Algebra : Binomial Theorem

Pascal’s Triangle
1
1 1
1 2 1
1 3 3 1
1. Expand ( 2a + 3b) 3

Solution: ( 2a + 2b)3 = 1 ( 2a)3 + 3 (2a)2 (2b) + 3( 2a)( 2b)2 + ( 2b)3

= 8a3 + 24a2b + 48ab2 + 8b3

rth term of a binomial expansion = n C ( r-1) an-(r-1) br-1

16
 1 
2. Find the 6th term of the expansion of   3 .
 2a 

a.  66339
11
b.  66339
11
124 a 125 a
66339 66339
c.  d. 
123 a 11 128 a11
Exercise:
3. Find the 5th term of the expansion of ( a – 2b)20.
a. 77520a16y4 b. 77542 a16y4
c. 87520a16y4 d. 97520a16y4

1 10
4. Find the coefficient of the term involving x4 in the expansion of (3 x  ) .
x
a. -262444 c. -252440
b. -262440 d. -362440

Exercise:
1
5. Find the constant term in the expansion of ( x 2  )9
x
a. 83 b. 82
c. 84 d. 85
6. Find the term involving x6y12 in the expansion of ( 3x2 – 4y3)7.

a. 241920 b. 231920
c. 231224 d. 251234

For sum of coefficients:

Set a = 1 and b = 1
7. Find the sum of the coefficients of ( a + 2b)6.
a. 612 b. 711
c. 729 d. 741
8. Find the sum of the coefficients ( 3x + 1)4.
a. 242 b. 243
c. 244 d. 255
9. Find the sum of the coefficients of ( 2x -3)8.
a. -5660 b. -6560
c. -6780 d. -5120

The sum of exponents of ( xa + yb )n is ( a + b ) ( n + 1 ) C2

10. Find the sum of the exponents of ( x + y)6.
a. 40 b. 41
c. 42 d. 43

Exercise:
11. Find the sum of the exponents ( 3x3 + 2y4)10
a. 384 b. 385
c. 386 d. 387

12. Find the sum of the exponents of ( 4x2 + 5y7)3?

a. 54 b. 56
c. 58 d. 58

13. The 1st 4 terms of the binomial expansion of ( 3 – x )-2.

a. 1/9 + 4/27x + 1/27x2 + 4/243 x3

b. 1/9 + 2/27x + 1/127x2 + 11/243 x3
c. 1/9 + 2/27x + 1/27x2 + 4/243 x3
d. 1/9 + 5/27x + 1/27x2 + 4/243 x3

The formula for binomial expansion is:

𝑛(𝑛−1) 𝑛−2 2 𝑛(𝑛−1)(𝑛−2)
( a + b )n = 𝑎𝑛 + 𝑛𝑎𝑛−1 + 2!
𝑎 𝑏 + 3!
+ ⋯…

Substitute a = 3 and b = -x from the above equation and n = - 2

−2(−3) −2(−3)(−4)
(3)−2 + (−2)(3)−3 (−𝑥)1 + (3)−4 (−𝑥)2 + (3)−5 (−𝑥)3 +⋯
2! 3!
Ans.

Exercise: Hint middle term of ( a + b )n = n/2 + 1

14. . Find the middle term in the expansion of ( a/3 + b/2)8.
a. 31/658a4b4 b.41/658a4b4
c. 33/658a4b4 d. 35/658a4b4

15. Find the term that involves x12y3 in the expansion of ( x/2 + y/3 + z2)15.
𝟒𝟓𝟓 455
a. x12 y13 b. x12 y13
𝟏𝟏𝟎𝟓𝟗𝟐 110597
435 455
c. 110592
x12 y13 d. 110792
x12 y13

Algebra : Worded Problems ( Digit, Age, Work, Remainder Theorem )

PROBLEM SET 2 (DIGIT PROBLEMS, MIXTURE PROBLEMS, AGE PROBLEMS, WORK PROBLEMS, CLOCK
PROBLEMS,
REMAINDER THEOREM)
16. The sum of the digits of a 3 digit number is 17, the hundreds digit is twice the unit digit. If 396 is subtracted from
the number, the order of the digits will be reversed. Find the units digit.
a. 2 b. 3
c. 4 d. 5
Let x be the hundreds digit
y be the tens digit
z be the units digit
Then the number =100x + 10y + z

17. 2000 kg of steel containing 8% nickel is to be made by mixing a steel containing 14% nickel with another
containing 6% nickel. How much of the 14% nickel is needed?
a. 1000 b. 700
c. 500 d. 400

Exercise:
18. A chemist of a distillery experimented on two alcohol solutions of different strength , 35% alchol and 50%
alcohol respectively. How many cubic meters of 35% strength must he use in order to produce a mixture of 60 cubic
meters that contain 40% alcohol.
a. 40 b. 30
c. 35 d. 20
Exercise:
19.. How many liters of water must be added to 80 liters of a 40% salt solution to produce a solution that is 25% salt?
a. 48 b. 45
c. 44 d. 40
20. One number is 5 less than the other. If their sum is 135, what is the product of the numbers?
a. 4550 b.4135
c. 2140 d. 7150
Exercise:
21.. The sum of two numbers is 21 and one number is twice the other. Determine product of the numbers.
a. 100 b. 112
c. 98 d. 94

Exercise:
22 The denominator of a certain fraction is 3 more than twice the numerator. If 7 is added to both terms of the
fraction, the resulting fraction is 3/5. Find the original fraction
a. 4/13 b. 5/13
c. 6/13 d. 7/13

Exercise:

23. The sum of the digits of a 3 digit number is 14. The hundreds digit being 4 times the unit digit. If 594 is
subtracted from the number, the order of the digits will be reversed. Find the ten’s digit of the number.
a. 4 b. 6
c. 8 d. 2

24. Six years ago, Jun was 4 times as old as John. In 4 years, he would be twice as old as John. How is Jun now?
a. 12 b. 13
c. 21 d. 26
Exercise:
25. In 5 years, Jose would be twice the age of Ana. Five years ago, Jose was 4 times as old as Ana. Find the sum
of their present ages.
a. 35 b. 45
c. 40 d. 50

26 Jun can finish an accounting work in 8 hrs. Leo can finish the same work in 6 hrs. After 2 hrs of working
together, Jun left Leo for lunch and Leo finished the job. How long does it take Leo to finish the job?
a. 3 hrs b. 2.5 hrs
c. 3.5 hrs d. 4 hrs
Exercise:
27. A can do a piece of work in 10 days. After he has worked 2 days, B came to help him and together, they finish
the job in 3 days. In how many days could B alone do the work?
a. 5 days b. 6 days
c. 7 days d. 8 days
28. A and B can do a piece of work in 42 days, B and C in 31 days and A and C in 20 days. Working together,
how many days can all of them finish the work?
a. 19.23 days b. 18.87 days
c. 15.34 days d. 13.56 days

Exercise;
29. A, B and C can finish the same job is 7, 9 and 12 days respectively. All of them worked for 2 days after which
C was left to finish the job? How long did C work?
a. 5.9 days b. 6.2 days
c. 6.3 days d. 5.5 days
To solve clock problems: Let x = movement of the big hand in minutes say after h hours, hen the movement of the
small hand with reference to the 12 mark is 5h + x/12 and the time between them is x – ( 5h + x/12 ) .

30. In how many minutes after 2 PM will the hands of the clock be at extend in opposite direction for the first
time?
a. 45.6 min b. 43.6 min
c. 47.8 min d. 44.3 min

Solution: x - ( 5(2) + x/12 ) = 30 x = 43.63

31. At what time between 3 PM to 4 PM will the hands of the clock be at right angle ?
a. 3 32 8/11 PM b. 3: 33 7/11
c. 3: 32 5/11 d. 3:33 5/11
Solution: x - ( 5(3) + x/12 ) = 15
Ans. x = 32 8/11

Exercise:
32.. In how many minutes after 3 PM will the hands of the clock be together for the first time.
a. 16.45 min b. 16.36 min
c. 16.21 min d. 16.66 min
Exercise:
33. In how many minutes after 7 PM will the hands of the clock be together for the first time?
a. 38.22 min b. 38.18
c. 39.22 min d. 39.44 min

Exercise:
34.. At what time after 12 noon will the hour hand and minute hand of the clock form an angle of 1200?
 a. 21.818 min b. 22.34 min
c. 32.342 min d. 41.23 min

Variation Problems
35. Given that w varies directly as the product of x and y and inversely as the square of z and that w = 4, when x =
2, y = 6 and z = 3. Find the value of w when x = 1, y = 4 and z = 2.
PAST CE BOARD
a. 3 b. 4
c. 5 d. 6
36. If x varies directly as y and inversely as z, and when x = 14, y = 7 and z = 2, find the value of x when y = 16 and
z = 4 (PAST CE BOARD)
a. 14 b. 4
c. 16 d. 8
37. The resistance of a wire varies directly with its length and inversely with its area. If a certain piece of wire 10 m
long and 0.1 cm in diameter has a resistance of 100 ohms, what will be the resistance if it is uniformly stretched so
that its length becomes 12 m. PAST CE BOARD
a. 80 b. 90
c. 144 d. 120
38. The time required for an elevator to lift a weight varies directly with the weight and the distance trough which it is
lifted and inversely as the power of the motor. It takes 30 sec for a 10 HP motor to lift 100 lbs trough 50 ft. What size
of the motor is required to lift 800 lbs in 40 sec trough 40 ft? PAST CE BOARD
a. 42 b. 44
c. 46 d. 48

39. Solve x2 + x < 12

a. -4 < x < 3 b. – 3< x < 4
c. x < -4 or x > 3 d. x < -3 or x > 4
x 1
40. For what values of x does f(x) = represent a real number?
x3
a. – 3 < x < = 1 b. x < -3 or x >= 1
c. x < -1 or x >= 3 d. -1 < x < = 3

41. Determine the number of positive roots of the equation. past CE BOARD
P(x) = x2n- 1 where n > 0
a. 0 b. 1
c. 2 d. n
42. Solve the inequality x  4x + 3x
3 2

a. 0  x  √7 + 2 or x  - √7 + 2
b. 0  x  √7 – 2 or x  √7 + 2
c. 0  -√7-2 or x  √7 – 2
d. -2 - √ 7  x < 2 + √ 7
 3 2
43. Solve the inequality 
x 3 x 2
a. -2 < x < 3 or x  -12 b. -2 < x < -12
c. -3< x < 2 or x  -12 d. 3 < x < 12 or x  -3

44. . Solve the inequality | 3x + 1 | ≤ 4

PAST CE BOARD
a. (-∞, -5/3) U ( 1, ∞ ) b. [ -5/3, 1 ]
c. ( -5/3, 1) d. ( -4/3, 1]

20. Find the quotient and remainder when 4y3 + 18y2 + 8y – 4 is divided by
2y + 3?.
a. 2y2 + 6y – 5 rem 11 b. 2y2 - 6y – 5 rem 12
c. 2y2 + 6y + 5 rem 11 d. 2y2 + 3y – 5 rem 12
21. What is the remainder when 3x + 2x3 – 5x2 + x + 7 is divided by
4

x – 3?
a. 234 b. 262
c. 311 d. 312
22. What is the remainder when 3x + 3x3 – 5x2 - 5x + 7 is divided by x + 2i ?
4

a. 12+3i b. 34 + 12i
c. 8-25i d. 75 + 22i
23. Let f(x) = . If f(x) is divided by x + 7 , the remainder is -3805 , when divided by x + 1 the remainder is -1. What
is the value of a?
a. 2 b. 3
c. 4 d. 5
24. A polynomial has an equation x5 – 5x4 + 5x3 + 15x2 + 36x + 20. How many rational roots does it have?
a. 0 b. 1
c. 2 d. 3
25. How many real roots are there for a polynomial 7x7 + 5x5 + 3x3 + x?
a. 0 b. 1
c. 2 d. 3
26. Find the least possible number of positive real zeros of the polynomial
P(x) = 3x6 + 4x5 + 3x3 – x - 3.
a. 1 b. 2
c. 3 d. 4
27. Given P(x) = 3x + 4x + 3x – x - 3, what is the maximum possible number of real zeros in P(x)?
6 5 3

a. 3 b. 4
c. 5 d. 6
28. Find the value of k so that k – 3 is a factor of x4 – k2x2 – kx – 39 = 0
a. -7/3 b. 3
c. 5/3 d. -3
29. Find the remainder when x3 + 3x2 – 5x + 7 is divided by
x + 1 – 3i?
a. 14-31i b. 14+ 51i
c. 18-51i d. 14-51i
30. Find the quotient when x3 – x2 + 3x – 6 is divided by x + 2i.
a. x2 + ( -1 -2i)x -1 + 2i b. x2 + ( -1 +2i)x -1 + 2i
c. x + ( -1 -3i)x -1 + 2i
2 d. x2 + ( 1 -2i)x -1 + 2i

