COLLEGE ALGEBRA

Math 112/113
Instructor: Engr. Gaudencio T. Tiwing,PSE.,MBA.

Chapter 1. What is Advance

Algebra?
It contains the mathemathics that educated people
arround the world use in conversations. Familiar ideas such as properties of
numbers, graphs, expression, equations and inequalities. Required equipment is
Calculator.
QUADRATIC FORMULA
For the quadratic equation
Ax2 + Bx + C = 0
–B ± B2 – 4AC
x =
2A
ARITHMETIC PROGRESSION (AP)
- A sequence of numbers in which the difference of any two adjacent terms is constant.
• nth term of Arithmetic Progression

an = a1 + (n – 1) d where: an = nth term

a1 = 1st term
d = common difference
n = number of terms
• Sum of n terms of Arithmetic Progression
n n
S = (a1 + an) or S = [2a1 + (n – 1) d]
2 2
EXAMPLES
1. Given terms: 2, 5, 8; find the 61st term.
an = a1 + (n – 1) d ; d = 5–2 = 3
an = 2 + (61 – 1)(3) = 182
2. Find the 37th term in an AP where the fourth term is 6 and d = 5.
an = a1 + (n – 1) d
an = 6 + (34 – 1)(5) = 171 --- (37th term)
3. Find the last term and the sum of the AP: 15, 12, 9, . . . . to 32 terms.
an = a1 + (n – 1) d ; d = 12 – 15 = - 3
an = 15 + (32 – 1)(- 3) = - 78 --- (last term)
n
S = (a1 + an) ; n = 32
2
 32
S = [15 + (- 78)] = - 1008
2
or:
n
S = [2 a1 + (n – 1) d]
2
32
S = [2 (15) + (32 – 1)(- 3)] = - 1008
2
4. Find the sum of all odd integers from 13 to 781.
an = a1 + (n – 1) d
an – a1
n = +1 ; d = 2
d
781 – 13
n = + 1 = 385
2
n 385
S = (a1 + an) = (13 + 781) = 152845
2 2
5. A man invests ₱5000 at the end of each year for 16 years at 5% simple interest. Find the
accumulated value of his investments just after the 16th investment, if no interest has been
withdrawn.

n
S = [2 a1 + (n – 1) d] ; a1 = 5000
2 d = 250
n = 16
16
S = [2 (5000) + (16 – 1) 250] = ₱ 110,000
2
CE Board Nov. 1994
How many terms of the progression 3, 5 ,7, 9, . . . . must be taken in order that their sum will be 2600?
n
S = [2 a1 + (n – 1) d] ; d = 5–3 = 2
2
n
2600 = [2 (3) + (n – 1)(2)]
2
2(2600) = 6 n + 2 n2 – 2 n
5200 = 2 n2 + 4 n
n2 + 2 n – 2600 = 0

-2 ± 22 – 4(1)(- 2600)
n = = 50
2(1)
CE Board May 1995
What is the sum of the progression 4, 9, 14, 19, . . . . up to the 20th term?
n
S = [2 a1 + (n – 1) d] ; a1 = 4 , d = 5 , n = 20
2
20
S = [2 (4) + (20 – 1)(5)] = 1030
2

CE Board May 1998

Determine the sum of the progression if there are 7 arithmetic means between 3 and 35.
n
S = (a1 + an) ; n = 7+2 = 9
2
9
S = (3 + 35) = 171
2
Note! The first term, a1, and the last term, an, in an AP are called its extremes, and the other terms are
called arithmetic means between a1 and an.
CE Board May 1999
There are 9 arithmetic means between 11 and 51. Compute the sum of the progression.
n
S = (a1 + an) ; n = 9 + 2 = 11
2
11
S = (11 + 51) = 341
2
CE Board Nov. 1999
Find the 25th term of an AP: 5, 8, 11, 14 . . . . .
an = a1 + (n – 1) d ; a1 = 5 , d = 3
an = 5 + (25 – 1)(3) = 77
CE Board May 2007
The first term of an AP is 2 and the 6th term is 12. Find the sum of the first 12 terms.
an = a1 + (n – 1) d ; an = 12, a1 = 2 , n = 6
12 = 2 + (6 – 1) d
d = 2
for n = 12,
n 12
S = [2 a1 + (n – 1) d] = [2(2) + (12 – 1)(2)] = 156
2 2
CE Board May 2015
The arithmetic mean of 90 numbers is 50. If two numbers namely 280 and 700 are removed, what is
the arithmetic mean of the remaining numbers?
S
= 50 ; S = 4500
90
4500 – 280 – 700
AM = = 40
90 – 2

CE Board Nov. 2016

In 1990, the average yearly allowance for teachers was ₱ 31,075. This salary increased steadily by
₱ 1,495 each year. When did the average yearly salaries exceed ₱ 40,052?
an = a1 + (n – 1) d ; an = 40,052, a1 = 31,075, d = 1,495
40,052 = 31,075 + (n – 1)(1,495)
40,052 = 31,075 + 1,495 n – 1495
1,495 n = 10472
n = 7 7th term
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Therefore, the salaries exceeded ₱ 40,052 after 1996.
CE Board Nov. 2016
Donna Thieme has an offer for a job starting at $ 40,000 per year and guaranteeing her a raise of $
1,600 per year for the next 5 years. Write the general form for the arithmetic sequence that models
Donna’s potential annual salaries.
an = a1 + (n – 1) d ; a1 = 40,000, d = 1,600
an = 40,000 + (n – 1)(1,600)
= 40,000 + 1,600 n – 1,600
an = 38,400 + 1,600 n
CE Board May 2018
Rolls of carpet are stacked 20 rows with 3 rolls in the top row, 4 rolls in the next row, and so on, forming
an arithmetic sequence. Find the total number of carpet rolls if there are 22 rolls in the bottom row.
n
S = [2 a1 + (n – 1) d] ; a1 = 3 , d = 1, n = 20
2
20
S = [2 (3) + (20 – 1)(1)] = 250 rolls
2
OR
n
S = (a1 + an) ; an = 22, n = 20
2
20
 S = (3 + 22) = 250 rolls
2
CE Board Nov 2018
Consider the arithmetic sequence whose first term is 3 and common difference is – 5. Write an
expression for the general term an.
an = a1 + (n – 1) d ; a1 = 3, d = -5
an = 3 + (n – 1)(-5)
= 3 – 5n + 5
an = 8 – 5n

Chapter 2: GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION (GP)

- A sequence of numbers in which any two adjacent terms has a common ratio. The common
ratio is equal to the ratio of any term, after the first, to one preceding it.
To determine whether or not a sequence of numbers forms a GP, divide each number by the one
which precedes it. All of these ratios are equal if the terms form a GP. In particular, if (a, b, c) form a
GP, then b/a = c/b.
Common ratio, r
a2 a5
r = =
a1 a4

