q: Four of the five parts numbered as (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)in the following equations are exactly equal. You have to find out the part that is not equal to the other parts. The number of that part is the answer.
Options:
(A) a2 + 5ab + 6b2
(B) (a + 3b) (a + 2b)
(C) a(a + 3b) + 2b(a + 3b)
(D) (3a + b) (a + 2b)
(E) a(a + 2b) + 3b(a + 2b)
a: OK... The other parts are equal to a2 + 5ab + 6b2.
The answer is (D).

q: In a race with 30 runners where 8 trophies will be given to the top 8 runners (the trophies are distinct: first place, second place, etc), how many ways can this be done?
Options:
(A) 8^8 ways
(B) 8^9 ways
(C) 7^8 ways
(D) 8^7 ways
(E) 8^6 ways
a: OK... 8 people can be prized with 8 distinct prizes in 8^8 ways
The answer is (A).

q: The purchase price of an article is $48. In order to include 30% of cost for overhead and to provide $12 of net profit, the markup should be
Options:
(A) 15%
(B) 25%
(C) 35%
(D) 40%
(E) 55%
a:
OK... Cost price of article = 48$
% of overhead cost = 30
Net profit = 12 $
We need to calculate % markup
Net profit as % of cost price = (12/48)*100 = 25%
Total markup should be = 25 + 30 = 55%
The answer is (E).