Q: Which of the following is equal to the average (arithmetic mean) of (x+2)^2 and (x-4)^2?
Options:
(A) x^2
(B) x^2+2
(C) x^2-2x+10
(D) x^2+2x+10
(E) x^2+4x+5
A: OK... Stream of consciousness: Avg = [(x+2)^2 + (x-4)^2] / 2
Expanding and simplifying, (x^2 + 4x + 4 + x^2 - 8x + 16 ) / 2 = x^2 - 2x +10
The answer is (C).

Q: How much more would Rs.40000 fetch, after two years, if it is put at 20% p.a. compound interest payable half yearly than if is put at 20% p.a. compound interest payable yearly?
Options:
(A) 482
(B) 725
(C) 964
(D) 837
(E) 923
A: OK... Stream of consciousness: 40000(11/10)4 - 40000(6/5)2 = 964
The answer is (C).

Q: Elena's bread recipe calls for 3 ounces of butter for each 4 cups of flour used. She needs to make 4 times the original recipe. If 12 ounces of butter is used, then how many cups of flour are needed?
Options:
(A) 1
(B) 4
(C) 9
(D) 13
(E) 16
A: OK... Stream of consciousness: Number of cups flour needed for 3 ounces of butter = 4
Number of cups flour needed for 1 ounce of butter = 4/3
Number of cups flour needed for 12 ounces of butter = 4/3 * 12 = 16
The answer is (E).

Q: How much is 35% of 40 is greater than 4/5 of 25?
Options:
(A) 29
(B) 776
(C) 66
(D) 14
(E) 99
A:
OK... Stream of consciousness: (80/100) * 40 (4/5) * 25
35 - 20 = 14
The answer is (D).