Linear Equations and

1 Special Equations
Introduction Solutions to Linear Equations in Two
Variables
In this chapter, we will learn about different
methods of solving linear equations. Direct To solve a linear equation in two variables,
questions are asked on this topic in CAT we must have at least two equations. We
every year. It also helps solve questions from call them a system of simultaneous linear
other topics like time, speed and distance equations.
problems, time and work problems, pipe and Let these equations be:
cistern problems, and even ratio proportion
related problems. Every year, two or three a1 x  b1 y  c1 
...(i)
problems from this chapter are asked in CAT a2 x  b2 y  c2 
and other examinations.
We have two major possibilities when we
solve linear equations in two variables. The
Linear Equations
system of equations may possess the solu-
Any equation with an exponent or degree of 1 tion or may not.
is called a linear equation. It may contain Now, suppose a system of equations is con-
any number of variables, but the degree is sistent (the solution exists). In that case,
always 1. it may have a unique solution (one single
For example, 3x + 2 = 7 → Linear equation in value for each variable) or infinitely many
one variable solutions (infinite values for almost all
3x + 7y = 7 → Linear equation variables).
in two variables Let us consider:
Similarly, 3x + 4y + 8z = 10 → Linear a1x + b1 y = c1...(i)
equation in three variables a2x + b2 y = c2 ...(ii)

Solution to Linear Equations For unique solution

Solution to Linear Equations in One Variable a1 b1
≠
In any equation with one variable, we may a2 b2
have a constant on one of the sides of the Here lines (i) and (ii) will intersect at one
equation, or we may have a linear expression point, which is called the point of intersec-
in one variable or both sides of the equation. tion, and the value of that point will be a
Example: unique solution.
3x + 7 = 10 Let’s take an example: 2x + y = 6 …(iii)
x = 1 is a solution. x + y = 5 …(iv)
Example: From equation (iii) we will get:
2x  3 3x  1 When y = 0, x = 3 and when x = 0, y = 6
4
2 2 from equation (iv) we will get-
⇒ 2x – 3 + 8 = 3x – 1 When y = 0, x = 5 and when x = 0, y = 5
⇒ x=6
After plotting both the lines, we get P as a
So these types of equations can be easily point of intersection.
solved.

Linear Equations and Special Equations 5

 y A consistent system with infinitely many
solutions is also called a dependent system.
⇒ Every solution of equation (v) will be the
solution for equation (vi) also.
Hence, we will have an infinite number of
solutions.
For no solution
a b c
If 1  1  1 , then the system of equations
a2 b2 c2
is inconsistent (No solutions).
Let us consider one more example:

x  2y  5 ...( vii) 

y A consistent system with a unique solu- 2x  4 y  7 ...( viii)
tion is also called an independent system. 1 2 5
Coordinates of P (1, 4)   
2 4 7
⇒ x = 1, y = 4 is the unique solution. 5
To draw line (vii): When
= x 0=
, y and when
2
For Infinitely Many Solutions y = 0, x = 5
a1 b1 c1 7
= = To draw the line (viii): When
= x 0=
, y and
a2 b2 c2 4
7
Let us take an example: when=y 0=
, x
2
2x  3 y  5 ...( v ) 
 
6 x  9 y  15 ...( vi)

2 3 5  1
    
6 9 15  3 
5
To draw the line (v): When= x 0=
, y and
3
5
when= y 0= , x
2
5
To draw the line (vi): When
= x 0=
, y and
5 3
when= y 0= , x
2
These are coinciding lines.
Parallel lines indicate that they will never in-
tersect. That means there is no solution that
satisfies both the equations.

Different Methods to Solve a System of

Linear Equations
Substitution Method
a1x + b1 y = c1…(ix)
a2x + b2 y = c2…(x)

6 Linear Equations and Special Equations

Firstly, check for consistency. If the given Example 2:
system is consistent, we can use the substi- Solve: 3x + 5y = 9
tution method.
9x + 4y = 5
In the substitution method, we can substitute
Solution:
the value of one variable from one of the equa-
tions (in terms of other variables) in another 1
x =- , y=2
equation. 3
c  b1 y The system is consistent. We can see if we
Therefore, x  1 [from equation (ix)] multiply the first equation by 3, the coeffi-
a1
cient of x becomes equal.
can be substituted in equation (x).
Multiplying the first equation by 3, then sub-
In this way, we will get the value of y; we can find x.
tracting it from the other equation:
Example 1:
9 x  15 y  27
Solve the following system of equations:
9x  4 y  5
3x + 5y = 9
  
9x + 4y = 5
11 y  22
Solution: ⇒ y=2
1 Putting y = 2 in any one of the equation,
x =- ,y=2
3 9x + 15(2) = 27
Firstly, we will use the substitution method ⇒ 9x = 27 – 30
3 5 1 1
≠ . Therefore, the system is consistent in x ⇒ x , y  2 is the solution.
9 4 3 3
solving the given system of equations.
9  5y Cross-Multiplication Method
3x + 5y = 9   ⇒ x 
3 Let us consider a1x + b1 y + c1 = 0
Substituting this value in 9x + 4y = 5, a 2x + b 2 y + c 2 = 0
 9  5y  We will make a chart as below:
y  9   4y  5
 3 
3(9 – 5) + 4y = 5
27 – 15y + 4y = 5
–11y = –22
⇒ y=2
9  5y 9  5  2 1
Now, x   
3 3 3 From the above chart, we can write:
1 x y 1
  x   , y  2   ...(i)
3 b1c2  b2c1 c1a2  a1c2 a1b2  a2b1
Elimination Method Now, we can solve equation (1) for finding x
In the elimination method, we multiply one or and y provided
both the equations by some non-zero con- a1b2 ¹ a2b1 (or a1b2 – a2b1 ¹ 0)
stant to equal the coefficient of any one of the
Example 3:
variables. Then add or subtract the equation
to eliminate (remove) any one of the variables. Solve: 3x + 5y = 9
9x + 4y = 5