If the terms of a GP are reversed, the terms will form a GP whose common ratio is the reciprocal
of the ratio of the given GP.
In the GP (4, 8, 16, 32), the common ratio is 2. When the terms are reversed, (32, 16, 8, 4), the
common ratio is ½.
• nth term of Geometric Progression

an = a1 r n – 1
• Sum of n terms of Geometric Progression

a1 (r n – 1)
S = when r > 1
r–1

a1 (1 – r n)
S = when r < 1
1–r

EXAMPLES

1. Find x if the numbers form a GP.

a. x, 7, 28
7 28 7 (7)
 = ; x = = 1.75
x 7 28
b. 9, x, 81
x 81
= ; x 2 = 9 (81) = 729
9 x
x = 27
2. Find the last term and the sum of the GP.
a. 2, 6, 18, to 7 terms
an = a1 r n – 1 ; r = 6÷2 = 3

an = 2 [3(7 – 1)] = 1458

a1 (rn – 1) 2 (37 – 1)
S = = = 2186
r–1 3–1
b. 128, 64, 32, to 8 terms
an = a1 r n – 1 ; r = 64 ÷ 128 = ½
an = 128 [½ (8 – 1)
] = 1
a1 (1 - rn ) 128(1 – ½8)
S = = = 255
1–r 1–½
3. At a benefit performance, twenty wealthy men agree that the first one to arrive will pay ₱5 to enter,
and each later arrival will pay twice as much as the preceding man. How much will be paid?
a1 (r n – 1)
S = ; r = 2
r–1 n = 20
5 (220 – 1)
S = = ₱ 5,242,875
2–1
CE Board Nov. 1998
Find the sum of the geometric progression 2x, 4x + 14, 20x – 14, . . . . . up to the 10th term.
a1 (r n – 1)
S =
r–1
4 x + 14 20 x - 14
= ; (4 x + 14)2 = 2 x (20 x – 14)
2x 4 x + 14
(4 x + 14)2 = 40 x2 – 28 x
16 x2 + 112 x + 196 = 40 x2 – 28 x
24 x2 – 140 x – 196 = 0
- (-140) ± (-140) 2 – 4(24)(-196)
x = = 7
2(24)
4 x + 14 4 (7) + 14
 r = = = 3
2x 2 (7)
14 (310 – 1)
S = = 413336
3–1
CE Board Nov. 1999
There are 4 geometric means between 3 and 729. Find the sum of the GP.
an = a1 r n – 1 ; n = 6
729 = 3 r 6 – 1
r 5 = 243
r = 3

a1 (r n – 1) 3 (36 – 1)
S = = = 1092
r–1 3–1
CE Board May 2000
There are 4 geometric means between 3 and 729. Find the fourth term of the geometric progression.
an = a1 r n – 1 ; n = 6
729 = 3 r 6 – 1
r 5 = 243
r = 3
a4 = a1 r 4 – 1 = 3 (33) = 81
CE Board Nov. 2004
The tenth term of a GP is 39366 and the fourth term is 54.
a. Find the common ratio.
b. Find the first term.
c. Find the 7th term
Common ratio, r
an = a1 r n – 1
a10 = a4 r n – 1 ; (n – 1) = (10 – 1) – (4 – 1) = 6
39366 = 54 r 6
r = 3
or,
39366 = a1 r 10 – 1 = a1 r 9
39366
a1 =
r9
54 = a1 r 4 – 1 = a1 r 3
54
a1 =
r3
equate:
39366 54 r9 39366
= ; = ; r 9 – 3 = 729
 r9 r3 r3 54
(1/6)
r = 729 = 3
First term, a1
an = a1 r n – 1
54 = a1 (34 – 1)
a1 = 2
Seventh term, a7
an = a1 r n – 1
a7 = 2 (37 – 1) = 1458

CE Board May 2007

If a, -4, b forms a geometric progression and 14, a, b forms an arithmetic progression, find the value of
a and b.
-4 b
= ; a b = 16 ; b = 16 / a - - eq. 1
a -4
a – 14 = b – a
2a – b = 14 - - eq. 2
Subst. eq.1 in eq. 2
2a – 16/a = 14
a2 – 7a – 8 = 0 ; (a – 8)(a + 1) = 0
a = 8
b = 16/8 = 2
CE Board May 2012
Determine the sum of the first 7 terms of the series 0.25, 0.75, 2.25, 6.75 ……
0.75 2.25 6.75
r = = = = 3
0.25 0.75 2.25
n
a1 (r – 1)
S = ; n = 7
r–1 0.75 2.25 6.75
r = = = = 3
0.25 0.75 2.25
0.25 (37 – 1)
S = = 273.25
3–1
CE Board May 2012
The first term of a geometric progression is 4 and the 6th term is 128. What is the 11th term?
an = a1 r n – 1 ; n = 6
128 = 4 r 6 – 1
r 5 = 32
r = 2
a11 = a1 r 11 – 1
 a11 = 4 (210) = 4096
CE Board May 2012
Find the 10th term of the series: 5, 10, 20, 40 …..
an = a1 r n – 1 ; n = 10
10 20 40
r = = = = 2
5 10 20
a10 = a1 r 10 – 1
a10 = 5 (29) = 2560

CE Board May 2013

Find the sum of the first 7 terms of the series 2, 5, 12 ½ …...
a1 (r n – 1)
S = ; n = 7
r–1
5 12 ½
r = = = 2.5
2 10
2 [(2.5)7 – 1)]
S = = 812.47
2.5 – 1
CE Board May 2018
Find the partial sum of the given sequence, S4, if a1 = 6 and r = 5.
a1 (r n – 1)
S = ; n = 4
r–1
6 (54 – 1)
S = = 936
5–1
• Sum of Infinite Geometric Progression (IGP)
For a geometric progression where -1 < r < 1 and n = ∞ “infinity”
a1
Sum of IGP =
1–r

CE Board May 1998

Find the sum of 1, -1∕5, 1∕25 . . . . ∞.
1
∕25 1
r = = -
-1∕5 5
a1 1 5
Sum of IGP = = =
1–r 1 – (-1∕5) 6
CE Board May 2013
Determine the sum to infinity of the series 4, 2, 1, .....
2 1
r = = = 0.5
4 2
a1 4
Sum of IGP = = = 8
1–r 1 – 0.5

CE Board May 2013

Find the sum to infinity of the series 2½, - 1¼, 5/8, .....
-1¼ 5
⁄8
r = = = - 0.5
2½ -1¼
a1 2½ 5
Sum of IGP = = =
1–r 1 – (- 0.5) 3

Chapter 3:HARMONIC PROGRESSION

- A sequence of numbers in which their reciprocals form an Arithmetic Progrjession.

Note! To insert k harmonic means between two numbers, first insert k arithmetic means between the reciprocals
of the numbers. The reciprocals of the arithmetic means are the harmonic means.
EXAMPLES
1. Insert five harmonic means between 4 and 16.
Insert five arithmetic means between 1/4 and 1/16
an = a1 + (n – 1) d ; n = 7
1 1
∕16 = ∕4 + (7 – 1) d
d = - 1∕32
Hence, the AP is (1∕4, 7∕32, 6∕32, 5∕32, 4∕32, 3∕32, 1∕16)
The corresponding harmonic progression is (4, 32∕7, 16∕3, 32∕5, 8, 32∕3, 16)
2. Insert four harmonic means between 1/3, 1/13.
an = a1 + (n – 1) d ; n = 6
13 = 3 + (6 – 1) d
d = 2
AP: (3, 5, 7, 9, 11,13)
Harmonic progression: (1∕3, 1∕5, 1∕7, 1∕9, 1∕11, 1∕13)
CE Board May 2002
The given numbers are in harmonic progression, compute the value of x.
1 1 1
 1 , , ,
5 9 x
AP: 1, 5, 9, x
9–5 = x–9
x = 13
CE Board May 2004
In the given harmonic progression shown, compute the value of x.
1 1 1 1
, , ,
1 4 x 10
AP: 1, 4, x, 10
4–1 = x–4
x = 7

