ALGEBRA 1

TOPIC 1: SIMPLIFYING EXPRESSIONS

5 x  2  15 ( 5 x 1 )
Problem 1: Simplify the expression e2x. .
10 ( 5 x 1 )
A. 2/5 C. 11/25
B. 5x D. 5x

Solution:

5 x  2  15 ( 5 x 1 ) 5 x  52  15 ( 5 x  51)
=
x 1
10 ( 5 ) 10 ( 5 x  5 )

=

5x 25  15
5

5x  50 

22
=
50
11
=
25

Another Solution: Assume a value for x: say x = 2

5 x  2  15 ( 5 x 1 ) 5 2  2  15 ( 5 2 1 )
Substitute to the given: = = 11/25
x 1
10 ( 5 ) 10 ( 5 2 1 )

18
Problem 2: Which of the following is identical to when the denominator is
b b2  9
rationalized?
 
2 b  b2 9
   
A. 2  b  b 9  2
C.
  b

B. 2b D. b2 9

Solution:

18 18 b b2 9
= 
b b2  9 b b2  9 b  b2 9

 
18  b  b 2  9 
=  
b 2  (b 2  9)
  
18  b  b2 9 
=  
9

 
= 2 b  b2 9 
 

Another Solution: Assume a value for b: say b = 4

18 18
Substitute to the given: = = 13.29
b b 9
2
4 42  9

Substitute to the choices:

   
A. 2  b  b 2  9  = 2 4  4 2  9  = 13.29
   

B. 2b = 2( 4 ) = 8 X

   
2 b  b2 9 2 4  4 2  9 
C.  =   = 0.68 X
b 4

D. b2 9 = 4 2  9 = 2.65 X

Problem 3: Combine log3 4 + 6log3 x – log3 y into a single logarithm.

4y 24x
A. log 3 C. log 3
6x 3 y
4x 6
B. log 3 D. log 3 4 x 6 y
y

Solution:
log3 4 + 6log3 x – log3 y = log3 4 + log3 x6 – log3 y

4x 6
= log 3
y

TOPIC 2: SOLVING EQUATIONS

4 3
Problem 1: Solve for x: 8 2 8x = 2.
A. 3 C. 4
B. 2 D. 5
Solution:
4 3
8 2 8x = 2 ( raise both sides to power 4 )

3
8 2 8x  16 ( divide by 8 )

3
2 8x  2 ( cube both sides )

2 8 x  8 ( divide by 2 )

8 x  4 ( square both sides )

8x = 16 ( divide by 8 )
x=2

Another Solution: Pick a value from the choices and countercheck.

4 3
Check: A. 3 ---- ----- 8 2 8x = 2

83  = 2
4 3
8 2
2.034  2 X

4 3
Check: A. 2 ---- ----- 8 2 8x = 2

82  = 2
4 3
8 2
2 = 2 ( check! )

Problem 2: Solve for x from the equation ln( x + 6 ) – ln10 = ln( x – 1 ) – ln2.
A. 2/5 C. 11/4
B. 3/8 D. 5/2

Solution:
ln( x + 6 ) – ln10 = ln( x – 1 ) – ln2
ln( x + 6 ) – ln( x – 1 ) = ln10 – ln2
x6 10
ln = ln
x 1 2
x6
5
x 1
x + 6 = 5( x – 1 )
x + 6 = 5x – 5
4x = 11
x = 11/4
Problem 3: Solve for x if 8x = 2y+2 and 163x – y = 4y.
A. 2 C. 4
B. 3 D. 5

Solution:

8x = 2y + 2 163x – y = 4y
( 23 )x = 2y + 2 ( 42 )3x – y = 4y
3x
2 =2 y+2
46x – 2y = 4y
3x = y + 2 6x – 2y = y
y = 3x – 2------- ( 1 ) 6x = 3y
y = 2x ---------- ( 2 )

Substitute ( 1 ) to ( 2 ): 3x – 2 = 2x
x=2

Problem 4: If xyz = 12 and y2z = 8 find the quotient x/y.