31. Find the upper bound of the roots of x4 – x3 – 2x2 – 4x – 24.

a. 1 b. 2
c. 3 d. 4
32. Find the lower bound of the roots of x4 – x3 – 2x2 – 4x – 24 = 0.
a. -1 b. -2
c. -3 d. -4
33. In an organization, there are CE, ME, and EE. The sum of all their ages is 2160. Their average is 36. The
average of CE and ME IS 39. The ME and the EE is 32 8/11 and the CE and EE is 36 2/3. If each CE had been
one year older, each ME 6 year older and each ME 6 years older, their average age will increase by 5. Find the
number of CE in the organization. PAST CE BOARD
a. 16 b. 18
c. 23 d. 30

34. Find the product of 2 numbers such that their sum multiplied by the sum of their squares is 5500 and their
difference multiplied by the difference of their squares is 352. (PAST CE BOARD )
a. 121 b. 132
c. 117 d. 361
35. An alloy of silver and gold weigh 15 oz in air and 14 oz in water. Assume that silver loses 1/10 of its weight in
water and gold loses 1/18 of its weight, how many gold is in the alloy? PAST ECE BOARD
a. 11.25 oz b. 10.35 oz
 c. 12.50 oz d. 10.25 oz
36. A certain loan association has invested P 500,000 in 3 different transactions. First investment is in real earning
9% interest annually; second investment is in loans earning 6% annually, and the 3rd investment in bonds earning 4%
annually. The total annual income in interest is P 34,000, but the annual interest in loans is 3 times that in bonds.
How much in the investment in real estate. PAST ECE BOARD
a. 150000 b. 200000
c. 180000 d. 125000

37. Find the smallest positive number among the 4 numbers such that the sum of the 1st , 3rd and 4th exceeds the
second by 8; the sum of the squares of the 1st and the 2nd exceeds the sum of the squares of the 3rd and the 4th by
36; the sum of the products of the 1st and the 2nd and 3rd and 4th is 42; the cube of the 1st equals the sum of the cubes
of the 2nd , 3rd and 4th . PAST CE BOARD
a. 1 b. 2
c. 3 d. 4
38. It is now between 9 and 10 o’clock. In 4 minutes, the hour hand will be directly opposite the position occupied by
the minute hand 3 minutes ago. What time is it? PAST ECE BOARD
a. 9:19 b. 9:20
c. 9:21 d. 9:22
39. At what time after 2 o’clock will the angle between the hands of the clock be bisected by the line connecting the
center of the clock and the 3 o’clock mark? PAST ECE BOARD
a. 2: 18.33 b. 2:18.56
c. 2:18.46 d. 2:18.23

40. The time is past 2 PM. In 10 minutes, the minute hand will be as much as the hr hand as it is now behind it.
What time is it?
a. 2:05.909 b. 2:05.809
c. 2:05.709 d. 2:05.701

41. A boy is 1/3 as old as his brother and 8 years younger than his sister. The sum of their ages is 38 years. How
old is the sister?
a. 19 b. 17
c. 18 d. 21

42. A , B and C can do a piece of work in x hrs. A can do it in 6 hrs more. B alone in 1 hr more and C alone in
twice the time. What is x?
a. 1/3 hr b. 2/3 hr
c. ¾ hr d. 2/5 hr

43. Find the number which is 7/4 times the excess of the number over 3.
a. 7 b. 6
c. 5 d. 8
44. The excess of the sum of the 4th and 5th parts over the difference of the half and the 3rd part of a number is 119.
Find the number.
a. 420 b. 530
c. 560 d. 800

45. A worth P 15 per kg is to be mixed with B that cost P 20 per kg to make a 50 kg to sell at P 18 per kg.
Determine the weigth of the P 15 per kg.

46. Given f(x) = x3 + ax2 + bx + c

If f(x) is divided by x -1 the remainder is 1
If divided by x + 2 , the remainder is -17
If divided by x – 4 , the remainder is 109.
Find c.
a. 7 b. -7
c. 8 d. -8

47. Seven carpenters and 5 masons earn a total of P 2,300 per day. At the same rate of pay, 3 carpenters and 8
masons earns P 2,040. What is the wage of the carpenter per day?
a. 200 b. 150 c. 180 d. 220

48. Find the fraction such that if 2 is subtracted from its terms it becomes ¼ but if 4 is added to its terms is
becomes ½

Let N = numerator
D = denominator
𝑁−2 1 𝑁+4 1
Then 𝐷−2
=4 𝐷+4
=2
Arrange:
4( N -2) = D -2 and 2( N+4)) = D+4
MODE 5 1
N D
4 -1 -2 + 8
2 -1 4–8
N = 5 D = 14
49. The sum of the ages of a married couple and their 4 children is 40 years over the century mark. Ten years ago
the sum of the ages of the couple , the eldest child and the second child is 5 decades and 5 years less than the sum
of all their ages now. The father’s age is 10 times the age of the youngest while the mothers age is 8 times that of
the youngest. The diference between the age of the second child and the sum of the ages of the 3 rd and the last child
is zero while the difference between the ages of the 1st child and the sum of the ages of the second and the last child
is zero. The sum of the ages of the father and mother is ?
a. 80 b. 90
c. 100 d. 110

50. In a certain family the sum of the parents ages is twice the sum of their childrens ages. Five years ago , the sum
of the parents ages was 4 times the sum of the childrens ages during that time. In 15 years, the sum of the parents
ages will be equal to the sum of their childrens ages. How many children are there in the family?
a. 4 b. 5
c. 6 d. 7

51. A man and a boy can do a piece of work in 15 days which would be done by 7 men and 9 boys in 2 days. How
long will it take for one man to do it alone?
a. 20 b. 30
c. 35 d. 40

52. A certain 2 digit number is 1 less than 5 times the sum of its digits, If 9 were added to the number, the digits will
be reversed. Find the unit digit.

53. The sum of 3 numbers is 51. If the 1st number is divided by the second, the quotient is 2 and the remainder is 5.
If the second number is divided by the 3rd , the quotient is 3 and the remainder is 2. Find the 1st number.
a. 33 b. 35
c. 37 d. 40

54. Determine how much water should be evaporated from 50 kg of 30% salt solution to produce a 60% salt
solution.
a. 24 kg b. 25 kg
c. 26 kg d. 29 kg
55. A vendor goes to market to buy fruits for resale at his store. He spends half his money for mangoes, and 1/3 of
what remains for bananas. He spends 150 for other fruits and still has 2000 left form the amount he originally had.
How much money did he have at the start?
a. 1050 b. 1100
c. 1150 d. 1200

56. A clerk submitted the following reports. The average rate of production of radios is 1.5 units for every 1.5 hrs by
1.5 workers. How many radios were produced in one month by 30 men working 200 hrs during the month?
a. 4000 b. 5000
c. 6,000 d. 3,000

57. The polynomial equation of lowest degree whose roots are -3 and 2 - √3 is ax3 + bx2 + cx + d = 0. Find b
+ c.
a. 12 b. 13
c. -12 d. -13

58. The equation whose roots are 2 less than the roots of x3 – 2x2 – 5x + 6 is
ax3 + bx2 + cx + d. Find c + d.
a. -5 b. -6
c. -7 d. -8

Given 12x3 - 8x2+ kx + 18 = 0. Find k if one root is the negative of the other.
Let a be one root, the other root is –a . Assume b is the other root.
( x + a)( x –a) ( x – b) = ( x2 – a2)( x – b) = x3 – bx2 – a2x + ba2
= 12x3 - 8x2+ kx + 18

12(x3 – bx2 – a2x + ba2) = 12x3 – 8x2 + kx + 18

then -12b = -8 -12a2 = k and 12ba2 = 18
3
b = 2/3 12( 2/3)a2 = 18 a= ± and k = -12a2 = - 27
2
Ans. -27

59. The sum of the roots of x5 + 5x4 – 5x3 – 25x2 + 4x + 20 is

a. -5 b. 5
c. -6 d. 6

60. The product of the roots of 59 is

a. -20 b. 20
c. -10 d. 10

Solution:
1. Let x = hundred digit y = ten’s digit z = unit digit
 No = 100 x + 10y + z Reversed Number = 100z + 10y + x
x + y + z = 17 (1)
x = 2z (2)
100z + 10y + x = 100 x + 10y + z - 396 (3)
Arrange:
x + y + z = 15
x - 2z = 0
-99x +99z = -396 (MODE 5 2 )
So, x = 8 y = 3 and z = 4
Ans. z = 4
2. Let x = amount of 14% nickel
y = amount of 6% nickel
Then: x + y = 2000
0.14 x + 0.06 y = 2000(0.08) = 16 (MODE 5 1 )
x = 500, y = 1500
Ans. x = 500
3. Let x = amount of 35% alcohol
y = amount of 50% alcohol
Then: x + y = 60
0.35x + 0.50 y = 0.4(60) = 24 ( MODE 5 1)
Ans.: x = 40, y = 20
4. Let X = liters of water to be added.
Then: ( X + 80)(0.25) = 80(0.4)
Ans.: X = 48
5. Let X = one number
Y = the other number
Then: X + Y = 135
X= Y–5
Arrange:
X + Y = 135
X – Y = - 5 (MODE 5 1)
X = 65, Y = 70
Ans,: Product = 65 x 70 = 4550
6. Let X = one number
Y = the other number
Then: X = 2 Y  X – 2Y = 0
X + Y = 2 (MODE 5 1)
X = 14, Y = 7
Ans.: XY = 98
7. Let X = numerator
Y = denominator
Y = 3 + 2X ► -2X + Y = 3 (1)
x 7 3
 ► 5( X +7) = 3( Y + 7) 5X – 3Y = -14 (2)
y 7 5
 Solve (1) and ( 2)
X = 5, Y = 13
Ans. 5/13

8. Let X = hundred’s digit

Y = ten’s digit
Z = unit digit
No = 100 x + 10y + z
Reversed Number = 100z + 10y + x
X + Y + Z = 14
X = 4Z ► X – 4Z = 0
100z + 10y + x = 100x + 10y + z – 594
► -99x + 99 z = - 594
The equations:
X + Y + Z = 14
X - 4Z = 0
-99X +99Z = -594 (MODE 5 2)
X=8 Y=4 Z = 2
Ans. 4

9. 6 years ago present age 4 years from now

x -6 x(Jun’s age) x+4
y -6 y(John’s age) y+ 4
So, x – 6 = 4( y – 6) ► x – 4y = -18
x + 4 = 2( y + 4) ► x – 2y = 4 (MODE 5 1)
Ans. X = 26, Y = 11
10. 5 years ago present age 5 years from now
X -5 X (Jose) X+5
Y -5 Y (Ana) Y+5
So, X + 5 = 2( Y + 5 ) ► X – 2Y = 5
X – 5 = 4( Y – 5) ► X – 4Y = -15 (MODE 5 1)
X = 25, Y = 10
Ans.: X + Y = 35
11. Let x = time Leo will finish the job after working for 2 hrs.
Then: 2/8 + 2/6 + x/ 6 = 1
Ans.: x = 2.5
12. Let X = time B can do the work alone
Then: 2/10 + 3/10 + 3/x = 1
Ans,: x = 6

13. Let X , Y and Z = A, B and C can finish the job alone resp.
Then: 42/x + 42/y= 1
31/y + 31/z =1
20/x + 20/y = 1 (MODE 5 2)
 So, 1/x = 541/26040; 1/y = 79/26040; 1/z = 761/26040
Then: 1/z = 1/x + 1/y + 1/z = 1381/26040
z = 18.855 days
14. 2/7 + 2/9 + 2/12 + x/12 = 1
x = 82/11
x + 2 = 5.90476 days
15. ENTER: MODE 3 2
Input the given coordinates MODE 3 2
X Y
0 -60 ( 2 x -30)
60 270 ( -60 + 330)
ENTER: AC
compute 180x̂ ( 180 SHIFT 1 5 4 )
Ans. 43.6363

