JCSF - Algebra - Solution

JCSF ENGINEERING REVIEW CENTER SOLUTIONS MATH0003 pg.
MATHEMATICS prepared by: ENGR. CHRISTIAN M. PANGANIBAN

June 2009
ALGEBRA
1. Which of the following is a rational number?

a. π b. 3 c. i d. 1.333….
3
Answer: D. 1.333…
Note: A Rational Number is any number that can be expressed as the ratio of two integers, i.e. a number of the
form a/b where a and b are integers and b≠0. Decimals classified as fractions may either be terminating or
nonterminating repeating decimals.
For example 2.5 = 5/2 and 0.2 = 1/5 are terminating decimals.
1.333… = 4/3 and 0.1414… = are nonterminating repeating decimals
Real numbers that are not rational are irrational numbers. These numbers are also called nonterminating
nonrepeating decimals. For examples, the following are irrational numbers:
− 2, 3 3 , e, π
2. Which of the following is defined (i.e. value exists)?

a. b. 3 c. 4
d. 6
−4 −8 −4 −2
Answer: B. 3 − 8
Note: Cube root of a negative number exists, say 3 − 8 = −2
: Other choices are imaginary, meaning the value does not exists
Other Method: use your scientific calculator
3. What value of x will give 1/(x + 2) undefined?

a. 0 b. -1/2 c. -2 d. 2
Answer: C. -2 by substituting -2 as the value of x:

1 1 1
= = = undefined
x+2 −2+2 0
: by substituting other choices as value of x, the value of 1 exist.
x+2
Other Method: Use your scientific calculator, if you use x = -2, error message (MAT ERROR) will appear (meaning
the value is undefined)
4. Simplify: -42 ÷ 8 – 2(4) ÷ 4

a. -1 b. 1 c. 0 d. 4
Answer: C. 0 -42 ÷ 8 – 2(4) ÷ 4 = (16 ÷ 8) – (8 ÷ 4) = 2 – 2 = 0

Note: Remember the M-D-A-S Rule, Multiplication or Division first, then Addition or Subtraction next.
Other Method: Use your scientific calculator, enter the question like this (-4)2÷8-2(4)÷4 then press equal sign. The
result must be equal to zero (0).
5. Simplify: │-2│– │-4│

a. -6 b. -2 c. 2 d. 6
Answer: B. -2
Note: The symbol │ │means absolute value and the absolute value of a negative number is positive.
so, │-2│– │-4│ = 2 – 4 = -2
JCSF ENGINEERING REVIEW CENTER SOLUTIONS MATH0003 pg. 2
5 3 1
6. Simplify: 7 12 + 5 4 + 8 2
a. 65/3 b. 45/4 c. 36/7 d. 42/3
Answer: A. 65/3 5 3 1 89 23 17 89 23x3 17x6 89 69 102 260 65

7 +5 +8 = + + = + + = + + = =
12 4 2 12 4 2 12 4 x3 2x6 12 12 12 12 3
d/c
Note: Fraction Operations can be directly computed using calculator. see
a b/c
7. What is the sum of the prime numbers between 1 to 15?
a. 42 b. 41 c. 38 d. 49
Answer: B. 41
Note: Prime number is any number except “zero” and “one” whose multiple is 1 or the number itself, say 2, 3,
5, 7, etc.
Thus, prime numbers between 1 to 15 are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, and13
SUM = 2 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 11 + 13 = 41
m
8. The expression b n is also the same as:
a. n b. m n c. n d.
bm b bm bn
m
⎛ 1⎞
m
( )
n
Answer: C. bm m
= ⎜ b n ⎟ = n b or n b m
bn
⎜ ⎟
⎝ ⎠
Note: If you forgot the “Law of Exponents”, assume any numerical value for the given variables, then substitute
to the given question and choices. Use your calculator!
For example, say let m=3, n=2 and b=4
m 3
b n = 42 = 8
Then try C, n
bm = 2 4 3 = 8
Therefore, C is the correct answer.
2/3
Simplify: ⎛⎜ ⎞⎟
1
9.
8
⎝ ⎠
a. 1/3 b. 1/2 c. 1/6 d. 1/4
2
2 ⎡ 1⎤ 2 2
⎛ 1 ⎞ 3 ⎢⎛ 1 ⎞ 3 ⎥ ⎛⎜ 3 1 ⎞⎟ ⎛ 1⎞ 1
⎜ ⎟ = ⎢⎜ ⎟ ⎥ = ⎜ or 3 ⎜ ⎟ =
⎝8⎠ ⎝8⎠ ⎝ 8 ⎟⎠ ⎝8⎠ 4
⎣⎢ ⎦⎥
10. Which of the following is a monomial?
a. r3 x2 b. x c. 1 d. 1
+1
x x
Answer: A. r3 x2
Note: A monomial is a term involving only the product of a real number and variables with nonnegative integral
exponents. The following are examples:
2 2 4 xy x
monomial: 6 , 3b , 15xyz , x y , , abc , , 2 abx
3 2
1 a 1
not monomial: , −5 , x , x+2 , , x÷y
x b a+b
11. Which of the following is a binomial?
a. x + y b. x2 y3 c. x ÷ y d. (x + y)2
2
Answer: A. x + y
2
Note: A binomial is a polynomial consisting of exactly two terms
x+y x y
= + ( two terms)
2 2 2
12. Which of the following is a polynomial? ⎛1 1⎞
a. x − 1 b. x + x c. x3 + x2 + x -1/2 d. ⎜⎜ − ⎟ −1
⎝x y ⎟⎠
x
Answer: C. x3 + x2 + x – 1/2
Note: A polynomial is a sum of finite number of monomials. The general polynomial in one variable of degree n is of
the form anxn + ….+ a1x + a0.
−6 −6 6 3 / 2 −1 / 2 −3 / 2
13. Simplify: ( x y z )( x y z )
−5 / 2 −5 / 2 15 / 2
x y z
a. x y–4 z3 b. x2 y4 z3 c. x–2 y– 4 z–3 d. x–2 y3 z3
Answer: C. x–2 y– 4 z–3

9 13 9
− − 9 ⎛ 5 ⎞ 13 ⎛ 5 ⎞
− −⎜ − ⎟ − −⎜ − ⎟ 9 − 15 4 8 6
( x −6 y −6 z 6 )( x 3 / 2 y −1/ 2 z −3 / 2 ) x 2y 2 z2 − − −
= = x 2 ⎝ 2 ⎠y 2 ⎝ 2 ⎠z 2 2 =x 2y 2z 2 = x −2 y − 4 z − 3
x −5 / 2 y −5 / 2 z15 / 2 −
5
−
5 15
x 2y 2z 2
Shortcut Solution: If you forgot the “Law of Exponents”, assume any numerical value for the given variables, say
x=1, y=2, and z=3, then substitute them to the given question and choices. If the result among one of the choices
are equal to that of the given question, that particular choice is the correct answer. Again, use your calculator!
n −1 2n−1
14. Simplify: (ab) ( x − y ) ( x − y )
[ab( x − y) ] 2 n−1
a. a/b b. ab c. b2 d. a2b2
Answer: B. ab
(ab)n ( x − y ) −1( x − y ) 2n−1 (ab) n ( x − y ) −1 + ( 2n−1) (ab)n ( x − y ) 2n−2 (ab) n
= = = = (ab)n−( n−1) = (ab)n−n+1 = ab
[ab(x − y) ] 2 n−1 n−1
(ab) ( x − y ) 2n−2 n−1
(ab) ( x − y ) 2n−2
(ab) n−1
15. Simplify: (2x3)(-3x4)

a. -6x7 b. 6x7 c. -6x d. -6x12
Answer: A. -6x7
(2x3)(-3x4)= (-6x3+4) = -6x7
8x 2 yz 5
16. Simplify:
12xy 2 z15
3yz10 2x
a. 2x b. c. d. none of these
2x 3yz10
2x
Answer: C.
3yz10
8x 2 yz 5 2x 2−1 2x
2 15
= 2−1 15−5 =
12xy z 3y z 3yz10
17. Simplify: (-5x4y5z)2

a. 25x6y7z2 b. 25x8y10z2 c. -25x8y10z2 d. -25x6y7z2
Answer: B. 25x8y10z2
(-5 x4 y5 z)2 = (-5)2 x4(2) y5(2) z2 = 25 x8 y10 z2
18. Simplify:
[m(−a − b)] 3
a 3 + b 3 + 3ab(a + b)
3
a. -m b. m3 c. 1/m d. 1/m2
Answer: A. -m3
[m(−a − b)] 3 =
m 3 ( − a − b) 3
=
m3 ( −a 3 − b 3 − 3a 2b − 3ab 2 ) − m3 (a 3 + b 3 + 3a 2b + 3ab 2 )
= = −m3
a 3 + b 3 + 3ab(a + b) 3 3 2
a + b + 3a b + 3ab 2 3 3 2
a + b + 3a b + 3ab 2 3 3 2
a + b + 3a b + 3ab 2
19. Simplify: 83 x
44x
a. 2x b. 2x c. 4x d. 1
2x
Answer: B. 2x 8 3 x 2 3( 3 x ) 2 9 x
= = = 2 9 x −8 x = 2 x
4 4 x 2 2( 4 x ) 2 8 x
a
1+
20. Simplify: b
a2
1− 2
b b b b−a a−b
a. b. c. d.
b−a a a b
b a b a b+a b+a
Answer: A. 1+ +
b−a b = b b = b b b 2 (b + a ) b
= = =
a 2
b 2
a 2 2
b −a 2 ( b + a )(b − a ) b( b + a )(b − a ) b − a
1− 2 − 2 2
b b 2
b b 2 b
21. The product of - 4 and - 9 is equal to

a. –6 b. 6 c. 6i d. –6i
Answer: A. –6
Note: In Complex Number Calculations, i = −1 ; i2 = −1
Thus, − 4 − 9 = 4( −1) 9( −1) = 4i2 9i2 = 36i 4 = 6i2 = 6( −1) = −6
22. The expression: −8 −5 is also the same as:

a. b. c. d.
− 40 − 40 40 8/5
Answer: A. − 40
Note: In Complex Number Calculations, i = − 1 ; i2 = −1
Thus, − 8 − 5 = 8i2 5i2 = 40i 4 = i2 40 = −1 40 or − 40