A. 1.2 C. 4.8
B. 3.2 D. 1.5

Solution:
xyz = 12 --------- ( 1 ) conjugate pairs:
y2z = 8 -----------( 2 ) ( a + b )( a – b ) = a2 – b2

xyz 12
Divide ( 1 ) by ( 2 ):  CHECK!
y2z 8

x/y = 1.5

TOPIC 3: QUADRATIC EQUATION lnA = logeA

The Quadratic Equation where: e = 2.71828…

General Form: Ax2 + Bx + C = 0.

 Characteristics of the Roots:

In the Quadratic Formula,

 B  B 2  4AC  B  B2  4AC
x1  and x 2 
2A 2A
the number represented by B2 – 4AC is called the discriminant of the quadratic equation.

B
1. If B2 – 4AC = 0, then the roots are rational and equal =  .
2A
2. If B2 – 4AC is a perfect square not equal to zero, the roots are rational and
unequal.

3. If B2 – 4AC > 0 but not a perfect square, the roots are irrational and unequal.
4. If B2 – 4AC < 0, the roots are conjugate complex numbers. ( a + bi )( a – bi )

 Sum of the Roots:  Product of the Roots

S = x1 + x2 P = x1∙ x2
B C
S . P=
A A

Problem 1: Given the quadratic equation 2x2 – 3x – 5 = 0. Tell the type of the roots, and
compute the sum and product of the roots.

A. rational and unequal, S = 3/2, P = – 5/2 C. rational and equal, S = 5/2, P = – 3/2
B. complex, S = 3/2, P = - 5/2 D. irrational and unequal, S = 2/3, P = 2/5

Solution:
2x2 – 3x – 5 = 0 ------- A = 2, B = – 3, and C = – 5

1. B2 – 4AC = ( - 3 )2 – 4( 2 )( - 5 )
= 49 > 0 and a perfect square

Therefore the roots are rational and unequal.

B C
2. S =  3. P =
A A
3 5
S=  P=
2 2
3 5
S= P= 
2 2

Checking: 2x2 – 3x – 5 = 0
( 2x – 5 ) ( x + 1 ) = 0
2x – 5 = 0 and x+1=0
x = 5/2 x=–1 rational and unequal

S = ( 5/2 ) + ( – 1 ) = 3/2 and P = ( 5/2 )( – 1 ) = – 5/2

Problem 2: Find the value of the constant k so that the quadratic equation
4x2 – 3kx + 8k = 5 has sum of the roots equal to 3.
A. 2 C. 4
B. 3 D. 5

Solution:
4x2 – 3kx + 8k = 5 or 4x2 – 3kx + 8k – 5 = 0 ------- A = 4, B = - 3k, and C = 8k – 5

B
S= 
A
 3k
3= 
4
k=4

Problem 3: What value of k will make the solutions of the equation kx2 – 12x + 9 = 0 equal?
A. 2 C. 4
B. 7 D. 5

Solution:
A = k, B = – 12, C=9

B2 – 4AC = ( – 12 )2 – 4( k )( 9 )
0 = 144 – 36k
k=4

Checking: kx2 – 12x + 9 = 0 ------- 4x2 – 12x + 9 = 0

( 2x – 3 )( 2x – 3 ) = 0
x = 3/2 ( repeated twice )

TOPIC 4: REMAINDER THEOREM AND FACTOR THEOREM

Polynomial Function:
A function f is called a polynomial function if f( x ) is a polynomial of degree n, that is,

f( x ) = anxn + an – 1xn – 1 + an – 2xn – 2 + . . . + a1x + a0

where a’s are constants with an  0 and n is a nonnegative integer.

The following are examples of polynomial functions.

a) f( x ) = 5x + 2
b) f( x ) = 3x2 – x – 1
c) f( x ) = 2x3 – 5x2 + 4x + 7
d) f( x ) = 5x4 – 2x2 + 6
 The Remainder Theorem:
If f( x ) is a polynomial and r is a real number, then if f( x ) is divided by x – r, the remainder
is f( r ).

