question:The average of 13 numbers is 60. Average of the first 7 of them is 57 and that of the last 7 is 61. Find the 8th number?
Options:
(A) 46
(B) 83
(C) 45
(D) 53
(E) 64
answer:(A)
Stream of consciousness:Sum of all the 13 numbers = 13 * 60 = 780
Sum of the first 7 of them = 7 * 57 = 399
Sum of the last 7 of them = 7 * 61 = 427
So, the 8th number = 427 + 399 - 780 = 46.

question:All of the bonds on a certain exchange are designated by a 3-letter, a 4-letter, or a 5-letter code that is created by using the 26 letters of the alphabet. Which of the following gives the maximum number of different bonds that can be designate with these codes?
Options:
(A) 26(26^3 + 26^4)
(B) 26(26^3 + 26^5)
(C) 27(26^3 + 26^5)
(D) 27(26^3) + 26^5
(E) 26^3 + 27(26^5)
answer:(D)
Stream of consciousness:3-letter codes = 26^3;
4-letter codes = 26^4;
5-letter codes = 26^5;
Total = 26^3 + 26^4 + 26^5 = 26^3(1+26) + 26^5 = 26^3*27 + 26^5.

question:Three pipes A, B and C can fill a tank from empty to full in 30 minutes, 20 minutes and 10 minutes respectively. When the tank is empty, all the three pipes are opened. A, B and C discharge chemical solutions P, Q and R respectively. What is the proportion of solution R in the liquid in the tank after 3 minutes?
Options:
(A) 6/17
(B) 6/11
(C) 6/18
(D) 6/19
(E) 6/10
answer:
(B)
Stream of consciousness:Part filled by (A + B + C) in 3 minutes = 3(1/30 + 1/20 + 1/10) = 11/20
Part filled by C in 3 minutes = 3/10
Required ratio = 3/10 * 20/11 = 6/11