Tips, Formulae and Shortcuts for

Inequalities

By

CRACKU.IN
 Cracku Tip 1 – Inequalities

▪ The topic Inequalities is one of the few sections in the quantitative part
which can throw up tricky questions. The questions are often asked in
conjunction with other sections like ratio and proportion, progressions etc.

▪ The theory involved in Inequalities is very limited and students should be

comfortable with the basics involving addition, multiplication and changing
of signs of the inequalities.

▪ The scope for making an error is high in this section as a minor mistake in
calculation (like forgetting the sign) can lead to a completely different
answer.

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 Cracku Tip 2 – Inequalities
 The modulus of x, |x| equals the maximum of x and –x

–|x| ≤ x ≤ |x|

 For any two real numbers 'a' and 'b’,

• a > b => -a < -b

• |a| + |b| ≥ |a + b|

• |a| - |b| ≤ |a - b|

• |a . b| = |a| |b|

• |a| > |b| => a > b (if both are +ve)

=> a < b (if both are -ve)

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 Cracku Tip 3 – Inequalities
▪ For any three real numbers X, Y and Z; if X > Y then X+Z > Y+Z

▪ If X > Y and

1. Z is positive, then XZ > YZ

2. Z is negative, then XZ < YZ
3. If X and Y are of the same sign, 1/X < 1/Y
4. If X and Y are of different signs, 1/X > 1/Y

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 Cracku Tip 4 – Inequalities
1
▪ For any positive real number, x+ ≥2
x

▪ For any real number x > 1,

1 x
2 < [1+ ] < 2.8.
x

As x increases, the function tends to an irrational number called 'e' which is

approximately equal to 2.718

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 Cracku Tip 5 – Inequalities

▪ If |x| ≤ k then the value of x lies between –k and k, or –k ≤ x ≤ k

▪ If |x| ≥ k then x ≥ k or x ≤ -k

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 Cracku Tip 6 – Inequalities

▪ If ax2+bx+c < 0 then (x-m)(x-n) < 0, and if n > m, then m < x < n

▪ If ax2+bx+c > 0 then (x-m)(x-n) > 0 and if m < n, then x < m and x > n

▪ If ax2+bx+c > 0 but m = n, then the value of x exists for all values,
except x is equal to m,

i.e., x < m and x > m but x ≠ m

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 Important Inequalities Questions for CAT

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 Questions
Instructions
For the following questions answer them individually

Question 1

If x, y, z are distinct positive real numbers the (x2 (y + z) + y2 (x + z) + z2 (x + y))/xyz would always be

A Less than 6

B greater than 8

C greater than 6

D Less than 8

Answer: C

 Video Solution

Explanation:
For the given expression value of x,y,z are distinct positive integers . So the value of expression will always be greater than value when all
the 3 variables are equal . substitute x=y=z we get minimum value of 6 .

(x2 (y + z) + y2 (x + z) + z2 (x + y))/xyz = x/z + x/y + y/z + y/x + z/y + z/x

Applying AM greater than or equal to GM, we get minimum sum = 6

Question 2

What values of x satisfy x2/3 + x1/3 − 2 <= 0?

A −8 ≤ x ≤ 1

B −1 ≤ x ≤ 8

C 1≤x≤8

D 1 ≤ x ≤ 18

E −8 ≤ x ≤ 8
Answer: A

 Video Solution

Explanation:
Try to solve this type of questions using the options.

Subsitute 0 first => We ger -2 <=0, which is correct. Hence, 0 must be in the solution set.

Substitute 8 => 4 + 2 - 2 <=0 => 6 <= 0, which is false. Hence, 8 must not be in the solution set.

=> Option 1 is the answer.

Question 3

If pqr = 1, the value of the expression 1/(1 + p + q−1 ) + 1/(1 + q + r−1 ) + 1/(1 + r + p−1 )

A p+q+r

B 1/(p+q+r)

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C 1

D p−1 + q−1 + r−1

Answer: C

 Video Solution

Explanation:
Let p = q = r = 1

So, the value of the expression becomes 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 = 1

If we substitute these values, options a), b) and d) do not satisfy.

Option c) is the answer.

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Question 4

The number of integers n satisfying -n+2 ≥ 0 and 2n ≥ 4 is

A 0

B 1

C 2

D 3

Answer: B

 Video Solution

Explanation:
-n+2 >= 0
or n<=2
and 2n>=4
or n>=2
So we can take only one value of n i.e. 2

Question 5

Which of the following values of x do not satisfy the inequality (x2 − 3x + 2 > 0) at all?