Problem 1: Find the remainder if 3x3 – 4x2 + 5x – 2 is divided by x – 3.

A. – 52 C. – 42
B. 46 D. 58

Solution:
f( x ) = 3x3 – 4x2 + 5x – 2 ------------ ( x – 3 ) -------- r = 3
f( 3 ) = 3( 3 )3 – 4( 3)2 + 5( 3 ) – 2
f( 3 ) = 58
The remainder is 58.

Problem 2: When the polynomial 2x3 – 3x2 + kx – 4 is divided by 2x + 1, the remainder is

– 8. Find the value of k.
A. – 2 C. 6
B. – 4 D. 8

Solution:
2x3 – 3x2 + kx – 4 is divided by 2x + 1 ----------- r = – 1/2
f( x ) = 2x3 – 3x2 + kx – 4
f( - 1/2 ) = 2( - 1/2 )3 – 3( - 1/2 )2 + k( -1/2 ) – 4
– 8 = 0 – 1/4 – 3/4 – ( – 1/2 )k – 4
k=6

Checking:
x 2  2x  4
2x  1 2x 3  3 x 2  6 x  4
2x 3  x 2
 4x 2  6x
 4 x 2  2x
8x  4
8x  4
8 Remainder ( check )

 The Factor Theorem:

If f( x ) is a polynomial and r is a real number, then f( x ) has x – r as a factor if f( r ) = 0.

Problem 1: Find k so that 2x2 – kx – 9 = 0 has x – k as a factor.

A.  2 C.  4
 B.  3 D.  5
Solution:
f( x ) = 2x2 – kx – 9
0 = 2( k )2 – k( k ) – 9 ; f( r ) = 0 ( no remainder )
k2 = 9
k=3

TOPIC 5: NUMBER PROBLEMS

Problem 1: Find the fraction such that if 2 is subtracted from its terms it becomes 1/4.; but
if 4 is added to its terms it becomes 1/2.
A. 7/22 C. 4/15
B. 3/11 D. 5/14

Solution:

Let: x = the numerator

y = the denominator
x
= the fraction
y

x2 1
Equation 1:  --------- y – 2 = 4x – 8
y2 4
y = 4x – 6 -------- ( 1 )
x4 1
Equation 2:  --------- y +4 = 2x + 8
y4 2
y = 2x + 4 -------- ( 2 )

Substitute ( 1 ) to ( 2 ): 4x – 6 = 2x + 4
2x = 10
x=5

Substitute to ( 1 ): y = 4( 5 ) – 6
y = 14

The fraction is 5/14.

7 72 5 1
Using the choices: A. -----   ( ok )
22 22  2 20 4
7 74 11 1
-----   ( not ok )
22 22  4 26 2
 B. not ok

C. not ok

5 52 3 1
D. -----   ( ok )
14 14  2 12 4
5 54 9 1
-----   ( ok )
14 14  4 18 2

Problem 2: A 2 – digit number has sum of its digit equal to 11. If 9 will be added to the
number, the number will be reversed in order. Find the number.
A. 74 C. 65
B. 56 D. 83

Solution:
Note:
Let: u = unit’s digit
t = ten’s digits
The number is not tu.
10t + u = the number

Equations: t + u = 11 ---------- ( 1 ) and 10t + u + 9 = 10u + t

9t – 9u = – 9
t – u = – 1 ---------( 2 )

Add ( 1 ) and ( 2 ): t + u = 11 ---------- ( 1 )

+
t – u = – 1 --------- ( 2 )
2t = 10
t=5

Substitute to ( 1 ): t + u = 11
5 + u = 11
u=6

The number is 10t + u = 10( 5 ) + 6 = 56.

