Algebra - Number Theory - Previous Year CAT/MBA Questions
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Let a and b be natural numbers. If a2 + ab + a = 14 and b2 + ab + b = 28, then (2a + b) equals
- A.
9
- B.
10
- C.
8
- D.
7
Answer: Option C
Explanation :
Given a and b are natural numbers.
a2 + ab + a = 14
⇒ a(a + b + 1) = 14 = 1 × 14 or 2 × 7
Case 1: a = 1 and a + b + 1 = 14
⇒ b = 12
a = 1 and b = 12 does not satisfy b2 + ba + b = 28
Case 2: a = 2 and a + b + 1 = 7
⇒ b = 4
a = 2 and b = 4 satisfies b2 + ba + b = 28
∴ 2a + b = 4 + 4 = 8
Hence, option (c).
Workspace:
Let A be the largest positive integer that divides all the numbers of the form 3k + 4k + 5k and B be the largest positive integer that divides all the numbesr of the form 4k + 3(4k) + 4k+2, where k is any positive integer. Then (A + B) equals
Answer: 82
Explanation :
Given, 3k + 4k + 5k
put k = 1, we have 3k + 4k + 5k = 3 + 4 + 5 = 12
put k = 2, we have 3k + 4k + 5k = 9 + 16 + 25 = 50
The only common factor between 12 and 50 is 2.
3k + 4k + 5k is always even for any value of k, and hence always divisible by 2.
∴ A = 2
Given, 4k + 3(4k) + 4k+2
= 4k(1 + 3 + 42)
= 4k × 20
For k ≥ 1, this number is always divisible by 4 × 20 = 80
∴ B = 80
⇒ A + B = 2 + 80 = 82.
Hence, 82.
Workspace:
For natural numbers x, t and z, if xy + yz = 19 and yz + xz = 51, then the minimum possible value of xyz is
Answer: 34
Explanation :
x, y and z are natural numbers.
⇒ xy + yz = 19
⇒ y(x + z) = 19 = 1 × 19
∴ y = 1 and x + z = 19 [x + z ≥ 2, since they are natural numbers] …(1)
Also, yz + xz = 51
⇒ z(1 + x) = 51 = 3 × 17 or 1 × 51
Case 1: z = 3 and 1 + x = 17
⇒ x = 16
But then x + z = 19
Hence, this case is accepted.
⇒ xyz = 16 × 1 × 3 = 84
Case 2: z = 17 and 1 + x = 3
⇒ x = 2
But then x + z = 19
Hence, this case is accepted.
⇒ xyz = 2 × 1 × 17 = 34
Case 3: z = 1 and 1 + x = 51
⇒ x = 50
But then x + z = 51
Hence, this case is rejected.
Case 4: z = 51 and 1 + x = 1
⇒ x = 0
But x should be a natural number.
Hence, this case is rejected.
∴ Lowest possible value of xyz = 34 [Case 2].
Hence, 34.
Workspace:
If a and b are non-negative real numbers such that a + 2b = 6, then the average of the maximum and minimum.
- A.
4
- B.
4.5
- C.
3.5
- D.
3
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
Given, a + 2b = 6.
⇒ a + b = 6 - b
∴ (a + b) will be maximum when b is least. Least value of b can be 0, since b cannot be negative.
⇒ (a + b)max = 6
∴ (a + b) will be minimum when b is highest. Highest value of b can be 3, since a cannot be negative.
⇒ (a + b)min = 3
⇒ Average of highest and lowest values of (a + b) = = 4.5
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
For some natural number n, assume that (15,000)! is divisible by (n!)!. The largest possible value of n is:
- A.
6
- B.
5
- C.
7
- D.
4
Answer: Option C
Explanation :
For (15,000)! to be completely divisible by (n!)!, n! ≤ 15,000
Now we know,
6! = 720
7! = 5,040
8! = 40,320
∵ n ≤ 15,000, highest value n can take is 7
Hence, option (c).
Workspace:
A school has less than 5000 students and if the students are divided equally into teams of either 9 or 10 or 12 or 25 each, exactly 4 are always left out. However, if they are divided into teams of 11 each, no one is left out. The maximum number of teams of 12 each that can be formed out of the students in the school is
Answer: 150
Explanation :
The number of students will be of the form = LCM(9, 10, 12, 25) × k + 4 = 900k + 4
The number of students is less than 500 and also completely divisible by 11. This is possible when k = 2 and hence the number the students = 1804.
Maximum number of groups of 12 students that can be formed = Quotient of [1804 / 12] = 150
Hence, 150.
Workspace:
For a 4-digit number, the sum of its digits in the thousands, hundreds and tens places is 14, the sum of its digits in the hundreds, tens and units places is 15, and the tens place digit is 4 more than the units place digit. Then the highest possible 4-digit number satisfying the above conditions is
Answer: 4195
Explanation :
Let the thousands, hundreds, tens and units digits be a, b, c and d.