16. Input the given coordinates MODE 3 2

X Y
0 -90 ( 3 x -30)
60 240 ( -90 + 330 )
ENTER: AC
Compute: 90 x̂ (90 SHIFT 1 5 4 ) SHIFT S↔D
Ans. 32 8/11

17. SAME COORDINATES AS 16

COMPUTE: 0 x̂ ( 0 SHIFT 1 5 4 )
Ans. 16.363636

18. ENTER: MODE 3 2

INPUT THE GIVEN COORDINATES
X Y
0 -210 ( 7 x -30)
60 120 ( -210 + 330)
ENTER: AC
ENTER: 0 x̂ ( 0 SHIFT 1 5 4 )
Ans. 38.18 min

19. ENTER: MODE 3 2

INPUT THE GIVEN COORDINATES
x y
0 0
60 330
ENTER: AC
Ans. 21.818 min
20. Using Synthetic Division
 4 18 8 - 4 |-3/2
-6 -18 15
4 12 -10 11
(4y2 + 12y – 10)/2 rem 11
or 2y2 + 6y – 5 rem 11

21. Let f(x) = 3x4 + 2x3 – 5x2 + x + 7

f(3) = 262
Note: Enter 3x4 + 2x3 – 5x2 + x + 7 CALC 3 =

22. Let f(x) = 3x4 + 3x3 – 5x2 – 5x + 7

f(-2i) = 3(-2i)3(-2i) + 3(2i)3 – 5(2i)2 -5(2i) + 7
ENTER: MODE 2
ENTER: 3x3 x + 3x3 – 5x2 – 5x + 7 CALC 2i =
Ans. 75 + 22i
23. f(x) = x 5  ax 4  3 x 3  bx  4
f(-7) = -3805 -3805 = (-7)5 + a(-7)4 – 3(-7)3 + b(-7) – 4
74a – 7b = 11977 (1)
f(-1) = -1 -1 = (-1)5 + a(-1)4 -3(-1)3 + b(-1) – 4
a–b= 1 (2)
ENTER: MODE 5 1
Ans. a = 5, b = 4

24. The possible rational roots using the rational root theorem are factors of 20 which are 1, -1, 2, -2, 4, -4, 5, -5,
10, -10, 20, -20: ENTER: MODE 7 f(x) = x5 – 5x4 + 5x3 + 15x2 + 36x + 20
ENTER: START = -20 END = 0 STEP = 1
Note: That the column for f(x) has no roots from -20 to 0.
ENTER: AC Edit START = 0 END = 20 STEP = 1
The column for f(x) has no zero.
Therefore: No rational roots. (a)

25. 7x7 + 5x5 + 3x3 + x = x(7x6 + 5x4 + 3x2 + 1 )

So one real root = 0.
For 7x6 + 5x4 + 3x2 + 1 = 0
Using Descartes Rule of Signs
7 5 3 1 (There is no shift in sign )
+ + + + (No positive real root)
f(-x) = 7(-x) + 5(-x) + 3(-x)3 + -x
7 5

= -7x7 – 5x5 – 3x3 - x

-7 -5 -3 -1 ( No shift in sign )
(No negative real roots )
The only real root is x = 0 Ans ( b)
26. Using Descartes Rule of Signs:
3 4 3 -1 - 3
 + + + - - (There is only 1 change of sign
From 3 to -1 . Answer (1)

27. F(-x) = 3x6 – 4x5 – 3x3 + x - 3

3 -4 -3 1 - 3
+ - - + - ( 3 changes in signs)
Possible number of negative real roots are 3 o r 1.
From problem 26, there is only 1 possible real root.
Therefore, the maximum possible number of real roots
1 + 3 = 4 (b)
28. Let f(x) = x4 – k2x2 – kx – 39 f(3) = 0
0 = 34 – k2(3)2 – k(3) – 39 ► 9k2 + 3k -42 = 0
ENTER: MODE 5 3
Ans. X = 2 and X = -7/3

29. Let f(x) = x3 + 3x2 - 5x + 7

f(-1 + 3i) = 14-51i
Note: ENTER: MODE 2:
ENTER: x3 + 3x2 - 5x + 7
ENTER: CALC -1 + 3i =

30. Find the quotient when x3 – x2 + 3x – 6 is divided by x + 2i.

Use synthetic division.
1 - 1 3 - 6 | -2i
-2i -4 +2i 4+ 2i
1 -2i-1 -1 + 2i -2 + 2i
Ans. x2 + ( -1 -2i)x -1 + 2i

31. Use synthetic division

1 -1 - 2 -4 - 24 |1
1 0 -2 -6
1 0 -2 - 6 -30

1 -1 -2 -4 -24 |3
3 6 12 24
1 2 4 8 0
Upper bound (Third line are all positive or zero )
Ans. 3
32. To get the lower bound
Use Synthetic Division:
 1 - 1 -2 -4 - 24 | -2
-2 6 -8 24
1 -3 4 -12 0
The signs alternate, therefore -2 is a lower bound.
33. Let x = number of CE; y = number of ME; z = number of EE
A = ave. age of CE B = ave. age of ME and C = ave. age of EE
Then :x A + y B + z C = 2160 (1)
( x A + y B + z C )/( x + y + z ) = 36 (2)
(x A + y B)( x + y ) = 39 (3)
( y B + z C )/( y + z ) = 32 8/11 (4)
( x A + z C )/( x + z ) = 36 2/3 (5)
(1x + 6y + 7z)/( x + y + z ) = 5 (6)
From 2 , x A + y B + z C = 36( x + y + z )
Substitute this to eq. 1
36( x + y + z ) = 2160
x + y + z = 60 (7)
From 6:
x + 6y + 7z = 5x + 5y + 5z
-4x + y + 2z = 0 (8)
Add eq. 3, 4 and 5.
x A + y B = 39x + 39y
y B + z C = 360/11 y + 360/11 z
xA + z C = 110/3x + 110/3z
2x A + 2y B + 2z C = 227/3x + 789/11y + 2290/33 z
2( x A + y B + z C ) = 2( 2160)
Then: 227/3x + 789/11y + 2290/33 z = 4320 (9)
Solve 7 , 8 and 9 ( MODE 5 2 )
x = 16 y = 24 z = 20

34. Let x and y be the numbers

Then : (x + y )( x2 + y2 ) = 5500 (1)
( x – y)( x2 - y2 ) = 352 (2)
From: Eq. (2) ( x – y)( x – y)( x + y ) = 352
(x – y)2( x + y ) = 352 (3)
Divide Eq. 3 by Eq. 1.
( x – y)2 / ( x2 + y2 ) = 352/5500 = 8/125
( x2 – 2xy + y2 )/( x2 + y2 ) = 8/125
125 ( x2 – 2xy + y2 ) = 8( x2 + y2 )
117x2 – 250xy + 117y2 = 0
Factor: Use MODE 5 3
Input 117 - 250 117
Answers 13/9 , 9/13
( 13x – 9y)( 9x – 13y ) = 0
x = 9y/13 or x = 13y/9
 Use Eq. 1
( 9y/13 + y)( [ 9y\13]2 + y2 ) = 5500
Use Shift CALC:
y = 13 and x = 9(y)/13 = 9
Ans. Product = 13 x 9 = 117

35. Let x = amount of silver in the alloy

y = amount of gold in the alloy
Then: x + y = 15
x/10 + y/18 = 15 -14 = 1
USE MODE 5 1
Ans. x = 3.75; y = 11.25
36. Let x = investment in real eanings.
y = investment in loans earnings
z = investment in bonds
Then: x + y + z = 500,000
0.09x + 0.06y + 0.04z = 34,000
0.06x = 3( 0.04z )  0.06x + 0y - 0.12 z = 0
USE MODE 5 2
Ans.: x = 200,000 y = 200,000 z = 100000
37. Let x , y , z and w be the numbers.
Then: x + w + z – y = 8 (1)
x + y – z – w = 36
2 2 2 2 (2)
xy + zw = 42 (3)
y +w + z =x
3 3 3 3 (4)

From (3) : -2xy - 2zw = -84 Add this to (2)

x2 - 2xy + y2 - z2 - 2zw – w2 = 36 - 84 = -48
( x – y )2 - ( z + w )2 = - 48
[ ( x – y) – ( z + w) ] [ ( x – y) + ( z + w ) ] = - 48
Divide this to eq 1.
x–y–z–w =-6 (5)
Add eq ( 1 ) and eq ( 5 )
2x – 2y = 2 or x - y = 1 (6)
Subtract eq 1 and eq 5
2w + 2z = 14 or w + z = 7 (7)

Note: ( x – y)3 = x3 - 3x2 y + 3xy2 – y3

x3 – y3 = ( x – y)3 + 3x2y – 3xy2
= ( x – y)3 + 3xy ( x – y )
Thus: x – y = 13 + 3xy
3 3

x3 – y3 = 1 + 3xy (8)
Also ( x + y)3 = x3 + 3x2y + 3xy2 + y3
x3 + y3 = ( x + y)3 - 3xy ( x + y )
 w3 + z3 = ( w + z )3 – 3wz ( w + z )
w3 + z3 = 73 – (3wz)(7)
w3 + z3 = 73 – 21wz (9)
But from (4) x – y = w + z
3 3 3 3

Then 1 + 3xy = 73 – 21wz

3xy + 21wz = 342 (10)
xy + wz = 42 (3)
USE MODE 5 1
xy = 30 wz = 12
x – y =1 w+ z= 7
x=y+ 1 w=7-z
(y)( y + 1) = 30 ( 7 – z)(z) = 12
y + y – 30 = 0
2 -z2 + 7z – 12 = 0
USE MODE 5 3 USE MODE 5 3
y = 5, - 6 z= 4, 3
x = 6, - 5 w=3, 4
38. Let X = position of minute hand after 9 PM ( in minutes)
Then 45 + X/12 = position of the hr hand.
Position occupied by the minute hand 3 min ago = X - 3
Position occupied by the hr hand in 4 min = 45 + ( X + 4)/12 + 30
So, X – 3 + 30 = 45 + ( X + 4 )/12
Ans. 20

39. Let X = position of the minute hand after 2 o’clock (in minutes )
Then: 10 + X/12 = position of the hr hand.
Angle between them after X min = X – ( 10 + X/12)
Half of this angle = ( X - 10 - X/12)/2 = X - 15
X = 18.46
40. Let X = position of the minute hand ( in min ) after 2 PM.
Then: 10 + X/12 = position of the hr hand.
In 10 min , angle between the min hand and the hr hand
= X + 10 - ( 10 + ( X + 10)/ 12 ) = X – ( X + 10)/ 12
Angle now = 10 + X/12 - X
Thus: 10 + X/12 – X = X - ( X + 10)/ 12
Ans.: X = 5.909

41.
x = age of boy
y = age of brother
z = age of sister

x = 1/3y
x=z–8
x + y + z = 38
x y z
1 -1/3 0 0
1 0 -1 -8
1 1 1 38
MODE 5 2
x=6
y = 18 Answer
z =14

42. 1/(x + 6) + 1/( x + 1) + 1/(2x) = 1/x

x = 2/3 hr

43. Let x = number

x = 7/4( x-3 )
x=7

44.. (x/4+ x/5 ) – ( x/2 – x/3) = 119

x = 420

45. Let x = weight of the 15 kg

y = weight of the 20 kg
x + y = 50
15x + 20y = 50(18)
MODE 5 1
x = 20 kg Ans. y = 30 kg

46. f(x) = x3 + ax2 + bx + c

ax2 + bx + c = f(x) – x3
MODE 5 2
a b c
1 1 1 1 - 13
(-2) (-2) 1 -17 – (-2)3
42 4 1 109 – 43
a = 2 b = 5 and c = -7

46. f(x) = x3 + ax2 + bx + c

ax2 + bx + c = f(x) – x3
MODE 5 2
a b c
1 1 1 1 - 13
(-2) (-2) 1 -17 – (-2)3
42 4 1 109 – 43
a = 2 b = 5 and c = -7
 47. Let x = wage of carpenter per day
y = wage of mason per day
7x + 5y = 2300
3x + 8y = 2040
MODE 5 1
x = 200 y = 180
x= 200 Ans

48.
Rewrite as
ax2 + bx + c = -x3 + remainder
MODE 5 2
a b c
12 1 1 -13 + 1
(-2) -2
2 1 -(-2)3 + -17
42 4 1 - 43 + 109

a = 2 b = 5 c = -7

49.
Let a = age of father
b = mother
c = 1st child
d = sec child
e = 3rd child
f = 4th child
a + b + c + d + e + f = 140 (1)
a + b + c + d – 40 = 140 – 55 → a + b+ c + d = 125 (2)
a = 10f (3)
b = 8f (4)
d – ( e + f) = 0 (5)
c – ( d + f ) = 0 (6)
Subtract 1 and 2.
e + f = 15
Then from (5) d = e + f = 15
From 1
a + b + c + d + e + f = 140 (1)
10f + 8f + d + f + d + e + f = 140
10f + 8f + 15 + f + 15 + 15 = 140
f= 5
a = 50
and b = 40
a + b = 90 Ans.