Problem 3: The sum of three numbers is 51. If the first number is divided by the second,
the quotient is 2 and the remainder 5; but if the second number is divided by the third, the
quotient is 3 and the remainder 2. Find the product of the three numbers.
A. 1,462 C. 1,365
B. 1,848 D. 1,983

Solution:

Let: x = the first number

y = the second number
z = the third number
Equation 1: x + y + z = 51 ------- ( 1 )

x 5
Equation 2:  2 ------- ( multiply by y)
y y

x = 2y + 5 ---------- ( 2 )

y 2
Equation 3: 3 ------- ( multiply by z)
z z
y = 3z + 2
y2
z= ---------- ( 3 )
3

y2
Substitute ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) to ( 1 ): ( 2y + 5 ) + y + = 51
3
y = 14

Substitute to ( 2 ): x = 2( 14 ) + 5 ------------------- x = 33

14  2
Substitute to ( 3 ): z= --------------------- z = 4
3

The product of the 3 numbers is ( 33 )( 14 )( 4 ) = 1,848.

TOPIC 6: RATIO, PROPORTION AND VARIATION PROBLEMS

 Fraction, Ratio and Proportion:

a c
The proportion a:b = c:d means that  , where a and d are called extremes while b
b d
and c are called means.

 If a : x = x : b, then x is called mean proportional to a and b

 If a : b = b : x, then x is called third proportional to a and b.

 If a : b = c : x, then x is called fourth proportional to a, b and c

Problem 1: Find the fourth proportional to 15, 77 and 90.

A. 674 C. 462
B. 556 D. 386

Solution:
15, 77, 90, x
15 90

77 x
 x = 462

Problem 2: Two thirds of people in a party are lawyers, whose average I.Q. is 120. The
rest are engineers, whose I.Q. is 180. What is the average I.Q. of all persons in the room?
A. 120 C. 130
B. 140 D. 150

Solution:
Let: x = total people in the room

sum of I.Q. of lawyers

Average I.Q. of lawyers =
total lawyers
sum of I.Q. of lawyers
120 =
2
x
3
Sum of I.Q. of lawyers = 80x

sum of I.Q. of engineers

Average I.Q. of engineers =
total engineers
sum of I.Q. of engineers
180 =
1
x
3
Sum of I.Q. of engineers = 60x

sum of I.Q. of lawyers  sum of I.Q. of engineers

Average I.Q. of all persons =
total persons
80x  60x
Average I.Q. of all persons =
x
Average I.Q. of all persons = 140

Problem 3: An 18 – ft long pipe is to be cut into 3 parts in the ratio 2:3:7. Find the length
of the shortest part.
A. 2 ft C. 3.5 ft
B. 3 ft D. 4.5 ft

Solution:

Let: x = shortest part

y = second part
z = longest part

then: x:y:z = 2:3:7

 x 2 3
Equations:  --------- y = x ---------( 1 )
y 3 2
x 2 7
 --------- z = x ---------( 2 )
z 7 2

x + y + z = 20 ---------------------( 3 )

3 7
Substitute ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) to ( 3 ): x+ x + x = 18
2 2
x = 3 ft

Another Solution:

Let: x = one part of the proportion

Then: 2x = shortest part

3x = second part
7x = longest part
12x = total parts

12x = 18 -------- x = 1.5 ft

Therefore the shortest part = 2x = 3ft.

 Variation Problems:

The following principles are used to solve variation problems.

1. If z varies directly as x, then z = kx.

k
2. If z varies inversely as y, then z = .
y
3. If z varies jointly as x and y, then z = kxy

where k is called the proportionality constant.

Problem: The weight that can be safely supported by a beam with rectangular cross
section varies directly as the product of the width and square of the depth of the cross
section and inversely as the length of the beam. If a 2 in by 4 in. beam that is 8 ft. long can
safely support a weight of 500 lb, find the weight that is safely supported by a 2 inch by 8
inch beam that is 10 ft. long?
A. 1,200 lb C. 1,500 lb
B. 1,400 lb D. 1,600 lb

Solution:
k b d2
Equation: W
L
 k  2  4 2
If b = 2 in, d = 4 in, L = 8ft, W = 500 lb: 500  ------- k = 125
8

125 b d2
Equation is W
L

125  2  8 2
Find W if b = 2 in, d = 8 in, and L = 10 ft: W
10
W = 1,600 lb

TOPIC 7: MIXTURE PROBLEMS

Example 1:

10 liters of a 40% salt solution

A 10 – liters of a 40% salt solution is composed of the following:

0.40( 10 ) = 4 liters of salt

and 0.60( 10 ) = 6 liters of other ingredients

PRINCIPLE:

The summation of the amount of an ingredient in two or more solutions is equal to

the amount of that ingredient in the resulting mixture.