Linear Equations and Special Equations 7

 Solution: y = 2 By looking at the graph, we can identify
3x + 5y – 9 = 0 whether the given system of linear equa-
tions is consistent or inconsistent.
9x + 4y – 5 = 0
First, we will draw the two linear equations,
and if
y They are intersecting lines, then the sys-
tem is consistent with the unique solu-
tion.
y If the lines coincide; then, the system is
consistent but with infinitely many solu-
tions.
x y 1 y If the lines are parallel, then the system is
  
25  36 81  15 12  45 inconsistent (no solution).

x y 1 So, we can use any of the four methods de-

   pending upon the form of information given to
11 66 33
you, but elimination method is mostly used.
x 1
 
11 33 Making Linear Equations from Age-
1 Based Statements
 x
3
Let’s assume the present age of A = a years
y 1 and the present age of B = b years. Now
Also  we will make linear equations from the fol-
66 33
lowing age-based statements, which will be
⇒ y=2 very helpful for us to solve these kind of
questions.
1. A is twice as old as B, a = 2b.
Keynote
2. 5 years ago, A was thrice as old as B,
(a – 5) = 3 (b – 5).
Solving for two variables when two
equations are given, or for three vari- 3. 7 years hence, A will be five times as old
ables when three equations are given as B, (a + 7) = 5 (b + 7).
is not a difficult task. We can use any 4. 3 years ago, A’s age was 3 years
of the methods to solve equations. more than thrice of B’s age, (a – 5)
Many times, we deal with problems = 3 (b – 5).
where we have two variables but only 5. 5 years hence, A’s age will be 6 years
one equation. In such cases, we need more than twice of B’s age, (a + 5) = 2 (b
to solve by using some other additional + 5) + 6.
information or given condition. 6. 7 years ago, A’s age was 7 years less than
seven times the B’s age, (a – 7) = 7 (b –
Graphical Method 7) – 7.
As we have discussed earlier, we can draw 7. 4 years hence, A’s age will be 5 years less
the graph of linear equations, and from the than 5 times the B’s age, (a + 4) = 5 (b +
graph, we can find the solution (if it exists). 4) – 5.

8 Linear Equations and Special Equations

 Practice Exercise – 1

Level of Difficulty – 1 7. When the digits of a two-digit number

are reversed, the new two-digit number
1. Raghav purchased breadsticks, buns, and is 63 less than the original number. How
cheese. In total, he spent ₹33. The cost of many such numbers are possible?
breadsticks, bun, and cheese are ₹16, ₹5, (A) 4
and ₹6, respectively. Find all the possible (B) 5
values of breadsticks, buns, and cheese (C) 3
purchases when he has purchased at (D) 2
least one of each item.
8. The sum of the original two-digit number
2. Find the number of pairs of positive inte- and the number formed by reversing the
gers x and y that satisfy 4x + 14y = 186. digits is 44. If eight is added to the num-
ber, it becomes 13 more than twice the
3. Find the maximum value of xyz if x + y + number formed by reversing the digits.
z = 21, where x, y, and z are positive real Find the number.
numbers. (A) 31
(B) 63
4. The linear equations 4x + ay = 5 and ax
(C) 43
+ 4y = 6 (a is a constant) are given. Find
(D) 23
the values of ‘a’ such that the system of
equations are inconsistent. 9. Charu’s aunt started at 12 km/hr from
her home and reached Charu’s home at
5. Raj is four times his son’s age at present.
6 p.m. She stayed there for 30 minutes
After 5 years, Raj will be thrice the age of
and then returned to her home at the
his son. What is the present age of Raj?
speed of 15 km/hr. The total time taken
(A) 40 years
by Charu’s aunt is 5 hours and 54 min-
(B) 50 years
utes. Find the total distance travelled by
(C) 60 years
Charu’s aunt.
(D) 45 years
10. Ashi travelled from Lucknow to Kanpur.
Level of Difficulty – 2 5
She covered th of distance via tram,
9
6. The average age of Ram, Shyam, and 1 1
th the distance by train, th distance
Shazia is 47 years. Ram’s niece visited 20 4
their home, and now the average age of by bus, and the remaining 52 km by
all four persons is 37 years. Ram’s age walking. Find the total distance.
is six times the age of his niece, and
Shyam’s age is two more than the square Level of Difficulty – 3
of the age of Ram’s neice. Find the age of
Shazia. 11. If 2|x| + 7y = 56, and x, y are integers, how
(A) 40 years many values (x, y) can take?
(B) 48 years (A) Infinite
(C) 60 years (B) 12
(D) 45 years (C) 8
(D) 5

Linear Equations and Special Equations 9

 12. Check whether the following system of 14. If 3x + 2y = 78, how many pairs of posi-
equations will have a unique solution? tive integers (x, y) exist that satisfy this
2x + 3y + 4z = 8 equation?
3x + 5y + 8z = 7 (A) 12
6x + 10y + 16z = 14 (B) 13
(A) No unique solution (C) 14
(B) Two unique solutions (D) 15
(C) One unique solution
(D) None of these 15. In how many ways can you pay a restau-
rant bill of ₹127 using 1, 10, and 50 notes,
13. Akshay and Bunty can do a piece of given that the number of notes of 1, 10,
work in 15 days, Bunty and Chintu can and 50 is unlimited?
do the same work in 10 days, whereas (A) 24
Chintu and Akshay can do that in 8 days. (B) 35
If Akshay, Bunty, and Chintu can do the (C) 30
work together in x integral number of (D) 43
days, find x.
(A) 7 days
(B) 10 days
(C) 5 days
(D) 9 days

10 Linear Equations and Special Equations

 Solutions

1. x = 1; y = 1; z = 2
Y 1 3 5 7 9 11 13
Let the number of breadsticks, buns, and
cheese purchased by Raghav be x, y, and 7y 7 21 35 49 63 77 91
z respectively.
According to the question, 16x + 5y + 6z We have been asked how many values
= 33. are possible. Therefore, in total, seven
Now, minimum value of each is 1. values satisfy the given equation.
x ³ 1, y ³ 1, z ³ 1
3. 7
But Raghav can’t purchase more than
We know that: Arithmetic Mean ³ Geometric
one breadstick as it is given that he pur-
Mean
chased at least one bun and cheese too.
The cost of one breadstick is ₹16, and the x yz
  3
xyz
total amount spent on all three items is 3
₹33 only. So x = 1. 21 3
⇒ 16 + 5y + 6z = 33   xyz  7  3 xyz
3
⇒ 5y + 6z = 17 ⇒ xyz £ (7)3 = 343
Now let’s see what values y and z can 343 is the maximum value which is only
take: possible when x = y = z = 7.