23. Factor the expression: 16 – 10x + x2
a. (x + 2)(x – 8) b. (x – 2)(x – 8) c. (x + 2)(x + 8) d. (x – 2)(x + 8)
Answer: B. (x – 2)(x – 8)
16 – 10x + x2 = x2 – 10x + 16 = (x – 2)(x – 8)
24. Factor the expression: 4x2 + 19xy +12y2

a. (4x + 3y)(x – 4y) b. (4x + 3y)(x + 4y) c. (4x – 3y)(x – 4y) d. (x + 3y)(4x – 4y)
Answer: B. (4x + 3y)(x + 4y)

Shortcut Solution: Assume any value for x and y, say x=1 and y=1
Then substitute them to the given question: 4(1)2+19(1)(1)+12(1)2 = 359
Try B, (4+3)(1+4) = (7)(5) = 359 therefore, B is the correct answer
25. The expression x3 – 8 is also equal to

a. (x + 2)(x2 – 2x + 4) b. (x – 2)(x2 + 2x – 4) c. (x – 2)(x2 + 2x + 4) d. (x + 2)(x2 – 2x – 4)
Answer: C. (x – 2)(x2 + 2x + 4)
Shortcut Solution: Assume any value of x, say x=1
Then substitute to the given question: 13 - 8 = -79
Try C, (1 – 2)(1 + 2 + 4) = (-1)(7) = -79 therefore, C is the correct answer
26. Factor completely the expression: 2x3 – 2x2 – 24x

a. 2x(x + 4)(x + 3) b. 3x(x – 4)(x + 3) c. x(x – 4)(x + 3) d. 2x(x – 4)(x + 3)
Answer: D. 2x(x – 4)(x + 3)

Shortcut Solution: Assume any value of x, say x=1 or any value
Then substitute to the given question: 2(1)3 – 2(1)2 -24(1) = -249
Try D, 2(1)(1 – 4)(1 + 3) = (-1)(7) = -249 therefore, D is the correct answer
27. Factor completely: 5x4 – 5x3 – 20x2 + 20x

a. 5x(x–1)(x+2)(x–2) b. 5x(x–2)(x+1)(x–2) c. 5x(x–1)(x+2 )(x–3) d. 4x(x–1)(x+2)(x–2)
Answer: A. 5x(x–1)(x+2)(x–2)
Shortcut Solution: Assume any value of x, say x=4 Note: except 1, -1, 2, -2 or 3 so that the results on
choices will not be equal to zero.
Then substitute to the given question: 5(4)4 – 5(4)3 -20(4)2+ 20(4) = 7209
Try A, 5(4)(4 – 1)(4 + 2)(4-2) = 7209 therefore, A is the correct answer
28. Simplify: 5x x+3 2x + 1

− +
2x 2 + 7x + 3 2x 2 − 3x − 2 x 2 + x − 6
2 4 4 x−3
a. b. c. d.
x+3 x+3 x−3 4
Answer: B. 4
x+3
Long Method:
5x x+3 2x + 1 5x x+3 2x + 1
2
− 2
+ 2
= − +
2x + 7x + 3 2x − 3x − 2 x + x−6 (2x + 1)( x + 3) (2x + 1)( x − 2) ( x − 2)( x + 3)
multiplying by (2x + 1)(x + 3)(x – 2) the LCD, we have
5x( x − 2) − [( x + 3)( x + 3)] + (2x + 1)(2x + 1) 5x 2 − 10x − ( x 2 + 6x + 9) + ( 4 x 2 + 4 x + 1) 5x 2 − 10x − x 2 − 6x − 9 + 4 x 2 + 4 x + 1
= = =
(2x + 1)( x + 3)( x − 2) (2x + 1)( x + 3)( x − 2) (2x + 1)( x + 3)( x − 2)
2 2
8x − 12x − 8 4(2x − 3x − 2) 4(2x + 1)( x − 2) 4
= = = =
(2x + 1)( x + 3)( x − 2) (2x + 1)( x + 3)( x − 2) (2x + 1)( x + 3)( x − 2) x + 3
Shortcut Method: Assume value of x, say x=1, then substitute:
5(1) 1+ 3 2(1) + 1 5 4 3
2
− 2
+ 2 = − + =1
2(1) + 7(1) + 3 2(1) − 3(1) − 2 (1) + 1 − 6 12 − 3 − 4
4 4 4
Try B, = = =1 therefore, B is the correct answer
x + 3 1+ 3 4
x + 14
29. Resolve into partial fractions: x 2 + 3x − 4
3 2 1 2 4 2 3 2
a. − b. − c. − d. −
x +1 x − 4 x −1 x + 4 x−2 x+4 x −1 x + 4
3 2
Answer: D. x − 1 − x + 4
x + 14 A B
Long Method: = +
( x − 1)( x + 4) ( x − 1) ( x + 4)
To get rid of the denominators, multiply both sides by (x – 1)(x + 4)
x + 14 = A( x + 4) + B( x − 1)
To solve for the value of A and B,
Assign values for x where the denominator of the partial fractions vanished.
For A,
Let x = 1 (to make the denominator of A/(x-1) equal to zero)
Then equate,
x + 14 = A(x + 4)
1 + 14 = A(1 + 4)
A=3
For B,
x = -4 (to make the denominator of B/(x – 4) equal to zero)
Then equate,
x + 14 = B(x – 1)
-4+ 14 = A(-4 – 1)
A = -2
Thus, x + 14 3 −2 3 2
= + or −
( x − 1)( x + 4) ( x − 1) ( x + 4) ( x − 1) ( x + 4)
Shortcut Method: Assume any value of x, say x = 2, then substitute to given question and choices.
x + 14 2 + 14 16 8
2
= 2 = =
x + 3x − 4 2 + 3(2) − 4 6 3
try D, 3 2 3 2 3 2 8
− = − = − =
x −1 x + 4 2 −1 2 + 4 1 6 3
Therefore, D is the correct answer.

x+2 A B
30. Given the partial fractions: 2
= + , what is the numerical value of B?
x − 5x + 6 x − 3 x −2
a. -4 b. 4 c. 5 d. 3
x+2 A B
Answer: A. -4 2
= −
x − 5x + 6 x−3 x−2
x+2 A B
= −
( x − 3)( x − 2) x−3 x−2
multiply both sides by (x – 3)(x – 2), we have

x + 2 = A ( x − 2) − B( x − 3)
To solve for B,
Let x = 2 (to make the denominator of B/(x – 2) equal to zero)
Then equate,
x + 2 = B(x – 3)
2 + 2 = B(2 – 3)
A = -4
31. What is the least common denominator (LCD) of 1/12 and 1/18?
a. 24 b. 36 c. 72 d. 54
Answer: B. 36
Note: The least common denominator, or simply LCD, of a set of fractions is the least common multiple (LCM) of the
denominators of the given fractions.
Solution No. 1
We first list the set of common multiples of 12 and 18, i.e.,
set of multiples of 12 = {12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72….}
set of multiples of 18 = {18,36,54,72,…}
Thus, the least common multiple of 12 and 18 or the LCD of 1/12 and 1/18 is 36.
Solution No. 2.
Express the given numbers (denominators) in prime factors, i.e.,
12 = 223
18 = 232
Selecting the greatest power for each kind of integer gives the LCM. Thus LCM is 2232 = 36
32. What is the sum of coefficients of the expansion of (2X – 1)20?

a. 0 b. 1 c. 2 d. 3
Answer: A. 0 Formulas:
Sum of Coefficients(S.O.C) = (ax + by)n = (a + b)n Æ if there is no constant term
Sum of Coefficients(S.O.C) = (ax + b)n –(b)n = (a + b)n – (b)n Æ if there is a constant term
Thus, a = 2, b = -1 and n = 20
Sum of Coefficients (S.O.C.) = (2 + -1)20 – (-1)20 = 1 – 1 = 0
33. What is the sum of coefficients of the expansion of (X + Y – Z)8?

a. 0 b. 1 c. 2 d. 3
Answer: B. 1
Sum of Coefficients(S.O.C.) = (1 + 1 -1)8 = 1
34. In the expansion of (x + 4y)12, the numerical coefficient of the 5th term is,
a. 63,360 b. 126,720 c. 506,880 d. 253,440
Answer: B. 126,720
Binomial Expansion Theorem:

n − ( r −1)
rth term of (ax + by)n: n C r −1 ( A ) ( B ) r −1
A B
Required: numerical coefficient of 5th term in the expansion (x + 4y)12

where: n = 12 (exponent) ; r = 5 (5th term); A = x ; B = 4y
12 − ( 5 −1)
12 C 5 −1 ( x ) ( 4 y ) 5 −1 = 12 C 4 ( x ) 8 ( 4 y ) 4 = 495 ( x 8 )( 256 y 4 ) = 126 ,720 x 8 y 4
Therefore, the numerical coefficient of the 5th term is 126,720
35. What is the 8th term in the expansion of (2x – 3y)9?

a. -314,928x2y7 b. -129,438x3y6 c. 284,139x3y6 d. 139,428xy8
Answer: A. -314,928x2y7
Required: 8th term in the expansion (2x – 3y)9
where: n = 9 (exponent) ; r = 8 (8th term) ; A = 2x ; B = -3y
9 − ( 8 − 1)
9 C 8 −1 ( 2 x ) ( − 3 y ) 8 − 1 = 9 C 7 ( 2 x ) 2 ( − 3 y ) 7 = 36 ( 4 x 2 )( − 2187 y 7 ) = − 314 ,928 x 2 y 7
Therefore, the 8th term is -314,928x2y7
36. Determine the term containing x9 in the expansion of (x3 + 1/x )11
a. 462x9 b. 246x9 c. 642x9 d. none of these
Answer: A. 462x9
To get the value ‘r’ use: ( A)n−(r −1) (B)r −1 = involved term by equating the exponents (with same base)
Required: term containing x9 in the expansion of (x3 + 1/x )11