Example 2: Salt solutions 1 and 2 are mixed to produce a resulting mixture of 40% salt
solution.

solution 1 solution 2 resulting mixture

+ =

x galloons y galloons ( x + y ) galloons

 30% 50% 40%

Equation based on the amount of salt ingredient.

0.30x + 0.50y = 0.40( x + y )

Problem 1: A container is partially filled with 12 liters of whole milk containing 4% butterfat.
How much milk containing 1% butterfat must be added to get a mixture that is 2%
butterfat?
A. 24 liters C. 32 liters
B. 30 liters D. 26 liters

Solution:

+ =

12 liters x liters ( x + 12 ) liters

4% 1% 2%

Equation based on milk: 0.04( 12 ) + 0.01( x ) = 0.02( x + 12 )

Solving the equation: 0.48 + 0.01x = 0.02x + 0.24
x = 24 liters

Problem 2: The owner of a candy store notices that 20 pounds of gourmet cashews are
getting stale. They did not sell because of their high price of $12 per pound. The store
owner decides to mix peanuts with the cashews to lower the price per pound. If peanuts
sell for $3 per pound, how many pounds of peanuts must be mixed with the cashews to
make a mixture that could be sold for $6 per pound?
A. 20 lb C. 35 lb
B. 30 lb D. 40 lb

Solution:

Let: x = pounds of peanuts to mix with cashew

3x + 20( 12 ) = 6( x + 20 )
3x + 240 = 6x + 120
x = 40 lb

Problem 3: A radiator contains 8 quarts of a mixture of water and antifreeze. If 40% of the
mixture is antifreeze, how much of the mixture should be drained and replaced by pure
antifreeze so that the resultant mixture will contain 60% antifreeze?
A. 8/5 quarts C. 7/3 quarts
 B. 9/5 quarts D. 8/3 quarts

Solution:
Let: x = the amount drained off and replaced by antifreeze
x = the amount of alcohol to be added

– + =

8 quarts x quarts x quarts 8 quarts

40% 40% 100% 60%

Equation using antifreeze: 0.40( 8 ) – 0.40x + 1( x ) = 0.60( 8 )

Solving the equation: 3.2 – 0.40x + x = 4.8
0.60x = 1.6
x = 8/3 quarts

TOPIC 8: CLOCK PROBLEMS

PRINCIPLE:

For every “ x “ minute spaces travelled by the minute hand, correspondingly,

x
the hour hand travelled “ ” minute spaces, and
12
the second hand travelled “ 60x “ minute spaces.

x
12

x
 In the figure, the clock is set at an initial time 3:00 0’clock as indicated by the hand in
broken lines. As the minute hand moves by x minute spaces, the hour hand
x
correspondingly moves minute spaces.
12

Also if the hands of the clock are perpendicular to each other, in between them is 15 minute
spaces; and if they extend opposite each other, in between them is 30 minute spaces.

30 minute spaces

15 minute spaces

Problem 1: At what time after 8:00 P.M. when the hands of the clock are perpendicular to
each other for the first time?
A. 8: 28.28 PM C. 8:27.27 PM
B. 8:24.54 D. 8:25.45 PM

Solution:

x
x + 15 = 40 +
12
x = 27.27
x
Therefore the time is 8: 27.27 P.M.
x
12
Note:
2 quotient
3 8
6
2 remainder
This is written as 2 + 2/3.