REVIEW PROBLEMS
1. Find the specified terms of the AP by use of formula.
a. Given terms: 3.5, 3.7, 3.9; find the 53rd term.
Ans. 13.9
b. Given terms: 19, 15, 11; find the 48th term.
Ans. – 169
2. Find the last term and the sum of the AP by use of formula.
a. 5, 7, 9, . . . . . to 51 terms.
Ans. 105; 2805
b. 27, 22, 17, . . . . to 16 terms.
Ans. – 48; – 168
3. Find the 63rd term in an AP where the seventh term is 23 and d = - 0.3
Ans. 6.2
4. There are 9 arithmetic means between 15 and 55. Compute the sum of the progression.
Ans. 385
5. In a certain arithmetic progression, the twentieth term is 32 and the common difference is 3. Find
the third term.
Ans. – 19
6. Find the last term and the sum of the GP by use of formulas.
a. 24, 12, 6, to 6 terms
Ans. 0.75; 47.25
b. 3, 12, 48, to 9 terms
Ans. 196608; 262143
7. Find the 10th term of a GP if the 7th term is 4 and r = 3
Ans. 108
8. There are 5 geometric means between 9 and 6561. Find the fifth term of the geometric progression
and the sum of the GP.
 Ans. 729; 9837
9. The 7 term of a geometric sequence is 56 and the 12th term is 1792. What is the 8th term?
th

Ans. 112

Chapter 4: LINEAR EQUATIONS

Solution of an applied problem by use of equations.
1. Introduce one or more letters to represent the unknowns and give a description of each one in
words.
2. Translate the given facts into one or more equations involving the unknowns, and solve for their
values.
3. Check the solution by substituting the results in the written statement of the problem.

WORK PROBLEM
1
Rate =
time to finish the work
Work done = rate x time

EXAMPLES
1. How long will it take Paul and Joseph, together, to plow a field which Paul can plow in 5 days and
Joseph, alone, in 7 days?
Let x = number of days required by Paul and Joseph to finish the work
In one day, Paul can plow 1⁄5 and Joseph 1⁄7 of the field. Hence, the fractional part of the field which
can be plowed in x days by Paul is x∕5 and by Joseph is x∕7.
Since the whole field is plowed in x days, the sum of the fractional parts plowed by the men in x days
is 1:
x x 7x + 5x
+ = 1 ; = 1
5 7 35
12 x = 35
x = 2.92 days

2. If A can do a job in 4 hours and B can do the same job in 8 hours, working together from start (a)
what part of the job have they done in 2 hours, and (b) how many hours can they finish the job?
Rate of A = 1∕4
Rate of B = 1∕8
Work done in 2 hours by A and B
1
∕4 (2) + 1∕8 (2) = 3∕4 or 75% of the work
Time to finish the job

t t 2t + t
+ = 1 ; = 1
 4 8 8
3t = 8
t = 2.667 hrs

3. Ding can finish a job in 8 hours. Dong can do it in 5 hours. If Ding worked for 3 hours and then
Dong was asked to help him finish it, how long will Dong have to work with Ding?
1 1 1
3 + x + = 1
8 8 5
3 13 x
+ = 1
8 40
x = 1.923 hours

CE Board Nov. 1999

Twenty men can finish the job in 30 days. Twenty five men were hired at the start and ten quit after 20
days. How many days will it take to finish the job?
20 (30) = 25 (20) + 15 (x)
x = 6.67 days
Total number of days to finish the job, D
D = 20 + 6.67 = 26.67 days

CE Board Nov. 2000

Twenty eight 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?
Let T = the number of days the job can be finished by 28 men
= 60
Ta = the actual number of days the job was finished
D = number of days delayed
D = Ta – T
28 (60) = 28 (15) + 23 (30) + 33 (x)
x = 17.27 days
Ta = 15 + 30 + 17.27
= 62.27 days
D = 62.27 – 60 = 2.27 days

CE Board May 2007

A can finish a painting job in 2 days. B can finish the job in 3 days. C can do the job in 6 days. How
long will it take all of them together to finish the job?
x x x 3x + 2x + x
+ + = 1 ; = 1
2 3 6 6
 6x = 6
x = 1 day

CE Board May 2012

Cocoy can do a job in 1 hour, Paul can do the same job in 2 hours and Praxy can do the job in 3 hours.
How long does it take them to do the job working together?
x x x 6x + 3x + 2x
+ + = 1 ; = 1
1 2 3 6
11 x = 6
x = 6∕11 = 0.545 hours
CE Board May 2012
If 8 men can chop down 28 trees in one day, how any trees can 20 men chop down in one day?
28 x
=
8 20
x = 70
CE Board May 2013
To finish a piece of work, each has to work as follows: Pedro works 6 hours more, Juan works 1 hour
more, and Maria works twice the time. How long does it take them to do the job working together?
Let x = the time for the three to finish the job by working together
x x x
+ + = 1
x+6 x+1 2x
x x 1
+ + = 1
x+6 x+1 2
x (2)(x + 1) + x (2)(x + 6) + (x + 6)(x + 1)
= 1
(x + 6)(x + 1)(2)
2 x2 + 2 x + 2 x2 + 12 x + x2 + 7 x + 6 = 2 (x2 + 7 x + 6)
5 x2 + 21 x + 6 = 2 x2 + 14 x + 12
3 x2 + 7 x – 6 = 0
- (7) ± (7)2 – 4(3)(-6)
x = = 0.667 hours
2(3)
CE Board Nov. 2013
Charles takes 6 minutes to solve a mathematics problem while it will only take Belinda 5 minutes to do
the same. If they will be solving the problem together, how long will it take them to finish?
x x 5x + 6x
 + = 1 ; = 1
6 5 30
11 x = 30
x = 2.73 minutes

CE Board Dec. 2014

Marvin can paint the roof of a house in 1 hour. Eliseo who is a slow worker can do the same job in 2
hours. But Wendell a super lazy guy can do the job in 3 hours. If the three of them work together to do
the same painting job, how long will it take them to finish the job?
x x x 6x + 3x + 2x
+ + = 1 ; = 1
1 2 3 6
11 x = 6
x = 6⁄11 hours
CE Board May 2015
A tank is filled with an intake pipe that will fill it in 4 hours and an outlet pipe that will empty it in 12
hours. If both pipes are left open, how long will it take to fill the empty tank?

x x 3x – x
– = 1 ; = 1
4 12 12
2 x = 12
x = 6 hours
CE Board May 2015
A and B are working on a certain piece of work. It takes A twice as long as it takes B to do a certain
piece of work. If A and B works together, they can finish the work in 6 days. How long will it take B to do
it?
1 1 1 1+2 1
+ = ; =
2x x 6 2x 6
(1 + 2) 6 = 2 x
x = 9 days
CE Board Nov. 2015
Mellisa can clean the house in 4 hours whereas her husband Jack can do the same job in 5 hours.
They agreed to clean the house together so that they can finish in time to watch a movie on TV that
starts in two hours. How long will it take to clean the house together?