A 1≤x≤2

B −1 ≥ x ≥ −2

C 0≤x≤2

D 0 ≥ x ≥ −2
Answer: A

 Video Solution

Explanation:
After solving given equation, we will have inequality resolved to:

(x-1)(x-2)>0

Or we can say range of x will be as follows:

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x<1; x>2

Hence, option A has a set of values which don't lie in the possible range of x.

So the answer will be A.

Question 6

The number of positive integer valued pairs (x, y), satisfying 4x - 17 y = 1 and x < 1000 is:

A 59

B 57

C 55

D 58

Answer: A

 Video Solution

Explanation:
4x−1
y= 17

The integral values of x for which y is an integer are 13, 30, 47,......

The values are in the form 17n + 13, where n≥0

17n + 13 < 1000

=> 17n < 987

=> n < 58.05

=> n can take values from 0 to 58 => Number of values = 59

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Question 7

If | r - 6 | = 11 and | 2q - 12 | = 8, what is the minimum possible value of q / r?

A -2/5

B 2/17

C 10/17

D None of these

Answer: D

 Video Solution

Explanation:
| r-6 | = 11 => r = -5 or 17

| 2q - 12 | = 8 => q = 10 or 2

So, the minimum possible value of q/r = 10/(-5) = -2

Question 8

If a and b are integers of opposite signs such that (a + 3)2 : b2 = 9 : 1 and (a − 1)2 : (b − 1)2 = 4 : 1, then the ratio a 2 : b2 is

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A 9:4

B 81:4

C 1:4

D 25:4

Answer: D

 Video Solution

Explanation:
Since the square root can be positive or negative we will get two cases for each of the equation.

For the first one,

a + 3 = 3b .. i

a + 3 = -3b ... ii

For the second one,

a - 1 = 2(b -1) ... iii

a - 1 = 2 (1 - b) ... iv

we have to solve i and iii, i and iv, ii and iii, ii and iv.

Solving i and iii,

a + 3 = 3b and a = 2b - 1, solving, we get a = 3 and b = 2, which is not what we want.

Solving i and iv

a + 3 = 3b and a = 3 - 2b, solving, we get b = 1.2, which is not possible.

Solving ii and iii

a + 3 = -3b and a = 2b - 1, solving, we get b = 0.4, which is not possible.

Solving ii and iv,

a + 3 = -3b and a = 3 - 2b, solving, we get a = 15 and b = -6 which is what we want.

a2 25
Thus, b 2 = 4

Question 9

For how many integers n, will the inequality (n − 5)(n − 10) − 3(n − 2) ≤ 0 be satisfied?

Answer:11

 Video Solution

Explanation:
(n − 5)(n − 10) − 3(n − 2) ≤ 0
=> n2 − 15n + 50 − 3n + 6 ≤ 0
=> n2 − 18n + 56 ≤ 0
=> (n − 4)(n − 14) ≤ 0
=> Thus, n can take values from 4 to 14. Hence, the required number of values are 14 - 4 + 1 = 11.

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Question 10

The minimum possible value of the sum of the squares of the roots of the equation x2 + (a + 3)x − (a + 5) = 0 is

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A 1

B 2

C 3

D 4

Answer: C

 Video Solution

Explanation:
Let the roots of the equation x2 + (a + 3)x − (a + 5) = 0 be equal to p, q
Hence, p + q = −(a + 3) and p × q = −(a + 5)
Therefore, p2 + q2 = a 2 + 6a + 9 + 2a + 10 = a 2 + 8a + 19 = (a + 4)2 + 3
As (a + 4)2 is always non negative, the least value of the sum of squares is 3
Question 11

The smallest integer n such that n3 − 11n2 + 32n − 28 > 0 is

Answer:8

 Video Solution

Explanation:
We can see that at n = 2, n3 − 11n2 + 32n − 28 = 0 i.e. (n-2) is a factor of n3 − 11n2 + 32n − 28
n3 − 11n2 + 32n − 28
n−2 = n2 − 9n + 14

We can further factorize n^2-9n+14 as (n-2)(n-7).

n3 − 11n2 + 32n − 28 = (n − 2)2 (n − 7)