TOPIC 9: AGE PROBLEMS

This type of problem involves the comparison of the ages between two persons. The
key point of solving age problem is to take note of the tenses of each statement. The
following words are oftentimes encountered:

was, were, ago, last, and other verbs of the past tense denote past condition
is, are, am, now, and other verbs in the present tense denote present condition
will, be, hence, in 2 years and other verbs in the future denote future condition
 A table is helpful in solving age problems. As an example, the table below shows the
past, present, and future ages of 2 persons A and B.

Past ages Present Future ages

Person
( m yrs ago ) ages ( n yrs hence )
A x–m x x+n
B y–m y y+n

To form the equation, compare ages of the two persons as given in the problem. Usually,
ages of the same time are used to form the equation.

Problem 1: Anna is 3 times as old as Mary. Three years ago, she is four times as old as
Mary. Find the sum of their ages.
A. 21 C. 18
B. 19 D. 25

Solution:

Past ages Present

Person
( 3 yrs ago ) ages
Anna 3x – 3 3x
Mary x–3 x

Past: 3x – 3 = 4( x – 3 )
3x – 3 = 4x – 12
x = 9 years old ( Mary’s age )
and 3x = 27 years old ( Anna’s age )

Sum of their ages = 9 + 27 = 36.

Problem 2: Eight years ago, the sum of the ages of Boy and Kaloy was 28. Five years
from now, Kaloy’s age will be equal to twice Boy’s age less than 36. How old is Kaloy
now?
A. 21 C. 18
B. 19 D. 25

Solution:

Past ages Present Future ages

Person
( 8 yrs ago ) ages ( 5 yrs hence )
Boy x–8 x x+5
Kaloy y–8 y y+5
 Past: ( x – 8 ) + ( y – 8 ) = 28
x + y = 44
y = 44 – x ------- ( 1 )

Future: y + 5 = 2( x + 5 ) – 36
2x – y = 31 ------------( 2 )

Substitute ( 1 ) to ( 2 ): 2x – ( 44 – x ) = 31
2x – 44 + x = 31
3x = 75
x = 25

Substitute to ( 1 ): y = 44 – 25
y = 19 years old

Problem 3: Mary is 24 years old. Mary is twice as old as Ana was when Mary was as old
as Ana is now. How old is Ana?
A. 15 C. 18
B. 16 D. 21

Solution:

Mary is twice as old as Ana was

means --- the present age of Mary = 2( past age of Ana )

Mary was as old as Ana is now.

means --- the past age of Mary = present age of Ana

Equation:
Past Present
Person
ages ages
24 – x = x – 12
Mary x 24
x = 18
Ana 12 x

Problem 4: Mary is 24 years old. Mary was twice as old as Ana was when Mary was as
old as Ana is now. How old is Ana?
A. 15 C. 18
B. 16 D. 21

Solution:
Mary was twice as old as Ana was
means - the past age of Mary = 2( past age of Ana )

Mary was as old as Ana is now.

means --- the past age of Mary = present age of Ana

Equation:

24 – x = x – x/2
x = 16
 Past Present
Person
ages ages
Mary x 24
Ana x/2 x

TOPIC 10: RATE PROBLEMS

If a body moves at a uniform rate ( r ) for a time ( t ), then its distance ( d ) traveled is
given by the formula

d = r  t . ------------- ( 1 )

From ( 1 ), we can solve for t and r respectively and obtain the two formulas,
d d
t and r .
r t

In using the formulas, the units of measurements of the rate, time, and distance must be
consistent. If not, proper conversions shall me made first before substituting to the above
formulas.

Problem 1: Two cities are connected by means of a highway. A car leaves city B at 1:00
PM and travels at a constant rate of 40mph toward city C. Thirty minutes later, another car
leaves B and travels towards C at a constant rate of 55 mph. If the lengths of the cars are
disregarded, at what time will the second car reach the first car?
A. 2:20 PM C. 2:50 PM
B. 2:30 PM D. 2:40 PM

Solution:
First car

S1 = 40t

City B second car

S2 = 55( t – 0.50 )

City B

When the second car reach the first: S1 = S2

40t = 55( t – 0.50 )
t = 11/6 hours or 1 hour and 50 minutes
 Therefore the time is 1:00 PM + 1 hour and 50 minutes = 2:50 PM.