where: n = 11; A = x3 ; B = 1/x or x-1 ; involved term = x9
( x 3 )11− ( r −1) ( x − 1 ) r −1 = x 9
( x 3 (11 − r + 1) )( x −1( r −1) ) = x 9
( x 33 − 3 r + 3 ) )( x − r + 1 ) = x 9
equating the exponents (with same base ‘x’)
33 – 3r + 3 – r + 1 = 9
37 – 9 = 4r
r = 7 (the term involving or containing x9 is the 7th term)
n − ( r − 1)
n C r −1 ( A ) (B ) r − 1 = 11 C 7 − 1 ( x 3 ) 11 − ( 7 − 1) ( x − 1 ) 7 −1 = 11 C 6 ( x 3 ) 5 ( x − 1 ) 6 = 462 ( x 15 x − 6 ) = 462 x 9
37. Determine the term involving y3 in the expansion of (x2 – 2y)10
a. 960x14y3 b. -960x12y3 c. -960x14y3 d. -960x10y3
Answer: C. -960x14y3
Required: term containing y3 in the expansion of (x2 – 2y)10
where: n = 10; A = x2 ; B = -2y ; involved term = y3
( x 2 )10 −( r −1) ( − 2 y ) r −1 = y 3
( x 2 (10 −r +1) )( − 2 y ) r −1 = y 3
( x 20 − 2 r + 2 ) )( − 2 y ) r −1 ) = y 3
equating the exponents of the equation (only those with same base ‘y’):
r-1=3
r = 4 (the term involving or containing y3 is the 4th term)
n − ( r − 1)
n C r −1 ( A ) (B ) r − 1 = 10 C 4 − 1 ( x 2 )10 − ( 4 − 1) ( − 2 y ) 4 − 1 = 10 C 3 x 14 ( − 2 y ) 3 = 120 x 14 ( − 8 y 3 ) = − 960 x 14 y 3
15
38. Find the term free of x in the expansion of ⎛⎜ x + 1 ⎞⎟
⎝ x3 / 2 ⎠
a. 505 b. 5005 c. 5050 d. 550
Answer: B. 5005 Note: The term free of x means that the involved term is x0 because x0 is simply equal to 1.
Therefore: n = 15 ; A = x ; B = X-3/2 ; involved term = x0
( x )15 −( r −1) ( x − 3 / 2 ) r −1 = x 0
( x 15 −r +1 )( x − ( 3 / 2 ) r + 3 / 2 ) = x 0
15 – r + 1 – (3/2)r + 3/2 = 0
-(5/2)r = -35/2
r = 7 (the term free of x is the 7th term)
Thus, n− ( r −1)
n C r −1 ( A ) (B) r −1 = 15 C 7−1 ( x )15 −( 7−1) ( x −3 / 2 ) 7−1 = 15 C 6 x 9 x −9 = 5005 x 0 = 5005
10
39. Find the term free of x in the expansion of ⎛⎜ x + 1 ⎞⎟
⎝ 3x 2 ⎠
a. 5 b. 3 c. 7 d. 8
Answer: A. 5 Note: The term free of x means that the involved term is x0 because x0 is simply equal to 1.
Therefore: n = 10 ; A = x1/2 ; B = (1/3)x-2 ; involved term = x0
1
( x 1 / 2 )10 − ( r − 1) ( x − 2 ) r − 1 = x 0
3
( x 5 + r / 2 + 1 / 2 )( x −2 r + 2 ) = x 0
5 – r/2 + 1/2 –2r + 2 = 0
-(5/2)r = -15/2
r = 3 (the term free of x is the 3rd term)
Thus,
n − ( r − 1) 1 1 1
n C r −1 ( A ) (B) r −1 =10 C 3 −1 ( x 1 / 2 )10 − ( 3 −1) ( x − 2 ) 3 −1 =10 C 2 ( x 4 )( x − 4 ) = 45( x 4 )( x − 4 ) = 5 x 4 x − 4 = 5 x 0 = 5
3 9 9
40. Find the numerical coefficient of the term containing y4 in the expansion of (x2 – 2y)10
a. 3630 b. 3603 c. 3306 d. 3360
Answer: D. 3,360
Required: numerical coefficient of the term containing y4 in the expansion of (x2 – 2y)10
where: n = 10; A = x2 ; B = -2y ; involved term = y4
( x 2 )10 − ( r −1) ( − 2 y ) r −1 = y 4
( x 2 (10 − r + 1) )( − 2 y ) r − 1 = y 4
equating the exponents of the equation (only those with same base ‘y’):
r-1=4
r = 5 (the term involving or containing y4 is the 5th term)
Thus, n − ( r − 1)
n C r −1 ( A ) (B ) r − 1 = 10 C 5 − 1 ( x 2 )10 − ( 5 − 1) ( − 2 y ) 5 − 1 = 10 C 4 x 12 ( − 2 y ) 4 = 210 x 12 (16 y 4 ) = 3,360 x 12 y 4
Therefore, 3,360 is the numerical coefficient of the term containing y4
41. Find the middle term of the expansion of (x2 – 3)8

a. 5076x8 b. 5670x8 c. 5076x6 d. 5706x7
Answer: B. 5670x8
n
To find the middle term, use: middle term = + 1
If n = 8 8 2
middle term = + 1 = 5 th term
2
A = x2 ; B = -3 ; r = 5 (middle term); n = 8
n − ( r − 1)
n C r −1 ( A ) (B ) r − 1 = 8 C 5 − 1 ( x 2 ) 8 − ( 5 − 1) ( − 3 ) 5 − 1 = 8 C 4 x 8 ( − 3 ) 4 = 70 x 8 ( 81) = 5 ,670 x 8
42. Find the middle term of the expansion of 1 + xy ( ) 16
a. 12870x4y4 b. 12870x3y c. 12870x2y3 d. 12870x5y5
Answer: A. 12870x4y4
n
To find the middle term, use: middle term = + 1
If n = 16 16 2
middle term = + 1 = 9 th term
2
A = 1 ; B = (xy)1/2 ; r = 9 (middle term); n = 16
Thus, n − ( r − 1)
n C r −1 ( A ) (B ) r − 1 = 16 C 9 − 1 (1)16 − ( 9 − 1) [( xy )1 / 2 ]9 − 1 = 16 C 8 (1)16 ( xy ) 4 = 12 ,870 x 4 y 4 = 12 ,870 x 4 y 4
43. Find the remainder when 5x6 + 4x4 + 7x3 + 2x – 3 is divided by x + 1.

a. 1 b. 3 c. -1 d. -3
Answer: D. -3
Using Gaus Remainder Theorem:
x + 1 = 0 thus, x = -1 substitute x = 1, to the given polynomials
remainder = 5(-1)6 + 4(-1)4 + 7(-1)3 + 2(-1) – 3 = -3
44. Determine the remainder if 2x3 – 3x + 1 is divided by x – 1.

a. 1 b. 2 c. 0 d. -1
Answer: C. 0
Using Gaus Remainder Theorem:
x -1 = 0 thus, x = 1 substitute x = 1, to the given polynomials
remainder = 2(1)3 – 3(1) + 1 = 0
45. What is the quotient if 3x5 - 4x3 + 2x2 + 36x + 48 is divided by x3 – 2x2 + 6?
a. x2 + 4x + 8 b. 3x2 + 6x + 8 c. 3x2 - 5x + 7 d. 2x2 + 5x + 1
Answer: B. 3x2 + 6x + 8 3x 2 + 6x + 8
x 3 − 2x 2 + 0x + 6
3x 5 + 0x 4 − 4 x 3 + 2x 2 + 36x + 48
−
3x 5 − 6x 4 + 0x 3 + 18x 2
6x 4 − 4 x 3 − 16x 2 + 36x
−
6x 4 − 12x 3 + 0x 2 + 36x
18x 3 − 16x 2 + 0x + 48
−
8x 3 − 16x 2 + 0x + 48
0
Shortcut Method: Assume any value of x, say x=1 or any value
Substitute x=1to the Dividend: 3(1)5 – 4(1)3 + 2(1)2 + 36(1) + 48 = 85
Substitute x=1 to the Divisor: (1)3 – 2(1)2 + 6 = 5
Therefore the quotient is, 85÷5 = 179
Try B. substitute x = 1, 3(1)2 + 6(1) + 8 = 17 9
Therefore, B is the correct answer
46. Determine the remainder if 3x5 – 4x4 – 5x3 – 8x + 25 is divided by (x – 2).

a. 1 b.2 c. 0 d. 3
Answer: A. 1
By Synthetic Division:
3 -4 -5 0 -8 +25 ∟2
6 4 -2 -4 -24
3 2 -1 -2 -12 1
Therefore, the remainder is 1
By Gaus Theorem: x – 2 = 0, thus x = 2
Substitute x = 2 to 3x5 - 4x4 – 5x3 – 8x + 25
remainder = 3(2)5 – 4(2)4 – 5(2)3 – 8(2) + 25 = 1
47. If 2x2 + 7x + 8 is divided by x + 2, what is the remainder?

a. 1 b.0 c. 2 d. 3
Answer: C. 2
By Gaus Theorem: x + 2 = 0, thus x = -2
Substitute x = -2 to 2x2 + 7x + 8 remainder = 2(-2)2 + 7(-2) + 8 = 2
48. Given: (kx3 – 6x2 + 2kx – 12) divided by x – 3

If x – 3 is a factor, the remainder is zero. Determine the value of k.
a. 2 b. 3 c. 1 d. 5
Answer: A. 2
By Gaus Theorem: x – 3 = 0, thus x = 3
Substitute x = 3 to kx3 – 6x2 + 2kx – 12
but remainder = 0 (because x - 3 is a factor)
k(3)3 – 6(3)2 + 2k(3) – 12 = 0
27k – 54 + 6k – 12 = 0
33k = 66
k=2
49. Given: 3x4 + kx2 + x – 3 divided by x + 2
What is the value of k so that the remainder is 35?
a. 3 b. 2 c. -2 d. -3
Answer: C. -2
By Gaus Theorem: x + 2 = 0, thus x = -2
Substitute x = -2 to 3x4 – kx2 + x – 3
but remainder = 35
3(-2)4 + k(-2)2 + -2 – 3 = 35
48 + 4k – 2 – 3 = 35
43+ 4k = 35
k = -2
50. If x2 – 5x – 6 = 0, what is the positive value of x?

a. 5 b. 6 c.7 d. 3
Answer: B. 6
By Factoring: x2 – 5x – 6 = 0
(x – 6)(x + 1) = 0
x = 6 and x = -1
Therefore, 6 is the positive value of x.
Or using scientific calculator: Use EQN Mode, 2nd Degree.
51. If x2 + 36 = 9 – 2x2, determine the value of x.

a. 3i b. 2i c. 5i d. -4i
Answer: A. 3i
x2 + 36 = 9 – 2x2
3x2 = -27
x2 = -9
x = − 9 = 9i 2 = 3i
52. If ( X + 8/X)2 – ( X + 8/X) – 72 = 0, then X is equal to

a. 1, 8 b. 1, -8 c. -1, 8 d. -1, -8
Shortcut Solution: Let Y = X + 8/X

Thus, Y2 – Y – 72 = 0
(Y – 9)(Y + 8) = 0
Y = 9 and Y = -8
Choose: Y = 9 (positive value)
Therefore, 9 = X + 8/X multiply both sides by X

9X = X2 + 8 ; X2 – 9X + 8 = 0 ; (X – 8 )(X – 1) = 0
X = 8 and X = 1
Other Method: Just substitute the choices to the given equation! (for Board Exam purposes only)
53. Find the value of x if: (a + b)x = (a2 + 2ab + b2)x-3

a. 4 b. 6 c. 8 d. 10
Answer: B. 6
Note: a2 + 2ab + b2 = (a + b)2
Thus, (a + b)x = [(a + b)2]x-3
(a + b)x = (a + b)2x-6
equating the exponents,
x = 2x – 6
6 = 2x – x
x=6
54. Find the value of x2 + 1/x2 if : x + 1/x = 7

a. 45 b. 47 c. 49 d. 51
Answer: B. 47 2
⎡ 1 ⎤
Shortcut Solution: ⎢ x + x = 7⎥
⎣ ⎦
1
x2 + 2 + = 49
x2
1
x2 + = 49 − 2
x2
1
x2 + = 47
x2
55. If 24x2 + 5x -1 = 0, what is the negative root value of x?

a. -1/3 b. -1/8 c. -1/4 d. -1/5
Answer: A. -1/3 2
Solution: Use quadratic Formula, x = − B ± B − 4 AC
2A
Where: A = 24 (numerical coefficient of x2)
B = 5 (numerical coefficient of x)
C = -1 (constant term or term free of x)
Thus,
− 5 ± 5 2 − 4(24)(−1) − 5 ± 11
x= =
2(24) 48
x = 1/8 and x = -1/3

Therefore, -1/3 is the negative root value of x.
Other Method: substitute the given choices to the given quadratic equation
try A. x = -1/3
24(-1/3)2 + 5(-1/3) -1 = 0
0 = 0 9 therefore, A is the correct answer.
or use your calculator: Mode EQN (2nd Degree)
56. What is the sum of the roots of 3x2 – 6x + 2 = 0

a. 3 b. 1 c. 1.5 d. 2
2
Answer: D. 2 − B ± B 2 − 4 AC − ( −6) ± ( −6) − 4(3)(2) 6 ± 12
x= = =
2A 2(3) 6
x = 0.42 and x = 1.58

sum of roots = 0.42 + 1.58 = 2
Shortcut solution: SUM OF ROOTS = -B/A = -(-6)/3 = 2
Or use your calculator: Mode: EQN (2nd Degree), get the value of x1 and x2 and then get the sum.
57. Given: 2x2 + (k – 3 )x + 3k – 5 = 0

If the sum and product of the roots are equal, what is the value of k?
a. 3 b. 2 c. 1 d. 4
Answer: B. 2
Shortcut Solution: SUM OF ROOTS = -B/A = -(k – 3)/2 where: A is the coefficient of x2
PRODUCT OF ROOTS = C/A = (3k – 5)/2 B is the coefficient of x
C is the constant term
equating the sum and the product of roots, −(k − 3) 3k − 5
=
2 2
−k + 3 = 3k − 5
58. Given: 5x2 – 8x + m = 0 k=2

What is the value of m so that the product of the roots is equal to 1/5?
a. 8 b. 10 c. 1 d. 7
Answer: C. 1
Shortcut Solution: PRODUCT OF ROOTS = C/A = m/5 = 1/5
Thus, m = 1
59. The roots of the equation 6X2 + 7X + 34 = 0 are

a. Real and Equal b. Complex and Equal c. Real and Unequal d. Complex and Unequal
Answer: D. Complex and Unequal

Use Quadratic Formula:
2
− B ± B 2 − 4 AC − 7 ± 7 − 4(6)(34) − 7 ± − 767 − 7 ± 767i 2
x= = = =
2A 2(6) 12 12
Thus, x = -0.58 + 2.31i and x = -0.58 – 2.31i

Therefore, the roots are complex and unequal
60. Find the value of k that will make x2 + 28x + 2k a perfect trinomial square.
a. 98 b. 88 c. 72 d. 64
Answer: A. 98
By Completing the Square, ⎡1
2
⎤
Consider: x 2 + 28x + ⎢ (28)⎥ (by adding the square of 1/2 of the coefficient of x)
⎣ 2 ⎦
2
x + 28x + 196
equate X2 + 28X + 2k and x 2 + 28x + 196
X 2 + 28X + 2k = x 2 + 28x + 196
2k = 196
k = 98
to check:
x2 +28x + 196 (trinomial is a term composed of exactly 3 terms)
x2 +28x + 142 = (x +14)2
Thus, x2 +28x + 196 is a perfect trinomial square
61. Given: f(x) = x2 – 3x + 5, find f(x – 2)

a. x2 – 7x + 15 b. x2 + 2x + 15 c. x2 – 7x + 3 d. x2 + 2x + 3
Answer: A. x2 – 7x + 15
f(x) = x2 – 3x + 5 but x = (x – 2)
f(x – 2) = (x – 2)2 – 3(x – 2) + 5 = x2 – 4x + 4 – 3x + 6 + 5 = x2 – 7x + 15
62. Given: f(x) = 2/(x – 1) and g(x) = 3/x; find (f ○ g)(x) or f(g(x))
a. 6 / [(x)(x – 1)] b. 2x / (3 – x) c. 1.5 (x – 1) d. (5x – 3) / [(x)(x – 1)]
Answer: B. 2x / (3 – x) 2 3 2x
f ( gx) = = =
3 3−x 3−x
−1
x x
63. Given: f(x) = 2/(x – 1) and g(x) = 3/x; find (fg)(x) or f(x) ○g(x)
a. 6 / [(x)(x –1)] b. 2x / (3 – x) c. 1.5 (x – 1) d. (5x – 3) / [(x)(x – 1)]
Answer: A. 6 / [(x)(x –1)] 2 3 6

f ( x) o g( x) = ⋅ =
x − 1 x x( x − 1)
64. The other form of Loga N = b is

a. N = ab b. a = Nb c. b = aN d. a = bN
Answer. A. N= ab
loga N = b is also the same as N = ab (see Law of Logarithms)
65. 10x = 3, then 103X +1 equals

a. 470 b. 370 c. 270 d. 170
Answer: C. 270
103X +1 = 103x 101 = (10x)3(10) but 10x =3
Therefore, 103x+1 = (3)3(10) = 270
66. If logx 22.91 = ln 7, find the value of x.

a. 5 b. 6 c. 8 d. 9
Answer: A. 5
from: loga N = b is same as N = ab
Thus, logx 22.91 = ln 7 is also the same as xln7 = 22.91
xln7 = 22.91 ; x = ln 7 22.91 = 4.999 ≈ 5
Shortcut Solution: Remember: logaN = log N / log a = ln N / ln a

substitute the choices as value of x,
Try A. x = 5
log 22.91 / log 5 = ln 7 or ln 22.91 / ln 5 = ln 7
1.946 = 1.946 (therefore, A is the correct answer)
67. What is the value of log to base 10 of 10003.3?

a. 10.9 b. 99.9 c. 9.9 d. 9.5
Answer: C. 9.9
log10 10003.3 is also the same as 3.3 log101000 = 3.3 (3) = 9.9
Shortcut Solution: use: logaN = log N / log a = ln N / ln a log(10003.3 ) ln(1000 3.3 )

or = 9.9
log10 ln10
68. If lnX = 2 and lnY = 3, calculate ln X3/Y1/2

a. 1.5 b. 2.5 c. 3.5 d. 4.5
Answer: D. 4.5
solve for X and Y first,

from: lnX = 2 thus, X = e2 and from lnY = 3 thus, Y = e3
X3 (e 2 ) 3
ln = ln = 4.5
Y 1/ 2 ( e 3 )1 / 2
69. Solve for the value of x in the following equation: x3logx = 100x
a. 12 b. 8 c. 30 d. 10
Answer: D. 10
aloga = a or xlogx = x Æ True only for a or x = 10
thus, (xlogx)3 = 100x
(x)3=100x
x2 = 100
Therefore, x = 10
Shortcut Solution: just substitute the choices as value of x in the given equation
try D, x = 10
103log10 = 100(10)
1000 = 100 9 Therefore, D is the correct answer
70. If log4 8 = log8 (x + 2), find the value of x.

a. 16.62 b. 18.62 c. 20.62 d. 22.62
Answer: C. 20.62 log 4 8 = log8 ( x + 2)

log 8 log( x + 2) Shortcut Solution : just substitute the given choices to the given equation
=
log 4 log 8 try C, x = 20.62
(log 8)(log 8) log 8 log(20.62 + 2)
= log( x + 2) =
log 4 log 4 log 8
1.35463498 = log( x + 2) 1.5 = 1.5 Therefore , C is the correct answer
anti log1.35463498 = x + 2
x = 22.62 − 2
x = 20.62
71. If 2 logx 3 + logx 2 = 6 + logx 6, then x is equal to

a. 1.2 b. 1.6 c. 2 d. 2.4
Answer: A. 1.2
2 log x 3 + log x 2 = 6 + log x 6 shortcut solution : just substitute the given choices to the given equation
2
log x 3 + log x 2 = 6 + log x 6 ⎛ log 3 ⎞ ⎛ log 2 ⎞ ⎛ log 6 ⎞
2⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ + ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ = 6 + ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
log x 9 + log x 2 = 6 + log x 6 ⎝ log1.2 ⎠ ⎝ log1.2 ⎠ ⎝ log1.2 ⎠
log x [(9)(2)] = 6 + log x 6 15.8 = 15.8
log x 18 − log x 6 = 6 Therefore, A is the correct answer
18
log x =6
6
log x 3 = 6
x6 = 3
x=6 3
x = 1.2
72. If 3x = 9y and 27x = 81z, then z/x is equal to

a. 2/3 b. 3/4 c. 3/8 d. 1/2
Answer: B. 3/4
Other method :
Consider only 27 x = 81z 27 x = 81z
x z
27 = 81 (3 3 ) x = (3 4 ) z
x ln 27 = z ln 81
33 x = 3 4 z
z ln 27
= = 0.75 or 3/4 equating the exponents,
x ln 81
3x = 4z
z 3
=
x 4
73. Convert the repeating decimal 0.456456456… into fraction.

a. 45/99 b. 152/333 c. 57/125 d. 410/900
General Rule: CASE 1 e.g. 0.456456456456…..

for the numerator = repeating digits
for the denominator = replace the repeating digit/s with 9
Note: the number of repeating digits should also be the number of 9’s.
456 152
0.456456456456….. =
=
999 333
Shortcut Method: USE YOUR CALCULATOR to simplify the choices!!!
74. Convert the repeating decimal 0.02345345345… into fraction.

a. 2345/99900 b. 2345/99999 c. 2343/99999 d. 781/33300
Answer: D. 781/33300
General Rule: CASE 2 e.g. 0.02345345…..
for the numerator = combine the repeating and non-repeating digits and then less by the number of
non-repeating digits (in case the first digit from left of non-repeating digits is
zero do not include it).
for the denominator = replace the repeating digit/s with 9 and add zero/s (0’s) on the right
Note: the number of repeating digits should also be the number of 9’s and the number
of zero’s (0’s) depends on upon the number of non-repeating digits
In the given question, 0.0.02345345…..
02 is the non-repeating digits thus, there are 2 non-repeating digits to be replace by two 0 (in the denominator)
345 is the repeating digits thus, there are 3 repeating digits to be replaced by three 9 (in the denominator)
2345 (combined) excluding the first digit of non-repeating digits because it is zero
2345 − 2 2343 781

0.02345345345... = = =
99900 99900 33300
Shortcut Method: USE YOUR CALCULATOR to simplify the choices!!!