Units of Units of Total 4. a = ± 4 or |a| = 4

Buns Cheese amount For any two linear equations of the form:
a1x + b1 y = c1
1 1 11
a2x + b2 y = c2
2 1 16 the condition of inconsistency is
a1 b c
1 2 17*  1  1
a2 b2 c2
2 2 22 Here equations are: 4x + ay = 5
ax + 4y = 6
From the above table, the only possible
value is y = 1, z = 2. 4 a
  ⇒ a2 = 16
Therefore, x = 1, y = 1, z = 2. a 4

2. 7 values ⇒ a = ± 4 or |a| = 4.
Given equation: 5. (A)
4x + 14y = 186 Let Raj’s present age be x years, and his
or 2x + 7y = 93 son’s present age be y years.
⇒ 2x = 93 – 7y...(i) According to the question,
Now, x and y are positive integers. x = 4y (at present) ...(i)
From equation (i), for x needs to be a pos- After 5 years,
itive integer, (93 – 7y) has to be a multiple (x + 5) = 3 (y + 5)
of 2. ⇒ x + 5 = 3y + 15
For (93 – 7y) to be an even positive in- ⇒ 4y + 5 = 3y + 15 [Using equation (i)]
teger, y has to be an odd positive integer ⇒ y = 10
such that 7y is odd and less than 93. Now we have to find the present age of Raj.
Therefore, x = 4y = 40 years.

Linear Equations and Special Equations 11

 6. (B) Multiplying equation (i) by 8 and then
Let the age of Ram, Shyam, Shazia, and niece adding to equation (ii) (Elimination
be p years, q years, r years, s years, respectively. method):
pqr 19 x  8 y  5
Average age of p, q and r   47
3 8 x  8 y  32
⇒ p + q + r = 141 …(i) 27 x  27
pqr s
Also,  37 ⇒ x=1
4
x+y=4
⇒ p + q + r + s = 148 …(ii) ⇒ y=3
Subtracting equation (i) from (ii): Therefore, original number = 10y + x = 31.
s = 7 years
Ram is six times the age of his neice. 9. 72 km
⇒ p = 6s = 42 …(iii) Let the distance between Charu’s and
Shyam’s age 2 more than age of Ram’s her aunt’s home be ‘d’ km.
neice.
Distance
⇒ q = s2 + 2 = 49 + 2 = 51 …(iv) Speed =
Time
Substituting equations (iii) and (iv) in (i);
p + q + r = 141 According to the question:
⇒ 42 + 51 + r = 141 ⇒ r = 48 Time taken while going + time spent at
Therefore, age of Shazia = 48 years. Charu’s home + time taken while return-
54
7. (D) ing back = 5
60
Let x be the digit at the unit place, and y
be the number at ten’s place. d 30 d 59
   
Therefore, original number = 10y + x. 12 60 15 10
After reversing the digits, number = 10x + y. d d 59 1
According to question, 10y + x – 63 = 10x + y    
12 15 10 2
⇒ 9y – 9x = 63
⇒ y–x=7 5d  4d 54
 
We will now discuss the possible values 60 10
such that y – x = 7 9d 54
 
y or x can’t take zero value 60 10
If y = 9 then x = 2 and number will be 92. 54 60
If y = 8 then x = 1 and number will be 81.  d   36 km
10 9
If y = 7 then x = 0 which is not possible.
Therefore, total distance travelled = d + d
So, there are only two possible numbers
= 2d = 72 km.
92 and 81.
10. 360 km
8. (A)
Let the total distance be x.
Let the digit at unit’s place be x and let
the digit at ten’s place be y. 5 1 1
 x  x   x  52  x
Therefore, original number = 10y + x. 9 20 4
10y + x + 10x + y = 44 5 1 1
⇒ 11x + 11y = 44  x  x  x  52
9 20 4
⇒ x + y = 4 …(i)
Also, 10y + x + 8 = 13 + 2 (10x + y)  180  100  9  45 
10y + x + 8 = 13 + 20x + 2y
   x  52
 180 
⇒ 19x− 8y = –5 …(ii)

12 Linear Equations and Special Equations

 26 1
 x  52 Let Bunty’s one day work be
180 b 1
and let Chintu’s one day work be
180 c
 x  52  1 1 1
26 Given that   …(i)
a b 15
⇒ x = 360 km. 1 1 1
Therefore, total distance = 360 km.   …(ii)
b c 10
11. (A) 1 1 1
 
2|x| + 7y = 56 c a 8 …(iii)
⇒ 7y = 56 – 2|x| Also, when they work together for x num-
x, y are integers. It is given in the ber of days, they will finish that work in
question. x days.
|x| will always give a positive value, and
2|x| is always an even integer, but we  1 1 1
x.      1
need those values of 2|x|, which are mul- a b c
tiple of 7.
1 1 1 1
56 is divisible by 7, and if 2|x| is also a   
multiple of 7, then (56 – 2|x|) is also di- a b c x
visible by 7. This will give an integer value Multiplying both the sides by 2:
of y (Positive or negative) 2 2 2 2
⇒ 7y = 56 – 2|x|   
a b c x
will give integer value of y when x = 7, –7,
14, –14, 21, –21, ….  1 1 1 1  1 1 2
          
So there are infinite integer values pos- a b b c c a x
sible for (x, y). 1 1 1 2
  
15 10 8 x      
Using equations i , ii , iii 

12. (A)
Condition for a unique solution is that 8  12  15 2 35 2
   
there should be no linear dependence 120 x 120 x
between any two or more equations. 2  120
2 3  x  x  7 days.
Here, ≠ (so the first two equations 35
3 5 14. (B)
are linearly independent).
Given that 3x + 2y = 78
But if we consider the second and third
⇒ 3x = 78 – 2y
equations.
To get the integer value of x.
3 5 8 7 78 – 2y has to be divisible by 3.
= = =
6 10 16 14 Now the number 78 is already divisible by 3.
There is a linear dependence between For 78 – 2y to be divisible by 3, 2y has to
the second and third equations. be a multiple of 3. y is a positive integer,
Therefore, the system will not have a and for 2y to be a multiple of 3. y can
unique solution. take values 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, …
Remember that 78 – 2y can’t be less
13. (A) than zero.
7 days ⇒ y can only take value 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18,
Let Akshay’s one day work when he works 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39 only.
1 For each value y, there will be one value
alone be of x.
a
Total number of pairs = 13.

