If 3 < a < 7 < b, which of the following must be greater than 20?
- A. a²
- B. 2b
- C. ab
- D. b + a
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To determine which option must be greater than 20, we analyze each one based on the inequalities provided (3 < a < 7 < b). **Option A: a²** Since a is less than 7, the maximum value for a² is 49 (when a=7), and the minimum value is 16 (when a=4). Thus, a² can be less than 20. **Option B: 2b** With b being greater than 7, the minimum value for 2b is 16 (when b=8). Therefore, 2b can also be less than 20. **Option C: ab** Given a is at least 4 and b is at least 8, the minimum value of ab is 32 (4*8). This must be greater than 20. **Option D: b + a** The minimum value for b + a is 11 (when a=4 and b=7), which is less than 20. Thus, only ab must consistently exceed 20.
To determine which option must be greater than 20, we analyze each one based on the inequalities provided (3 < a < 7 < b). **Option A: a²** Since a is less than 7, the maximum value for a² is 49 (when a=7), and the minimum value is 16 (when a=4). Thus, a² can be less than 20. **Option B: 2b** With b being greater than 7, the minimum value for 2b is 16 (when b=8). Therefore, 2b can also be less than 20. **Option C: ab** Given a is at least 4 and b is at least 8, the minimum value of ab is 32 (4*8). This must be greater than 20. **Option D: b + a** The minimum value for b + a is 11 (when a=4 and b=7), which is less than 20. Thus, only ab must consistently exceed 20.
Other Related Questions
John worked at a bookstore for two weeks. The second week he earned 20 percent more than he did the first week. If he earned $300 the second week, how much did he earn the first week?
- A. 240
- B. 250
- C. 280
- D. 380
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
To determine John’s earnings for the first week, we know that his second week earnings were 20% more than the first week. If he earned $300 in the second week, we can calculate his first week earnings by setting up the equation: Let x be the first week’s earnings. Then, x + 0.2x = 300. This simplifies to 1.2x = 300. Dividing both sides by 1.2 gives x = 250. Option A ($240) is too low, as it would not result in a $300 second week. Option C ($280) would imply a second week earning of $336, which exceeds $300. Option D ($380) is also incorrect as it suggests a second week earning of $456. Thus, $250 is the only viable answer.
To determine John’s earnings for the first week, we know that his second week earnings were 20% more than the first week. If he earned $300 in the second week, we can calculate his first week earnings by setting up the equation: Let x be the first week’s earnings. Then, x + 0.2x = 300. This simplifies to 1.2x = 300. Dividing both sides by 1.2 gives x = 250. Option A ($240) is too low, as it would not result in a $300 second week. Option C ($280) would imply a second week earning of $336, which exceeds $300. Option D ($380) is also incorrect as it suggests a second week earning of $456. Thus, $250 is the only viable answer.
Frederica used 13.4 gallons of gasoline to drive 448.9 miles. What was the average number of miles she drove per gallon of gasoline?
- A. 3.4 mpg
- B. 33.5 mpg
- C. 60.15 mpg
- D. 435.5 mpg
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
To find the average miles per gallon (mpg), divide the total miles driven by the gallons used. Here, 448.9 miles divided by 13.4 gallons equals approximately 33.5 mpg. Option A (3.4 mpg) is incorrect as it significantly underestimates the fuel efficiency. Option C (60.15 mpg) overestimates the efficiency, suggesting an unrealistic performance for a typical vehicle. Option D (435.5 mpg) is also incorrect, as it implies an implausibly high efficiency that is not achievable with conventional vehicles. Thus, the calculation confirms that 33.5 mpg accurately represents Frederica's fuel efficiency.
To find the average miles per gallon (mpg), divide the total miles driven by the gallons used. Here, 448.9 miles divided by 13.4 gallons equals approximately 33.5 mpg. Option A (3.4 mpg) is incorrect as it significantly underestimates the fuel efficiency. Option C (60.15 mpg) overestimates the efficiency, suggesting an unrealistic performance for a typical vehicle. Option D (435.5 mpg) is also incorrect, as it implies an implausibly high efficiency that is not achievable with conventional vehicles. Thus, the calculation confirms that 33.5 mpg accurately represents Frederica's fuel efficiency.
Alexia, Bob, and Comelia recorded the number of pages of books they read last month. Alexia read 135 pages, Bob read 26 pages less than Alexia, and Comelia read 3 and one-half times more pages than Alexia and Bob combined. Which of the following represents the total number of pages that Alexia, Bob, and Comelia read last month?
- A. 3.5(135 + 26)
- B. 3.5[2(135) - 26]
- C. 4.5[2(135) - 26]
- D. 4.5[2(135) + 26]
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To determine the total number of pages read, first calculate Bob's pages: he read 135 - 26 = 109 pages. The combined pages of Alexia and Bob is 135 + 109 = 244 pages. Comelia read 3.5 times this total, resulting in 3.5 × 244. Option A incorrectly uses 135 + 26, which does not account for Bob's actual pages read. Option B mistakenly uses a subtraction instead of addition for the combined total. Option D incorrectly adds Bob's pages instead of using the correct combined total for Comelia's calculation. Thus, C accurately represents the total with 3.5(244), leading to the correct final total.
To determine the total number of pages read, first calculate Bob's pages: he read 135 - 26 = 109 pages. The combined pages of Alexia and Bob is 135 + 109 = 244 pages. Comelia read 3.5 times this total, resulting in 3.5 × 244. Option A incorrectly uses 135 + 26, which does not account for Bob's actual pages read. Option B mistakenly uses a subtraction instead of addition for the combined total. Option D incorrectly adds Bob's pages instead of using the correct combined total for Comelia's calculation. Thus, C accurately represents the total with 3.5(244), leading to the correct final total.
60 ÷ 3/3 =
- A. 20
- B. 21
- C. 23
- D. 24
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
To solve 60 ÷ 3/3, first simplify the expression. Dividing by a fraction involves multiplying by its reciprocal. Therefore, 3/3 equals 1, and dividing by 1 does not change the value. Thus, the equation simplifies to 60 ÷ 1, which equals 60. Now, let's analyze the options: A: 20 is incorrect as it does not represent the result of the division. B: 21 is also incorrect, being too low compared to the actual value. C: 23 is incorrect for the same reason, as it underestimates the result. D: 24 is incorrect and does not reflect the correct division outcome. The only accurate interpretation leads to the conclusion that 60 divided by 1 remains 60.
To solve 60 ÷ 3/3, first simplify the expression. Dividing by a fraction involves multiplying by its reciprocal. Therefore, 3/3 equals 1, and dividing by 1 does not change the value. Thus, the equation simplifies to 60 ÷ 1, which equals 60. Now, let's analyze the options: A: 20 is incorrect as it does not represent the result of the division. B: 21 is also incorrect, being too low compared to the actual value. C: 23 is incorrect for the same reason, as it underestimates the result. D: 24 is incorrect and does not reflect the correct division outcome. The only accurate interpretation leads to the conclusion that 60 divided by 1 remains 60.