If M=P*Q, where P and Q are different positive integers,

I solved it by assuming some values. Obviously Statement 1 and 2 alone are not enough. However, using the information given in each of them, I was able to assume some values - 4 (1, 2, 4), 9 (1, 3, 9) and 25 (1, 5, 25). Using these, I got three numbers - 36, 100 and 225. Each of these numbers has 9 factors.

Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. In DS, Variable approach is the easiest and quickest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember equal number of variables and independent equations ensures a solution.

If M=P*Q, where P and Q are different positive integers, including 1 and M, how many factors does M have?
(1) Including 1 and itself, P has 3 factors.
(2) Including 1 and itself, Q has 3 factors.

There are 3 variables (m,p,q) and one equation (m=pq) in the original condition, 2 equations in the given conditions, so there is high chance (C) will be our answer.
Looking at the conditions together,
p=k^2(k is a prime) and q=t^2(t is a prime different k), so m=(k^2)(t^2), and the number of factors becomes (2+1)(2+1)=9.
The answer is therefore (C).

For cases where we need 2 more equation, such as original conditions with “2 variables”, or “3 variables and 1 equation”, or “4 variables and 2 equations”, we have 1 equation each in both 1) and 2). Therefore, there is 70% chance that C is the answer, while E has 25% chance. These two are the majority. In case of common mistake type 3,4, the answer may be from A, B or D but there is only 5% chance. Since C is most likely to be the answer using 1) and 2) separately according to DS definition (It saves us time). Obviously there may be cases where the answer is A, B, D or E.

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