Given, sum of its digits in the thousands, hundreds and tens places is 14
a + b + c = 14 …(1)
The sum of its digits in the hundreds, tens and units places is 15
b + c + d = 15 …(2)
(2) – (1) ⇒ a = d – 1 …(3)
The tens place digit is 4 more than the units place digit ⇒ c = d + 4 …(4)
For the number to be highest possible d should also be highest possible.
Highest possible of d is 5 (from (4)).
∴ highest possible value of c = 9 and that of a = 4
From (1), b = 14 – a – c = 1
∴ The highest such number is 4195
Hence, 4195.
Workspace:
Consider the pair of equations: x2 – xy – x = 22 and y2 – xy + y = 34. If x > y, then x – y equal.
- A.
8
- B.
7
- C.
6
- D.
4
Answer: Option A
Explanation :
Given x2 – xy – x = 22 and y2 – xy + y = 34.
Adding both the equations
⇒ x2 + y2 – 2xy - (x – y) = 56
⇒ (x - y)2 – (x - y) = 56
⇒ (x - y)(x - y - 1) = 56
Let (x – y) = a [a > 0 since x > y]
⇒ a(a - 1) = 56
⇒ a2 – a – 56 = 0
⇒ (a – 8)(a + 7) = 0
⇒ a = 8 or -7 (rejected)
∴ a = x - y = 8
Hence, option (a).
Workspace:
Three positive integers x, y and z are in arithmetic progression. If y − x > 2 and xyz = 5(x + y + z), then z − x equals
- A.
12
- B.
8
- C.
14
- D.
10
Answer: Option C
Explanation :
Let the three integers x, y and z be (a - d), a, (a + d) respectively.
[(a – d), a and (a + d) are all positive integers]
Since y – x > 2, hence d > 2.
Given, xyz = 5(x + y + z)
⇒ (a – d) × a × (a + d) = 5 × 3a
⇒ (a – d)(a + d) = 15
Here (a – d) and (a + d) are positive integers
∴ We need to write 15 as product of 2 positive integers. This can be done in two ways, 1 × 15 or 3 × 5
Hence, (a, d) is either (8, 7) or (4, 1).
Since d > 0 hence, (4, 1) is rejected.
∴ (a, d) = (8, 7)
∴ z – x = (a + d) – (a - d) = 2d = 14
Hence, option (c).
Workspace:
The cost of fencing a rectangular plot is ₹ 200 per ft along one side, and ₹ 100 per ft along the three other sides. If the area of the rectangular plot is 60000 sq. ft, then the lowest possible cost of fencing all four sides, in INR, is
- A.
160000
- B.
120000
- C.
100000
- D.
90000
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
Let the two sides of the rectangle be ‘l’ and ‘b’ ft.
⇒ l × b = 60,000
Cost of fencing = 200 × l + 100 × (l + 2b) = 100 (3l + 2b)
To minimize cost we need to minimize 3l + 2b
Now, we know AP ≥ GP
⇒ ≥
⇒ 3l + 2b ≥ 2 × √
⇒ 3l + 2b ≥ 1200
∴ Minimum cost of fencing = 100 × 1200 = 1,20,000.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
How many 3-digit numbers are there, for which the product of their digits is more than 2 but less than 7?
Answer: 21
Explanation :
Let the digits of the 3-digit number be p, q, & r.
∴ 2 < p × q × r < 7
⇒ p × q × r can take the values 3, 4, 5, or 6.
Let's start with prime numbers 3 & 5.
Since they are prime, they can't be split, and hence if one of p, q or r is 3, the remaining two should be 1.
So, the possible combinations are
If p × q × r = 3
The number can be {113, 131, 311}
If p × q × r = 5
The number can be {115, 151, 511}
If p × q × r = 4
4 can be written as 1 × 2 × 2 or 1 × 1 × 4.
Therefore, the possible combinations of p, q, r are {122, 212, 221, 114, 141, 411}
If p × q × r = 6
6 can be written as 1 × 3 × 2 or 1 × 1 × 6.
Therefore, the possible combinations of p, q, r are {123, 132, 213, 231, 312, 321, 116, 161, 611}
Therefore, the total number of possibilities are 3 + 3 + 6 + 9 = 21.
Hence, 21.
Workspace:
If a, b and c are positive integers such that ab = 432, bc = 96 and c < 9, then the smallest possible value of a + b + c is
- A.
49
- B.
56
- C.
46
- D.
59
Answer: Option C
Explanation :
Given ab = 432, bc = 96 and c < 9.
To get the minimum value for a + b + c, the two bigger numbers should be as close as possible.