WORDED PROBLEMS:
75. The sum of two numbers is 14. The sum of the squares of the numbers is 100. Find the product of the two
numbers.
a. 42 b. 48 c. 72 d. 75
Answer: B. 48 Let x and y be the numbers

x + y = 14 First Equation
x 2 + y 2 = 100 Second Equation
Required : xy = ?
Shortcut Solution :
(x + y = 14) 2 ⇒ x 2 + 2 xy + y 2 = 196
Subtract :
x 2 + 2 xy + y 2 = 196
−
x2 + y 2 = 100
2xy = 96
xy = 48 product of two numbers
76. The amount of 135 is to be divided among three brothers in the ratio 3:5:7. What is the biggest amount received
by a brother?
a. 54 b. 63 c. 72 d. 75
Answer: B. 63 135 is divided in the ratio of 3 : 5 : 7

Required : The Biggest amount
Solution : 3x + 5x + 7x = 135
15x = 135
x =9
Therefore, the biggest amount is = 7 x = 7(9) = 63
77. The number 142 is divided into parts such that when the greater part is divided by the smaller part, the quotient
is 3 and the remainder is 14. What is the greater part?
a. 110 b. 112 c. 114 d. 116
Answer: A. 110
142 is divided into two parts
Let x = greater part
y = smaller part
x + y = 142 Equation 1
to check :
⎡x 14 ⎤
⎢ = 3+ ⎥ y 3 quotient
⎣ y y⎦
32 110
x = 3y + 14 Equation 2 − 96
Substitute Equation 2 to Equation 1
14 remainder
(3y + 14) + y = 142
4y = 128
y = 32
Therefore, x = 142 - 32 = 110 greater part
78. The difference between the sum of the fourth and fifth parts over the difference of the half and the third parts of
the number is 119. Find the number.
a. 420 b. 480 c. 540 d. 600
Answer: A. 420 Let x = be the number

⎛x x⎞ ⎛x x⎞
⎜ + ⎟ − ⎜ − ⎟ = 119
⎝4 5⎠ ⎝2 3⎠
9 1
x − x = 119
20 6
17
x = 119
60
119(60)
x=
17
x = 420 the number
79. The sum of the squares of two consecutive positive integers is 265. Find the smaller integer.
a. 9 b. 10 c. 11 d. 12
Answer: C. 11 Let x = first consecutive positive integer

x+1 = second consecutive positive integer
x 2 + (x + 1) 2 = 265 working equation

x 2 + x 2 + 2x + 1 = 265
2x 2 + 2x − 264 = 0
x 2 + x − 132 = 0
( x − 11)( x + 12) = 0
x = 11 and x = -12
Therefore,
x = 11
x + 1 = 11 + 1 = 12
Therefore, 11 is the smaller integer
80. The diameters of the spheres are in the ratio 2:3 and the sum of their volumes is 1260 cubic meter. Find the
volume of the larger sphere.
a. 288 m3 b. 910 m3 c. 950 m3 d. 972 m3
π π
Answer: D. 972 m3 VSMALL = (2x) 3 VBIG = (3x) 3
6 6
but VSMALL + VBIG = 1260 m 3
Shortcut Solution :
π π
(2x) 3 + (3x) 3 = 1260 33
6 6 VBIG = (1260) = 972 m 3
23 + 33
3x 2x π
6
[ ]
8x 3 + 27x 3 = 1260 Note : The numerator is 3 3 because the diameter
smaller sphere ⎛6⎞ of the larger sphere is 3x. If the numerator is 2 3
35x 3 = 1260⎜ ⎟
biggger sphere ⎝π⎠ the resulting volume is for the smaller sphere.
1260(6)
x=3 = 4.09670438
35π
π
Thus, VBIG = [(3)( 4.09670438)] = 972 m 3
3
6
81. An audience of 540 persons is seated in rows having the same number of persons in each row. If 3 more
persons sit in each row, it would require 2 rows less to seat the audience. How many persons were in each row
originally?
a. 20 b. 35 c. 27 d. 30
Answer: C. 27 substitute Equation 1 to Equation 2,

⎡ 540 540 ⎤
⎢ x - 2 = x + 3⎥ multiply both sides by (x)(x - 2)
Given : An audience of 540 persons is seated in rows ⎣ ⎦
540x = 540(x - 2) + 3(x)(x - 2)
Let x = be the number of rows
y = be the number of persons seated in each row 540x = 540x - 1080 + 3x 2 − 6x
Working Equations : 3x 2 − 6x − 1080 = 0
540 by quadratic formula or using Calculator(EQN Mode, 2 nd degree)
= y Equation 1
x x = 20 rows
540 540 540
= y + 3 Equation 2 Therefore, y = = = 27 persons per row
x-2 x 20
82. A 580-ft wide river is spanned by a bridge, which has 1/6 of its length on the east bank and 1/7 of its length on
the west bank. How long was the bridge?
a. 720 ft b. 780 ft c. 840 ft d. 960 ft
Answer: C . 840 ft
1 1
L = L + 580 + L
7 6
BRIDGE 1 1
L− L− L = 580
7 6
RIVER
1 1 29
L L L = 580
7 580 ft 6 42
L L = 840 ft
83. Jun scored 79, 94, and 60 on his three algebra tests. If his final exam score is to be counted as two test grades
in determining his course average, what grade must he make on his final exam to give him an average of 81?
a. 86 b. 87 c. 88 d. 89
Answer: A . 86 79 + 94 + 60 + 2( x)
= 81
5
x = 86
84. In the present 40 M.E. members, 27 like to play basketball while 25 like to play baseball. How many like both?
a. 10 b. 11 c. 12 d. 13
Answer: C . 12
Given : 40 M.E. members
27 - like to play basketball Basketball Baseball
25 - like to play baseball x

Required : How many like both 27 − x 25 − x
Solution : Use Venn Diagram
(27 − x) + ( x) + (25 − x) = 40
52 − x = 40
x = 12 members who like both
85. How much coffee costing 85 pesos per kg must be added to 150 kg costing 90 pesos per kg to make a mixture
of 87 pesos per kg?
a. 200 kg b. 210 kg c. 220 kg d. 225 kg
Answer: D. 225 kg
For Mixture Problems: Use Block Diagram
P90 / kg + P85 / kg = P87 / kg

150 kg x 150 kg + x
90(150) + 85( x) = 87(150 + x)

13,500 + 85x = 13050 + 87x
450 = 2 x
x = 225 kg
86. The gasoline tank of a car contains 50 liters gasoline and alcohol, the alcohol comprising 25%. How much of
the mixture should be drawn off and replaced by alcohol so that the tank contains a mixture of 50-50% solution.
a. 14.5 liters b. 15 liters c. 16 liters d. 16.67 liters
Answer: D. 16.67 liters

Use Block Diagram: 25% − 25% + 100% = 50%
50L x x 50L
0.25(50) − 0.25( x) + 1( x) = 0.50(50)

12.5 − 0.25x + x = 25
0.75x = 12.5
x = 16.67 liters
87. How much water must be added to 8 liters of 6% saline solution to reduce the concentration to 4%?
a. 2 L b. 2.5 L c. 3 L d. 4 L
Answer: D. 4 L
Use Block Diagram: 6% + 0% = 4%
8L x 8L + x
0.06(8) + 0( x) = 0.04( x + 8)
0.48 + 0 = 0.04 x + 0.32
0.16 = 0.04 x
x = 4L
88. A service station has 92-octane gasoline and 98-octane gasoline. How many liters of 92-octane gasoline should
be mixed to provide 12 liters of 96-octane gasoline needed for chemical research?
a. 4 L b. 6 L c. 5 L d. 8 L
Answer: A. 4 L
Use Block Diagram: 98% + 92% = 96%
12 L - x x 12 L
0.98(12 − x) + 0.92( x) = 0.96(12)

11.76 − 0.8x + 0.92x = 11.52
0.24 = 0.06x
x = 4L
89. Fausto is one fourth as old as Joey and ten years younger that Allan is. If the sum of their ages is 46. Find the
age of Joey.
a. 24 b. 16 c. 10 d. 9
1
Answer: A. 24 Working Equations : x= y or 4x = y Equation 1
For Age Problems: Use Tabulation 4
x = z - 10 ; x + 10 = z Equation 2
Name Present Age x + y + z = 46 Equation 3
Fausto x Required : y = age of Joey
Joey y
Allan z substitute equation 1 and 2 to equation 3,
x + (4x) + (x + 10) = 46
6x = 46 - 10
6x = 36
x=6
Therefore, y = 4x = 4(6) = 24 age of Joey
90. If John was four times as old as Jerry 8 years ago, and if John will be twice as old as Jerry 8 years from now,
how old is John now?
a. 16 b. 24 c. 32 d. 40
Answer: D. 40
Use Tabulation:
Name Age 8 years ago Present Age Age 8 years from now
John 4x 4x + 8 4x + 16
Jerry x x+8 x + 16
4 x + 16 = 2( x + 16)
4 x + 16 = 2 x + 32
2x = 16
x=8
Therefore, 4x + 8 = 4(8) + 8 = 40 present age of John
91. Four times Maria’s present age is four more than 8 times what Anna’s age was 2 years ago. Three times Anna’s
present age is 3 more than twice what Maria’s age was 4 years ago. Find the present age of Maria.
a. 17 b. 14 c. 19 d. 11
Answer: C. 19
Name Age 4 years ago Age 2 years ago Present Age
Use Tabulation:
Maria y–4 y–2 y
Anna x–4 x–2 x
Working Equations : substitute Equation 1 to Equation 2,