x x 5x + 4x
+ = 1 ; = 1
4 5 20
9 x = 20
x = 2.222 hours
CE Board Nov. 2016
One hose can fill a goldfish pond in 45 minutes and two hoses can fill the same pond in 20 minutes.
Find how long it takes the second hose to fill the pond.
Time for the second hose to fill the pond alone:
20 20
+ = 1
45 x Hose Rate Time Spent Part of
20 x + 20 (45)
Work
= 1 Working Done
45 x 1 1 / 45 20 20 /
45 x = 20 x + 900 45
25 x = 900
x = 36 min
CE Board May 2017
A father and his son can dig a well if the father works 6 hours and his son works 12 hours or they can
do it if the father works 9 hours and the son works 8 hours. How long will it take for the father to dig the
well alone?
Let x = no. of hours the father could dig the well alone
y = no. of hours the son could dig the well alone
6 12 9 8
+ = 1 ; + = 1
x y x y
1 2 1 1 8
+ = - - - eq. 1 (9) + = 1 - - - eq. 2
x y 6 x y
from eq. 1,
1 1 2
= –
x 6 y
subst. in eq. 2
1 2 8
– (9) + = 1
6 y y
9 18 8
– + = 1
6 y y
9 18 8
 – 1 = –
6 y y
3 10
=
6 y
y = 20

subst. in eq. 1
1 2 1
+ =
x 20 6
1 1 2 20 – 6 (2) 1
= – = =
x 6 20 120 15
x = 15 hours
CE Board Nov. 2017
If one pump can fill a pool in 16 hours and if two pumps can fill the pool in 6 hours, how fast can the
second pump fill the pool?
1 1 1
+ =
16 y 6
1 1 1 16 – 6 10
= – = =
y 6 16 6 (16) 96
y = 9.6 hrs

CE Board Nov. 2018

A contractor has 50 men of the same capacity at work on a job. They can complete the job in 30 days,
the working day being 8 hours but the contract expires in 20 days. He decides to put 20 additional men.
If all the men get ₱ 3 per day for a full or part day and the liquidated damages are ₱ 100 for a full or part
day he requires over his contract, how many days could he finish the job?

Let x = number of days to finish the job

50 (30) = (50 + 20) x
x = 21.43 say 22 days

AGE PROBLEM
Principle: The difference of the ages of two persons is constant.

EXAMPLES
1. The sum of the ages of the father and his son is 99. If the inverted age of the father is added to the
age of the son, the sum is 108. However if the inverted age of the son is subtracted from the age of
the father, the difference is 44. Find their ages.
Let x = age of the father
y = age of the of the son
a = inverted age of the father
 b = inverted age of the son
x+y = 99 - - - eq. 1
a+y = 108 - - - eq. 2
x–b = 44 - - - eq. 3
a+b = 99 - - - eq. 4

add 3 and 4
x – b = 44
a + b = 99
x + a = 143 - - - eq. 5
subtract 2 from 5
x + a = 143
y + a = 108
x – y = 35 - - - eq. 6
add 6 and 1
x – y = 35 x = 67 yrs
x + y = 99 67 + y = 99
2x = 134 y = 32 yrs

2. At present Bugner’s age is 30% of his father’s age. Twenty years from now, Bugner’s age will be
58% of his father’s age. How old are they?
Let x = present age of Bugner
y = present age of the father
x = 0.30 y
20 years hence,
x + 20 = 0.58 (y + 20)
x + 20 = 0.58 y + 11.6 ; x = 0.30 y
0.30 y + 20 = 0.58 y + 11.6
0.28 y = 8.4
y = 30 years
x = 0.30 (30) = 9 years
3. Bugoy is 25 years younger than his father. However, his father will be twice his age in 10 years.
Find the ages of Bugoy and his father.
Let x = present age of Bugoy
x + 25 = present age of his father
10 years hence,
2 (x + 10) = x + 25 + 10
2 x + 20 = x + 35
x = 15 years
x + 25 = 40 years
4. Maria is 36 years old. Maria was twice as old as Anna was when Maria was as old as Anna is now.
How old is Anna now?
Let M = present age of Maria
 A = present age Anna
Past . . . . . . . . . . .xPresent
M–x M
A–x A
M = 36 - - - - eq. 1
M – x = 2 (A – x) - - - - eq. 2
M–x = A - - - - eq. 3
equate 2 and 3
2 (A – x) = A
2A – 2x = A
A = 2x - - - - eq. 4
subst. in eq. 3
M–x = A
36 – x = 2 x
x = 12
A = 2 (12) = 24 years
5. The sum of Michael’s and Jordan’s ages is 18. In three years, Michael will be twice as old as
Jordan. What is the age of Michael?

Let x = present age of Michael

y = present age of Jordan
x + 3 = 2 (y + 3) ; x + y = 18
y = 18 – x
x + 3 = 2 (18 – x + 3)
x + 3 = 42 – 2 x
3 x = 39
x = 13 years
CE Board Nov 2015
If A was 4 times as old as B eight years ago, and if A will be twice as old as B eight years hence, how
old is B now?
Let A = present age of A
B = present age of B
A – 8 = 4 (B – 8)
A – 8 = 4 B – 32
A = 4 B – 24 - - - - eq. 1
A + 8 = 2 (B + 8)
A + 8 = 2 B + 16
A = 2B + 8 - - - - eq. 2
Equate:
4 B – 24 = 2 B + 8
2 B = 32
B = 16 years
CLOCK PROBLEM
Principle: If the minute hand moves a distance of x, the hour hand moves x∕12 .
If the second hand moves a distance of x, the minute hand moves x∕60 and the hour hand x∕720 .
EXAMPLES
1. How many minutes after 2 o’clock will the hands of the clock be perpendicular for the first time?

10

x
∕12

15

x = 10 + x∕12 + 15 ; x – x∕12 = 25
11 x = 12 (25)
x = 27.273 min
2. What time between 2 and 3 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?
Let x = no. of minutes after 2 o’clock by which the angle between the hands of the
clock is bisected

10
x
x
∕12

θ
β

From the figure

θ = 15 – 10 – x∕12 ; θ = 5 – x∕12
β = x – 15
β = θ
x – 15 = 5 – x∕12 ; x + x∕12 = 20
13x = 12 (20)
x = 18 6∕13 min
Therefore the time is 2:18 6∕13
 *** This problem (CE Bd. Feb. 1958) was included in this reviewer on June 2012 and was given in the CE
Board Exam November 2016.
JAP

3. In how many minutes after 2 o’clock will the hands of the clock extend in opposite directions for the
first time?

x
∕12

x = 30 + x∕12 + 10 ; x – x∕12 = 40
11x = 12 (40)
x = 43.636 min
CE Board May 2018
In how many minutes after 3 PM will the hands of the clock be perpendicular to each other for the first
time after 3 PM?