Problem 2: A passenger ferry makes trips from a town to an island community that is 7 km
downshore from the town and 3 km. off a straight shoreline. The ferry travels along the
shoreline to some point and then proceeds directly to the island. If the ferry travels 12 kph
along the shoreline and 10 kph as it moves out to sea. Determine the routes that have a
travel time of 45 minutes.
A. 2.84 km C. 2.46 km
B. 1.58 km D. 1.91 km

Solution:

island

D
3 km

town

x 7–x

7 km

D= 3  2  7  x  2
D= 58  14x  x 2

x 58  14x  x 2
Total time = 
12 10

3 x 58  14x  x 2
=  ------- multiply by 60
4 12 10
45 = 5x + 6 58  14x  x 2

45 – 5x = 6 58  14x  x 2
2,025 – 25x + 25x = 36( 58 – 14x + x2 )
2

2,025 – 450x + 25x2 = 2,088 – 504x + 36x2

11x2 – 54x + 63 = 0
( 11x – 21 )( x – 3 ) = 0
11x – 21 = 0 and x–3=0
 x = 21/11 x = 3 km
x = 1.9 km

From the choices, x = 1.91 km.

Another variation of rate problems is when there is water flowing or wind blowing
which affect the motion of the body. In the figure below, the boat travels from A to B. The
rate of the boat in still water is r and the rate of the water current is r c. In the figure the
resultant rate in going downstream and going upstream, respectively, are obtained by
adding and subtracting r and rc.

rc
r

downstream ---- rate = r + rc upstream ----- rate = r – rc

Problem 3: A motor boat, operating at full throttle, made a trip 4 miles upstream (against a
constant current) in 15 minutes. The return trip (with the same current and at full throttle)
took 12 min. Find the speed of the current and the equivalent speed of the boat in still
water.
A. 2 mph and 18 mph C. 2 mph and 16 mph
B. 1 mph and 16 mph D. 1 mph and 18 mph

Solution:
Let: x = the rate of the boat in still water
y = the rate of the current

Going upstream: d = rate x time; where: rate = x + y

 15 
4 = ( x + y ) 
 60 
x – y = 16 --------------------------- ( 1 )

Going downstream: d = rate x time; where: rate = x – y

 12 
4 = ( x + y )  
 60 
x + y = 20 --------------------------- ( 2 )

Add ( 1 ) and ( 2 ): x – y = 16 --------------------------- ( 1 )

+
x + y = 20 --------------------------- ( 2 )
2x = 36
x = 18 mph ( rate of the boat in still water )
 Substitute to ( 1 ): 18 – y = 16
y = 2 mph ( rate of the current )

TOPIC 11: WORK PROBLEMS

1
Rate of work of a worker = , where t is the total time to finish the work.
t

Part of work done by a worker = Rate of worker x time he spent working

∑( part of work done ) = total work done ---------- ( 1 )

∑( part of work done ) = 1 ----------------------------- ( 2 )

∑( individual rates ) = combined rate ---------------- ( 3 )

Any of the equations ( 1 (, ( 2 ), and ( 3 ) above can be used to form the equation
for work problems.

Problem 1: The time required for 2 examinees to solve the same problem differs by 2
minutes. Together they can solve 32 problems in one hour. How long will it take for the
slower solver student to solve the problem?
A. 3 minutes C. 5 minutes
B. 4 minutes D. 6 minutes

Solution:

Let: x = the time in minutes for the slower to solve a problem

x – 2 = time in minutes for the faster to solve a problem

∑( part of work done ) = total work done

1 1
( 60 ) + ( 60 ) = 32
x x2
x = 5 minutes

Problem 2: One pipe can fill a tank alone in 6 hrs, another pipe can fill it alone in 8 hrs. A
drain pipe can empty the tank in 24 hrs. If the tank is empty, and all three pipes are open,
how long will it take to fill the tank?
A. 2 hours C. 4 hours
B. 3 hours D. 5 hours
Solution:

Let: x = the time for the three pipes together to fill the tank.