50.
Let x = sum of parents ages
y = sum of the childrend ages
z = number of children
x = 2y (1)
x – 10 = 4 ( y - 5z ) (2)
x + 30 = y + 15z (3)

Arrange:
x y z
1 -2 0 0
1 -4 20 10
1 -1 -15 -30
x = 90 y = 45 z = 5 Ans

51.
Let m = number of days a man can do the work alone
b = number of days a boy can do it alone
Then:
1/m + 1/b = 1/15
7/m + 9/n = 1/2

MODE 5 1
1/m = 1/20 m = 20 Ans.
1/n = 1/60 n = 60

52.
x = hundred digit
y = unit digit
10x + y = 5 ( x + y) -1 → 5x – 4y = -1
10x + y + 9 = 10y + x → 9x – 9y = -9
MODE 5 1
x = 3 y = 4 Ans

53.
Let x = 1st number
y = 2nd number
z = 3rd number
x + y + z = 51
x/y = 2 + 5/y → x = 2y + 5
y/z = 3 + 2/z → y = 3z + 2
MODE 5 2
x y z
1 1 1 51
1 -2 0 5
0 1 -3 2
x = 33 y = 14 z= 4
x = 33 Ans

54. Let x = amount of water to be evaporated.

( 50 - x ) 0.6 = 50(0.3)
x = 25 kg
55.
let x = his money
Then: x = 1/2x + 1/3 ( 1/2x) + 150 + 2000
x = 1050
56.
Let x = number of required radios.
1.5 (1.5) 𝑚𝑎𝑛 ℎ𝑟𝑠 30(200)
=
1.5 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑥
x = 4,000

57.
( x + 3)[ x – ( 2 - √3 ) ][ ( x + ( 2 - √3 )]
( x + 3)[ ( x – 2)2 – 3 )]
( x + 3)( x2 – 4x + 4 – 3 )
(x + 3)( x2 – 4x + 1 ) = x3 – x2 -11x + 3
-1 – 11 = -12

58.
MODE 5 4
1 -2 - 5 6
roots are -2 , 3 and 1
actual roots are -4 , 1 and -1.
( x + 4)( x + 1)( x – 1) = ( x + 4)( x2 -1 ) = x3 + 4x2 -x - 4
Answer: -1 – 4 = -5

59.
Coefficient of x5 = 1
coefficient of x4 = 5
Ans -5/1 = -5

60.
Coeff of x5 = 1
constant = 20
Ans. (-1)5 ( 1 )( 20) = -20

PROBLEM SET 3
ARITHMETIC AND GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION, DIOPHANTINE EQUATION, NUMBER SEQUENCE)

1. Find the 30th term of an A.P. 4, 7, 10 …. PAST ECE BOARD

a. 88 b. 75
c. 91 d. 95
2. Find the 100 term of the sequence 1.01, 1.00, 0.99
th

a. 0.05 b. 0.03
c. 0.04 d. 0.02
3. Find the 4th term of the progression 1/2, 0.2, 0.125 (PAST ECE BOARD )
a. 0.102 b. 1/11
c. 1/10 d. 0.099
4. The 5th term of an A.P is 123 and the 30th term is 245. What is the 12th term? PAST CE BOARD
a. 3929/25 b. 3412/25
c. 3372/25 d. 3312/25
5. The 3rd term of a harmonic progression is 15 and the 9th term is 6. Find the 11th term
a. 4 b. 5
c. 6 d. 7
6. How many terms of the sequence -9, -6, -3 … must be taken so that the sum is 66? ECE Nov 1996
a. 13 b. 11
c. 12 d. 16
7 A besiege fortress is held by 5700 men who have provisions for 66 days. If the garrison loses 20 men each day,
how many days can the provision hold out? PAST CE BOARD EXAM
a. 60 b. 76
c. 82 d. 72

8. In the Bosnia conflict, the NATO forces captured 6400 soldiers. The provisions on hand will last for 216 meals
while feeding 3 meals a day. The provisions lasted 9 more days because of daily deaths. At an average, how many
died per day?(PAST CE BOARD)
a. 15.2 b. 18.3
 c. 17.8 d. 19.4
9. What is the 11 term of the harmonic progression if the 1st and the 3rd term are 1/2 and 1/6 respectively? ECE
th

BOARD Nov 2003.

a. 1/20 b. 1/4
c. 1/12 d. 1/22
10. A company sells 80 units and makes P80 profit. It sells 110 units and makes P 140 profit. If the profit is a linear
function of the number of units sold, what is the average profit per unit if the company sells 250 units? ECE APRIL
2003
a. P 1.76 b. P 1.68
c. P 1.66 d. P 1.86
11. What are the 1st four terms of the sequence whose general term is n2 + 1? ECE April 2004
a. 1 4 9 16 b. 2 5 10 17
c. 5 10 17 26 d. 2 4 6 8
12. What are the 1st 4 terms of the sequence whose general term is
n3 – 2n2 + 1 ?
a. 0 1 10 37 b. 1 2 11 39
c. 0 1 10 33 d. 1 3 11 39
13 To build a dam, 60 men must work 72 days. If all 60 men are employed at the start but the number is decreased
by 5 men at the end of each 12 day period. How long will it take to complete the dam?
a. 108 days b. 94 days
c. 100 days d. 122 days

14. Solve for x in the following equation. ECE April 2004

x + 4x + 7x + …. 64x = 1430
a. 1 b. 2
c. 3 d. 4
15. The sum of 3 numbers in AP is 45. If 2 is added to the 1st number, 3 to the second and 7 to the 3rd, the new
numbers will be in a geometric progression. Find the common difference in AP. PAST CE BOARD
a. -5 b. 10
c. 6 d. 5
16. A merchant has 3 items on sale, namely item A for P 50, a citem B for P 30 and item C for P 1.00. At the end
of the day, he has sold a total of 100 items and has taken exactly P 1000 on the total sales. How many item A did he
sell?
a. 16 b. 18
c. 20 d. 22
17. A stack of bricks has 61 bricks in the bottom layer, 58 bricks in the second layer, 55 bricks in the 3rd layer and so
on until there are 10 bricks in the last layer. How many bricks are there together? PAST ME BOARD
a. 638 b. 640
c. 637 d. 639
18. Gravity causes a body to fall 16.1 ft in the 1st sec, 48.3 in the 2nd, 80.5 in the 3rd sec and so on. How far did the
body fall during the 10th sec? PASt ME BOARD

a. 243.1 ft b. 305.9 ft
c. 133.4 d. 412.1 ft
19. Find the sum of the sequence 25, 30, 35 ..
a. 5/2n2 + 45n/3 b. 5/2n2 + 45/2n
c. 7/2n + 45/4n
2 d. 7/2n2 + 45n/2

20. The 5th term of a geometric progression is 162 and the 10th term is 39366. What is the 3rd term? PAST CE
BOARD
a. 21 b. 18
c. 36 d. 24

21. The 4th term of a geometric progression is 189 and the 6th term is 1701. What is the 12th term?
a. 1240029 b. 1310049
c. 1521011 d. 1812221
SITUATION 16- 19
If the 3rd term of a GP is 28 and the 5th term is 112, find
22. 9th term of the sequence.
a. 1433 b. 1812
c.1792 d. 1344
23. Find the 1st term in the sequence.
a. 4 b. 5
c. 6 d. 7
24. the nth term of the sequence is 3584. n is
a. 9 b. 10
c. 11 d. 12
25. The sum of the first 10 terms.
a. 7161 b. 7321
c. 7781 d. 7323
26. The sequence x, 2x + 7, 10x – 7 forms a geometric progression. The sum of the first 10 terms of the geometric
progression.
a. 206,668 b. 210,228
c. 234,122 d. 321,134
27. Four positive integers form an arithmetic progression. If the product of the 1st and the last term is 70 and the 2nd
and the 3rd term is 88, find the 1st term.
a. 6 b. 7
c. 5 d. 8
28. What is the sum of all even integers from 10 to 500?
ECE Nov
a. 87,950 b. 124,950
c. 62,370 d. 65,955
29. What is the sum of all odd integers between 10 and 500?
ECE BOARD
a. 87,950 b. 124,950
c. 62,475 d. 65,955
30. How many terms of the progression 3, 5, 7 should there be so that their sum will be 2600? ECE April 2005
 a. 45 b. 50
c. 60 d. 48
31. The total amount collected from the contribuitions of 50 people was P 1,630. If each man contributed P 50.00 ,
each woman P 25.00 and each child P 3.00, how many women are there?
a. 20 b. 23
c. 16 d. 18
32. If you divide 136 into two parts, one of which when divided by 5 leaves a remainder 2 and the other divided by 8
leaves a remainder 3, then the product of the two parts is
a. 2223 b. 3412
c. 4561 d. 9822

Solution:
1. a30 = 4 + ( 30-1)3 = 91
CALCULATOR SOLN.
ENTER: MODE 3 2
Input:
X Y
1 4
2 7
ENTER: AC
30 ŷ = 91
2. a100 = 1.01 + (100-1)(-0.01) = 0.02
CALCULATOR SOLN.
ENTER: MODE 3 2
Input:
X Y
1 1.01
2 1.00
ENTER: AC
100 ŷ = 0.02
3. The series is a harmonic:
1/2 1/5 1/8
4th term is 1/(8 + 3) = 1/11
4. a5 = 123 a30 = 245
123 = a1 + 4d
245 = a1 + 29 d
USE MODE 5 1
 a1 = 2587/25 d = 122/25
a12 = 2587/25 + 11(122/25) = 3929/25
CAL TECHNIQUE ( MODE 3 2)
X Y
5 123
30 245
12 ŷ = 3929/25
5. 3rd term AP = 1/15
9th term AP = 1/6
ENTER: MODE 3 2
x y
3 1/15
9 1/6
Compute: 11 ŷ = 1/5 Ans. 5
6. Sn = 0.5n( 2a1+ (n-1)d)
66 = 0.5n( -18 + (n-1)(3) )
n = 11
CAL TECHNIQUE
ENTER: MODE 3 3
Input:
X Y
0 0
1 -9
2 -9-6 = -15
̂
66𝑋1 Ans. 11
7. Day 1 5700
Day 2 5680
Day 3 5660
….. …..
5700 x 66 = 0.5n( 2(5700) + (n-1)(-20) )
n = 76
CAL TECHNIQUE:
ENTER MODE 3 3
X Y
0 0
1 5700
2 5700 + 5680
ENTER: ( 57000 x 66 ) 66𝑋̂1; Ans. 76

8. Let x = number who died per day

216/3 = 72 days ( number of days the food will last
if there are no deaths)
72 + 9 = 81 days (actual number of days the food lasted)
 Amount Consumed
Day 1 6400 x 3 = 19200 meal days
Day 2 3 (6400 - x)
.…
Day 81 3 (6400 – 80x )
Sn = n/2 ( a1 + an )
6400(216) = [19200 + 3(6400-80x)] ( 81/2)
x = 17.78

9. ENTER: MODE 3 2
Input:
X Y
1 2
3 6
Then: 11 ŷ = 22 and reciprocal = 1/22
10. Y = A + BX
when X = 110 Y = 140
X = 80 Y = 80
Then: A + 110B = 140
A + 80B = 80
ENTER: MODE 5 1
A = -80 B = 2
Then Y = -80 + 2x
when X = 250 Y = 420
420/250 = 1.68
CAL TECHNIQUE: MODE 3 2
X Y
110 140
80 80
̂
250𝑦
= 1.68
250

11. ENTER: MODE 7

Input f(x) = X2+ 1 =
START = 1 END = 4 STEP = 1
Answers: 2 5 10 17
12. ENTER: MODE 7
Input: f(x) = x3 – 2x2 + 1
START = 1 END = 4 STEP = 1
Answers: 0 1 10 33