15

x
∕12

15

x = 15 + x∕12 + 15 ; x – x∕12 = 30
11x = 12 (30)
x = 32.727 min

MIXTURE PROBLEM
EXAMPLES
1. How many grams of gold must be added with 500 g of an alloy containing 30% gold and 70% silver
in order to produce another alloy having 40% gold and 60% silver?
Represent the different mixtures by boxes
500 x 500 + x
30% G 100% G 40% G
70% S + = 60% S
 500 (30%) + x (100%) = (500 + x)(40%)
150 + x = 200 + 0.4 x
0.6 x = 50
x = 83.33 grams

2. How many quarts of pure sulfuric acid should be added to 5 quarts of water to obtain a 40%
solution?

x 5 5+x
100% S 0% S 40% S
+ 100% W = 60% W

x (100%) + 5 (0%) = (5 + x)(40%)

x = 2 + 0.4 x
0.6 x = 2
x = 3.33 quarts
3. A 100 kg salt solution originally 4% by weight salt. Salt in water is boiled to reduce water content
until the concentration is 5% by weight salt. How much water is evaporated?
100 x 100 – x
4% S 0% S 5% S
96% W – 100% W = 95% W

100 (0.04) – x (0) = (100 – x)(0.05)

4 – 0 = 5 + 0.05 x
0.05 x = 1
x = 20 kg
4. A container is filled with 70 liters which is 40% alcohol by volume. How much of the mixture must be
taken and then replaced with equal amount of water so that the resulting solution is 30% alcohol by
volume?
70 x x 70
40% A 40% A 0% A 30% A
60% W – 60% W + 60% W = 70% W

70 (0.40) – x (0.40) + x (0) = 70 (0.30)

28 – 0.40 x + 0 = 21
0.40 x = 7
x = 17.50 liters
MOTION PROBLEM
Uniform or Constant Speed

S = υt where: S = distance
t = time
υ = speed

Principle: If x = speed of airplane (or boat) in still air (or still water) and y = speed of wind (or current) in
the same direction then the speed of the airplane (or boat) with the wind (or current) is x + y and its
speed against the wind (current) is x – y.
Airplane traveling with the wind

wind =

speed = x
Resultant speed = x + y
Airplane traveling against the wind

wind =
speed = x
Resultant speed = x – y
EXAMPLES
1. An airplane flew 950 km in 2.5 hrs against a headwind blowing 30 km per hour. How fast could the
plane fly in still air?
S = υt
Let x = speed of airplane in still air
y = speed of wind
Resultant speed, υ = x – y
S = (x – y) t
950 km = (x – y) 2.5 hrs
(x – y) = 380 km/hr ; y = 30 km/hr
x – 30 = 380
x = 410 km/hr
2. An airplane can travel 1200 km with the wind as it can travel 900 km against the wind. Find the
velocity of the airplane in still air if the wind velocity is 40 kph.
Let x = speed of airplane in still air
y = speed of wind
 With the wind: υ = x + y
S = (x + y) t ; y = 40 km/hr
1200 = (x + 40) t
1200
t =
x + 40
Against the wind: υ = x – y
S = (x – y) t ; y = 40 km/hr
900 = (x – 40y) t
900
t =
x – 40
Equate:
1200 900
=
x + 40 x – 40
1200 x – 48000 = 900 x + 36000
300 x = 84000
x = 280 km/hr - - - (velocity of the airplane in still air)
3. It takes a motorboat 1.5 hours to go 20 km downstream and 2.25 hours to return. Find the rate of
the current and the rate of the boat in still water.
Let x = rate of the boat in still water
y = rate of the current
With the current: υ = x + y
S = (x + y) t
20 km = (x + y) 1.5 hr
x + y = 13.3333 km/hr - - - eq. 1
Against the current: υ = x – y
S = (x – y) t
20 = (x – y) 2.25
x – y = 8.8889 - - - eq. 2
Add eq. 1 and eq. 2
x + y = 13.3333
x – y = 8.8889 subst. in eq. 1
2 x = 22.2222 11.1111 + y = 13.3333
x = 11.1111 km/hr y = 2.2222 km/hr
4. Two rivers flow at a rate of 6 kilometers and four kilometers per hour, respectively. It takes a man in
a motorboat as long to travel 36 kilometers downstream on the first river as to travel 16 kilometers
upstream on the second. Find the speed of the boat in still water.
1st River: With the current: υ = x + y
S = (x + y) t
36 = (x + 6) t
36
t =
x+6
 2nd River: Against the current: υ = x – y
S = (x – y) t
16 = (x – 4) t
16
t =
x–4
Equate:
36 16
=
x+6 x–4
36 x – 144 = 16 x + 96
20 x = 240
x = 12 kph - - - (Speed of boat in still water)
CE Board May 2000
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?
Let x = speed of airplane in still air
y = speed of wind
With the wind: υ = x + y
S S 1200
t = = =
υ x+y x + 40
Against the wind: υ = x – y
S S 900
t = = =
υ x–y x – 40
Equate:
1200 900
=
x + 40 x – 40
1200 x – 48000 = 900 x + 36000
300 x = 84000
x = 280 kph
CE Board Nov 2010
An airplane flew from A to B along the wind for 1.5 hours a total distance of 500 km and consume 1.6
hours in flying the same distance back against the wind. What is the speed of the plane in still air?
Let x = speed of the airplane in still air
y = speed of wind
With the wind: υ = x + y
S = (x + y) t
500 km = (x + y) 1.5 hr
x + y = 333.3333 km/hr - - - eq. 1
Against the wind: υ = x – y
S = (x – y) t
500 = (x – y) 1.6 hr
 x – y = 312.50 - - - eq. 2
Add eq. 1 and eq. 2
x + y = 333.3333
x – y = 312.50
2 x = 645.8333
x = 322.92 km/hr
CE Board Dec 2014
A Cebu Pacific A320 requires 7 hours 10 minutes to complete a round trip of 1785 nautical miles each
way. The aircraft has 70 nautical miles per hour headwind going and a 60 nautical mile per hour
tailwind on the return trip. Assume the turnaround time is zero, determine the jet’s speed in still air.
Let x = speed of the plane in still air
y = speed of wind
With the wind: υ = x + y
S = (x + y) t2
1785 = (x + 60) t2
1785
t2 =
x + 60
Against the wind: υ = x – y
S = (x – y) t1
1785 = (x – 70) t1
1785
t1 =
x – 70
t = t1 + t2
1785 1785 1785 (x + 60) + 1785 (x – 70)
7 10⁄60 = + =
x – 70 x + 60 (x – 70)(x + 60)
7.167 (x – 70)(x + 60) = 1785 x + 107100 + 1785 x – 124950
7.167 (x2 – 10 x – 4200) = 3570 x 17850
7.167 x2 – 71.67 x – 30101.4 = 3570 x + 17850
7.167 x2 – 3641.67 x – 47951.4 = 0
x2 – 508.12 x – 6690.58 = 0
x = 520.96 mph
CE Board Dec 2014
A tugboat sailed 80 km distance in 70 minutes when going with the water current. Returning afterwards
and going against the current, it made the trip in 80 minutes. Find the nominal speed of the tugboat in
still water in kph.
Let x = rate of the boat in still water
y = rate of the current
With the current: υ = x + y
S = (x + y) t
80 km = (x + y) 1.1667 hr
x + y = 68.57 km/hr - - - eq. 1
 Against the current: υ = x – y
S = (x – y) t
80 = (x – y) 1.3333 hr
x – y = 60 km/hr - - - eq. 2
Add eq. 1 and eq. 2
x + y = 68.57
x – y = 60.00
2 x = 128.57
x = 64.285 km/hr
CE Board May 2015
It took an airplane one hour and 45 minutes to travel 500 km against the wind and covers the same
distance in one hour and 15 minutes with the wind. What is the airspeed in kph?
Let x = speed of airplane in still air
y = airspeed
With the wind: υ = x + y
S = (x + y) t
500 = (x + y) 1.25
x + y = 400 - - - eq. 1
Against the current: υ = x – y
S = (x – y) t
500 = (x – y) 1.75
x – y = 285.71 - - - eq. 2
Add eq. 1 and eq. 2
x + y = 400
x – y = 285.71
2 x = 685.71
x = 342.855 km/hr
Subst. in eq. 1
342.855 + y = 400
y = 57.145 kph
CE Board Nov 2017
A plane flies 465 miles with the wind and 345 miles against the wind in the same length of time. If the
speed of the wind is 20 mph, find the speed of the plane in still air.
Let x = speed of the plane in still air
y = speed of wind
With the wind: υ = x + y
S = (x + y) t
465 = (x + 20) t
465
t =
x + 20
Against the wind: υ = x – y
 S = (x – y) t
345 = (x – 20) t