4y = 4 + 8(x - 2) ⎡ ⎛ 8x - 12 ⎞ ⎤
4y = 4 + 8x - 16 ⎢3x = 2⎜ 4 ⎟ − 5⎥ multiply both sides by 4,
⎣ ⎝ ⎠ ⎦
4y = 4 - 16 + 8x 12x = 2(8x - 12) - 20
4y = 8x - 12 12x = 16x - 24 - 20
8x - 12 12x = 16x - 44
y= Equation 1
4 44 = 4x
3x = 3 + 2(y - 4)
x = 11 Present Age of Anna
3x = 3 + 2y - 8
8x - 12 8(11) − 12
3x = 2y - 5 Equation 2 Therefore, y = = = 19 Present Age of Maria
4 4
92. Maria is 36 years old. Maria was twice as old as Ana was when Maria was as old as Ana is now. How old is Ana
now?
a. 16 b. 14 c. 23 d. 24
Answer: D. 24
Use Tabulation: Let A = present age of Anna
Name Age x years ago (was) Present Age (is)

Maria 36 – x 36
Anna A–x A
equate Equation 1 and 2,

A = 2(A - x)
Working Equations :
A = 2A - 2x
Maria' s age x years ago = 2 times Anna' s age x years ago
2x = A
Thus, 36 - x = 2(A - x) Equation 1
A
Also, x= subtitute to Equation 2
2
Maria' s age x ago = Anna' s present age
A
Thus, 36 - = A
2
36 - x = A Equation 2 3
36 = A
2
(36)(2)
A= = 24 Present Age of Anna
3
93. The tenth’s digit of a certain number is 4 more than the unit’s digit. The sum of the squares of the two digits is
26. Find the number.
a. 62 b. 51 c. 84 d. 73
Answer: B. 51 substitute Equation 1 to Equation 2,

(y + 4) 2 + y 2 = 26
Let x = tenth' s digit
y 2 + 8y + 16 + y 2 = 26
y = unit' s digit
2y 2 + 8y − 10 = 0 divide both sides by 2
10x + y = the number
y 2 + 4y − 5 = 0
Working Equations : ( y + 5)( y − 1) = 0
x=y+4 Equation 1 y = −5 and y = 1 choose positve value of y
Thus, y = 1 unit' s digit
x 2 + y 2 = 26 Equation 2
and x = y + 4 = 1 + 4 = 5 tenth' s digit
Therefore, 10x + y = 10(5) + 1 = 51 the number
94. If the digits of the number are reversed, the number is increased by 36. The sum of the digits in the number is
two and one-half times their difference. What is the number?
a. 45 b. 56 c. 37 d. 34
1
Answer: C. 37 Let x = tenth' s digit y + x = 2 ( y − x) Equation 2
2
y = unit' s digit or
10x + y = the number 5y 5x
y+x= − multiply both sides by 2
10y + x = reversed number 2 2
Working Equations : 2y + 2 x = 5y - 5x
10y + x = (10x + y) + 36 Equation 1 7x = 3y
7x
y= substitute to equation 1
3
⎛ 7x ⎞ 7x
10⎜ ⎟ + x = 10x + + 36 multiply both sides by 3
3
⎝ ⎠ 3
70x + 3x = 30x + 7x + 108
73x − 37x = 108
36x = 108
x = 3 the tenth' s digit
7(3)
thus, y= = 7 the unit' s digits
3
Therefore, 10(3) + 7 = 37 the nummber
95. A coin purse contains 5¢, 10¢, and 25¢ coins. The number of 10¢ coins is three times as many 5¢ coins and the
25¢ coins is two more than the 10¢ coins. If the total value of its content is P4.90, how many of each kind of
coins are in the purse?
a. 4 for 5¢; 12 for 10¢; 14 for 25¢ b. 7 for 5¢; 9 for 10¢; 17 for 25¢
c. 3 for 5¢; 16 for 10¢; 15 for 25¢ d. 8 for 5¢; 8 for 10¢; 6 for 25¢
Answer: A. 4 for 5¢; 12 for 10¢; 14 for 25¢

Let x = the number of 5¢ coins
3x = number of 10¢ coins
3x + 2 = number of 25¢ coins
The equation is based on the value of 5¢ + value of 10¢ + value of 25¢
(0.50)(x) + (0.10)(3x) + (0.25)(3x + 2) = P4.90
solving for x, we get x = 4, for the number of 5¢ coins,
(3)(4) or 12, for the number of 10¢ coins and (3)(4) + 2 = 14, for the number of 25¢ coins
96. Mike has twice as many 25-centavo coins than 10-centavo coins. If he has a total of P60, how many of each
kind of coins are there?
a.100 for 10 cents; 200 for 25 cents c. 50 for 10 cents; 60 for 25 cents
b. 90 for 10 cents; 85 for 25 cents d. 60 for 10 cents; 68 for 25 cents
Answer: A. 100 for 10 cents; 200 for 25 cents

Let x = the number of 10¢ coins
2x = number of 25¢ coins
The equation is based on the value of 10¢ + value of 25¢
(0.10)(x) + (0.25)(2x) = P60
solving for x, we get x = 100, for the number of 10¢ coins,
(2)(100) or 200, for the number of 25¢ coins
97. A tank can be filled by two pipes in 4 and 6 hours, respectively. It can be emptied by a third pipe in 5 hours.
How long can an empty tank be filled if the 3 pipes are open?
a. 1.62 hr b. 2.62 hr c. 3.62 hr d. 4.62 hr
Answer: D. 4.62 1 1 1 1
+ − =
4 6 5 t
13 1
=
60 t
60
t= = 4.62 hours
13
98. A man and a boy can dig a trench in 20 days. It would take the boy 9 days long to dig it alone that it would take
the man. How long would it take the boy to dig alone?
a. 36 days b. 39 days c. 45 days d. 48 days
Answer: C. 45 days
1 1 1
+ = Equation 1
M B 20 U sin g quadratic formula or Calculator(EQN Mode, 2nd Degree),
B = M + 9 Equation 2 M = 36 days
substitute Equation 2 to Equation 1, thus, B = M + 9 = 36 + 9 = 45 days
1 1 1 1 1 1
+ = multiply both sides by (M)(M + 9)(20) to check : + =
M M + 9 20 M B 20
20(M + 9) + 20M = M(M + 9) 1 1 1
+ =
20M + 180 + 20M = M 2 + 9M 36 45 20
M 2 − 31M − 180 = 0 1 1
=
20 20
99. It takes Alfredo twice as it takes Efren to do a piece of work. Working together, they can do it in 6 days. How
long would it take Efren to do it alone?
a. 8 days b. 9 days c. 10 days d. 12 days
Answer: B. 9 days 1 1 1
+ =
A E 6
but A = 2E
thus,
1 1 1
+ = multiply both sides by 6E
2E E 6
3+6 =E
E = 9 days (it will take 9 days for Efren to do the the work alone)
100. Mike, Mel and Joey can mow the lawn in 4, 6, and 7 hours respectively. What fraction of the yard can they mow
in 1 hour if they work together?
a. 47/84 b. 45/84 c. 84/47 d. 39/60
Answer: A. 47/84 1 1 1 1 1 1 47
Fraction of the yard they can mow = + + = + + =
Mike Mel Joey 4 6 7 84
101. At what time between 3 and 4 o’clock will the hands of the clock be together?
a. 3:13 4/11 b. 3:16 5/11 c. 3:17 6/11 d. 3: 18 9/11
Answer: B. 3:16 5/11
Let x = the minute spaces traveled by the minute hand for the minute and hour hands be together starting 12.
x/12 + 15 = the minute spaces traveled by the hour hand at the same time
0 minute = desired clock position or minute space between minute hand and hour hand
Working Equation :
⎛ x ⎞
x min x - ⎜ + 15 ⎟ = 0
⎝ 12 ⎠
x
15 min x − − 15 = 0
12
12x − x
= 15
12
y=
x
min
11x = 15(12)
12
180 4
x= or 16 minutes
11 11
4
Therefore, at 3 : 16 the hands of the clock will be together.
11
Shortcut Solution: Just refer to the minute spaces traveled by the minute hand,
x = 15 + 15/11 = 16 14/11 minutes thus, the time is 3: 16 4/11

Derivation of Shortcut Solution:
Note: For every 60 minutes spaces traveled by the minute hand, there are only 5 minutes spaces
traveled by the hour hand.
Thus, 60 x
=
5 y
or x = 12y x
15
but x = 15 + y
12y = 15 + y
11y = 15 y
15
y=
11
15
Thus, x = 15 +
11
102. At what time between 2 and 3 o’clock will the hands of the clock be opposite one another?
a. 2:43 7/11 b. 2: 44 9/11 c. 2:37 4/11 d. 2: 40 5/11
Answer: A. 2:43 7/11

Let x = the minute spaces traveled by the minute hand for it to be opposite the hour hand
x/12 + 10 = the minute spaces traveled by the hour hand at the same time
30 minutes = the difference in time when hands are opposite one another
Working Equation :
10 min ⎛ x ⎞
x - ⎜ + 10 ⎟ = 30
x ⎝ 12 ⎠
y = min
12 x
x − − 10 = 30
12
12x − x
= 40
12
11x = 40(12)
x min 480 7
x= or 43 minutes
11 11
7
Therefore, at 2 : 43 the hands of the clock will be opposite with one another.
11
x = 40 + 40/11 = 43 7/11 minutes thus, the time is 2: 43 7/11
103. How many minutes after one o’clock will the hands of a clock form a right angle?
a. 21.82 b. 21.73 c. 22.82 d. 22.72
Answer: A. 21.82
x = 20 + 20/11 = 21 9/11 or 21.82 minutes