13. Man Days Consumed

1st 12 days 60 x 12 = 720
2nd 12 days 55 x 12 = 648
xth 12 days (60 – 6(x-1) ) x 12
 ……
Let x = number of 12 days to finish the job.
60 x 72 = [720 + [60 – 5(x -1)] x 12 ] ( x/2)
x = 9 Thus no of days = 9 x 12 = 108

CAL TECHNIQUE: MODE 3 3

Input:
X Y
0 0
12 720
24 720 + 660
(60 X 72) 𝑋̂1 = 108

14. x ( 1 + 4 + 7 + …. 64) = 1430

an = a1 + ( n-1) d
64 = 1 + (n-1)(3) n = 22
1 + 4 + 7 + .. 64 = ( 1 + 64)(22/2) = 715
x = 1430/715 = 2
15. Let a –d = 1st number
a = 2nd number
a + d = 3rd number
Then: a –d + a + a + d = 45
3a = 45; a = 15
15 – d + 2 = 17 – d ( 1st number in GP)
15 + 3 = 18 ( 2nd number in GP)
15 + d + 7 = 22 + d ( 3rd number in GP)
22  d 18
Then : 
18 17  d
So, (22 + d)(17-d) = 182 ; d =5
16. X = number of item A
Y = number of item B
Z = number of item C
X + Y + Z = 100 or Z = 100 – X - Y
50 X + 30 Y + Z = 1000
Substitute Z: 50X + 30Y + 100 – X – Y = 1000
49X + 29Y = 900
900  49 X
Y=
29
ENTER: MODE 7
900  49 X
Input f(x) = START = 0 END = 20 STEP = 1
29
The only exact value: when x = 16 F(x) = 4 Ans. 16 (a)

17. 61 + 58 + 55 + ….. 10 = ?
 10 = 61 + (n-1)(-3); n = 18
Sum = ( 61 + 10)/2 ( 18) = 639
18. 16.1 48.3 80.5 (AP)
ENTER: MODE 3 2
Input
X Y
1 16.1
2 48.3
ENTER: 10 ŷ Ans. 305.9
19. a1 = 25 d = 5 Sn = (n/2)( 2a1 + ( n -1) d )
= (n/2 ( 2(25) + ( n -1) 5 )
= n/2 ( 45 + 5n2)
= 5/2n2 + 45n/2
CAL TECHNIQUE
ENTER: MODE 3 3
Input:
X Y
0 0
1 25
2 25 + 30 = 55
Get A: SHIFT 1 5 1 = (A = 0 )
B: SHIFT 1 5 2 = (B = 22.5)
C: SHIFT 1 5 3 = ( C = 2.5 )
Y = A + Bn + Cn2 = 0 + 22.5n + 2.5n2
20. an = a1 rn-1  162 = a1r4
39366 =a1r9 ; r = ( 39366/162)1/5 = 3
a1 = 162/34 = 2
a3 = 2(3)2 = 18
CALCULATOR SOLUTION:
ENTER: MODE 3 6
Input
X Y
5 162
10 39366
COMPUTE 3 ŷ Ans. 18
21. CALCULATOR SOLUTION.
ENTER: MODE 3 6
Input
X Y
4 189
6 1701
Compute 12 ŷ Ans. 1240029
22. CALCULATOR SOLUTION.
ENTER: MODE 3 6
 x y
3 28
5 112
Then: 9 ŷ = 1792
23. 1 ŷ = 7
24. 3584 x̂ = 10
25. A = 3.5 ( Shift 1 5 1 )
B = 2 ( Shift 1 5 2 )
Compute  ( AB x ,1,10)  7161
26. Solve for x first.
2 x  7 10 x  7

x 2x  7 OR ( 2x +7)( 2x + 7) = x( 10x – 7) X = 7

ENTER: MODE 3 6
Input:
X Y
1 7
2 21
A = ( Shift 1 71 ) = 7/3
B = (SHIFT 1 5 2 ) = 3
COMPUTE:  (7/3 (3)X, 1, 10)
Ans. 206,668

27. Let: a = first term

a+ d = 2nd term
a + 2d = 3rd term
a + 3d = 4th term.
Then: ( a)( a + 3d ) = 70 (1)
(a + d)(a + 2d) = 88 (2)
From 1: a + 3d = 70/a 3d = 70/a – a
d = ( 70/a – a)/3 Substitute to eq. 2
[ a + ( 70/a – a)/3 ] [a + 2( 70/a – a)/3 ] = 88
USE SHIFT CALC INPUT the given choices for initial value.
a= 5
28. 500 = 10 + (n-1)(2) n = 246
sum = ( 10 + 500)/2 ( 246) = 62,370
CAL TECHNIQUE:
Compute how many even integers are between 10 to 500

MODE 3 2
X Y
1 10
2 12
500𝑋̂ = 246 (Number of even terms)
 ENTER: MODE 3 3
X Y
0 0
1 10
2 10 + 12
246𝑦̂ = 62,370
29. First odd integer = 11
Last odd integer = 499
499 = 11 + (n-1)(2) n = 245
Sum = (11 + 499)/2 ( 245 ) = 62,475
CAL TECHNIQUE:
ENTER: MODE 3 2
X Y
1 11
2 13
499𝑥̂ = 245
ENTER: MODE 3 3
X Y
0 0
1 11
2 11+13
245𝑦̂= 62,475

30. Sn = 0.5n ( 2a1 + (n-1)d )

2600 = 0.5n( 6 + (n-1)2 ); n = 50
CAL TECHNIQUE:
MODE 3 3
X Y
0 0
1 3
2 3+5
2600𝑋̂1 = 50
31. Let x = amount contributed by each man
y = amount contributed by each woman
z = amount contributed by each child
Then x + y + z = 50
50x + 25y + 3z = 1630
z = 50 – x - y
50x + 25y + 3( 50 – x – y ) = 1630
47x + 22y = 1480
y = (1480 – 47x)/22
USE MODE 7
Enter f(X) = (1480 – 47x)/22
START = 1 END = 30 STEP = 1
 Exact Values for x
X F(x)
2 63 Impossible
24 16 Possible
Thus x = 24 and y = 16 (Ans) c

32. Let x be the first part and y be the second part.

(1) x/5 = a+ 2/5 and (2) y/8 = b + 3/8
Then: x = 5a + 2 and y = 8b + 3
x + y = 136
5a + 2 + 8b + 3 = 136
5a + 8b = 131
b = ( 131 – 5a)/8
USE MODE 7: Input f(x) = ( 131 – 5x)/8
START? 1 END? 30 STEP? 1
Exact Values
a b
7 12 x = 5a + 2 = 37
y = 8(b) + 3 = 99
15 7 x = 5a + 2 = 77
y = 8b + 3 = 59
23 2 x = 5a + 2 = 117
y = 8b + 3 = 19
Ans. 117 x 19 = 2223

PROBLEM SET 3 PART 2

ARITHMETIC AND GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION, RATE PROBLEMS, QUADRATIC EQUATION, THEORY OF
EQUATIONS

31’. The 1st term of the GP is 27 and the 4th term is -1. Find the 3rd term.
a. 3 b. 2
c. -3 d. -2

32’. The sum of the 1st 10 terms of a GP 2, 4, 8, 16….(ECE April 1998)

a. 1024 b. 2046
c. 3024 d. 4024

33. Find the sum 1 , -1/5, 1/25 …..

a. 2/3 b. 5/6
c. 1 d. 7/6

34. The numbers 28, x + 2, 112 form a geometric progression. What is the 10th term? CE May 1995
a. 14536 b. 13463
c. 14336 d. 16344
35. Determine the sum of the infinite series 1/3 + 1/9 + 1/27 + ……..
a. 4/5 b. 3/4
c. 2/3 d. 1/2
36. Find the sum of the infinite series 1 - 1/4 + 1/6 +… ( CE May 1998 )
a. 4/5 b. 5/6
c. 6/7 d. 7/8
37. If 1/3 of the air in the 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

SITUATION (Problems 38,39,40) PAST CEBOARD

The following data of road accident vs drivers age form a quadratic function.
Age Accident per year
20 250
40 150
60 200
38. Find the coefficient of x2
a. 0.1875 b. 0.2125
c. 0.1575 d. 0.1765
39. Find the coefficient of x.
a. -14.75 b. -17.75
c. -15.25 d. -16.25
40. Find the number of accidents per year for an age of 30.
a. 154.75 b. 189.65
c. 254.25 d. 181.25
41. In a benefit show, a number of wealthy men agreed that the 1st one to arrive would pay 10 centavos to enter and
each succeeding arrival will pay twice as much as the preceding man. The total amount collected is P 104, 857.50.
How many wealthy men paid?
a. 18 b. 19
c. 20 d. 21
42. What is the equation whose roots are the reciprocal of 2x2- 3x- 5 = 0 PAST ECE BOARD
a. 5x2 + 3x – 2 = 0 b. 5x2 - 3x – 2 = 0
c. 5x2 + 3x – 5 = 0 d. 5x2 - 3x – 2 = 0
43. Two engineering students are solving a problem leading to a quadratic equation. One student made a mistake in
the coefficient of the first degree term and got roots of 2 and - 3. The other student made a mistake in the
coefficient of the constant term and got roots of – 1 and 4. What is the correct equation?
a. x2 + 3x - 6 = 0 b. x2 – 3x - 9 = 0
c. x – 3x - 7 = 0
2 d. x2 – 3x - 6 = 0
44. Determine k so that the equation 4x2 + kx + 1 = 0 will have just one real solution. PAST ME BOARD
a. 2 b. 3
c. 4 d. 5
45. With a wind velocity of 40 kph, it takes an airplane as long to travel 1,200 km with the wind as 900 km against it.
How fast can the airplane travel in still air? PAST ME BOARD
 a. 240 kph b. 290 kph
c. 280 kph d. 300 kph
46. A boat travels downstream in 2/3 of the time as it goes going upstream. If the velocity of the rivers current is 8
kph, determine the velocity of the boat in still water.
a. 50 kph b. 40 kph
c. 45 kph d. 50 kph
47. A man leaves his house at 8:00 AM and traveling at an average speed of 2 kph, arrives at his office 3 min
ahead of the expected time. Had he left his house at 8:30 am and traveled at an average speed of 3 kph, he will
arrive 6 min late of the expected time. Find the distance that he had traveled. PAST CE BOARD
a. 2.4 km b. 1.8 km
c. 2.1 km d. 2.4 km
48. A ball is dropped from a height of 120 ft and continuously rebounds to 2/3 of the distance it falls. What is the
total distance traversed by the ball when it comes to rest?
a. 1000 ft b. 600 ft
c. 800 ft d. 750 ft
49. If one of the roots of ax2 + bx + c is 3 + √2 . Find the value of b.
a. -6 b. 5
c. 10 d. -8
50. If one of the roots of ax2 + bx + c is 2/3 + 5/9i where a, b and c are integers, what is the value of c?
a. 62 b. -61
c. 59 d. 61
51. Factor 2x2 – 5x – 63
a. ( 2x + 7)( x – 9) b. ( 2x + 9)( x -7)
c. ( x + 63)( 2x -1) c. ( x + 1)( 2x – 63)
52. If the two roots of the cubic equation 2x3 + ax2 + bx + 15 are 1 and 3, what is the value of a?
a. 2 b. 4
c. -3 d. 5
53. If two of the roots of the cubic equation ax3 + bx2 + cx + d are 3/2 + 4/5i and 7, and a , b, c and d are
integral values, what is the value of c?
a.2145 b. 2211
c. 1239 d. 2389
54. What is the sum of the geometric progression 2x, 4x + 14, 20x -14 up to the 10th term? PAST CE BOARD
a. 423,114 b. 431,222
c. 413,336 d. 341,116
55. Find the value of x in the equation
( x + yi)( 1- 2i) = 7 – 4i PAST CE BOARD
a. 1 b. 3
c.5 d. 2
56. Find the summation of 5k – 3 from k = 1 to k = 16.
PAST CE Board
a. 612 b. 678
c. 632 d. 712
57. The geometric mean of 2 numbers is 8 while the arithmetic mean is 4. The cube of the harmonic mean is ?
PAST CE Board
 a. 4123 b. 4096
c. 5122 d. 5132

(Stuation Problems 58, 59, 60)