345
t =
x – 20
Equate:
465 345
=
x + 20 x – 20
465 x – 465 (20) = 345 x + 345 (20)
465 x – 345 x = 345 (20) + 465 (20)
120 x = 16200
x = 135 mph
CE Board Nov 2017
A boat can travel 1.85 m/s in still water. If the boat heads directly across a stream whose current is 1.20
m/s, what is the velocity (magnitude and direction) of the boat relative to the shore?
1.20 m/s
1.85
m/s

υ
θ

υ2 = (1.85)2 + (1.20)2
υ = 2.205 m/s - - - magnitude
1.20
tan θ =
1.85
θ = 32.97º say 33º downstream - - - direction
MISCELLANEOUS
CE Board May 2012
Mario has 4 more hats than Alex and half as many hats as Miguel. If the three together have 24 hats,
how many hats does Miguel have?
Let x = no. of hats that Alex has
x + 4 = no. of hats that Mario has
y = no. of hats that Miguel has
x+4 = ½y
y = 2x + 8
x + (x + 4) + y = 24
x + x + 4 + 2x + 8 = 24
4x = 12
 x = 3
y = 2 (3) + 8 = 14 hats

CE Board May 2012

There are 37 applicants for civil engineering aide positions in a construction company, consisting of an
odd number of male applicants. If an equal number of male and female engineers shall be hired for
gender equality, 3 ladies will be left out. How many men applied?
Let x = no. of male applicants
y = no. of female applicants
x = y–3 - - - 3 ladies will be left out
y = x+3
x + y = 37
x + x + 3 = 37
2x = 34
x = 17
CE Board May 2013
A country barn house chickens and pigs. In order to determine the exact number of each kind of
animals in the barn, the owner told a visiting civil engineering graduate to simply count the total number
of heads and legs. The visitor did so and reported 60 heads and 140 legs. How many pigs were there?
Let x = no. of pigs
y = no. of chickens
For the heads:
x + y = 60
y = 60 – x
For the legs:
4x + 2y = 140
4x + 2 (60 – x) = 140
4x + 120 – 2x = 140
2x = 20
x = 10 pigs
CE Board May 2013
Meriam and Lilia decided to eat at a pizza hut. Meriam ordered 3 slices of pizza and 2 soft drinks while
Lilia ordered 2 slices of pizza and 3 soft drinks. Meriam paid ₱600 while Lilia paid ₱525. How much is
the cost of one pizza slice?
Let x = cost of 1 pizza
y = cost of 1 soft drink
3 x + 2 y = 600 - - - eq. 1
2 x + 3 y = 525 - - - eq. 2
Multiply eq. 1 by 3 and eq. 2 by 3, then subtract
6 x + 4 y = 1200
6 x + 9 y = 1575
 - 5 y = - 375
y = 75
3 x + 2 (75) = 600
x = ₱ 150

CE Board May 2018

ACME car rental agency charges ₱ 4 a day plus ₱ 0.15 a mile, whereas State rental agency charges
₱20 a day and ₱ 0.05 a mile. How many miles must be driven to make the daily cost of an ACME rental
better than State rental?
4 + 0.15 x = 20 + 0.05 x
0.10x = 16
x = 160 miles per day
CE Board May 2018
The cost of producing x units of a product is given by C (x) = x 2 + 560x + 1000. Find the approximate
cost for producing the fiftieth unit.
C (x) = x2 + 560x + 1000
When x = 50
C = (50)2 + 560 (50) + 1000 = 31500
When x = 49
C = (49)2 + 560 (49) + 1000 = 30841
Cost of producing the fiftieth unit = 31500 – 30841 = 659
CE Board May 2018
The number of plant species on various islands of the Relampagos Islands is a function of the area (A
in sq. miles) of each island, given by f (A) = 28.63 3 A . Find how many species are there in the area of
8 square miles.

A = 28.63 3 8
A = 57.26
CE Board Nov. 2018
On the first six tests in her mathematics subjects, her scores were 92, 78, 86, 92, 95 and 91. If she took
a seventh test and raised the mean of her scores exactly one point, what was her score on the 7th test?
92 + 78 + 86 + 92 + 95 + 91
Mean = = 89
6
92 + 78 + 86 + 92 + 95 + 91 + x
89 + 1 =
7
x = 96
REVIEW PROBLEMS
1. Chuck can do a job in 2 hour, Buck can do it also in 2 hours but Tuck can do it in 3 hours. How long
will it take them to do the job working together?
Ans. 0.75 hr
2. Two girls paint a room. Alyssa can paint it alone in 5 days while Myla can paint it alone in 8 days.
They start to paint it together, but after two days, Myla got bored and Alyssa finished alone. How
long does it take Alyssa to finish?
Ans. 1.75 days
3. Eleven men can finish a job in 15 days. Five men started the job and after 6 days, 4 men were
added. Determine the total number of days it took them to finish the job.
Ans. 21 days
4. A tank can be filled by an inlet pipe in 15 minutes. A drain pipe can empty the tank in 60 minutes.
How long does it take to fill the tank if both pipes are open?
Ans. 20 minutes
5. Machine A can complete a job in 8 hours, working alone. Working together with machine B, the job
can be completed in 5 hours. How long would it take machine B, working alone, to complete the
job?
Ans. 13.333 hours
6. A man is 25 years old and his son is 5. In how many years will the father be three times as old as
his son?
Ans. 5 years
7. Ten years ago, Kobe was three times as old as Kevin. Now he is 10 more than twice as old as
Kevin. Find their present ages
Ans. 70 and 30 years
8. Stephen is 5 years older than Curry. In 5 years the product of their ages will be 1.5 times the
product of their present ages. How old is Curry now?
Ans. 20 years
9. A boy is ⅓ as old as his brother and 8 years younger than his sister. The sum of their ages is 38
years. How old is the boy?
Ans. 6 years
10. At what time between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM will the hands of the clock be opposite to each other?
Ans. 3:49 PM
11. At what time between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM are the hands of the clock coincident?
Ans. 4:21:49 PM
12. A gold smith needs 120 grams of gold alloy of 75% pure gold. Only two alloys of gold are available,
the first being 80% pure gold, and the other is 60% pure gold. How many grams of 80% pure gold
must be used to suit his requirements?
Ans. 90 grams
13. A 40 grams alloy containing 35% gold is to be melted with a 20 grams alloy containing 50% gold.
How much percentage of gold is the resulting alloy?
Ans. 40%
14. Fifty liters of a 40% solution of acid and water is available. What volume of water must be added to
the solution to reduce the concentration to 10%?
Ans. 150 liters
15. The velocity of an airplane in still air is 125 kph. The velocity of wind, due west is 25 kph. If the
plane travels east and returns back to its base again after four hours, at what distance does the
plane travel due east?
Ans. 240 km
16. A motorboat went 70 miles in 4 hours at full speed upstream whose current is 6 mph. How fast can
the boat travel in still water?
Ans. 23.5 mph
17. The product of two numbers is 1400. If 3 is subtracted from each number, the product becomes
1175. Find the bigger number.
Ans. 50
18. Find two consecutive even integers such that the square of the larger is 44 greater than the square
of the smaller integer?
Ans. 10 and 12
19. A group of graduating students rented a bus for their field trip for ₱ 6,000. Ten of the students had
to withdraw from the trip, and as a result, the share of each of the others was increased by ₱ 20.
How many were in the original field trip?
Ans. 60 students
20. A man is paid ₱ 150 for each day he works and forfeits ₱ 50 for each day he is idle. If at the end of
100 days he nets ₱ 10,000, how many days was he idle.
Ans. 25 days
Chapter 5: PERMUTATION
The term permutation refers to the arrangement of objects with reference to order.
Permutation of n different things taken r at a time.
The total number of permutation of n objects taken r at a time is represented by the notation nPr and
can be evaluated using the formula
n!
n Pr =
(n – r)!
EXAMPLES