Thus, 21.82 minutes after one o’clock, the hands of the clock form a right angle.
104. Two jet planes traveling toward each other took off at the same time from two airports located 4800 km apart. If
they passed each other after 2 hours, determine the speed (kph) of the faster plane if one plane is flying at 160
kph faster than the other.
a. 1280 b. 1300 c. 1320 d. 1350
Answer: A 1280 Let A be the faster plane
A B Distance = Rate x Time

thus,
dA = R A t A
d A = (160 + R B )(2)
d A = 320 + 2R B Equation 1
dA dB
dB = R B t B
4800 km d B = R B (2) Equation 2
But d A + d B = 4800
t A = 2hrs t B = 2hrs
thus,
R A = 160 kph + R B RB
(320 + 2R B ) + (2R B ) = 4800
R B = 1120 kph
therefore, R A = 160 + 1120 = 1280 kph
105. A man driving his car at a certain speed will reach his destination 6 hours. If he increased his speed by 24 kph,
he would have reached his destination in 5 hours. Find the distance of his destination.
a. 750 km b. 720 km c. 650 km d. 600 km
Answer: B. 720 km Condition 1 :

time = 6 hours ; speed or rate = x ; distance = D1
Condition 2 :
time = 5 hours ; speed or rate = x + 24 ; distance = D 2
But the Distances in Condition 1 and 2 are equal
D1 = D 2
Dis tan ce = Rate x time
(6)( x) = ( x + 24)(5)
6x = 5x + 120
x = 120 kph
Therefore, Distance = 6x = 6(120) = 720 km
or Distance = (x + 24)(5) = (120 + 24)(5) = 720 km
PROGRESSIONS
I. Arithmetic Progression (A.P.)
A sequence is a set of numbers with a definite order of arrangement and formed according to a definite rule.
The numbers in a given sequence are called terms.
An Arithmetic Progression is a sequence of numbers in which each term, after the first is obtained by
adding fixed number to the preceding term called common difference.
The following are examples of arithmetic progressions with the computed common difference “d”.
1, 6, 11, 16,…… --------> d = 6 – 1 = 5
4, 1, -2, -5,...….. --------> d = 1 – 4 = -3
5, 12 + 4p, 19 + 8p,…. --------> d = (12 + 4p) – 5 = 7 + 4p
The following are the notations used for arithmetic progression

a = first term d = common difference S = sum of the terms
n = number of terms L = last term, or nth term
If “a” denotes the first term of an arithmetic progression and “d” for the common difference, then the “n” of the
arithmetic progression are:
a, a + d, a + 2d, a + 3d,….a +(n-1)d
From the foregoing elements the nth term, denoted by L, of an arithmetic progression is:
L = a + (n − 1)d
Sum of the Terms of Arithmetic Progression (S)
n
S = (a + L )
2
II. Geometric Progression (G.P.)
A Geometric Progression is a sequence of numbers in which each term, after the first, is obtained by
multiplying the preceding number by a constant called the common ratio. The elements of the sequence are called
terms.
The following are the notations used for geometric progression
a = first term r = common ratio S = sum of the terms
n = number of terms L = last term, or nth term
The terms of the geometric progression may be represented by

a, ar, ar2, ar3,…….. arn-1
From the foregoing elements, the nth term, denoted by L, of a geometric progression is
L = arn−1
The following sequences are geometric progression:
4, 2, 1,……… --------> r = 1/2
2, -3, 9/2,…… --------> r = -3/2
Sum of the Terms of a Geometric Progression (S) For Infinite Geometric Progression
a (1 − r n ) a
S = S =
1− r 1− r
106. Find the 30th term of the arithmetic progression (A.P.) : 10, 7, 4,…..
a. -77 b. -66 c. -44 d. -30
Answer: A. -77
Solution: Given: d = 7 – 10 = -3 ; a = 10 and n = 30
Required: L
L = a + ( n – 1)d
L = 10 + (30 – 1)(-3) = -77
107. Find the sum of the first 12 terms in the series of number 3, 6, 9, 12,…..
a. 245 b. 367 c. 234 d. 569
Answer: C. 234
Solution: Given: d = 6 – 3 = 3 ; a = 3 and n = 12
Required: S
n
S = (a + L )
2
but L = ?
L = a + (n - 1)d = 3 + (12 - 1)(3) = 36
12
thus, S = (3 + 36) = 234
2
108. Which term of the sequence 4, 7, 10, …… is 52?
a. 15th term b. 19th term c. 16th term d. 17th term
Answer: C.17th term

Solution: Given: d = 7 – 4 = 3 ; a = 4 and L = 52
Required: n
L = a + (n - 1)d
52 = 4 + (n - 1)3
52 = 4 + 3n - 3
n = 17 thus, 52 is the 17 th term
109. Find the value of k so that 8k + 4, 6k – 2, and 2k – 7 will form an arithmetic progression.
a. 1/3 b. 2 c. 1/2 d. 3
Answer: C. 1/2
Solution: Use the formula for the common difference, i.e.
(2nd term) – (1st term) = (3rd term) – (2nd term)
(6k – 2) – (8k + 4) = (2k – 7) – (6k – 2)
Simplifying we have, -2k – 6 = -4k – 5
k = 1/2
110. Find the sum of the first 10 terms in the series of number, 3, 6, 12, 24,……
a. 3069 b. 3609 c. 3960 d. 3906
Answer: A. 3069
Solution: a = 3 ; n = 10 ; r = (6 ÷ 3) or (12÷ 6) = 2
a(1 − r n ) 3(1 − 210 )

S= = = 3069
1− r 1− 2
111. Find the last term of the series 2, 4, 8, 16,….. to the 15th term.
a. 32,678 b. 32,768 c. 23,867 d. 23,786
Answer: B. 32,768
Solution: a = 2 ; n = 15 ; r = (4 ÷ 2) or (8÷ 4) = 2 thus, L = ar n−1 = 2(2)15−1 = 32,768
112. Each year, a machine loses 20% of the value it has at the beginning of the year. Find the original value of the
machine if its value at the end of sixth year is 120,000 pesos.
a. 457,764 pesos b. 572,205 pesos c. 715,256 pesos d. 366,211 pesos
Answer: A. 457,764 pesos

Solution: If 20% losses, only 80% of remains
L = ar n −1
thus, r = 80% or 0.80
120,000 = a(0.80) 7 −1
th
n =1+ 6 =7 ; L = 120,000 (6 year) a = 457,764 pesos (original value at the beginning of the year)
113. Find the sum of all positive integers divisible by 13 between 100 and 1000.
a. 37,674 b. 37,856 c. 38,038 d. 38,220
Answer: A. 37,674
Solution: To get the first term: 100 ÷ 3 =7.69 (consider the decimals) ≈ 8 Æ 8 x 13 = 104 (first term)
Thus, a = 104
To get the last term: 1000 ÷ 3 = 76.92 (do not consider the decimals) 76 Æ 76 x 13 = 988 (last term)
Thus, L = 988
Common difference, d = 13 (divisible by 13 Æ 104, 117, 130,…..988) i.e. 117-104 =13
L = a + (n - 1)d
n
988 = 104 + (n - 1)13 S = (a + L )
2
988 − 104 = 13n − 13
69
988 − 104 + 13 = 13n S = (104 + 988)
2
897 = 13n S = 37,674
n = 69 (number of terms)
114. A rubber ball is made to fall from a height of 50 feet and is observed to rebound 2/3 of the distance it falls. How
far will the ball travel before coming to rest if the ball continues to fall in this manner.
a. 200 feet b. 225 feet c. 250 feet d. 275 feet
Answer: C. 250 ft a
Solution: Use Sum of Infinite Geometric Progression, S =
1− r
where: a = 50 + 2/3 (50) = 83 1/3 ft ; r = 2/3
1
83
a 3
Thus, S = = = 250 ft
1- r 2
1−
3
115. A product has a current selling price of P325.00. If the selling price is expected to decline at the rate of 10% per
annum, what will be the selling price four years hence?
a. P 213.23 b. P 202.75 c. 302.75 d. 156.00
Answer: A. P 213.23
Solution: Given: a = P325.00 (first term, because it is the current selling price)
r = 100% – 10% = 90% or 0.90 (because the price is decreasing at the rate of 10%)
n = 5 Æ number of terms (current price, price after 1st yr., price after 2nd yr., price after 3rd
yr., and price after 4th yr.)
Required: L = ? (selling price after four years)
L = ar n−1
L = 325(0.90) 5−1
L = P 213.23
JCSF ENGINEERING REVIEW CENTER SOLUTIONS MATH0003
TH0003 pg. 30
116. If one third of the air in a tank is removed by each stroke of an air pump, what fractional part of the total air is
removed in 6 strokes?
a. 0.7122 b. 0.9122 c. 0.6122 d. 0.8122
Answer: B. 0.9122
Solution: Given: r = 1 – 1/3 = 2/3 (because only 2/3 of air remains in a tank per stroke of an air pump)
n = 1+ 6 = 7 (initial amount, amount after 1st stroke, amount after 2nd stroke, amount after
3rd stroke, amount after 4th stroke, amount after 5th stroke, and amount after 6th stroke)
Let a = a1 (initial amount of air) and L = a7 (amount of air after 7th stroke)
L = ar n−1
Thus, the fractional part removed is simply :
2 7−1 64 665
a 7 = a1 ( ) a1 - a 7 = a1 - a1 = a1 or 0.9122 of the total or original amount of air
3 729 729
64
a7 = a1
729
117. The fourth term of a geometric progression is 216 and 6th term is 1944. Find the 8th term.
a. 17,649 b. 17,496 c. 16,749 d. 17,964
Answer: B. 17,496
Solution: Given: 4th term of G.P = 216 (let it be a4) Consider : 4 th term to 8 th term (total of 5 terms)
6th term of G.P = 1944 (let it be a6)
Required: 8th term or a8 but r = 3 (still the same)
Consider : only 4 th term to 6 th term (total of 3 terms) Let L = a 8 and a = a 4
Let L = a 6 and a = a 4 Thus,
Thus, a 6 = a 4 r n−1 a 8 = a 4 r n−1
1944 = 216(r)3-1 a 8 = 216(3)5-1

r=3 a 8 = 17,496 the 8 th term
118. The geometric mean and harmonic mean of two numbers are 12 and 7 1/5 respectively. What are the
numbers?
a. 4 and 36 b. 6 and 24 c. 8 and 18 d. 9 and 16
Answer: A. 4 and 36 FORMULAS :