You are taking a test in which items of type A are worth 10 points and items of type B are worth 15 points. It takes
3 minutes to answer each item of type A and 6 minutes for each item of type B. The total time allowed is 60 min, and
you may not answer more than 16 questions. Assuming all your answers are correct and you may not answer more
than 16 questions. Assume that all you answers are correct.
PAST CE BOARD
58. Determine the number of type A question solved.
a. 13 b. 14
c. 12 d. 15
59. Determine the number of type B question solved.
a. 5 b. 6
c. 4 d. 8
60. The maximum score is
a. 180 b. 200
c. 220 d. 230

60-b. In a pile of log, each layer contains one more log than the layer above and the top contains just one log. If there
are 105 logs in the pile, how many layers are there.
a. 12 b. 13
c. 14 d. 15

60-c In a racing contest , there are 240 cars which will have provisions that will last for 15 hrs. Assuming constant
hourly consumption for each car, how long will the provisions last if 8 cars withdraw from the race every hr after the
1st?
a. 24 b. 25
c. 26 d. 27

60-d To conserve energy due to present energy crisis, Meralco tried to readjust their charges to electrical energy
users who consume more than 2000 kw-hrs. For the 1st 100 kw hr, they charge P 0.40 and increasing at a constant
rate more than the preceding one until the 5th 100 kw hr is charge P 0.76. How much is the average charge for the
electrical energy per 100 kw hr? PAST CE BOARD
a. 0.78 b. 0.58
c. 0.32 d. 0.61

60e. A man left his home at past 3:00 PM as indicated in his wall clock. Between 2 to 3 hrs after, he returned home
and noticed the hands of the clock interchanged. At what time did he leave his home? PAST ECE BOARD
a. 3:32.17 b. 3:31.47
c. 3:21.33 d. 3:31.88
60f. In a mixed company of Poles, Italians, Greeks, Turks and GermansThe poles are one less than 1/3 of the
Germans; and 3 less than half the Italians; the Germans and the Turks outnumber the Greek and the Italians by 3;
the Greeks and the Germans form one less than half the company and the Greeks and the Italians form 7/16 of the
company. How many Germans are there? PAST CE BOARD EXAM
a. 40 b. 32
c. 24 d. 18

SOLUTION:
31. an = a1rn-1
-1 = 27r4-1; r = (-1/27)1/3 = -1/3
a3 = 27(-1/3)2 = 3
a1(1  r n ) 2(1  210 )
32’. Sn  = = 2046
1 r 1 2
a1 a 1
33. Sn = = 1   5/6
1 r 1  r 1  (1/ 5)
34. ENTER: MODE 3 6
Input
X Y
1 28
3 112
10 ŷ = 14336
a1 1/ 3
35. Sn =  = 1/2
1  r 1  1/ 3
1
36. Sn  = 4/5
1  ( 1/ 4)
37. Amount Removed Amount Remaining
First time 1/3 2/3
2nd time 1/3(2/3)= 2/9 2/3 – 2/9 = 4/9
3rd time 1/3(4/9) = 4/27 4/9 – 4/27 = 8/27

ENTER: MODE 3 6
Input
X Y
0 1
1 1/3
6 ŷ = 0.0877914952
38. ENTER: MODE 3 3 ( Y = A + BX + CX2 )
Input the given data
X Y
20 250
40 150
60 200
Y = A + BX + CX2
C = SHIFT 1 7 3 = 0.1875 ( or SHIFT 1 5 3)
39. B = SHIFT 1 7 2 =-16.25 ( or SHIFT 1 5 2 )
40. 30 ŷ = 181.25
41. 0.10 + 0.20 + 0.40 + … = 104,857.50
0.1(1  2n )
 104,857 .50 n = 20
1 2
42. Solve for x in 2x2 – 3x – 5 = 0 (MODE 5 3 )
x = 5/2 and - 1
Reciprocal 2/5 and - 1
b = - ( x1 + x2 ) = 3/5
c = x1x2 = 2/5(-1) = -2/5
Equation: x2 + 3/5x – 2/5 = 0 or 5x2 + 3x – 2 = 0

43. For 2 and - 3 ( x – 2)(x + 3)= x2 + x – 6 1x is wrong.

For -1 and 4 ( x +1)( x -4) = x2 -3x – 4 -4 is wrong.
Correct equation. x2 -3x – 6

44. Discriminant b2 – 4ac = 0

k2 – 4(4)(1) = 0 k = 4, -4
45. Let v = velocity in still air.
Distance = rate x time
1200 = ( v + 40)(t)
900 = ( v - 40)(t)
1200/900 = (v + 40)/(v - 40) or: 4/3(v - 40) = v + 40
. Ans. v = 280
46. Distance = rate x time
Let X = distance t = time V velocity in still water
X = ( V + 8)(2/3t)
X = ( V -8) t
(V + 8)(2/3t) = (V -8 )t
(V + 8)(2/3) = V – 8 V = 40
47. Let T = expected time.
Distance = rate x time
D = distance from house to office
8 rate = 2 kph T- 3/60
8 .5 rate = 3 kph T + 6/60

D = 2( T- 3/60 - 8 ) (1)
D = 3( T + 6/60 – 8.5) (2)
Arrange:
D – 2T = 2( - 3/60 – 8)
D – 3T = 3( 6/60 – 8.5 )
USE MODE 5 1
D = 2.1 Y = 9.1 D = 2.1 km Expected time = 9:06
48. Total distance =
120 + 2 [ 2/3(120) + 2/3( 2/3(120) + 2/3(2/3)(2/3) 120 + …. ]
2 / 3(120 )
120 + 2 ( ) = 600 ft
1 2 / 3
49. [x – ( 3 + √2)][ x – ( 3 - √2 ) ] = ( x – 3)2 – (√3)2 = x2 – 6x + 9 – 3
= x2 – 6x + 6; b = - 6
50. x1 + x2 = -b/a = -b/1
-b = -2/3 + 5/9i + 2/3 – 5/9i = 4/3
b = -4/3
x1 x2 = c/a = c c = ( 2/3 + 5/9i)(2/3-5/9i) = 61/81
The equation is x2 - 4/3x + 61/81 = 0
81x2 - 108x + 61 = 0
51. Solve 2x2 – 5x – 63 = 0 using MODE 5 3
Ans. X1 = 7 , X2 = - 9/2
( x – 7)( x + 9/2) = 0 or ( x -7)( 2x + 9) are the factors.
52. f(x) = 2x3 + ax2 + bx + 15
f(1) = 0 0 = 2 + a + b + 15 ► a + b = -17
f(3) = 0 0 = 2(33) + a(32) + 3b + 15
9a + 3b = -69
a =-3 b = -14

53. Let f(x) = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d

If 3/2 + 4/5i is a root, the other root is 3/2 – 4/5i
Form the quadratic equation a’x2 + b’x + c’ = 0
b’ = -(x1 + x2) = - ( 3/2 + 4/5i + 3/2 – 4/5i) = - 3
c’ = x1x2 = ( 3/2 + 4/5i)(3/2 – 4/5i) = 289/100
So a’x2 + b’x + c’ = x2 - 3x + 289/100 = 0
100x2 – 300x + 289 = 0
Then: ( x – 7)( 100x2 – 300x + 289 ) =100x3 -1000x2 + 2389x – 2023
c = 2389
54. Solve for x:
(4x + 14)/ 2x = ( 20x – 14)/ (4x + 14)
( 4x + 14)2 = (2x)(20x -14)
16x + 112x + 196 = 40x2 – 28x
2

-24x2 + 140x + 196 = 0 (MODE 5 3 )

x = 7 and -7/6
Use x = 7
1st term = 14; 2nd term = 4(7) + 14 = 42
So, r = 42/14 = 3
Then, Sn = a1 1  r  14(1  3 ) = 413336
n 10

1 r 1 3
55. x + yi = ( 7 – 4i)/( 1 – 2i ) = 3 + 2i
( Note: ENTER: MODE 5 2 and ENTER:
( 7 – 4i)/( 1 – 2i ) = 3 + 2i
 x + yi = 3 + 2i x = 3, y = 2
16
56. ENTER:  5x  3 = 632
1
57. Let X , Y be the numbers.
xy  8 ► xy = 64

xy
4 ► x+y= 8 ► x+y=8
2
2 2xy
Harmonic mean for x and y = 
1/ x  1/ y xy
8( xy )3 8(64 )3
Cube of harmonic mean =   4096
( x  y )3 83
58. 3A + 6B = 60
A + B = 16
A =12; B = 4
59. B = 4
60. Max score = 10A + 15B = 10(12) + 15(4) = 180

60-b . 1 + 2 + 3 + …. n = 105
Sn = n/2 ( 2 (1) + ( n -1 )( 1 ) = 105
n = 14
CALCULATOR SOLUTION:
MODE 3 3
x y
0 0
1 1
2 1+ 2 = 3
̂
105𝑥1 = 14

60c. 240(15) = 240 + 232 + 224 + …

ENTER: MODE 3 3
x y
0 0
1 240
2 240 + 232
̂ = 25
( 240 x 15 ) 𝑥1

60d. To get the constant increase:

MODE 3 2
1 0.4
5 0.76
B (SHIFT 1 5 2) = 0.09
Sum = n/2 ( a1 + an ) = 5/2( 0.4 + 0.76) =P 2.9
Average Charge = P 2.9/5 =P 0.58 / 100 kw hr
60e. Let X = position of the minute hand after 3 PM ( minutes)
15 + X/12 = position of the hr hand.
Y = Position of the minute hand after 6 PM ( observed position)
30 + Y/12 = postion of the hr hand.
But the hands interchanged
X = 30+ Y/12
Y = 15 + X/12
Then, X – Y/12 = 30
-X/12 + Y = 15
USE MODE 5 1 : X = 31.47

60f. Let A = number of Poles

B = numberof Italians
C = number of Greeks
D = number of Turks
E = number of Germans
A = 1/3 E – 1
A = ½B- 3
E + D - (C+ B) = 3
C+ E= ½( A+B+C+D+ E)- 1
C + B = 7/16 ( A + B + C + D + E )
The system is
3A = E – 3 E = 3A + 3 (1)
2A = B – 6 B = 6 + 2A (2)
E+D -C–B =3 (3)
2C + 2E = A + B + C + D + E - 2 (4)
16C + 16B = 7A + 7B + 7C + 7D + 7E (5)

Substitute E = 3A + 3 AND B = 6 + 2A
3A + 3 + D – C - ( 6 + 2A ) = 3
A -C + D = 6 (6)

2C + 2( 3A + 3) = A + 6 + 2A + C + D + 3A + 3 - 2
A+ C -D =1 (7)

16C + 16 ( 6 + 2A ) = 7A + 7( 6 + 2A ) + 7C + 7D + 7(3A + 3)
-10A + 9C – 7D = -33 (8)
MODE 5 2 Solve (6), (7) , (8).
A = 7; D = 15; C = 14; E = 3A+3= 24; B = 6 + 2A = 20
 PROBLEM SET 3 ( PART 3 CONTINUATION OF PART 2 AND WORK and GEOMETRY PROBLEMS)