Linear Equations and Special Equations 13

 15. (A)

Hence in total 24 ways, we can pay

the bill of ₹127.

14 Linear Equations and Special Equations

 Practice Exercise – 2

Level of Difficulty – 1 book of first type, 15 books of third type,

and some of the books of second type to
1. Find the number of positive integral solu- these three data science institutes. Find
tions of the equation 7x + 11y = 273. the minimum number of second types
(A) 3 of machine learning books that zip cart
(B) 2 sells to these institutions.
(C) 1 (A) 7
(D) Infinite (B) 5
(C) 6
2. Ramesh told his son, “My age x years
(D) 8
ago was twice your age. My age 4x years
ago was six times your age at that time”. 6. A was born 2 years ago when B was 2 years
If the difference between their present old. At present, the average age (in years)
ages is 30 years. Find the sum of their of A, B, C, and D is a perfect square. Also,
present ages (in years). the difference between the ages of any
two persons is not more than 5 years.
3. Arjun was carrying ₹x and y paise. He
Which of the following could be the ages
spent ₹9 and 30 paise on some candies
of C and D (in years), respectively?
and was left with ₹3y and 2x paise. Find
(A) 8, 2
the value of x.
(B) 10, 9
4. Hira went to the fruit market and bought (C) 7, 3
some mangoes and apples for his fami- (D) 6, 3
ly members. In total, he spent less than
7. How many pairs of positive integers x
₹2,500. Had Hira spent the amount he
and y exist such that 5x + 7y = 185?
actually spent on buying mangoes to buy
(A) 4
apples and vice versa, he would have
(B) 5
ended up buying two more fruits in total.
(C) 6
What is the maximum number of apples
(D) 18
that Hira could have bought if it is known
that a mango and an apple cost ₹50 and 8. The cost of 5 pens, 7 pencils, and 11
₹40, respectively? erasers is ₹111. The cost of 3 pens, 4
(A) 25 pencils, and 5 erasers is ₹61. Find the
(B) 20 cost (in ₹.) of 5 pens, 6 pencils, and 3
(C) 30 erasers.
(D) 26
9. In how many ways can 48 be divided into
5. An online shopping site, ‘zip cart’, sells three positive parts, such that the first
three types of machine learning books part is divisible by 7, the second is divis-
by different authors. The first book costs ible by 8, and the third is divisible by 9?
₹6,000, second book costs ₹1,200, and (A) 4
the third book costs ₹300. Three data (B) 3
science edtech institutes, x, y, and z (C) 2
want to buy several books independent- (D) 1
ly. The respective amount spent by each
institute is equal. The ‘zip cart’ sells 1

Linear Equations and Special Equations 15

 10. The total fare of a railway ticket from and ₹1,000 was collected as charges
station A to station B consists of ticket from them in all. The charges were ₹5
charges and booking charges. The tick- per man, ₹ 4 per woman, and 10 paise
et charges for children (aged 3 years or per child. How many women members
below) and adult females (aged 21 years were there?
and above) are 50% and 80% of ticket
charges for adult males (aged 21 years 14. A student purchases pens, pencils, and
and above), respectively. Booking charg- sharpeners by spending a total of ₹104.
es are the same for each railway ticket Each pen, pencil, and sharpener cost ₹20,
from station A to station B. ₹8, and ₹5, respectively. In how many
The total fare for an adult male travelling ways can he purchase them if he buys at
from station A to station B is ₹720, and least two items of each type?
the total fare for a family of three (an (A) 1
adult male, an adult female, and a 2-year- (B) 2
old child) is ₹1,712 for the same jour- (C) 3
ney. Find the booking charges (in ₹) per (D) 4
ticket. 15. In a four-digit number with distinct dig-
(A) 120 its, the sum of the first two digits is
(B) 100 equal to the sum of the last two dig-
(C) 90 its. The sum of digits at the units place
(D) None of these and at the thousands place is thrice
the sum of the digits at the tens and
Level of Difficulty – 2
the hundreds place. If the sum of all
11. Jessica is the mother of Wincet. When the digits is 20, then how many such
Wincet was as old as Jackson’s present four-digit numbers are possible?
age, the age of Jessica was four times (A) 2
that of Wincet’s age. At present, two (B) 4
times the age of Jessica is five times the (C) 6
age of Wincet. Find the ratio of the pres- (D) 8
ent age of Jessica to the present age of
16. Raju has 262 coins consisting of ₹1, 50
Jackson.
paisa, and 25 paisa coins. The total value
(A) 4:3 of the coins is ₹130. If the 50 paisa and
(B) 1:5 25 paisa coins are interchanged, the val-
(C) 5:1 ue comes down by ₹6. Find the number
(D) 2:5 of ₹1 coins he has.
12. A man says that his wife’s age is repre- (A) 43
sented by the digits of his age (two-digit (B) 24
number) reversed. She is older than him, (C) 38
and the sum of their ages is 55 years. (D) 46
What is the unit digit of his age if the dif-
17. In a 50-question multiple-choice math
ference between their ages is not more
contest, students receive 4 points for a
than 10 years?
correct answer, 0 points for an answer
13. One thousand members attended a left blank, and −1 point for an incor-
Science exhibition which was organised rect answer. Ranjan’s total score in the
in Indira Gandhi Planetarium in Lucknow, contest was 99. What is the maximum

16 Linear Equations and Special Equations

 number of questions that Ranjan could incorrect answer. A student has scored
have answered correctly? 132 marks on the test, and the number
of questions that are not attempted by
18. Dinesh, Eswar, Ganesh, and Harish had him is the lowest possible. If there are no
a total of 360 marbles. The number of marks awarded for the questions which
marbles with Dinesh was 1/3rd of the are not attempted, then find how many
total number of marbles with the oth- questions he has answered correctly?
ers. The number of marbles with Eswar (A) 41
was 3/5th of the total number of marbles (B) 32
with the others. The number of marbles (C) 42
with Ganesh is 2/7th of the total num- (D) 40
ber of marbles with the others. Find the
number of marbles with Harish. 22. From a four-digit number with distinct
(A) 45 digits, Ramesh subtracted the sum of its
(B) 55 digits and got the new number 7,119. Find
(C) 60 the maximum possible value of the sum
(D) None of the above of the digits of the original number.