⇒ n3 − 11n2 + 32n − 28 > 0
⇒ (n − 2)2 (n − 7) > 0
Therefore, we can say that n-7>0

Hence, n min = 8

Question 12
4x−x2
loge 3
If x is a real number, then is a real number if and only if

A 1≤x≤3

B 1≤x≤2

C −1 ≤ x ≤ 3

D −3 ≤ x ≤ 3
Answer: A

 Video Solution

Explanation:

4x−x2
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 4x−x2
loge 3 4x−x2
will be real if loge 3 ≥ 0
4x−x2
3 >= 1
4x − x2 − 3 >= 0
x2 − 4x + 3 =< 0
1=< x=< 3

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Question 13

Among 100 students, x1 have birthdays in January, X2 have birthdays in February, and so on. If x0 = max(x1 , x2 , ...., x12 ), then the
smallest possible value of x0 is

A 8

B 9

C 10

D 12

Answer: B

 Video Solution

Explanation:
x0 = max(x1 , x2 , ...., x12 )
x0 will be minimum if x1,x2...x12 are close to each other
100/12=8.33

.'. max(x1 , x2 , ...., x12 ) will be minimum if (x1 , x2 , ...., x12 )=(9,9,9,9,8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8,)
.'. Option B is correct.

Question 14

The number of pairs of integers (x, y) satisfying x ≥ y ≥ −20 and 2x + 5y = 99

Answer:17

 Video Solution

Explanation:
(99−5y)
We have 2x + 5y = 99 or x= 2
(99−5y)
Now x ≥ y ≥ −20 ; So 2 ≥ y ; 99 ≥ 7y or y ≤ ≈ 14
So −20 ≤ y ≤ 14. Now for this range of "y", we have to find all the integral values of "x". As the coefficient of "x" is 2,
then (99 - 5y) must be even, which will happen when "y" is odd. However, there are only 17 odd values of "y" be -20 and 14.

Hence the number of possible values is 17.

Question 15
x
For real x, the maximum possible value of 1+x4 is

1
A 2

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 1
B

1
C 3

1
D 2

Answer: D

 Video Solution

Explanation:
11+x4 1 2
x x2 x2 +x
Now 1+x4 = =

Applying A.M>= G.M.

1
( x2 +x2) 1 1
2 ≥ 1 or x2 + x2 ≥ 2 Substituting we get the maximum possible value of the equation as 2

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Question 16
1 1
if x and y are positive real numbers satisfying x + y = 102, then the minimum possible valus of 2601(1 + x )(1 + y ) is

Answer:2704

 Video Solution

Explanation:
1 1 xy+y+x+1
Now we have 2601 (1 + x ) (1 + y ) = 2601 ( xy )

Now we know that x+y=102. Substituting it in the above equation

xy+y+x+1 103
2601 ( xy ) = 2601 ( xy + 1)

Maximum value of xy can be found out by AM>= GM relationship

x+y
2 ≥ xy or xy ≤ 51 or xy ≤ 2601

Hence the maximum value of "xy" is 2601. Substituting in the above equation we get
103+2601
2601 ( 2601 ) = 2704
Question 17

The number of integers n that satisfy the inequalities ∣ n − 60 ∣<∣ n − 100 ∣<∣ n − 20 ∣ is

A 21

B 19

C 18

D 20

Answer: B

 Video Solution

Explanation:
We have ∣ n − 60 ∣<∣ n − 100 ∣<∣ n − 20 ∣.

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Now, the difference inside the modulus signified the distance of n from 60, 100, and 20 on the number line. This means that when the
absolute difference from a number is larger, n would be further away from that number.

Example: The absolute difference of n and 60 is less than that of the absolute difference between n and 20. Hence, n cannot be ≤ 40, as
then it would be closer to 20 than 60, and closer on the number line would indicate lesser value of absolute difference. Thus we have the
condition that n>40.

The absolute difference of n and 100 is less than that of the absolute difference between n and 20. Hence, n cannot be ≤ 60, as then it
would be closer to 20 than 100. Thus we have the condition that n>60.

The absolute difference of n and 60 is less than that of the absolute difference between n and 100. Hence, n cannot be ≥ 80, as then it
would be closer to 100 than 60. Thus we have the condition that n<80.

The number which satisfies the conditions are 61, 62, 63, 64......79. Thus, a total of 19 numbers.

Alternatively

as per the given condition : ∣ n − 60 ∣<∣ n − 100 ∣<∣ n − 20 ∣.