61. Two runners A and B complete for a race of 1000 m long. It took 130 sec for A to reach the finish line and for B
138 sec. How far was B behind A when A reaches the finish line? PAST CE BOARD
a. 58.78 m b. 58.02 m
c. 59.21 m d. 53.43 m
62. A boatman rows to a place 48 km distant and back in 14 hrs. He finds that he can row 4 km with the stream in
the same time as 3 km against the stream. Find the rate of the stream.
a. 0.8 km /hr b. 0.9 km/hr
c. 1 km/hr d. 1.1 km/hr
63. The sum of 4 integers in an arithmetic progression is 24 and their product is 945. Find the smallest possible
integer.
a. 4 b. 3
c. 5 d. 10
64. If 4, 2, 5 and 18 are added respectively to an arithmetic progression, the resulting series is a geometric
progression. What is the highest number in the AP?
a. 23 b. 22
c. 21 d. 20
65. A man set out from a certain point and traveled at the rate of 6 km/hr. After A had gone 2 hrs, another man B set
out to overtake him and went 4 km the 1st hr, 5 km the 2nd hr, 6 km the 3rd hr and so on gaining 1 km every hr. After
how many hrs will they be together? PAST CE BOARD
a. 7 b. 8
c. 6 d. 9
66. A and B start at the same time from 2 places 91 km apart and they travel toward each other. A travels at a
constant rate of 5 1/2 km/hr , while B travels 3 km for the 1st hr, 4.5 km for the 2nd hr, 6 km for the 3rd hr and so on.
Where will they meet? PAST CE BOARD
a. 38 km from A b. 38.5 km from A
c. 39 km from A d. 40 km from A
67. A cask containing 20 liters of wine was emptied 1/5 of its contents and then filled with water. If this is done 6
times, how many liters of wine will remain in the cask?
a. 5.242 liters b. 5.811 liters
c. 6.242 liters d. 6.134 liters
68. There are 4 geometric means between 3 and 729. Find the 4th term of the geometric progression. CE Nov 2000
a. 27 b. 81
c. 143 d. 229
69. Find the 5 term of the series whose sum of n terms is given by 3n+2-6. CE May 2001
th

a. 1238 b. 1358
c. 1345 d. 1458
70. A messenger travels from point A to point B. If he will leave at 8:00 AM and travel at 2.00 kph, he will arrive 3
minutes earlier than his expected time of arrival. However, if he will leave at 8:30 AM, and travel at 3 kph, he will
arrive 6 min later than the expected time. What is the expected time of arrival? PAST CE BOARD
a. 9:03 AM b. 9:04 AM
c. 9:06 AM d. 9:07 AM
SITUATION (PROBLEMS 71, 72, 73)
The 10th term of a GP is 39366 and the 4th term is 54.
71. Find the common ratio.
a.2 b. 3
c.4 d. 5
72. Find the 1st term.
a. 2 b. 3
c. 4 d. 5
73. Find the 7 term
th

a. 1249 b. 1431
c. 1458 d. 1259
74. The 1 term of an AP is 2 and the 6th term is 12. Find the sum of the 1st 12 terms.
st

a. 156 b. 158
c. 152 d. 134
75. An audience of 540 person 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. 28 b. 29
c. 27 d. 30
76. Factor 6x3 + 35x2 + 21x – 20
a. ( 3x + 4)( 2x -5)( x + 1) b. ( 2x + 1)( 3x-5)( x + 4)
c. (3x +4)(2x-1)(x +5) d. (3x +1)(2x + 4)( x -5)
77. How many irrational roots are there in x6 – 3x4 -18x2 + 40 ?
a. 0 b. 2
c. 3 d. 4
78. From the equation 7x + (2k-1)x – 3k + 2 = 0, determine the value of k so that the sum and product of the roots
2

are equal. PAST ECE BOARD

a. 2 b. 4
c. 1 d. 2

79. Solve for x if 8x = 2y+2 163x-y = 4y PAST ECE BOARD

a. 2 b. 4
c. 1 d. 2
80. Determine the sum of the 1st 10 terms if the general term of the sequence is 3n – 2. PAST CE BOARD
a. 98221 b. 88552
c. 67112 d. 82133
81. The arithmetic mean and geometric mean of 2 numbers are 10 and 8 respectively. Find the harmonic mean.
a. 6.4 b. 5.7
c. 7.4 d. 3.9
82. An earthquake emits a primary and secondary wave. Near the surface of the earth, the primary wave travels at
about 5 miles per second, and the secondary wave travels at about 3 miles per second. Suppose a station measures
a time difference of 12 seconds between the arrival of the two waves. How far is the earthquake from the station?
a. 80 miles b. 90 miles
c. 70 miles d. 60 miles
83. A boat takes 1.5 times as long to go 360 miles up a river than to return. If the boat cruises at 15 miles per hr in
still water, what is the rate of the current?
a. 2 mph b. 3 mph
c. 4 mph d. 5 mph
84. A plane travels from 2 airports with a distance of 1500 km with a wind along its flight line. It takes the airplane 2
hrs with the tailwind and 2.5 hrs with the headwind. Determine the velocity of the airplane in still air.
a. 650 kph b. 660 kph
c. 675 kph d. 600 kph
85. A piece of paper is 0.05 in thick. Each time the paper is folded into half, the thickness is doubled. If the paper
was folded 12 times, how thick in feet the folded paper be? PAST ECE BOARD
a. 10.24 b. 12.34
c. 17.10 d. 11.25
86. It takes an airplane 1 hr and 45 min to travel 500 miles against the wind and covers the same distance in one hr
and 15 min with the wind. What is the speed of the airplane?

a. 341.45 mph b. 342. 85 mph

c. 371.23 mph d. 355.56 mph
87. A cat is now 50 of her own leaps ahead of a dog which is pursuing her. How many more leaps will the cat take
before it is overtaken if she takes 5 leaps while the dog takes 4, but 2 of the dogs leap are equivalent to 3 of the cats
leap.
a. 200 b. 220
c. 230 d. 250
88. A policemen is pursuing a thief who is ahead by 72 of his own leaps. The thief takes 6 leaps while the policemen
is taking 5 leaps, but 4 leaps of the thief are as long as 3 leaps of the policemen. How many leaps will the policeman
make before the thief is caught?
a. 520 b. 530
c. 540 d. 550
89. An oil drilling rig in the gulf of Mexico stands so that 1/5 of it is in sand, 20ft in water and 2/3 of it in still air. What
is the total height of the rig?
a. 140 ft b. 150 ft
c. 160 ft d. 170 ft
90. A minor chord is composed of notes whose frequencies are in the ratio 10:12:15. If the 1st note of a minor chord
is A, with a frequency of 220 Hz, what is the frequency of the 3rd note?
a. 340 b. 330
c. 350 d. 380
91. The seating section in a coliseum has 30 seats in the 1st row, 32 seats in the 2nd row, 34 seats in the 3rd row and
so on until the 10th row is reached, after which there are 10 rows, each containing 50 seats. Find the total number of
seats in the section. ECE April 2001
a. 900 b. 910
c. 910 d. 890
Situation (Problems 92, 93, 94)
A construction job could be finished in 150 days if 50 men are working full time. 60 men started working on the job
and after 20 days, 20 more men were added. After 80 days 60 men quit the job.
92. How long could it take for them to finish the job?
 a. 145 b. 155
c. 120 d. 115
93. How much penalty would the contractor pay if the contract specifies a penalty of P 10,000 per day being delayed.
a. 40,000 b. 45,000
c. 55,000 d. 50,000

94. What is the labor cost if each worker is paid P 350 a day?
a. 3,234, 000 b. 2,625,000
c. 4,125,000 d. 3,125,000
95. The time required for 2 examinees to solve the same problem differs by 2 minutes. Together, they can solve 32
problems in 1 hr. How long will it take for the slower problem solver to solve the problem?
ECE BOARD Nov 1999
a. 4 min b. 5 min
c. 6 min d. 7 min
96. One pipe can fill the tank in 6 hrs and another can fill the same tank in 3 hrs. Another pipe can drain the tank in 7
hrs. With all the 3 pipes open, how long will it take to fill the pipe? ECE Board April 2001
a. 2.7 hrs b. 2.8 hrs
c. 2.9 hrs d. 3.1 hrs
97. Twenty eight (28 men) can finish the job in 60 days. At the start of the 16th day 5 men were laid off and after the
45th day 10 more men were hired. How many days were they delayed in finishing the job? CE Nov 2000
a. 2.27 b. 2.45
c. 3.67 d. 1.25

Situation Problems 99, 100

A contractor hired 28 workers with a daily wage of P150 for a job that could be finished in 60 days. He
wanted to finish the job earlier so he hired additional 6 workers at the start of the 16 th day and 14 more at the start of
the 46th day.
98. How many days dit it complete the job?
a. 45 b. 50
c. 55 d. 60
99. If the contractor were given a bonus of P 5000 per day for the number of days he would complete the job earlier,
how much bonus did he get?
a, 45,000 b, 50,000
c. 55,000 d. 60,000
100. If the daily wage of the additional workers were P 175, how much did the contractor pay for the salary of all
workers for the completion of the project?

a. 256,000 b. 294,000
c. 245,000 d. 259,000

101. A pump can pump out water from a tank in 11 hrs. Another pump can pump out water from the same tank in 20
hrs. How long will it take both pumps to pump out water in the tank? PAST ME BOARD
a. 7.1 hrs b. 6. 1 hrs
c 7.5 hrs d. 6.5 hrs
102. A 400 mm diameter pipe can fill the tank alone in 5 hrs and another 600 mm diameter pipe can fill the tank
alone in 4 hrs. A drain pipe can empty the tank in 20 hrs. With all the 3 pipes open, how long will it take to fill the
tank? PAST CE Nov 1993
a. 2 hrs b. 2.5 hrs
c. 2.25 hrs d. 2.75 hrs
103. Pedro can paint the fence 50% faster that Juan and 20% faster than Pilar and together they can paint a given
fence in 4 hrs. How long will it take to paint the same fence if he had to work alone? PAST ECE BOARD
a. 6 b. 8
c. 10 d. 12
104. It takes Butch twice as long to do a certain piece of work compared to Peter. Working together they can do the
work in 6 days. How long will it take Peter to do the work alone? PAST CE BOARD
a. 9 days b. 10 days
c. 11 days d. 12 days

105. Crew no 1 can finish installation of an antenna tower in 200 man hrs while Crew no 2 can finish the same job in
300 man hrs. How long will it take both crews to finish the same job working together? PAST ECE BOARD
a. 100 man hr b. 120 man hr
c. 140 man hr d. 160 man hr

106. A man can do job three times as fast as a boy. Working together it would take them 6 hrs to do the same job.
How long will it take the man to do the job alone? ECE April 2003
a. 9 hrs b. 8 hrs
c. 7 hrs d. 10 hrs

107. X can do the job 50% faster than y and 20% faster than Z. If they work together, they can finish the job in 4
days. How many days will it take X to finish the job if he is to work alone? ECE Board April 2004
a. 18 b. 10
c. 12 d. 6
108. The sum of the 1 5 numbers in AP is 15 and the sum of the 1st 20 terms is -90. What is the 2nd term?
st

a. 4 b. 10
c. 7 d. 11
109. A and B compete in a race. A runs at a constant rate of 126 m/min while B runs 145 m, the 1st min, 143 m the
2nd min, 141 m the 3rd min and so on. When will A and B be together again. PAST CE BOARD
a. 19 hrs b. 22 hrs
c. 20 hrs d. 21 hrs
110. The side of the square is 6 cm long. A second square is inscribed by joining the midpoints of the sides of the
second square and so on. Find the sum of the areas of the infinite number of inscribed squares thus formed. PAST
CE BOARD
a. 48 cm2 b. 72 cm2
c. 38 cm2 d. 78 cm2

111- 112 An equilateral triangle is incscribed within a circle whose diameter is 12 cm. In this triangle, a circle is
inscribed and in this circle, another equilateral triangle is inscribed and so on indefinitely. PAST ME BOARD
111. Find the sum of all the perimeters of the triangles
a. 24√3 b. 36√3
c. 48√3 d. 20√3
112. Find the sum of the areas.
a. 24√3 b. 36√3
c. 48√3 d. 20√3
113. Two boys A and B runs at a constant rates and in the same direction around a circular track whose
circumeference is 40 m. A makes one circuit in 2 sec less time than B , and they are together once every minute.
Find the rate of A. PAST CE/EE BOARD
a. 3 m/s b. 5 m/s
c. 4 m/s d. 7 m/s
114. A train , one hour after starting, meets with an accident which detains it an hour , after which it proceeds at 3/5
of its former rate and arrived 3 hrs after the time. Had the accident happened 50 km farther on the line, it would have
arrived 1.5 hrs sooner. Find the length of the journey. PAST CE BOARD
a. 87.91 km b. 92.23 km
c. 88.89 km d. 83.34 km

115. Two Pals P1 and P2 run at a constant speeds along a circular track 1350 m in circumference. Running in
opposite directions, they meet every 3 minutes, while running in the same direction, they are together every 27
minutes. Find the speed of the slower Pal. PAST EE BOARD
a. 100 m/min b. 200 m/min
c. 180 m/min d. 220 m/min

116. Two Cars 2000 m apart are approaching each other. Car A is moving at a constant speed of 10 m/s while
Car B is moving at a constant speed of 12 m/s. Super Fly ( speed = 15 m/s) started from A and flew back and
forth from A to B , B to A and so on until A and B met.
What was the total distance traveled by Superfly? PAST CE BOARD
a. 1234.56 m b. 1457.33 m
c. 1363.63 m d. 1451.23 m