19. A person went to a bank to encash his 23. There is a fraction P/Q, where P and Q
cheque of A rupees and B paisa. The are natural numbers. If the numerator
banker by mistake, gave him the cash of is increased by 2 and the denominator
B rupees and A paisa, such that even af- is increased by 3, then the fraction be-
ter spending ₹2 and 40 paisa out of the comes 3/4. Instead, if only the numerator
banker’s given cash, the person is left decreased by 1, keeping the denomina-
with twice the original amount (amount tor the same, the fraction becomes 2/3.
mentioned on the cheque). Find the val- Find the value of (P + Q).
ue of A + B.
24. One month, I kept some money in a mag-
20. Jet airways have a certain free luggage ical purse. On every alternate day, starting
allowance per passenger and charges for from the 14th, the money decreased by Rs
excess luggage at a fixed rate per kg. Two 10 compared to the closing amount on the
colleagues, Sunil and Raghav, have a to- evening of the previous day. But on every
tal of 40 kg of luggage with them and alternate day, starting from the 15th, the
are charged ₹1,200 and ₹2,640, respec- money becomes double than the clos-
tively. Had the entire luggage belonged to ing amount on the previous evening. I had
one of them, the excess luggage charge ₹500 on the 19th, and the magical purse
would have been ₹7,920. What is the dif- kept decreasing and multiplying the money
ference between Raghav’s luggage and for me until the 25th of that month. Had I
the free luggage allowance limit (in kg)? started with ₹100, how much more money
(A) 6 kg (in ₹) would I have than what I had on the
(B) 5.8 kg 25th of the month?
(C) 8.8 kg
(D) 9 kg 25. There were 100 questions in an apti-
tude exam JMET, where three marks are
Level of Difficulty – 3 awarded for every correct answer, and
one mark is deducted for every wrong
21. In a one-day examination, the test paper answer. A certain number of students
has 80 questions. Four marks are awarded whose total number of attempts were all
for every correct answer and –1 for every different got the same total marks of 100

Linear Equations and Special Equations 17

 each. Find the maximum number of such boy receives a chocolate flavoured candy
students possible. priced at Rs. 2.90 per candy.

26. In a four-digit number N with all the dig- How many candies of each type did she
its distinct, the sum of the thousands buy?
digit and the hundreds digit is equal to
(A) 21, 57
the sum of the tens digit and the units
digit. The sum of the thousands digit and (B) 57, 21
the tens digit is three times the sum of
the other two digits. The sum of all the (C) 37, 51
digits in the number is denoted by S. If (D) 27, 51
S lies between 11 and 21, then how many
different values can N take? 29. The equation x  1  x  1  4 x  1 has

27. In order to impress her wife, Ramu de- (A) No solution

cided to make P sandwiches. For each (B) More than two solutions
sandwich, he uses N packs of pea- (C) Three solutions
nut butter costing ₹4 per pack and K (D) More than three solutions
packs of jam costing ₹5 per pack. The 30. The roses in the garden of Manas start-
total cost of peanut butter and jam to ed blooming in the month of January.
make all P sandwiches is ₹253. Assume In every alternate month starting from
that P, N, and K are positive integers January, 60 more flowers appeared than
with P > 1. What is the total expendi- there were at the end of the previous
ture occurred by Ramu on jam to make month. In every alternate month start-
P sandwiches? ing from February, the number of flowers
became half of the number at the end of
28. Mrs Alpa buys Rs. 249.00 worth of can-
the previous month. 120 roses bloomed
dies for the children of a school. For
in the month of June. How many roses
each girl she gets a strawberry flavoured
bloomed in January?
candy priced at Rs. 3.30 per candy; each

18 Linear Equations and Special Equations

 Solutions

1. (A) The amount he spent = (900 + 30) = 930

We can write paisa.
273  11 y 11 Amount left = (300y + 2x)
x  39  y ∴ (100x + y) – 930 = (300y + 2x)
7 7
∴ 98x = 299y + 930
For x to be an integer, y should be mul-
tiple of 7. 294 y  5 y  882  48
x 
98
Y 7 14 21 28
5 y  48
X 28 17 6 -5  x  3y  9 
98
Only three such values are possible as x Now for y = 10, the expression (5y + 48) is
and y are positive integers. completely divisible by 98.
Hence, option (A) is the correct answer. The next value of y, which divides (5y + 48)
completely, is 108, which is not possible
2. 106 since y cannot take a value more than
Let’s assume the present age of Ramesh 100.
and his son are y and z, respectively. Thus, x = 40 when y = 10.