Dividing the range of n into 4 segments. (n < 20, 20<n<60, 60<n<100, n > 100 )

1) For n < 20.

|n-20| = 20-n, |n-60| = 60- n, |n-100| = 100-n

considering the inequality part : ∣n − 100∣ < ∣n − 20∣

100 -n < 20 -n,

No value of n satisfies this condition.

2) For 20 < n < 60.

|n-20| = n-20, |n-60| = 60- n, |n-100| = 100-n.

60- n < 100 - n and 100 - n < n - 20

For 100 -n < n - 20.

120 < 2n and n > 60. But for the considered range n is less than 60.

3) For 60 < n < 100

|n-20| = n-20, |n-60| = n-60, |n-100| = 100-n

n-60 < 100-n and 100-n < n-20.

For the first part 2n < 160 and for the second part 120 < 2n.

n takes values from 61 ................79.

A total of 19 values

4) For n > 100

|n-20| = n-20, |n-60| = n-60, |n-100| = n-100

n-60 < n - 100.

No value of n in the given range satisfies the given inequality.

Hence a total of 19 values satisfy the inequality.

Question 18
x2 +2x−15
f(x) = x2 −7x−18 is negative if and only if

A -5 < x < -2 or 3 < x < 9

B x < -5 or -2 < x < 3

C -2 < x < 3 or x > 9

D x < -5 or 3 < x < 9

Answer: A

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  Video Solution

Explanation:
x2 +2x−15
f(x) = x2 −7x−18 <0

(x+5 )(x−3 )
(x−9 )(x+2 ) <0
We have four inflection points -5, -2, 3, and 9.

For x<-5, all four terms (x+5), (x-3), (x-9), (x+2) will be negative. Hence, the overall expression will be positive. Similarly, when x>9, all four
terms will be positive.

When x belongs to (-2,3), two terms are negative and two are positive. Hence, the overall expression is positive again.

We are left with the range (-5,-2) and (3,9) where the expression will be negative.

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Question 19

For a real number x the condition ∣ 3x − 20 ∣ + ∣ 3x − 40 ∣= 20 necessarily holds if

A 10 < x < 15

B 9 < x < 14

C 7 < x < 12

D 6 < x < 11
Answer: C

 Video Solution

Explanation:
40
Case 1 : x ≥ 3
we get 3x-20 +3x-40 =20
6x=80
80 40
x= 6 = 3 =13.33
20 40
Case 2 : 3 ≤ x < 3
we get 3x-20+40-3x =20
we get 20=20
20 40
So we get x∈ [ 3 , 3 ]
20
Case 3 x < 3
we get 20-3x+40-3x =20
40=6x
20
x= 3
but this is not possible
so we get from case 1,2 and 3
20 40
3 ≤ x≤ 3
Now looking at options
we can say only option C satisfies for all x .
Hence 7<x<12.

Question 20

The number of distinct pairs of integers (m,n), satisfying ∣ 1 + mn ∣<∣ m + n ∣< 5 is:

Answer:12

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  Video Solution

Explanation:
Let us break this up into 2 inequations [ Let us assume x as m and y as n ]

| 1 + mn | < | m + n |

|m+n|<5

Looking at these expressions, we can clearly tell that the graphs will be symmetrical about the origin.

Let us try out with the first quadrant and extend the results to the other quadrants.

We will also consider the +X and +Y axes along with the quadrant.

So, the first inequality becomes,

1 + mn < m + n

1 + mn - m - n < 0

1 - m + mn - n < 0

(1-m) + n(m-1) < 0

(1-m)(1-n) < 0

(m - 1)(n - 1) < 0

Let us try to plot the graph.

If we consider only mn < 0, then we get

But, we have (m - 1)(n - 1) < 0, so we need to shift the graphs by one unit towards positive x and positive y.

So, we have,

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But, we are only considering the first quadrant and the +X and +Y axes. Hence, if we extend, we get the following region.

So, if we look for only integer values, we get

(0,2), (0,3),.......

(0,-2), (0, -3),......

(2,0), (3,0), ......

(-2,0), (-3,0), .......

Now, let us consider the other inequation as well, in which |x + y| < 5

Since one of the values is always zero, the modulus of the other value is less than or equal to 4.

