q: How many factors does 49^2 have?
Options:
(A) 2
(B) 8
(C) 24
(D) 25
(E) 36
a: Stream of consciousness: 36^2 = 6*6*6*6 = 2^4*3^4
Total factors = (4+1)*(4+1) = 6*6 = 36 The answer is (E).

question: 150 is increased by 40%. Find the final number.
Options:
(A) 200
(B) 210
(C) 180
(D) 190
(E) 220
answer: Stream of consciousness: Final number = Initial number + 40%(original number) = 150 + 40%(150) = 150 + 60 = 210. The answer is (B).

q: What is the least number should be added to 1056, so the sum of the number is completely divisible by 26?
Options:
(A) 10
(B) 20
(C) 30
(D) 40
(E) 50
a: Stream of consciousness: (1056 / 26) gives remainder 16
10 + 16 = 26, So we need to add 10 The answer is (A).

question: A train traveling at 72 kmph crosses a platform in 30 seconds and a man standing on the platform in 15 seconds. What is the length of the platform in meters?
Options:
(A) 240 meters
(B) 360 meters
(C) 300 meters
(D) 600 meters
(E) Cannot be determined
answer: Stream of consciousness: Speed of the train in metres/sec = 72000/3600 = 20
Distance travelled by train to cross the platform = 30 * 20 = 600 = Length of train + Length of platform
Distance travelled by train to cross the man = 15 * 20 = 300 = Length of train
Length of platform = 600 - 300 = 300 The answer is (C).

q: A 600 meter long train crosses a signal post in 20 seconds. How long will it take to cross a 3 kilometer long bridge, at the same speed?
Options:
(A) 4 min
(B) 2 min
(C) 8 min
(D) 9 min
(E) 5 min
a: Stream of consciousness: S = 600/20 = 1530 mps
S = 3600/30 = 120 sec = 2 min The answer is (B).

q: If x<0, y>0, and |x| < |y|, which of the following must be true?
Options:
(A) x > y
(B) y^2 > x^2
(C) x^3 > y^2
(D) x < y
(E) x < y
a:
Stream of consciousness: Correct Answer: (E)
Let's go through each answer choice: (A) can never be true, since no negative is greater than a positive. (B) doesn't have to be true consider what would happen if x = -2 and y = 1. (C) can never be true, as x^3 must be negative, and y^2 must be positive. (D) can never be true, since if x < 0, -x is the same thing as |x|, and |x| > y. (E) can be manipulated by multiplying both sides by -1, which gives us x > y. Remember that x < 0, so x = |x|, and y is positive, so |y| = y. Thus x < y is the same statement as |x| > |y|, and (D) must be true. The answer is (D).