Ramesh Son 4. (A)

Let x and y be the number of mangoes
Present Y Z
and apples bought by Hira initially
x years ago, y–x z–x ∴ 50x + 40y < 2,500
∴ 5x + 4y < 250 ………………(i)
4x years ago y – 4x z – 4x
According to question
Given y – x = 2(z – x) → y – 2z = –x 50 x 40 y
y – 4x = 6(z – 4x) → y – 6z = –20x 40

50

 x y 2 
y  6z 20
 5x 4 y
y  2z 1 ⇒   x  y 2
4 5
y – 6z = 20y – 40z ⇒ 25x + 16y = 20x + 20y + 40
19y = 34z ⇒ 5x – 4y = 40
y 34 At y = 5, x = 12
=
z 19 At y = 10, x = 16
So, let y = 34K and z = 19K At y = 15, x = 20
Given their age difference At y = 20, x = 24
y – z = 30 At y = 25, x = 28
34K – 19K = 30 At y = 30, x can’t be 32 because in that
15K = 30 case 5x + 4y > 250.
K =2 Hence, we can say that ymax = 25.
So, sum of theirs ages = y + z
5. (A)
= 34K + 19K
Since the zip cart sells one book of the
= 53K = 106
first type, 15 books of third type, and
3. 40 some books of second type.
Converting all the amounts in paisa, But they have to spend a minimum of
initial amount with Arun = (100x + y) paisa. ₹18,000 altogether because the price of

Linear Equations and Special Equations 19

 the first type of book is ₹6,000 and the y will take a positive integer value only when
amount they spend is equal. 7y < 185 and (185 − 7y) is divisible by 5.
Let the total number of books of second 185 is already divisible by 5. For (185 − 7y)
type which is sold by zip cart is K. to be divisible by 5. Or we can say that 7y
∴ Total amount spent (in ₹.) = has to be a multiple of 5, but at the same
1 × 6,000 + 15 × 300 + K x 1,200 ≥ 18,000 time, 7y should not exceed 185.
6,000 + 4,500 + 1,200K ≥ 18,000 y can take values 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 but not
10,500 + 1,200K ≥ 18,000 30 (it will make 7y > 185).
The minimum value of K for which LHS Corresponding value of x will be 30, 23,
would be greater than 18,000 would be 7 16, 9, 2 [using equation (i)].
10,500 + 1,200 × 7 = 10,500 + 8,400 = Total five number of such pairs are possible.
₹18,900
8. 83
∴E  ach data science institute spent = ₹ Let’s assume the cost of one pen, one
18, 900 pencil, and one eraser be ₹A, ₹B, and ₹C,
= ₹6,300.
3 respectively.
One first book + one third book = ₹6,300 According to the question
Five second books + 1 third book = ₹6,300 5A + 7B + 11C = 111 ...(i)
Two second books + 13 × third books = ₹6,300 3A + 4B + 5C = 61 ...(ii)
These are the possible cases. 5A + 6B + 3C = K (assumed) ...(iii)
Hence, the minimum number of second Subtracting equation (i) – (iii), we will get
types of books are sold by zip cart is 7. B + 8C = 111 – K...(iv)
5 × (ii) – 3 × (iii), we will get 2B + 16C =
6. (C) 305 – 3K...(v)
A’s and B’s present ages are 2 and 4 Equation (iv) can be written as 2B + 16C =
years, respectively. 222 – 2K...(vi)
Also (A + B + C + D)/4 = a perfect square From equation (v) and (vi),
1 cannot be considered as the perfect 305 – 3K = 222 – 2K, solving which we
square. will get K = 83.
Let it be 4.
⇒ A + B + C + D = 16 9. (C)
⇒ C + D = 10 Let’s assume the first, second, and third
Also, the age difference between two parts be 7A, 8B, and 9C respectively.
persons is not more than 5 years. A, B, and C are positive integers.
Hence the ages of C and D could be 7 and According to the question
3 years, satisfying all the conditions. 7A + 8B + 9C = 48
But when it will be 9 ⇒ (A + B + C + D)/4 = 9 If C = 1, then 7A + 8B = 39 and one pos-
A + B + C + D = 36 sible solution for the equation would be
⇒ C + D = 30 (A, B) = (1, 4).
Thus, the age difference between any If C = 2, then 7A + 8B = 30 and one pos-
two persons now becomes more than sible solution for the equation would be
5 years. Hence this case is discarded. (A, B) = (2, 2).
Hence, option (C) is the correct answer. If C = 3, then 7A + 8B = 11 and there won’t
be any integral solution for the equation.
7. (B) Also, there won’t be any integral solu-
It is given that 5x + 7y = 185 tions for C more than 3.
⇒ 5x = 185 − 7y Thus, a total of two possible solutions
185  7 y for A, B, and C will be (1, 4, 1) and (2, 2, 2).
⇒ x  ...(i)
5 Hence, option (C) is the correct answer.

20 Linear Equations and Special Equations

10. (D) ⇒ 2x = 5x – 15z
Let’s assume the ticket charges for an ⇒ 3x = 15z
adult male = ₹100K. x 5
⇒ =
So, ticket charges for an adult female z 1
and child would be ₹80K and 50K,
respectively. Hence, option (C) is the correct answer.
Let’s assume the booking charges per
12. (3)
ticket = ₹Y.
Let the age of the husband be 10x + y.
Now total fare for an adult male travel-
Then age of wife = 10y + x.
ling between A and B = Y + 100K = 720.
Since the sum of the ages is given
 ...(i)
10x + y + 10y + x = 55
Total fare for a family of three, consisting
11(x + y) = 55
of an adult male, an adult female, and a
xy 5
2-year old child, would be
= 3Y + 100K + 80K + 50K = 1,712. ...(ii) Also, it is given that the wife is older than
On solving equations (i) and (ii), we will the husband and the difference between
get K = 6.4. their age is not more than 10 years.
Putting the value of K in (i), we will get Y = ₹80. \ (10y + x) – (10x + y) ≤ 10
Hence, option (D) would be the correct 9(y – x) ≤ 10
answer. From the above inequality we can con-
11. (C) clude that If y = x or (y – x) = 1.
Since y = x is not possible because ages
Let the present age of Jessica, Wincet
are different.
and Jackson are x, y, and z years.
Then only y – x = 1 will exist.
Let the difference between the age of
Now we can find the value of y and x.
Wincet and Jackson be ‘a’ years.
Therefore, a = y – z ...(i) yx 5
Also, it is given in the question that ‘a’ yx1
years ago, the age of Jessica was four 2y  6
times the age of Wincet.
x – a = 4 (y – a) 6
y= = 3
⇒ x – a = 4y – 4a 2
⇒ 3a = 4y – x \ x+y=5
4y  x x 53 2
⇒a  ...(ii)
3
Therefore, the age of the husband = 10x +
Also, one more condition given in the ques- y = 10 × 2 + 3 = 23 years.
tion is that at present, two times the age Hence, the unit digit of the age of the
of Jessica is five times the age of Wincet. husband is 3.
Thus, 2 x = 5 y  ...(iii)
If we equate (i) and (ii). 13. 80
4y − x Let men, women, and children be M, W,
Then, y – z = and C, respectively.
3
⇒ 3y – 3z = 4y – x 5M + 4W + 0.1C = 1,000
⇒ y  x  3z Also, M + W + C = 1,000
If we put the value of y in equation (iii) Since 5M and 4W are integers,
we will get
2x = 5 × (x – 3z)