Equation: ∑( individual rates ) = combined rate

1 1 1 1
  
6 8 24 x

4  3 1 1

24 x

6 1

24 x
x = 4 hours

Problem 3: A tank is filled with 2 pipes. The first pipe can fill the tank in 10 hours. After
the first pipe has been opened for 3 1/3 hours, the second pipe is opened and the tank is
filled up in 4 hours more. How long would it take the second pipe alone to fill the tank?
The pipes have different diameters.
A. 12 hours C. 16 hours
B. 15 hours D. 18 hours

Solution:

Let: x = time in hrs for the 2nd pipe to fill the tank alone
Rate of the 1st = 1/10
Rate of the 2nd = 1/x

∑( part of work done ) = total work done

1
10
 
3 31  4   4   1
1
x
x = 15 hrs

Another type of work problem is one that involves the man – hour or man – days
unit of work. The equation is simply formed by

 man  hr   man  hr 
    
 work 1  work  2

Problem 4: Six men can excavate 10 m 3 of drainage open canal in 5 hours and 3 men can
backfill 8 m3 in 4 hours. How long will it take 8 men to excavate and backfill 15 m 3 in the
same project?
A. 7.12 hours C. 8.44 hours
B. 7.45 hours D. 8.86 hours
 Solution:
6 men  5 hours  8 men  x hours 
Excavation: 
10 m 3 15 m 3
x = 5.63 hours

3 men  4 hours  8 men  y hours 

Backfilling: 
8 m3 15 m 3
y = 2.81 hrs

Total hours = x + y
Total hours = 5.63 + 2.81
Total hours = 8.44 hours

Problem 5: It takes 21 hours for 12 men to resurface a stretch of road. Find how many
men it takes to resurface a similar stretch of road in 50 hrs. and 24 min., assume the work
rate remains constant.
A. 5 C. 7
B. 6 D. 8

Solution:

 man  hr   man  hr 
    
 work 1  work  2

 24 
x  50  
12  21   60 

1 1
x = 5 men

TOPIC 12: MONEY AND INVESTMENT PROBLEMS

 Money and Investment Problems

Problem 1: John saves 20% of his income. If his expenditure is increased by 35%, how
many percent must his income be increased so that he may save 10% of it?
A. 20 % C. 16 %
B. 15 % D. 18 %
Solution:
Let: x = original income
0.80x = original expenditures ( Note: he saves 20% of his income )

New expenditures = 0.80x (1.35) = 1.08x

New income = I
1.08x = I (0.9)
I = 1.2x

Therefore percentage increase in income = 20%

Problem 2: Twelve workmen employed on a building site earn between them, a total of
P2415 per week. Laborers are paid P175 per week and craftsmen are paid P220 per week.
How many craftsmen are employed?
A. 4 C. 6
B. 5 D. 7

Solution:

Let: x = no. of craftsmen

12 – x = no. of laborers

Equation: 220x + 175( 12 – x ) = 2,415

220x + 2,100 – 175x = 2,415
45x = 2,415
x=7

 Investment Problems

Investment problems involve the computation of the income from an investment.

This income is called the interest and the amount invested at a given period of time is
called the principal. The rate at which the capital is invested is the rate of interest. If P
represents the principal and r as the rate of interest, the simple interest I of P for a given
time t, is given by the formula

I = Prt.

Problem 3: Mr. Richie Cruz divides P 10,000 into two investments. One part is invested at
10% and the remaining part is invested at 30%. Find how much is invested at 10% rate if
the two investments produce the same income annually.
A. P 7,500 C. P 8,000
B. P 7,800 D. P 8,200

Solution:

Let: x = the amount invested at 10%

10,000 – x = the amount invested at 30% interest
Equation: Interest of 10% = Interest of 30%
x( 0.10 ) = ( 10,000 – x )( 0.30 )
0.10x = 3,000 – 0.30x
0.10x + 0.30x = 3,000
0.40x = 3,000
x = P 7,500 ( amount at 10% )