117. Evaluate 12 + 13 + 22 + 23 + 32 + 33 + …… 1502 + 1503

a. 128,384, 568 b. 129,391,900
c. 124,384, 568 d. 123,384, 568
PAST EE BOARD
118. Given the following numbers x(1) to x(10).
11, 13, 9, 5, 20, 15, 1 , 7, 17, 25
The numbers are processed by the following algorithm.
1. n0s = 0
2. for i = 1 to 10
3. number = number + x(i)* x(i)
4. next i
What is the final value of the number?
a. 1985 b. 1933
c. 1411 d. 1512
Solution:
61. Time for A to reach the finish line = 130 sec.
Velocity of B = 1000/138 = 500/69 m/s
Distance of B when A reaches the finish line =
500/69 x 130
= 942. 029 m
Distance between A and B = 1000 - 942.029 = 57.97 m = 58 m
62. Distance = rate x time
Let x = rate of stream y = rate of boat in still water
t = time
Upstream: 3= (y–x)t
Downstream: 4 = ( y + x ) t
3 4
 3( y + x) = 4(y – x) (1)
yx yx
Arrange: y = 7x
48 = ( y - x) t up 48 = ( y + x) tdown
tup + tdown = 14
48/( y –x ) + 48/( y + x ) = 14 (2)

Substitute y = 7x to eq. 2.
► 48/( 7x – x) + 48/( 7x + x ) = 14
48/(6x) + 48/(8x) = 14
8x + 6x = 14 x = 1
63. Let a = first integer a + d = 2nd integer
a+2d= 3 integer
rd a+3d= 4th integer
a + a + d + a + 2d + a + 3d = 24
4a + 6d = 24 ► 2a + 3d = 12 ► d = (12 -2a)/3
( a)( a + d)( a + 2d )( a + 3d ) = 945
Use trial and error:
ENTER: D = (12-2A)/3 : A( A + D)( A + 2D)( A + 3D)
CALC 4 = = (1ST choice)
Display: 4/3 10340/9 Wrong!
CALC 3 = = (2nd choice)
DISPLAY: 2 945 Ans. a = 3
64. Let A – 3D , A – 2D, A – D, A be the numbers.
A – 3D + 4, A – 2D + 2, A - D + 5, A + 18 be the GP
A  18 AD5 AD5 A  2D  2
 (1) and  (2)
A  D  5 A  2D  2 A  2D  2 A  3D  4
From 1 ( A – D + 5)2 = ( A + 18)( A – 2D + 2 )
From 2 ( A – 2D + 2)2 = ( A – D + 5)( A – 3D + 4 )
Using Trial and Error:
Substitute A = 23 from 1 , then D = 7.248
From 2: If A = 23 and D = 7.248
 ( A – 2D + 2)2 = 110.31 ( A – D + 5)( A – 3D + 4 ) = 109.04
From 1: If A = 22 , D = 7 or -18
( A – 2D + 2)2 = 100 ( A – D + 5)( A – 3D + 4 ) = 100
A =22 Ans. ( c)
65. Distance = rate x time
A. distance = ( t + 2)(6)
B t = 1 D = 4, t = 2, D = 5, t = 3 D = 6
(Arithmetic Progression)
distance = t/2( 2(4) + ( t -1)1 )
= 0.5t( 8 + t – 1) = 0.5t(7 + t)
distance A = distance B
( t +2)(6) = 0.5t( 7 + t) ► t = 8
CAL TECHNIQUE: ENTER: MODE 3 3
X = TIME of after 2 hrs
Y = DISTANCE BETWEEN THEM AT TIME
X Y
0 6x2 = 12
1 12 + 6 – 4 = 14
2 14 + 6 - 5 = 15
The distance will be zero at 0xˆ 2 = 8 hrs
66. A -------- 91 km apart ------------- B
SA = 5.5t
For SB t=1 S=3
t = 2 S = 4.5
t=3 S=6
SB = 0.5t( 2(3) + (t-1)(1.5) )
= 0.5t( 6 + 1.5t – 1.5 ) = 0.5t( 4.5 + 1.5t )
SA + SB = 91
5.5t + 0.5t( 4.5 + 1.5t ) = 91
t = 7 SA = 38.5
CAL TECHNIQUE:
Let X = time
Y = distance between A and B at time X
MODE 3 3
X Y
0 91
1 91 – 5.5 – 3 = 82.5
2 82.5 – 5.5 – 4.5 = 72.5
They will meet when the distance is zero.
0 x̂ 2 = 7
Thus they will meet at 7 x 5.5 = 38.5 Km from A.
67. t = 0 wine = 20 l water = 0
t = 1 wine = 4/5(20) = 16 l water = 4 l
t = 2 wine = 4/5(16) = 12.8 water = 7.2 l
 ENTER: MODE 3 6
Input:
X Y
0 20
1 16
Compute: 6 ŷ = 5.24288 liters
68. ENTER: MODE 3 6
Input:
X Y
1 3
6 729
Compute: 4 ŷ = 81
69. Sn = 3n+2 – 6
ENTER: MODE 7
f(x) = 3x+2 – 6
ENTER: START = 1 END = 8 STEP = 1
DISPLAY:
1 21
2 75
3 237
4 723
5 2181
6 6555
5 term = 2181 – 723 = 1458
TH

70. Let T = expected time.

Let D = distance from A to B
X = rate
Distance = rate x time
D = 2( T – 3/60 – 8) 3 min early
D = 3( T + 6/60 – 8.5 ) 6 min late
2( T – 3/60 – 8) = 3( T + 6/60 – 8.5 )
T = 9.1 or 9 + 0.1 x 60 = 9: 06
71. ENTER: MODE 3 6
Input
X Y
10 39366
4 54
Common Ratio = B ( SHIFT 1 7 2) = 3
72. 1st term = 1 ŷ = 2
73. 7th term = 7 ŷ = 1458
74. ENTER: MODE 3 2
Input
X Y
1 2
 6 12
A= 0 B= 2 Sequence = { 2x }
 (2x,1,12)  156
75. Let X = number of seats in a row Y = number of rows.
Then: XY = 540 Y = 540/X
( X + 3 ) ( Y -2) = 540
( X + 3)( 540/X – 2 ) = 540
X = 27
76. Solve 6x3 + 35x2 + 21x – 20 = 0 using MODE 5 4
Ans. x = -5 , x = 1/2 , x = - 4/3
( x + 5)( x – 1/2)( x + 4/3 ) = 0
( x + 5)( 2x – 1)( 3x + 4) =factors
77. Let z = x2
z3 – 3z2 – 18z + 40 = 0
Solve using MODE 5 4
Z = -4 , Z = 5 and Z = 2
Z = x2
x = √Z then x = (+, -) √5 and x = ( +, - ) √2
There are 4 irrational roots and 2 imaginary roots √-2, -√-2
78. For: ax2 + bx + c = 0
r1 + r2 = -b/a r1 r2 = c/a
-b/a = c/a b = - c
(2k-1) = -(-3k +2 ) ( USE SHIFT CALC ) k = 1
79. 8 = 2y+2 ► 23x = 2y+2 ► 3x = y + 2
x

163x-y = 22y ► 24(3x-y) = 22y ► 4(3x –y) = 2y

Arrange the equations.
3x – y = 2
12x -6y = 0 USE MODE 5 1
x=2 , y= 4
10
80. Input:  (3 X  2) Ans. 88552
1
81. Let x and y be the numbers.
xy
 10 and xy  8
2
x + y = 20 (1) xy = 64 (2)
2
HM  = 2xy = 2xy  2(64)  6.4
1 1 xy xy 20

x y
82. Let t1 = time to to travel (primary wave to station)
t2 = time to travel ( secondary wave to station)
Distance = time x rate time = Distance / rate
t1 = D/5 t2 = D/3 t2 - t1 = 12 = D/3 – D/5
12 = D/3 – D/5 USE SHIFT CALC D = 90
83. Distance = rate x time
 Let X = rate of current Y = time to go downstrem
Upstream: 360 = ( 15 – X ) ( 1.5 Y )
Downstream: 360 = ( 15 + X) Y
Divide the 2 equations.
(15  X )(1.5)
1 OR 15 + X = 1.5( 15 – X)
15  X
USE SHIFT C ALC , X = 3
84. Distance = rate x time
Let X = velocity of the plane in still air
Y = velocity of the wind
1500 = ( X + Y) 2
1500 = ( X – Y) 2.5
Arrange:
2X + 2Y = 1500
2.5X – 2.5Y = 1500 USE MODE 5 1
X = 675 Y = 75

85. ENTER: MODE 3 6

INPUT
X Y
1 0.1 (First folding)
2 0.2 (2nd folding)
12 ŷ = 204.8 in = 17.0666 ft
86. Let X = velocity of airplane Y = velocity of the wind
500 = ( X + Y)( 1 + 15/60)
500 = ( X – Y)( 1 + 45/60)
OR
500 = 1.25X + 1.25Y
500 = 1.75 X – 1.75Y USE MODE 5 1
X = 342.857 Y = 57.14
87. ENTER: MODE 3 2
Input ( X = leap of the cat,
Y = distance between dog and cat in terms of
cats leap)
X Y
0 50
1 50 + 1 -( 4/5)(3/2) = 49.8
COMPUTE x when y = 0 ( 0 x̂ ) = 250 cats leap
Note: 1 cats leap = 4/5 dog leap x ( 3/2)
88. ENTER MODE 3 2
X = THIEF’S LEAP
Y = distance between thief and policeman in terms of
thief’s leap
Input
 X Y
0 72
1 72 + 1 – 5/6(4/3) = 71.8888889
COMPUTE: 0 x̂ = 648 leaps of the thief
or 648 x 5/6 = 540 leaps of the policemen
89. Let X = total height of the rig. X = 1/5 X + 20 + 2/3X
USE SHIFT CALC X = 150
90. 10: 12: 15 is the same as 1: 1.2: 1.5
frequency of the 3rd note = 1.5 x 220 = 330
91. ENTER: MODE 3 3
Input:
X Y
0 0
1 32 ( 32 seats in the 1st row)
2 32 + 34 = 66 seats in the 2nd row
Compute 10 ŷ Ans. 410
Total number of seats = 410 + 10(50) = 910
92. Let x = additional number of days to finish the job
60(20) + 80(60) + 20x = 150(50)
x= 75
The job was finished in 80 + 75 = 155 days
93. Penalty =( 155 – 150) x 10000 = 50,000
94. Labor cost = 150 x 50 x 350 = 2, 625,000
95. Let X = number of hrs A can solve the problem
Y = number of hrs B can solve the same problem
60/x + 60/y = 32
x – y = 2 or y = x - 2
60/x + 60/( x -2) = 32
USE SHIFT CALC 4 (ENTER THE 1st choice)
Ans. X = 5
96. Let x = number of hrs to fill the tank
X/6 + X/3 – X/7 = 1
X = 2.8 hrs
97. Let X = additional days to finish the job
28 x 15 + 23 x 30 + 33X = 28 x 60
X = 17.27
Days delayed = 15 + 30 + 17.27 – 60 = 2.27
98. Let X = number of days the work can be finished at the start of the
46th day
28 x 15 + 34 x 30 + 48X = 28 x 60 , X = 5
Number of days finished = 15 + 30 + 5 = 50 days
99. 10 x 5 000 = P 50,000

100. 28 x 60 x 175 = 294,000

101. Let X = total number of hrs to pump out the water
X/ 11 + X/20 = 1
X= 7.1
102. Let X = time to fill the tank
X/5 + X/4 – X/20 = 1 X = 2.5

103. Let X = time for Pedro to finish

Y = time for Juan to finish
Z = time for Pilar to finish
Y = 1.5 X (1)
Z = 1.2 X (2)
4/X + 4/Y + 4/Z = 1 (3)
4/X + 4/(1.5X) + 4/(1.2X) = 1
X = 10

104. Let X = time for Peter to do the work

2X = time for Butch to do the work
6/2X + 6/X = 1 X = 9

105. Let X = number of man hrs to finish the job working together.
X/ 200 + X/300 = 1
X = 120

106. Let X = time for Man to finish the job

3X = time for Boy
6/X + 6/(3X) = 1
X = 8

107. Let X = number of hrs for X to finish

Y = number of hrs for Y to finish
Z = number of hrs for Z to finish
Y = 1.5 X Z = 1.2 X 4/X + 4/Y + 4/Z = 1
4/(X) + 4/(1.5X) + 4/(1.2X) = 1 X = 10

108. ENTER: MODE 3 3