Linear Equations and Special Equations 21

 therefore, 0.1C should be an integer, Putting the values of B and C in equation
which is possible only if C is a multiple (iv) we will get the values of A and D, as
of 100. (9, 6), (8, 7), (7, 8), and (6, 9), respectively.
So, C could be any of 100, 200, 300, 400, Hence, four such numbers (9146, 8237,
500, 600, 700, 800, 900. 7328, and 6419) are possible.
Consider, C = 100 ⇒ 5M + 4W = 990
And M + W = 900 16. (D)
This equation gives value M in negative, Let number of coins of ₹1, 50 paisa, and
which is not possible. 25 paisa be x, y, and z.
Similarly, all the remaining values of C x + y + z = 262 …………(i)
are not possible except C = 800. Also, 1 × x + 0.5 × y + 0.25 × z = 130
So, if C = 800 4x + 2y + z = 520 …………(ii)
5M + 4W = 920 One condition is also given if the 50 pai-
M + W = 200 sa and 25 paisa coins are interchanged
Solving above equations the value comes down by ₹6.
M = 120 and W = 80 Therefore, 1 × x + 0.25y + 0.5z = 124
Hence, 80 is the correct answer. 4x + y + 2z = 496 ……………(iii)
Since three equations and three varia-
14. (B) bles are present here so; we can solve it
Let’s assume the number of pens, pencils, by the determinant method.
and sharpeners the students bought are x + y + z = 262  ………..(i)
(x + 2), (y + 2), and (z + 2), respectively. 4x + 2y + z = 520  ………..(ii)
⇒ Total cost 4x + y + 2z = 496 ………..(iii)
= 20(x + 2) + 8(y + 2) + 5(z + 2) = 104 Add equations (ii) and (iii), we will get
⇒ 20x + 8y + 5z = 38 8x + 3 (y + z) = 1,016. ….(iv)
¯ ¯ ¯ put the value of y + z = 262 – x from (i) in
0 1 6 equation (iv), we will get x = 46.
1 1 2 Hence, option (D) is the correct answer.
Only two valid solutions are possible.
17. 29
15. (B) Let a be the number of questions Ranjan
Let’s assume the four-digit number as answered correctly, b be the number of
ABCD, where A, B, C, and D are distinct questions Ranjan left blank, and ‘c’ be
digits. the number of questions Ranjan an-
According to the question swered incorrectly.
A + B = C + D...(i) Since there were 50 questions, (a + b +
A + D = 3 (B + C)...(ii) c) = 50.
A + B + C + D = 20 ...(iii) Since his total score was 99, 4a – c = 99
From equations (i) and (iii) or c = 4a – 99.
A + B = C + D = 10. ...(iv) Also, a + c ≤ 50
From equations (ii) and (iii) only possi- ⇒ a + (4a − 99) ≤ 50
bility is ⇒ 5a ≤ 149
(B + C) = 5 and (A + D) = 15  ...(v) 149
Now from equations (iv) and (v) ⇒a ≤
5
For (B + C) = 5, possible cases for the
⇒ a ≤ 29.8
values of B and C are (1, 4), (2, 3), (3, 2),
Since a is an integer, the maximum value
and (4, 1).
for a is 29.

22 Linear Equations and Special Equations

18. (B) 20. (C)
Given the total number of marbles with Let Raghav and Sunil carry x and 40 − x
Dinesh = 1/3 (total number of marbles kg luggage, respectively, and the free lug-
with others). gage allowance per passenger be m kg,
Now, if we assume the total number of and the excess luggage charge is n ₹/kg.
marbles with others = 3x, then the num- Excess luggage carried by Sunil = (40 − x
ber of marbles with Dinesh would be x, − m) kg, and he was charged ₹1,200 and
so the total number of marbles = 4x = excess luggage carried by Raghav = (x − m)
360, which means x = 90. So, Dinesh has kg, and he was charged ₹2,640.
a total of 90 marbles.
Now, the total number of marbles with
40  x  m  n  1, 200 ...(i)
Eshwar = 3/5 (total number of marbles  x  m  n  2640 ...(ii)
with others). From equations (i) and (ii), we get,
Now if we assume the total number of
marbles with others = 5y, then the num- 40  x  m 1, 200 5
 
ber of marbles with Eshwar would be xm 2, 640 11
3y, so the total number of marbles = 8y ⇒ 440  11x  11m  5 x  5m
= 360, which means y = 45. So, Eshwar ⇒ 16 x  6m  440 ...(iii)
has total of 3y marbles = 3 × 45 = 135
Had the entire luggage belonged to one of
marbles.
them, then the excess luggage = (40 − m)
Similarly, Ganesh will have 80 marbles.
So, number of marbles with Harish 40  m  n  7, 920 ...(iv)
= 360 – 90 – 135 – 80 = 55. From equations (ii) and (iv) we get,

19. 57 
40  m  3 x  m 
Original cheque A rupees and B paisa = ⇒ 40  m  3 x  3m
(100 A + B) paisa. ⇒ 3 x  2m  40 ...(v)
Bankers amount to person = B rupees Solving equations (iii) and (v) we get, x =
and A paisa = (100 B + A) paisa. 22.4 kg and m = 13.6 kg.
As per the data given in the question Thus, x – m = 22.4 – 13.6 = 8.8 kg.
(100 B + A) – 240 = 2(100 A + B) Hence, option (C) is the correct answer.
100 B + A – 240 = 200 A + 2B
98B = 199A + 240 21. (C)
199A  240 196A  3A  196  44 Let the number of correct, incorrect, and
B 
98 98 not attempted questions be x, y, and z.
3A  44 Now according to the question
B  (2A  2)  x + y + z = 80 ...(i)
98
So 3A + 44 must be divisible by 98. Again 4 × x + (–1) y = 132
⇒ 3A + 44 = 98K 4x – y = 132 ...(ii)
3A + 44 = 98 → 3A = 54 → A = 18 and B If we add equations (i) and (ii) we will
= 39 get:
3A + 44 = 196 → 3A = 152 → A = 152/3 5x + z = 212
Now need to check large values of A as z = 212 – 5x
B < 100. To minimise the value of z, maximise the
(Q paisa cannot be more than 99). value of x.
So, only one value of A is possible, which is 18. The maximum possible value of x can be
Hence, A = 18 and B = 39. 42. Then only we will get the minimum
Now A + B = 18 + 39 = 57. value of z.

