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Re: If m/n = 5/3, what is the value of m + n ?
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15 Nov 2015, 10:53
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/n = 5/3, what is the value of m + n ?
(1) m > 0
(2) 2m + n= 26
There are 2 variables (m,n), and one equation (m/n=5/3), and 2 more equations from the 2 conditions; there is high chance (D) will be our answer.
For condition 1, m>0. We cannot decide on a value, so this is insufficient
For condition 2, 2m+n=26, 3m=5n. We get m=10, n=6. This is sufficient, and the answer is (B).
For cases where we need 1 more equation, such as original conditions with “1 variable”, or “2 variables and 1 equation”, or “3 variables and 2 equations”, we have 1 equation each in both 1) and 2). Therefore, there is 59 % chance that D is the answer, while A or B has 38% chance and C or E has 3% chance. Since D is most likely to be the answer using 1) and 2) separately according to DS definition. Obviously there may be cases where the answer is A, B, C or E.