1. Find the number of permutations of seven different things taken three at a time.
7! 7x6x5x4 x3x2x1
7P3 = = -------------------- = 210
(7 – 3)! 4x3 x2 x1
2. In how many ways can 8 individuals be seated in a row of 8 chairs?
8!
8P8 = = 8x7x6x5x4x3x2x1 8! = 40,320 ways
(8 – 8)!
3. In how many ways can 4 people seat themselves in 6 given seats?
6!
6 P4 = = 6x5x4x3x2x1= 360 ways
(6 – 4)! 2x1
4. In how many ways can 9 distinct books be arranged in a shelf?
9!
9P9 = = 9x8x7x6x5x4x3x2x1 = 362,880 ways
(9 – 9)!
5. In how many ways can 8 individuals be seated in a row of 8 seats if two individuals wanted to be
seated side by side?
Hint: First, consider the two individuals who wanted to be seated side by side as one individual, hence
there are 7 individuals taken 7 at a time or 7P7. Next step is to consider the permutation of the two
individuals taken as one. We shall have 2P2.
7! 2!
7 P7 • 2P2 = • = 7x6x5x4x3x2x! x 2x! = 10,080 ways
(7 – 7)! (2 – 2)!
CE Board May 2013
How many three-letter arrangements can be made with letters that comprise the word ANGLE if no
letter may be repeated.
n! 5!
5 P3 = = = 5x4x3= 60
(n – r)! (5 – 3)!
CE Board Dec 2014
Find the number n of three-digit numbers that can be formed from the six numbers.
n! 6!
6 P3 = = = 6x5x4 = 120
(n – r)! (6 – 3)!
CE Board May 2015
In how many ways can a PICE Chapter with 14 directors choose a President, Vice President,
Secretary, and a Treasurer if no member can hold more than one position.
n! 14!
14P4 = = = 14x13x12x11 = 24,024
(n – r)! (14 – 4)!
Permutation with things that are alike.
The number of permutations of n objects taken altogether, where r1 are of one kind, r2 are of the other
kind, and so on is given by
n!
n Pn =
r1! • r2! • . . . • rk!
EXAMPLES

1. Find the possible permutations of the word MISSISSIPPI.

From the given word, n = 11
r1 = 1 (number of M’s)
r2 = 4 (number of I’s)
r3 = 4 (number of S’s)
r4 = 2 (number of P’s)
11!
11 P11 = = 39,916,800/1152= 34,650 ways
1! • 4! • 4! • 2!
2. Find the total 7 digit numbers that can be formed using all the digits in the following numerals
5771535
7!
7 P7 = = 5040/ 12 =420 ways
3! 2! 1! 1!
3. In how many ways can 3 copies of Hart’s Algebra, 5 copies of Rainville’s Calculus, and 7 copies of
Rider’s Trigonometry can be arranged in a shelf?
15!
15 P15 = = 360,360 ways
3! 5! 7!
CE Board May 2014
You are given the word PARALLEL, compute the number of different 8-letter arrangements that can be
formed.
L = 3
A = 2
P = 1
R = 1
8!
8P8 = = 3360
3! 2! 1! 1!
Permutation of n things in a circle (Cyclical/Circular Permutation)
The number of circular permutations of n objects taken altogether is
n–1 Pn – 1 = (n – 1)!
EXAMPLES

1. In how many ways can 6 individuals be seated in a round table with 6 chairs?
6–1 P6 – 1 = (6 – 1)! = 5! = 120 ways
2. In how many ways can 6 persons be seated around a table with 6 chairs if two individuals wanted to
be seated side by side?
Consider the two individuals who wanted to be seated as one person, thus n = 5. The number of
circular permutations of these 5 individuals is
5 –1 P5 –1 = (5 – 1)! = 4! = 24.
Then consider the permutation of the two persons treated as one
2 P2 = 2! = 2
5 –1 P5 –1 • 2P2 = 24 • 2 = 48 ways
3. In how many ways can seven different colored beads be made into a bracelet?
7–1 P7 – 1 = (7 – 1)! = 6! = 720 ways
COMBINATIONS
Combination refers to a collection of objects without regard to sequence or order of arrangement. The
computing formula for the combination of n objects taken r at a time is given by

n!
n Cr =
(n – r)! r!
EXAMPLES
1. In how many ways can a committee of 3 members be chosen from a group of 6 members?
Grouping in terms of committees is treated as a combination problem since only one position is
being filled (committee membership). Thus, we have 6 objects taken 3 at a time.
n! 6!
6 C3 = = = 20 ways
 (n – r)! r! (6 – 3)! 3!

2. A class consists of 5 boys and 7 girls.

a. In how many ways can the class president, the vice president, and the secretary be elected?
b. In how many ways can the class elect three members of a certain committee?
a. Election of the president, vice president, and the secretary means filling three distinct
positions. Thus, this is a permutation problem. Hence,
n! 12!
12 P3 = = = 1,320 ways
(n – r)! (12 – 3)!
b. Choosing members of a committee implies filling only one position and therefore a
combination problem. Thus
n! 12!
12 C3 = = = 220 ways
(n – r)! r! (12 – 3)! 3!
3. In how many ways can a student answer 5 out of 8 questions?
n! 8!
8 C5 = = = 56 ways
(n – r)! r! (8 – 5)! 5!
4. In how many ways can 2 balls be drawn from a box containing 7 red and 6 green balls?
There is no condition as to what ball must be drawn from the box. Hence it is required to
determine the number of ways of drawing 2 balls from a box of 13 balls. This can be done in
12C2 ways. Thus,

