q: What is the maximum number of pieces of birthday cake of size 3" by 3" that can be cut from a cake 21" by 21"?
Options:
(A) 5
(B) 7
(C) 49
(D) 20
(E) 25
a: OK... The prompt is essentially asking for the maximum number of 3x3 squares that can be cut from a larger 21 by 21 square. Since each 'row' and each 'column' of the larger square can be sub-divided into 7 'pieces' each, we have (7)(7) = 49 total smaller squares (at maximum).
The answer is (C).

q: At a meeting of the 6 Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chief of Naval Operations does not want to sit next to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau. How many ways can the 6 Chiefs of Staff be seated around a circular table?
Options:
(A) 120
(B) 480
(C) 4040
(D) 2520
(E) 5040
a: OK... Bunuel, I'm also a little confused with the number of arrangements of n distinct objects in a circle. Why is it given by (n-1)!. In theveritasanswer they say:answer E (4040), should be the number of ways to arrange all 6 without the seating restriction given. Is this incorrect?
The answer is (C).

q: 4000 was divided into two parts such a way that when first part was invested at 3% and the second at 5%, the whole annual interest from both the investments is Rs.144, how much was put at 3%?
Options:
(A) 2178
(B) 1087
(C) 2800
(D) 2689
(E) 2081
a:
OK... (x*3*1)/100 + [(4000 - x)*5*1]/100 = 144
3x/100 + 200 5x/100 = 144
2x/100 = 56 e x = 2800
The answer is (C).