So possible values are
a = 36, b = 12, c = 8 ⇒ Sum = 58
a = 27, b = 16, c = 6 ⇒ Sum = 49
a = 18, b = 24, c = 4 ⇒ Sum = 46
Least possible value = 46
Hence, option (c).
Workspace:
For real x, the maximum possible value of is
- A.
1/2
- B.
1
- C.
1/√2
- D.
1/√3
Answer: Option A
Explanation :
= =
We know x2 is positive and sum of a positive number and its reciprocal is always ≥ 2, i.e.,
≥ 2.
⇒ will be maximum when 1 is minimum i.e., 2.
∴ Maximum value of
Hence, option (a).
Workspace:
If x and y are non-negative integers such that x + 9 = z, y + 1 = z and x + y < z + 5, then the maximum possible value of 2x + y equals
Answer: 23
Explanation :
Given,
x = z – 9 and
y = z – 1
Also, x + y < z + 5
⇒ (z – 9) + (z – 1) < z + 5
⇒ z < 15
∴ Highest integral value of z is 14.
Now, we have to calculate maximum value of 2x + y
= 2(z - 9) + (z - 1)
= 3z – 19
= 3 × 14 – 19 = 23
Hence, 23.
Workspace:
If x and y are positive real numbers satisfying x + y = 102, then the minimum possible value of 2601 is
Answer: 2704
Explanation :
Let’s try to calculate the minimum possible value of
⇒ = = + 1
Minimum value of this expression will be when xy is maximum.
Now, when sum of two number is constant their product is maximum when both the number are equal to each other.
∴ x = y = 51
∴ Least possible value of 2601 = 2601 × = 2704
Hence, 2704.
Workspace:
The number of pairs of integer (x, y) satisfying x ≥ y ≥ - 20 and 2x + 5y = 99 is
Answer: 17
Explanation :
Given, 2x + 5y = 99
⇒ x = (99 - 5y)/2
For x to be an integer, y has to be odd.
Possible value of x and y
x y
97 -19
92 -17
…
17 13
∴ Total 17 possible values.
Hence, 17.
Workspace:
Let m and n be natural numbers such that n is even and 0.2 < < 0..5. Then m – 2n equals
- A.
4
- B.
3
- C.
2
- D.
1
Answer: Option D
Explanation :
We know, 0.2 < m/20 <0.5 ⇒ 4 < m < 10
Values m can take = {5, 6, 7, 8, 9}
We know, 0.2 < n/11 <0.5 ⇒ 2.2 < n < 5.5
Values n can take = {3, 4, 5}
Since n is even, the only possible value of n is 4.
Also, 0.2 < < 0.5 ⇒ m/5 < n < m/2
Since n = 4 ⇒ 20 > m > 8
The only possible value of m is 9.
∴ m – 2n = 9 – 2 × 4 = 1.
Hence, option (d).
Workspace:
Let N, x and y be positive integers such that N = x + y, 2 < x < 10 and 14 < y < 23. If N > 25, then how many distinct values are possible for N?
Answer: 6
Explanation :
Given, 2 < x < 10
x can take any of the values from {3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}
Also, 14 < y < 23
y can take any of the values from {15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22}
The highest value N (i.e., x + y) can take = 9 + 22 = 31 (when x = 9; y = 22)
The lowest value N (i.e., x + y) can take = 3 + 15 = 18 (when x = 3; y = 15)
But, N = x + y > 25. Hence the different values of x + y are {31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26}.
Hence, x + y, and thereby N can take 6 distinct values.
Hence, 6.
Workspace:
How many of the integers 1, 2, … , 120, are divisible by none of 2, 5 and 7?
- A.
42
- B.
41
- C.
40
- D.
43
Answer: Option B
Explanation :
There are total 120 numbers given.
Integers not divisible by 2, 5 and 7 = 120 – (numbers that are divisible by at least one of 2, 5 and 7)
We know, n(A ∪ B ∪ C) = n(A) + n(B) + n(C) - n(A ∩ B) - n(B ∩ C) - n(C ∩ A) + n(A ∩ B ∩ C).
n(x) = number of multiples of x.
∴ n(2 ∪ 5 ∪ 7) = n(2) + n(5) + n(7) - n(2 ∩ 5) - n(5 ∩ 7) - n(7 ∩ 2) + n(2 ∩ 5 ∩ 7)
⇒ n(2 ∪ 5 ∪ 7) = n(2) + n(5) + n(7) - n(10) - n(35) - n(14) + n(70)
⇒ n(2 ∪ 5 ∪ 7) = 60 + 24 + 17 - 12 - 3 - 8 + 1 = 79.
Now, Integers not divisible by 2, 5 and 7 = 120 – (numbers that are divisible by at least one of 2, 5 and 7)
= 120 – 79 = 41
∴ Out of 120 numbers given, 41 numbers are not divisible by any of 2, 5 and 7.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
The product of two positive numbers is 616. If the ratio of the difference of their cubes to the cube of their difference is 157 : 3, then the sum of the two numbers is
- A.
