Analytical Ability Set 3:

Answer key Word Problems

1 . Answer: B
Explanation:

Using diagram:

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

Using algebraic expression:

Let x be Freddie’s age
Since Eric is 12 years older than Freddie, then Eric’s age can be expressed as 𝑥 + 12
The sum of the ages of Freddie and Eric is 52. Thus,
𝑥 + (𝑥 + 12) = 52
2𝑥 + 12 = 52
2𝑥 = 40
𝑥 = 20
Freddie is 20 years old.
To determine how old is Eric, we substitute x = 20 to 𝑥 + 12
𝑥 + 12
(20) + 12 = 32
Therefore, Eric is 32 years old.

2. Answer: D
Explanation:

We let x be Mark’s age five years ago. Since five years ago, Pat is 15 years younger than Mark,
then we can express Pat’s age five years ago as x - 5.

To obtain their ages in the current year, we just add 5 to the expressions representing the ages
of Mark and Pat.

In solving age problems such that the ages are given in the current year and in previous years
(past), it is helpful for us to use a table to organize the ideas.

PAST Present (+ 5 years)

Pat x - 15 x - 10

Mark x x+5

This year, Mark’s age is twice Pat's age. Thus, we are now going to focus on the respective
ages of Pat and Mark in the present. If Mark’s age is x + 5 in the present, then this is equal to
twice of Pat’s age in the present which is 2(x - 10).

𝑥 + 5 = 2(𝑥 − 10)

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

𝑥 + 5 = 2𝑥 − 20
𝑥 − 2𝑥 = − 5 − 20
− 𝑥 = − 25
𝑥 = 25
Looking from the table, x represents Mark’s age five years ago. Thus, Mark was 25 years old
five years ago. To determine Pat’s age five years ago, we substitute x = 25 to x - 15.
𝑥 − 15
(25) − 15 = 10
Five years ago, Pat was 10 years old.

3. Answer: A
Explanation: In solving work problems, it is important to remember the relationship between the
rates it takes to finish a task if the persons will work alone and the rate it takes to finish the
same task if these persons will work together.

𝑡 𝑡
𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝐴
+ 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝐵
= 1

In the formula above, t represents the time it takes to finish the task if persons A and B work
together.

Now, let’s apply this formula to the problem.

It takes 2 hours for Sylvia to finish the task.

Meanwhile, it takes 3 hours for Mike to finish the same task.

We need to find the time it takes to finish the task if Sylvia and Mike work together. We let this
time be t.

We can use the formula above to solve for t.

𝑡 𝑡
𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑦𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑎
+ 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑖𝑘𝑒
= 1

𝑡 𝑡
3
+ 2
= 1
Now that we have set up the equation, we just need to solve for the value of t.

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

Multiplying both sides of the equation by the least common denominator (which is 6).

𝑡 𝑡
3
+ 2
= 1
𝑡 𝑡
6( 3 + 2
) = 6(1)
Simplifying the equation:
2𝑡 + 3𝑡 = 6
5𝑡 = 6
6
𝑡 = 5
6
Thus, it takes 5
hours to finish the task if Mike and Sylvia work together. We just need to convert
6
hours to decimal form to find the correct answer among the given choices.
5
6
5
= 1. 20 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠

4. