >
5 5
i.e. Number of items bought in June > 3.
Hence, the answer are D and E.
 RATIO
Ans. (D, E)

21. We are given that two plots I and II having area in the ratio 1:2 are divided
into 𝑥 parts of area 20 sq. feet and into 𝑦 parts of area 30 sq. feet each
respectively.
We have to compare 𝑥 and 𝑦.
Then, Area of plot I = 20𝑥, for some positive number 𝑥.
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑡 𝐼 1
Since = , so the area of plot II = 2 × (20𝑥) = 40𝑥
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑡 𝐼𝐼 2

Now, 40𝑥 area is divided into 𝑦 parts of area 30 sq. feet

i.e. 30𝑦 = 40𝑥
40𝑥 4𝑥
i.e. 𝑦 = =
30 3

4𝑥 4
Now, we have to compare 𝑥 with , i.e. we have to compare 1 with 3
3
4
Since, 1 < , So quantity B is greater.
3
Hence, the answer is B.
Ans. (B)

22. We are given that in a certain map, 12 sq. yard of ground area is represented
by 4 sq. cm.
We have to find how much area on the map would represent 15,000 sq. yard
ground area.

Here, we can see that the area on the map is directly proportional to the
ground area.
So, the ratio of both will be equal.
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑝 1 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑝 2
=
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 1 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 2

4 𝑠𝑞. 𝑐𝑚 𝑥 𝑠𝑞. 𝑐𝑚
=
12 𝑠𝑞. 𝑦𝑎𝑟𝑑 15,000 𝑠𝑞. 𝑦𝑎𝑟𝑑

4 × 15,000
𝑥 = = 5,000.
12
Hence, the answer is E.
Ans. (E)
 RATIO
OR

Using the unitary method,

12 sq. yard corresponds to 4 sq. cm
4 1
1 sq. yard will correspond to 𝑠𝑞. 𝑐𝑚 = 𝑠𝑞. 𝑐𝑚
12 3
1
15,000 sq. yard will correspond to 15,000 × = 5,000 sq. cm
3
Hence, the answer is E.
Ans. (E)

23. We are given that the height of a ball when thrown upward is directly
proportional to the square of its weight.
An 𝑥 gram ball when thrown upward, reaches to a height of 2 feet.

𝑥
We have to compare the height at which gram ball would reach when
2
thrown upwards to 1.

𝑥
Let us assume the height at which gram ball would reach when thrown
2
upwards is 𝑦.
Now, we know that when two quantities are directly proportional, their ratio
will be equal.
Here, let us assume the height and weight is denoted by h and w respectively.
Then according to the question,

ℎ ∝ 𝑤2
This proportionality can be removed by inserting a constant.
i.e. ℎ = 𝑘 × 𝑤 2
ℎ
i.e. 𝑘 = 𝑤2

ℎ ℎ2
Using the above relation, 𝑤 12 =
1 𝑤2 2
2 𝑦
i.e. = 𝑥
𝑥2 (2 )2
2 4𝑦
i.e. = 𝑥2
𝑥2
i.e. 4𝑦 = 2
 RATIO
1
i.e. 𝑦 = 2

Hence, quantity B is greater and the answer is B.

Ans. (B)

24. We are given that the speed of a vehicle is directly proportional to the square
of the radius of the wheel and inversely proportional to the weight of the
stuff loaded.

𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑙

i.e. speed is proportional to .
𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑓𝑓 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑑

𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑙

So, the ratio of the speed to will remain
𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑓𝑓 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑑
constant.

𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 1 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 2
i.e. 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑙 1 = 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑙 2
𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑓𝑓 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑑 1 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑓𝑓 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑑 2
𝑘𝑚 𝑘𝑚
40 30
ℎ𝑟 = ℎ𝑟
2
10 𝑠𝑞 𝑐𝑚 2
8 𝑠𝑞 𝑐𝑚
5 𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝑥 𝑡𝑜𝑛
40×5 30×𝑥
=
100 64
2 × 64
= 𝑥
30
i.e. 𝑥 = 4.27
Hence, the maximum possible load is 4 tons and the answer is B.
Ans. (B)

25. We are given that the selling price of two articles is 3:4.
The first article was sold at 10% profit and the second was sold at 10% loss.

We have to find the ratio of their respective cost prices.

Also, Selling price = Cost price + Profit.

Let the cost price of first article is C1 and the cost price of second article is
C2 and selling prices denoted by SP1 and SP2 respectively,
 RATIO
SP1 = C1 + 10% of C1 = 1.1C1
SP2 = C2 – 10% of C2 = 0.9C2
𝑆𝑃1 1.1 𝐶1
Now, =
𝑆𝑃2 0.9 𝐶2
3 11 𝐶1
i.e. =
4 9 𝐶2
27 𝐶1
i.e. =
44 𝐶2
Hence, the answer is A.
Ans. (A)

26. We are given that on the number line, 𝑝 is equidistant from 𝑟 and 𝑠 (𝑟 <
𝑝 < 𝑠) and t is twice as far from p as from s.
We need to find the possible ratios of (𝑡 − 𝑝) to (𝑠 − 𝑟).
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝 |𝑡−𝑝|
→ = |𝑠−𝑟|
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟

Since 𝑝 is equidistant from 𝑟 and 𝑠 (𝑟 < 𝑝 < 𝑠)

Thus, 𝑝 is the midpoint of 𝑟 and 𝑠.
d d
Like

→ 𝑟𝑠 = 𝑟𝑝 + 𝑝𝑠
r p s
And
t is twice as far from p as from s.
2d
There are two options:
May be Like this d