Hence, we get

(0,2), (0,3), (0,4)

(0,-2), (0, -3), (0, -4)

(2,0), (3,0), (4,0)

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(-2,0), (-3,0), (-4,0)

Hence, a total of 12 values.

Question 21

If n is a positive integer such that ( 7 10)( 7 10)2 ...( 7 10)n > 999, then the smallest value of n is

Answer:6

 Video Solution

Explanation:
( 7 10)( 7 10)2 ...( 7 10)n > 999
( 7 10)1+2+...+n > 999
1+2+...+n
10 7
> 999
For minimum value of n,
1+2+...+n
7 =3
1 + 2 + ... + n = 21

We can see that if n = 6, 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + 6 = 21.

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Question 22

Let a, b, c, d be four integers such that a+b+c+d = 4m+1 where m is a positive integer. Given m, which one of the following is necessarily
true?

A The minimum possible value of a 2 + b2 + c2 + d2 is 4m2 − 2m + 1

B The minimum possible value of a 2 + b2 + c2 + d2 is 4m2 + 2m + 1

C The maximum possible value of a 2 + b2 + c2 + d2 is 4m2 − 2m + 1

D The maximum possible value of a 2 + b2 + c2 + d2 is 4m2 + 2m + 1

Answer: B

 Video Solution

Explanation:
Taking lowest possible positive value of m i.e. 1 . Such that a+b+c+d=5 , so atleast one of them must be grater than 1 ,

take a=b=c=1 and d=2

we get a 2 + b2 + c2 + d2 = 7 which is equal to 4m2 + 2m + 1 for other values it is greater than 4m2 + 2m + 1 . so option B
Question 23

Given that −1 ≤ v ≤ 1, −2 ≤ u ≤ −0.5 and −2 ≤ z ≤ −0.5 and w = vz/u , then which of the following is necessarily true?

A −0.5 ≤ w ≤ 2

B −4 ≤ w ≤ 4

C −4 ≤ w ≤ 2

D −2 ≤ w ≤ −0.5
Answer: B

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  Video Solution

Explanation:
We know w = vz/u so taking max value of u and min value of v and z to get min value of w which is -4.
Similarly taking min value of u and max value of v and z to get max value of w which is 4

Take v = 1, z = -2 and u = -0.5, we get w = 4

Take v = -1, z = -2 and u = -0.5, we get w = -4

Question 24

The number of solutions of the equation 2x + y = 40 where both x and y are positive integers and x <= y is:

A 7

B 13

C 14

D 18

E 20

Answer: B

 Video Solution

Explanation:
y = 38 => x = 1

y = 36 => x = 2

...

...

y = 14 => x = 13

y = 12 => x = 14 => Cases from here are not valid as x > y.

Hence, there are 13 solutions.

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Question 25

If x > 5 and y < -1, then which of the following statements is true?

A (x + 4y) > 1

B x > -4y

C -4x < 5y

D None of these

Answer: D

 Video Solution

Explanation:
Substitute x=6 and y=-6 ,

x+4y = -18

x = 6, -4y = 24

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-4x = -24, 5y = -30

So none of the options out of a,b or c satisfies .

Question 26

x and y are real numbers satisfying the conditions 2 < x < 3 and - 8 < y < -7. Which of the following expressions will have the least value?

A x2 y

B xy2

C 5xy

D None of these

Answer: C

 Video Solution

Explanation:
xy2 will have it's least value when y=-7 and x=2 and equals 98.
So xy2 > 98

x2 y will have it's least value when y=-8 and x=3 and equals -72.
So, x2 y > −72

5xy will have it's least value when y=-8 and x=3 and equals -120
So, 5xy > −120

So, of the three expressions, the least possible value is that of 5xy

Question 27

m is the smallest positive integer such that for any integer n ≥ m, the quantity n3 − 7n2 + 11n − 5 is positive. What is the value of
m?

A 4

B 5

C 8

D None of these

Answer: D

 Video Solution

Explanation:
n3 − 7n2 + 11n − 5 = (n − 1)(n2 − 6n + 5) = (n − 1)(n − 1)(n − 5)
This is positive for n > 5
So, m = 6

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Question 28

If a, b, c and d are four positive real numbers such that abcd = 1, what is the minimum value of (1 + a)(1+b)(1+c)(1+d)?

A 4

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 1
B

C 16

D 18

Answer: C

 Video Solution

Explanation:
Since the product is constant,

(a+b+c+d)/4 >= (abcd)1/4

We know that abcd = 1.