58
- B.
85
- C.
50
- D.
95
Answer: Option C
Explanation :
Let the two numbers be x and y.
So, xy = 616 and (x3 − y3)/(x − y)3 = 157/3.
3(x3 − y3) = 157(x − y)3
∴ 3(x3 − y3) =157 [x3 − y3 − 3xy(x − y)]
∴ 154(x3 − y3) = 3 × 157 × xy(x − y)
∴ 154(x3 − y3) = 3 × 157 × 616 × (x − y) [Using xy = 616]
∴ (x − y)(x2 + y2 + xy) = 1884(x − y)
∴ (x2 + y2 + xy) = 1884 (If x ≠ y)
Adding xy both sides, we get;
(x2+ y2 + 2xy) = 1884 + xy = 1884 + 616 = 2500.
∴ x + y = 50.
Hence option 3.
Workspace:
Let a, b, x, y be real numbers such that a2 + b2 = 25 , x2 + y2 = 169 and ax + by = 65. If k = ay - bx, then
- A.
k = 0
- B.
k > 513
- C.
k = 513
- D.
0 < k ≤ 513
Answer: Option A
Explanation :
Given: a2 + b2 = 25 and x2 + y2 = 169
We know 52 = 25 and 132 = 169
Multiply both equations to get (a2 + b2) (x2 + y2) = 25 × 169
(a2 + b2) × (x2 + y2) = 4225
We know, 6225 = 652
We also know that ax + by = 65
So, numerically (Not algebraically),
(a2 + b2) × (x2 + y2) = (ax + by)2
Expanding the equation,
⇒ (ax)2 + (ay)2 + (bx)2 + (by)2 = (ax)2 + (by)2 + 2axby
⇒ (ay)2 + (bx)2 = 2axby
⇒ (ay)2 + (bx)2 - 2axby = 0
This is of the form, (p - q)2
(ay - bx)2 = 0
⇒ ay - bx = 0 = k
Hence, option (1).
Workspace:
How many factors of 24 × 35 × 104 are perfect squares which are greater than 1?
Answer: 44
Explanation :
N = 24 × 35 × 104 = 24 × 35 × 24 × 54 = 28 × 35 × 54
Now, for any number to be a perfect square, it must have even powers.
So, if we consider 28, only powers of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 can lead to perfect squares i.e. 5 ways
Now,
If we consider 35, only powers of 0, 2, 4 can lead to perfect squares i.e. 3 ways
If we consider 54, only powers of 0, 2, 4 can lead to perfect squares i.e. 3 ways
So, total number of possibilities = 5 × 3 × 3 ways = 45 ways.
Since we need to find the number of factors greater than 1,
Required number of ways = 45 -1 = 44 ways
Hence, 44.
Workspace:
What is the largest positive integer such that is also positive integer?
- A.
6
- B.
8
- C.
16
- D.
12
Answer: Option D
Explanation :
Given :
= =
Now, n cannot be equal to -3, since denominator cannot be 0
⇒ = = =
For to be an integer, 8/(n-4) should also be an integer.
Largest value of n – 4 = 8
∴ largest possible value of n = 12.
Hence, option (4).
Workspace:
How many pairs (m,n) of positive integers satisfy the equation m2 + 105 = n2?
Answer: 4
Explanation :
We know that m2 + 105 = n2
105 = n2 - m2
105 = (n + m) × (n - m)
105 can be written as 3 × 5 × 7, which can be written as product of two numbers in 4 ways i.e. (105 × 1), (35 × 3), (21 × 5), (15 × 7)
Solving each of these 4 cases will give corresponding values of m and n.
Hence, 4.
Workspace:
The number of integers x such that 0.25 < 2x < 200, and 2x + 2 is perfectly divisible by either 3 or 4, is
Answer: 5
Explanation :
For x = (−2), 2x = 0.25 and x = 7 is the largest value that x can take for 2x ≤ 200
For x = (−2) and (−1), (2x + 2) is not an integer.
For x = 0, (2x + 2) = 3 i.e., divisible by 3.
For x = 1, (2x + 2) = 4 i.e., divisible by 4.
For x = 2, (2x + 2) = 6 i.e., divisible by 3.
For x = 3, (2x + 2) = 10 i.e., neither divisible by 3 nor by 4.
For x = 4, (2x + 2) = 18 i.e., divisible by 3.
For x = 5, (2x + 2) = 34 i.e., neither divisible by 3 nor by 4.
For x = 6, (2x + 2) = 66 i.e., divisible by 3.
For x = 7, (2x + 2) = 130 i.e., neither divisible by 3 nor by 4.
Thus, for x = 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6, 2x + 2 is perfectly divisible by either 3 or 4.
Hence, 5.
Workspace:
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