n! 13!
13 C2 = = = 78 ways
(n – r)! r! (13 – 2)! 2!
5. A box contains 7 red and 6 green balls. In how many ways can 2 balls be drawn such that
a. they are both green?
b. 1 is red and 1 is green?
a. The condition requires that the two balls must be both green. This can be done in 6C2
ways. Since only two balls shall be drawn, it follows that no red ball shall be taken which
can be done in 7C0 way.
6! 7!
6C2 • 7C0 = • = 15 • 1 = 15 ways
(6 – 2)! 2! (7 – 0)! 0!
b. One red ball can be taken from 7 red balls in 7C1 ways. One green ball can also be taken
from 6 green balls in 6C1 ways.
7! 6!
7 C1 • 6C1 = • = 7 • 6 = 42 ways
(7 – 1)! 1! (6 – 1)! 1!
6. How many ways can you draw 3 QUEENS and 2 KINGS from a deck of 52 Cards?
4! 4!
 4 C3 • 4C2 = • = 4 • 6 = 24 ways
(4 – 3)! 3! (4 – 2)! 2!
7. A university building has 8 entrance doors. In how many ways can a student enter and leave by
different doors?
8! 7!
8 C1 • 7C1 = • = 8 • 7 = 56 ways
(8 – 1)! 1! (7 – 1)! 1!
CE Board Nov 2001
How many 4 digit combinations could be made from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
n! 10!
10C4 = = = 210
(n – r)! r! (10 – 4)! 4!
CE Board Nov 2005
How many 2 digit combinations can be formed using digits from 0 to 9.
n! 10!
10 C2 = = = 45
(n – r)! r! (10 – 2)! 2!
CE Board May 2015
Ayala corporation advertised to hire financial analysts. The company received applications from 10
candidates who seem to be equally qualified. The company manager has decided to call only 3
candidates for an interview. If she randomly selects 3 candidates from the 10, how many total
selections are possible?
n! 10!
10 C3 = = = 120 ways
(n – r)! r! (10 – 3)! 3!
PROBABILITY
Probability is the chance that an event will happen. The probability of an event A denoted by P(A) refers
to a number between 0 and 1 including the values 0 and 1. This number can be expressed as a
fraction, as a decimal or as a percent. When a probability of zero is assigned to event A, it means that it
is impossible for event A to occur. When event A is assigned a probability of 1, then it means that event
A will really occur.
Single Event
The computing formula for the classical probability of an event A is given by
n(A)
P(A) = ; n(A) represents the sample points in event A
n(S) n(S) represents the number of sample points in
sample space S
If an event A can happen in h ways and can fail in f ways, then the probability that the event will happen
is:
h
P(A) =
h+f
and the probability that event A will fail is
f
P(A’) =
h+f
The probability of occurrence plus the probability of non-occurrence of an event is always equal to 1.
Therefore, in a given observation or experiment, an event must occur or not.
P(A) + P(A’) = 1
EXAMPLES
1. If a coin is tossed, what is the probability of getting a head?
n(A)
P(A) = ; S = {head, tail}
n(S) n(S) = 2
A = {head}
n(A) = 1
1
P(A) = = 0.5
2
2. If a pair of dice is rolled, what is the probability of getting
a. a sum of 6?
b. a sum of less than 13?
c. a sum of 13?
d. a sum of at least 10?
Number of sample points.
 n(S) = 36
a. Let A be the event of getting a sum of 6.
A = {(1, 5), (5, 1), (2, 4), (4, 2), (3, 3) }
n(A) = 5
n(A) 5
P(A) = =
n(S) 36
b. Let B be the event of getting a sum of less than 13.
n(B) = 36
n(B) 36
P(B) = = =1
n(S) 36
c. Let C be the event of getting a sum of 13.
n(C) = 0
n(C) 0
P(C) = = = 0
n(S) 36
d. Let D be the event of getting a sum of at least 10.
D = {(4, 6), (6, 4), (5, 5), (5, 6), (6, 5), (6, 6)}
n(D) = 6
n(D) 6
P(D) = =
n(S) 36
3. A box has 3 red, 4 green, and 6 yellow balls. If a ball is drawn from the box, what is the probability
that
a. it is green?
b. it is not red?
Number of sample points.
n(S) = 13
a. Let A be the event of getting a green ball.
n(A) = 4

n(A) 4
P(A) = =
n(S) 13
b. Let B be the event of not getting red.
n(B) = 3
P(B’) = 1 – P(B)
n(B) 3 10
P(B’) = 1 – = 1– =
n(S) 13 13
4. A box contains 7 red and 6 green balls. If two balls are drawn from the box, what is the probability
of getting
a. both green?
b. 1 red and 1 green?
Number of sample points.
13!
n(S) = 13 C2 = = 78
(13 – 2)! 2!
a. Let A be the event of getting both green balls.
6! 7!
n(A) = 6C2 • 7C0 = • = 15 • 1 = 15
(6 – 2)! 2! (7 – 0)! 0!
n(A) 15 5
P(A) = = =
n(S) 78 26
b. Let B be the event of getting 1 red and 1 green ball.
7! 6!
n(B) = 7C1 • 6C1 = • = 7 • 6 = 42
(7 – 1)! 1! (6 – 1)! 1!
n(B) 42 7
P(B) = = =
n(S) 78 13
5. For a single question in the board exams, there are four choices and only one of which is correct.
By guessing, what is the probability that you will get the correct answer?

h
P(A) = ; Out of 4 trials, the event (correct answer)
h+f can happen only once and can fail 3 times

1 1
P(A) = =
1+3 4
CE Board May 2013
Daniel and Nathan belong to the same baseball team. After so many swings, Daniel recorded 8 hits out
of 20 times at bat, while Nathan had 6 hits out of 16 times at bat. Judging on this present record, what
is the probability that both will get a hit next at bat?
8
P1 = - - probability that Daniel get a hit
 20
6
P2 = - - probability that Nathan get a hit
16
P = P1 • P2
8 6 48 3
P = • = = -----
20 16 320 20
CE Board Nov 2013
A piggy bank contains 20 – 10 peso coins, 24 – 5 peso coins, and 30 – 1 peso coins. If three coins are
taken out of the piggy bank at random and without replacement, determine the probability that:
a. All three coins are 10 peso coins
b. All three coins are 5 peso coins
c. All three coins are 1 peso coins

Total number of coins = 20 + 24 + 30 = 74

All three coins are 10 peso coins:
20 19 18
P = • • = 0.0176
74 73 72
All three coins are 5 peso coins:
24 23 22
P = • • = 0.0312
74 73 72
All three coins are 1 peso coins:
30 29 28
P = • • = 0.0626
74 73 72
CE Board May 2014
A box contains 100 washers, 24 of which are brass, 36 copper, the remainder are steel. One washer is
taken at random, retained and a second washer similarly drawn. Determine the probability that:
a. Both washers are steel
b. First is brass and the second is copper
c. One is brass and one is steel

Brass = 24
Copper = 36
Steel = 40
Both washers are steel:\

40 39
P = • = 0.1576
100 99
First is brass and the second is copper:
 24 36
P = • = 0.0873
100 99
One brass and one steel:
24 40 40 24
P = • + • = 0.1939
100 99 100 99

CE Board May 2014

A box contains 10 black marbles, 8 red marbles, 8 white marbles, and 2 yellow marbles. Suppose you
are allowed to pull out a black marble from the box and do not put it back. If you are to pull out another
marble at random, what is the probability that you will pull out another black marble?
Total number of marbles = 28
If one black marble is pull out then there will be 9 black marbles and a total of 27
marbles.
9 1
P = =
27 3

Note: End of Subject: Final Exam to be announce