In a race with 30 runners where 3 trophies will be given to the top 5 runners (the trophies are distinct: first place, second place, etc), how many ways can this be done?
Options:
(A) 5^3 ways
(B) 8^9 ways
(C) 7^8 ways
(D) 8^7 ways
(E) 8^6 ways
Answer and stream of consciousness: (A)
Stream of consciousness: 5 people can be prized with 3 distinct prizes in 5^3 ways

Which of the following is equal to the average (arithmetic mean) of (x+3)^2 and (x-3)^2?
Options:
(A) x^2
(B) x^2+2
(C) x^2 +4
(D) x^2+9
(E) x^2+4x
Answer and stream of consciousness: (D)
Stream of consciousness: Avg = [(x+3)^2 + (x-3)^2] / 2
Expanding and simplifying, (x^2 + 6x + 9 + x^2 - 6x + 9 ) / 2 = x^2 + 9

Divide Rs.32000 in the ratio 1:7?
Options:
(A) 12000, 20000
(B) 12000, 200098
(C) 4000, 28000
(D) 12000, 20006
(E) 12000, 20001
Answer and stream of consciousness: (C)
Stream of consciousness: 1/8 * 32000 = 4000
7/8 * 32000 = 28000

Calculate the largest 3 digit number which is exactly divisible by 89?
Options:
(A) 911
(B) 969
(C) 979
(D) 977
(E) 971
Answer and stream of consciousness:
(C)
Stream of consciousness: Largest 4 digit number is 999
After doing 999 89 we get remainder 20
Hence largest 3 digit number exactly divisible by 89 = 999 - 20 = 979