Therefore, a+b+c+d >= 4

(a + 1)(b + 1)(c + 1)(d + 1)

= 1 + a + b + c + d + ab + ac + ad + bc + bd + cd + abc + bcd + cda + dab + abcd
We know that abcd = 1
Therefore, a = 1/bcd, b = 1/acd, c = 1/bda and d = 1/abc
Also, cd = 1/ab, bd = 1/ac, bc = 1/ad
The expression can be clubbed together as 1 + abcd + (a + 1/a) + (b + 1/b) + (c + 1/c) + (d + 1/d) + (ab + 1/ab) + (ac +
1/ac) + (ad + 1/ad)
For any positive real number x, x + 1/x ≥ 2
Therefore, the least value that (a + 1/a), (b + 1/b)....(ad + 1/ad) can take is 2.
(a + 1)(b + 1)(c + 1)(d + 1) ≥ 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2
=> (a + 1)(b + 1)(c + 1)(d + 1) ≥ 16
The least value that the given expression can take is 16. Therefore, option C is the right answer.

Question 29

Let x and y be two positive numbers such that x + y = 1.

1 1
Then the minimum value of (x + x )2 + (y + y )2 is

A 12

B 20

C 12.5

D 13.3

Answer: C

 Video Solution

Explanation:
Approach 1:

The given expression is symmetric in x and y and the limiting condition (x+y=1) is also symmetric in x and y.

=>This means that the expression attains the minimum value when x = y
x=y=1/2
1 1 1 1
So, the value = (x + x )2 + (y + y )2 = (2 + 2 )2 + (2 + 2 )2 =12.5
Approach 2:

(x + 1/x)2 + (y + 1/y)2 = (x + 1/x + y + 1/y)2 - 2 ∗ (x + 1/x)(y + 1/y)

Let x+1/x and y+1/y be two terms. Thus (x+1/x+y+1/y)/2 would be their Arithmetic Mean(AM) and (x + 1/x)(y + 1/y) would be
their Geometric Mean (GM).
2 2 2 2
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Therefore, we can express the above equation as (x + 1/x)2 + (y + 1/y)2 = 4AM 2 - GM 2 . As AM >= GM, the minimum value of
expression would be attained when AM = GM.

When AM = GM, both terms are equal. That is x+1/x = y +1/y.

Substituting y=1-x we get

x+1/x = (1-x) + 1/(1-x)

On solving we get 2x-1 = (2x-1)/ x(1-x)

So either 2x-1 = 0 or x(1-x) = 1

x(1-x) = x * y

As x and y are positive numbers whose sum = 1, 0<= x, y <=1. Hence, their product cannot be 1.

Thus, 2x-1 = 0 or x=1/2

=> y = 1/2
1 1 1 1
So, the value = (x + x )2 + (y + y )2 = (2 + 2 )2 + (2 + 2 )2 = 12.5
Question 30

If x>2 and y>-1,then which of the following statements is necessarily true?

A xy>-2

B -x<2y

C xy<-2

D -x>2y

Answer: B

 Video Solution

Explanation:
This kind of questions must be solved using the counter example method.

x = 100 and y = -1/2 rules out option a)

x = 3 and y = 0 rules out options c) and d)
Option b) is correct.

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Question 31

If x, y and z are real numbers such that x + y + z = 5 and xy + yz + zx = 3, what is the largest value that x can have?

A 5/3

B 19

C 13/3

D None of these
Answer: C

 Video Solution

Explanation:
The given equations are x + y + z = 5 -- (1) , xy + yz + zx = 3 -- (2)
xy + yz + zx = 3

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x(y + z) + yz = 3
=> x ( 5 -x ) +y ( 5 - x - y) = 3
=> −y2 − y(5 − x) − x2 + 5x = 3
=> y2 + y(x − 5) + (x2 − 5x + 3) = 0
The above equation should have real roots for y, => Determinant >= 0

=>b2 − 4ac > 0

=> (x − 5)2 − 4(x2 − 5x + 3) ≥ 0
=> 3x2 − 10x − 13 ≤ 0
13
=> −1 ≤ x ≤ 3
13 1 1
Hence maximum value x can take is 3 , and the corresponding values for y,z are 3 , 3

Question 32

If x2 + 5y2 + z2 = 2y(2x + z), then which of the following statements is(are) necessarily true?
A. x = 2y B. x = 2z C. 2x = z

A Only A

B B and C

C A and B

D None of these

Answer: C

 Video Solution

Explanation:
The equation is not satisfied for only x = 2y.