For Geometric Mean(G.M.) : G.M. = n x1 ⋅ x 2 ......... x n
n where : n = number of terms
For Harmonic Mean (H.M.) : H.M. =
1 1 1
+ + .......... .
x1 x 2 xn
Solution: Let x and y be two the numbers 36y + 36x = 10xy

where : n = 2 or 18y + 18x = 5xy subtitute Equation 1,
Thus, ⎛ 144 ⎞ ⎛ 144 ⎞
18⎜ ⎟ + 18x = 5 x⎜ ⎟ multiply both sides by x
12 = 2 xy ⎝ x ⎠ ⎝ x ⎠
144 2592 + 18x 2 = 720x
144 = xy or y = Equation 1
x 18x 2 − 720x + 2592 = 0
1 2
and, 7 = or x 2 − 40 x + 144 = 0
5 1 1
+ ( x − 4)( x − 36) = 0
x y
thus, x = 4 and x = 36
36 ⎛ 1 1 ⎞
⎜ + ⎟=2 and,
5 ⎜⎝ x y ⎟⎠
144 144
36 36 y= = 36 and y = =4
+ = 2 multiply both sides by 5xy 4 36
5 x 5y
Therefore : 4 and 36 or vice versa are the two numbers
119. Find the 1987th digit in the decimal equivalent to 1785/9999 starting from the decimal point.
a. 8 b. 1 c. 7 d. 5
Answer: A. 8 1785
= 178517851785.......... ..
9999
Thus, there are 4 repeating digits, i.e. 1785
1 because 1st ← 1
no. of repeating digits ←
= 0.25 for 1
4 By considering only the decimals :
2 because 2 nd ← 2
= 0.50 for 7 Notice that if the decimal is .25 the digit is "1" , for decimal .50 the digit is "7" ,
no. of repeating digits ← 4
for the decimal .75 the digt is "8" and for the decimal .00 the digit is "5".
3 because 3 rd ← 3
= 0.75 for 8 thus, it also follows :
4 because 4 th ← 4 1987
= 1.00 for 5 = 496.75 the resulting decimals is .75
no. of repeating digits ← 4 4
5 because 5 th ← 5 therefore, the 1987 th digit is "8"
= 1.25 for 1
6 because 6 th ← 6
= 1.50 for 7
M
and so on
120. Three numbers are in arithmetic progression. Their sum is 15, and the sum of their squares is 83. Find the
lowest number.
a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4
Answer: C. 3 Three numbers are in A.P.

sum = 15 and sum of their squares = 83
Required : Lowest number substitute equation 4 to 2
Solution : Let x, y and z be the numbers (10 - z) + y + z = 15
thus, x, y, z are in A.P. y = 5 Equation 5
Using the princle of common difference, substitute Equations 4 and 5 to Equation 3,
y-x= z-y
x 2 + 5 2 + (10 − x) 2 = 3
2y = z + x
x 2 + 25 + 100 − 20x + x 2 = 83
z+x
y= Equation 1 2x 2 − 20x + 42 = 0
2
x + y + z = 15 Equation 2 or x 2 − 10x + 21 = 0
x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 83 Equation 3 ( x − 3)( x − 7) = 0
substitute equation 1 to 2 Thus, x = 3 or x = 7
⎛z+x⎞ z = 10 - 3 = 7 or z = 10 - 7 = 3
x+⎜ ⎟ + z = 15 mutiply both sides by 2
⎝ 2 ⎠ Therefore;
2x + z + x + 2z = 30 The three numbers in A.P. are (3, 5, 7) or (7, 5, 3)
3x = 30 - 3z Therefore, 3 is the lowest among the three numbers
x = 10 − z Equation 4
121. The 100th term of the arithmetic progression 1.01 , 1.00 , 0.99 ………is?
a. 0.02 b. 0.01 c. 0.2 d. 0.1
Answer: A. 0.02 Given: n = 100 ; d = 1.00 – 1.01 = -0.01 ; a = 1.01

Required: L=? (100th term)
Solution: L = a + (n – 1)d = 1.01 + (100 – 1)(-0.01) = 0.02 (100th term)
122. Determine the sum of the progression if there are 7 arithmetic mean between 3 and 35.
a. 171 b. 182 c. 232 d. 216
Answer: A. 171 If there are 7 Arithmetic mean between 3 and 35

3, __ , __ , __ , __ , __ , __ , __ , 35 thus, total number of terms = 9 terms or n = 9
n
S = (a + L) where a = 3 and L = 35
2
9
S = (3 + 35) = 171
2
VARIATIONS AND PROPORTIONS
Directly Varying y ~ x ; y =k x
1 1
Inversely Varying y~ ; y =k
x x
z z
Jointly Varying y~ ; y=k
x x
* others as the case may be
where :
~ is the proportionality line
k is the constant of proportionality
123. The volume of an enclosed gas varies inversely as the pressure. If a tank contains 10,000 m3 of gas under 20
lb/in2 pressure, find the volume of gas under a pressure of 40 lb/in2.
a. 5,000 m3 b. 4,000 m3 c. 6,000 m3 d. 9,000 m3
Answer: A. 5,000 m3 1 1
V~ ; V=k
P P
thus, k = PV = P1V1 = P2 V2
Given : V1 = 10,000 m 3 ; P1 = 20 psi ; P2 = 40 psi
Solution : P1V1 = P2 V2
20(10,000) = 40(V2 )
V2 = 5,000 m 3
124. If a 3 lb-weight stretches a certain spring half an inch, how much would 8 lb-weight stretch the spring without
exceeding the elastic limit. Note: The elongation or compression of spring varies directly as the weight or load
applied.
a. 3/4 in b. 4/3 inch c. 6/5 inch d. 1/8 inc
Answer: B. 4/3 inch For Spring :

x ~F ; x = kF
where : x = elongation or compression
F = load or force acting on the spring
x x x
thus, k = = 1 = 2
F F1 F2
Given : x 1 = 1/2 in ; F1 = 3 lbs ; F2 = 8 lbs
x1 x 2
Solution : =
F1 F2
1/ 2 x 2 4
= thus, x 2 = in
3 8 3
125. The resistance of a wire to the flow of electricity varies directly as its length and inversely as the
square of its diameter. If the wire is 350 ft long and 3 mm diameter has a resistance of 1.08 ohms. Find the
length of the wire of the same material whose resistance is 0.72 ohm and wire diameter of 2 mm.
a. 100.4 ft b. 203.5 ft c. 103.7 ft d. 201.2 ft
Answer: C. 103.7 ft
Let R = resistance
L = length
D = Diameter
thus,
L L
R~ 2 ; R=k 2
D D
2
RD 2 R 1D1 R D 2
thus : k = = = 2 2
L L1 L2
Given : Solution :
L 1 = 350 ft
R 1D12 R 2D 2 2
D1 = 3 mm =
L1 L2
R 1 = 1.08 ohms
(1.08)(3) 2 (0.72)(2) 2
R 2 = 0.72 ohm =
350 L2
D 2 = 2 mm
L 2 = 103.7 ft
Required : L 2 = ?

JCSF - Algebra - Solution

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

JCSF - Algebra - Solution

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

JCSF ENGINEERING REVIEW CENTER SOLUTIONS MATH0003 pg.

MATHEMATICS prepared by: ENGR. CHRISTIAN M. PANGANIBAN

1. Which of the following is a rational number?

2. Which of the following is defined (i.e. value exists)?

3. What value of x will give 1/(x + 2) undefined?

Answer: C. -2 by substituting -2 as the value of x:

4. Simplify: -42 ÷ 8 – 2(4) ÷ 4

Answer: C. 0 -42 ÷ 8 – 2(4) ÷ 4 = (16 ÷ 8) – (8 ÷ 4) = 2 – 2 = 0

5. Simplify: │-2│– │-4│

a. 65/3 b. 45/4 c. 36/7 d. 42/3

Answer: A. 65/3 5 3 1 89 23 17 89 23x3 17x6 89 69 102 260 65

Answer: C. x–2 y– 4 z–3

15. Simplify: (2x3)(-3x4)

17. Simplify: (-5x4y5z)2

21. The product of - 4 and - 9 is equal to

Thus, − 4 − 9 = 4( −1) 9( −1) = 4i2 9i2 = 36i 4 = 6i2 = 6( −1) = −6

22. The expression: −8 −5 is also the same as:

Thus, − 8 − 5 = 8i2 5i2 = 40i 4 = i2 40 = −1 40 or − 40

24. Factor the expression: 4x2 + 19xy +12y2

Answer: B. (4x + 3y)(x + 4y)

25. The expression x3 – 8 is also equal to

26. Factor completely the expression: 2x3 – 2x2 – 24x

Answer: D. 2x(x – 4)(x + 3)

27. Factor completely: 5x4 – 5x3 – 20x2 + 20x

28. Simplify: 5x x+3 2x + 1

Therefore, D is the correct answer.

multiply both sides by (x – 3)(x – 2), we have

32. What is the sum of coefficients of the expansion of (2X – 1)20?

33. What is the sum of coefficients of the expansion of (X + Y – Z)8?

Binomial Expansion Theorem:

Required: numerical coefficient of 5th term in the expansion (x + 4y)12

Therefore, the numerical coefficient of the 5th term is 126,720

35. What is the 8th term in the expansion of (2x – 3y)9?

Required: term containing x9 in the expansion of (x3 + 1/x )11

41. Find the middle term of the expansion of (x2 – 3)8

42. Find the middle term of the expansion of 1 + xy ( ) 16

a. 12870x4y4 b. 12870x3y c. 12870x2y3 d. 12870x5y5

43. Find the remainder when 5x6 + 4x4 + 7x3 + 2x – 3 is divided by x + 1.

44. Determine the remainder if 2x3 – 3x + 1 is divided by x – 1.

46. Determine the remainder if 3x5 – 4x4 – 5x3 – 8x + 25 is divided by (x – 2).

47. If 2x2 + 7x + 8 is divided by x + 2, what is the remainder?

48. Given: (kx3 – 6x2 + 2kx – 12) divided by x – 3

50. If x2 – 5x – 6 = 0, what is the positive value of x?

51. If x2 + 36 = 9 – 2x2, determine the value of x.

52. If ( X + 8/X)2 – ( X + 8/X) – 72 = 0, then X is equal to

Shortcut Solution: Let Y = X + 8/X

Therefore, 9 = X + 8/X multiply both sides by X

53. Find the value of x if: (a + b)x = (a2 + 2ab + b2)x-3

54. Find the value of x2 + 1/x2 if : x + 1/x = 7

55. If 24x2 + 5x -1 = 0, what is the negative root value of x?

x = 1/8 and x = -1/3

56. What is the sum of the roots of 3x2 – 6x + 2 = 0

x = 0.42 and x = 1.58

57. Given: 2x2 + (k – 3 )x + 3k – 5 = 0

58. Given: 5x2 – 8x + m = 0 k=2

59. The roots of the equation 6X2 + 7X + 34 = 0 are

Answer: D. Complex and Unequal

Thus, x = -0.58 + 2.31i and x = -0.58 – 2.31i

61. Given: f(x) = x2 – 3x + 5, find f(x – 2)

Answer: A. 6 / [(x)(x –1)] 2 3 6

64. The other form of Loga N = b is

65. 10x = 3, then 103X +1 equals

66. If logx 22.91 = ln 7, find the value of x.