Here’s and example of a SMART MATH problem for ALGEBRA.
Problem
Find the fraction such that if numerator is multiplied by 2 and 2 is added to the denominator, the fraction equals 2. If the numerator is squared and 2 is added to the denominator, the fraction equals 7.
- 5/3
- 4/8
- 7/5
- 3/2
- 8/5
The Usual Method
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Let the original fraction be x/y.
New Fraction =
= 2
2x = 2y + 4 or x = y + 2 …… Eq. 1
Also; = 7
= y + 2 …… Eq. 2
From Eq. 1 and 2;
= x
x = 7 and y = 5
Fraction = 7/5
(Ans: 3)
Estimated Time to arrive at the answer = 60 seconds
Using Technique
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Simply read the first part of the question and find those options that satisfy that condition as shown below:
=>
=
= 2 (Satisfies the condition)
=>
=
=
(does not satisfy the condition)
=>
=
= 2 (Satisfies the condition)
=>
=
=
(does not satisfy the condition)
=>
=
(does not satisfy the condition)
This leaves us with options ‘1’ and ‘3’ only. Now, look at the 2nd condition. Apply this to options ‘1’ and ‘3’ only as follows:
=>
=
= 5 (does not satisfy the condition)
Hence, answer is option ‘3’
Just to verify…c.
=>
=
= 7 (Satisfies the condition and hence is the answer)
(Ans: 3)
Estimated Time to arrive at the answer = 15 seconds
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