Using statements B and C, i.e., x = 2z and 2x = z, we see that the equation is not satisfied.

Using statements A and B, i.e., x = 2y and x = 2z, i.e., z = y = x/2, the equation is satisfied.

Option c) is the correct answer.

Question 33

If u, v, w and m are natural numbers such that um + vm = wm, then which one of the following is true?

A m >= min(u, v, w)

B m >= max(u, v, w)

C m < min(u, v, w)

D None of these

Answer: D

 Video Solution

Explanation:
Substitute value of u = v = 2, w = 4 and m = 1. Here the condition holds and options A and B are false. Hence, we can eliminate options A
and B.

Substitute u = v = 1, w=2 and m= 1. Here m=min(u, v, w). Hence, option C also does not hold. Hence, we can eliminate option C.

Option d) is the correct answer.

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Question 34

From any two numbers x and y, we define x ∗ y = x + 0.5y − xy . Suppose that both x and y are greater than 0.5. Then
x ∗ x < y ∗ y if

A 1>x>y

B x>1>y

C 1>y>x

D y>1>x

Answer: B

 Video Solution

Explanation:
x∗x< y∗y
or x + 0.5x − x2 < y + 0.5y − y2
y2 − x2 + 1.5x − 1.5y < 0
(y − x)(y + x) − 1.5(y − x) < 0
(y − x)(y + x − 1.5) < 0
(x − y)(1.5 − (x + y)) < 0
Now there will be two possibilities
x < y and (x + y) < 1.5 ...........(i)
or x > y and (x + y) > 1.5 ............(ii)
Among all options only option B satisfies (ii).
Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Question 35

x, y and z are three positive integers such that x > y > z. Which of the following is closest to the product xyz?

A (x-1)yz

B x(y-1)z

C xy(z-1)

D x(y+1)z

Answer: A

 Video Solution

Explanation:
The expressions in the four options can be expanded as

xyz-yz; xyz-xz; xyz-xy and xyz+xz

The closest value to xyz would be xyz-yz, as yz is the least value among yz, xz and xy.

Option a) is the correct answer.

Instructions

For these questions the following functions have been defined.

la(x, y, z) = min(x + y, y + z)
le(x, y, z) = max(x − y, y − z)
1
ma(x, y, z) = 2 (le(x, y, z) + la(x, y, z))

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Question 36

Given that x > y > z > 0. Which of the following is necessarily true?

A la(x, y, z) < le(x, y, z)

B ma(x, y, z) < la(x, y, z)

C ma(x, y, z) < le(x, y, z)

D None of these

Answer: D

 Video Solution

Explanation:
Best approach to these type question remain assuming values and checking

Case - 1.x=8 ; y=7 ; z = 5

la (x,y,z) = 12

le (x,y,z) = 2

ma (x,y,z) = 7

Case -2: Let us try to find values for which la(x,y,z) and le(x,y,z) would be equal. In such a case, ma(x,y,z) would also be the same.

So max(x-y,y-z)= min(x+y, y+z)

As x>y>z>0, min(x+y, y+z) = y+z

So max(x-y, y-z) =y+z

Either x-y=y+z or y-z = y+z

So x=2y+z or z=0

But z cannot be 0 according to given condition.

So, x=2y+z

Let us assume y=2 and z=1

So x=5

la (x,y,z)= 3

le (x,y,z) = 3

ma (x,y,z)= 3

based on these two cases we can deduce that non of the given options holds true.

So the correct option to choose is D - None of these.

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Question 37

What is the value of ma(10, 4, le((la10, 5, 3), 5, 3))?

A 7

B 6.5

C 8

D 7.5

Answer: B

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  Video Solution

Explanation:
Ma(10, 4, le((la10, 5, 3), 5, 3))
Or Ma(10, 4, le(8, 5, 3))
Or Ma(10, 4, 3)
1
Or 2 (6 + 7) = 6.5
Question 38

For x=15, y=10 and z=9 , find the value of le(x, min(y, x-z), le(9, 8, ma(x, y, z)).

A 5

B 12

C 9

D 4

Answer: C

 Video Solution

Explanation:
Given expression can be reduced to
le(15, min(10,15-9) , le(9,8,12))
Or le(15,6,1) = 9

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