Or, like this

r p 2d d s t

r p t s
→ 𝑡𝑝 = 2 𝑡𝑠
𝑡𝑝 2
→ 𝑡𝑠 = or 𝑡𝑝 + 𝑡𝑠 = 2𝑥 + 𝑥 = 3𝑥
1
Now, let us assume length as multiple of 2 as well as 3.
(We prefer assuming big numbers to make calculation simple and smooth)
Let us take 𝑟𝑠 = 24
 RATIO
Firstly, if we have structure like this:
2d

d d

r p s t
12 12
24

𝑝𝑠 = 12 = 𝑡𝑠
𝑡𝑝 = 2𝑡𝑠 = 24
Therefore, we can say ratios of (𝑡 − 𝑝) to (𝑠 − 𝑟).
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝 |𝑡−𝑝|
→ = |𝑠−𝑟|
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟
24
→ 24 = 1

Secondly, if we have structure like this:

2d d

r p t s
12 12

24

𝑝𝑠 = 12 = 2𝑑 + 𝑑
→ 𝑑 = 4
→ 𝑡𝑝 = 2𝑑 = 8
Therefore, we can say ratios of (t-p) to (s-r).
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝 |𝑡−𝑝|
→ = |𝑠−𝑟|
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟
8 1
→ 24 = 3
If 𝑡 > 𝑠 then, 𝑠 will be the midpoint of 𝑝 and 𝑡 and 𝑝 − 𝑟 = 𝑠 − 𝑝 = 𝑡 −
𝑠.
So, the ratio 𝑖𝑠 1
 RATIO
If 𝑝 < 𝑡 < 𝑠.
Since, the distance of t from p is twice than from s, so the distance of t from
1
s can be one third and the ratio 𝑖𝑠 .
3
Hence, the answer is A and D.
Ans. (A, D)

27. We are given that the ratio of positive integers m and n is 4:5
Let us assume 𝑚 = 4𝑥 and 𝑛 = 5𝑥 for some 𝑥.
We have to compare Quantity A with Quantity B where,

Quantity A Quantity B
6 5 𝑚 𝑛
+ +
𝑚 𝑛 6 5
6 5 4𝑥 5𝑥
+ +
4𝑥 5𝑥 6 5
3 1 2𝑥 𝑥
+ +
2𝑥 𝑥 3 1
5 5𝑥
2𝑥 3

5 5𝑥
We have to compare 2𝑥 with .
3
Since we do not know 𝑥; it cannot be determined.
Hence, the answer is D.
Ans. (D)

28. We are given that the Tiff tower’s height is 3 times the height of the Cliff’s
5
tower whereas the height of the Jive tower is times the height of the Tiff
2
tower.
We have to find that the difference between the heights of the Cliff and the
Jive towers is how many times the height of the Tiff tower.

Let us assume the height of Cliff tower is C.

Then, the height of Tiff tower = 3C
5 15
The height of Jive tower = 2 × 3𝐶 = 𝐶
2
 RATIO
15
The difference between the heights of the Cliff and the Jive towers = 𝐶−
2
13
𝐶= 𝐶
2
13
Now the question says, 𝐶 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 3𝐶?
2
13
Let us assume 𝐶 is 𝑥 times of 3C.
2
13
i.e. 𝐶 = 3𝐶 × 𝑥
2

13
2
𝐶 13
i.e. 𝑥 = =
3𝐶 6

Hence, the answer is D.

Ans. (D)

29. We are given that the ratio of boys and girls in the annual day celebration
of a school was 2:3.

Some of the students wore red shirt while others wore blue shirts.
Three fourth of the boys wore red shirt while the girls who wore blue shirt
were half the total boys.

Since we have multiple categories in this question, so we are using the table
structure to solve it.

As the ratio of boys and girls in the annual day celebration of a school was
2:3, so let us assume the boys are 2𝑥 and girls are 3𝑥 for some positive
integer 𝑥.

Girls Boys
Red shirt 2𝑥
Blue shirt 𝑥
3𝑥 2𝑥
1
Girls who wore blue shirt = 2 × 2𝑥 = 𝑥
Girls who wore red shirt = Total girls – girls who wore blue shirt = 3𝑥 – 𝑥 =
2𝑥
 RATIO
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑙𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑟𝑡
Fraction of girls who wore red shirt = =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑙𝑠
2𝑥 2
=
3𝑥 3

Hence, the answer is D.

Ans. (D)

30. We are given that the tree in Mrs. George’s garden is y feet taller than the
tree in Mrs. William’s garden. If the height of Mrs. George’s garden tree
3𝑦
were feet more, its height would have been double the height of Mrs.
2
William’s garden tree.

We have to compare
Quantity A Quantity B
The height of Mrs. William’s 5𝑦
garden tree 2

Let us assume the height of the tree in Mrs. William’s garden is 𝑊.

Then the height of tree in Mrs. George’s garden = 𝑊 + 𝑦

According to the question,

3𝑦
(𝑊 + 𝑦) + = 2𝑊
2
3𝑦
i.e. 𝑦 + 2 = 𝑊
5𝑦
i.e. = 𝑊
2

Quantity A Quantity B
5𝑦 5𝑦
W= 2
2
5𝑦
Since the height of the tree in Mrs. William’s garden will be , both the
2
quantities are equal.
Hence, the answer is C.
Ans. (C)