Linear Equations and Special Equations 23

 Thus, z = 212 – 5 × 42 Case 2: When I had ₹100 on 13th
z = 212 – 210 = 2
Dates 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Hence, the student has answered 42
questions correctly. Money 100 90 180 170 340 330 660 650 1,300
Option (C) is the correct answer.
Dates 22 23 24 25

22. 20 Money 1,290 2,580 2,570 5,140

Let’s assume the original four-digit num-
ber = ABCD = 1,000A + 100B + 10C + D. \ I would have received 5,140 - 3,860,
According to the question i.e., ₹1,280 more on 25th of the month
(1,000A + 100B + 10C + D) – (A + B + C + in the second case as compared to first
D) = 999A + 99B + 9C = 7,119 case.
111A + 11B + C = 791
25. 17
Only possible value for A is 7
Let's assume the total number of at-
Putting the value of A in
tempts, correct and wrong answers by any
111A + 11B + C = 791, we will get
student be A, x, and y, respectively.
11B + C = 14. For this to be true only pos-
According to the question
sible value of B and C will be 1 and 3,
respectively. 100  y
3x – y = 100 ⇒ x 
So, the original number would be ABCD 3
or 713D. y1
⇒ x  33  .
Now D is a digit, and its maximum value 3
could be 9. Now number of correct questions will al-
So, maximum possible original number ways be an integer, so (y + 1) must be
would be = 7,139. divisible by 3. Minimum value of y = 2.
Hence, maximum possible value of sum ⇒ A Correct (x) Wrong (y)
of the digits of the original number = 20. 36 34 2
40 35 5
23. 16
44 36 8
According to the first statement | | |
P2 3 96 49 47
=  ...(i)
Q3 4 100 50 50
According to the second statement So, a total of 17 (36, 40, 44, ··· , 100) differ-
P1 2 ent total attempts are possible.
=   ...(ii)
Q 3
26. 8
Solving equations (i) and (ii), we will Let the four-digit number N be denoted
get P = 7 and Q = 9. by abcd, where a is the thousands digit, b
Hence, (P + Q) = 16. the hundreds digit, c the tens digit and d
the units digit, respectively. It is given that
24. 1,280 a+b=c+d
Case 1: When I had ₹500 on 19th and a + c = 3(b + d)
If b + d = K, then a + c = 3k
Dates 19 20 21 and a + b + c + d = 4K i.e., S = 4k
Money 500 490 980 So, ‘S’ is divisible by 4.
In the given range S can take three val-
Dates 22 23 24 25
ues, 12, 16, and 20.
Money 970 1,940 1,930 3,860

24 Linear Equations and Special Equations

 If S = 12, then k = 3, b + d = 3, a + c = 9, Hence, the total cost of jams incurred by
a + b = 6, c + d = 6. Ramu to make P sandwiches
N can take the values.  
 P  5K  11  5  3  165
33 60
42 51 28. (B)
51 42
Let the number of girls be x and the
60 33
number of boys be y.
Since the digits in N are distinct. Only
possible values are 4,251 and 5,142. ∴ 3.3x + 2.9y = 249
If S = 16, then b + d = 4, a + c = 12
N can take the values Check the options
44 80
Option (B) satisfies this equation.
53 71
62 62 Hence, Mrs. Alpa bought 57 strawber-
80 44 ry flavoured and 21 chocolate flavoured
With the digits being distinct the only candies.
possible values are 5,371 and 7,153.
If S = 20 then b + d = 5, a + c = 15 29. (A)
64 91
x1  x1  4x  1
73 82
82 73 x  1  0, x  1  0, 4x  1  0
91 64 Squaring both the sides of the equation
N can take four different values if S = 20. we get:
Thus, the total number of values that N (x + 1) + (x – 1) – 2 x 2  1  4 x  1
can take = 2 + 2 + 4 = 8 values.
⇒ 2 x 2  1  1  2x
27. 165
Squaring again, we get
The peanut butter and jam for each
4(x2 – 1) = 1 + 4x2 – 4x
sandwich costs = (4N + 5K).
5
So, the peanut butter and jam for P sand- Solving which we will get, x =
4
wiches costs = P (4N + 5K).
5 5 5
 
Now, P 4N  5K  253  11  23 . For x =
4
, LHS 
4
 1
4
1 1
The only possible positive integer pairs
(P, 4N + 5K) whose product is 253 are 5
and, RHS  4   1  4  2
(1,253), (11,23), (23, 11), and (253, 1). 4
The first pair violates P > 1, and the third
But LHS ≠ RHS
and fourth pairs have no positive integer 5
solutions for N and K. Thus, x = is not the root of the given
4
So, P = 11 and (4N + 5K) = 23 equation.
The only integral solutions for N and K Hence, option (A) is the correct answer.
are N = 2 and K = 3.

Linear Equations and Special Equations 25

 30. 600
Let the number of roses blooming in the
month of January be x. The number of
successive months
Month Number Month Number
Jan x Apr x
+ 30
4
Feb x May x
+ 90
2 4

Mar x June x
+ 60 + 45
2 8

\ Number of roses blooming in June is

x
+ 45 = 120.
8
⇒ x = 600

26 Linear Equations and Special Equations

Mind Map

Linear Equations and Special Equations 27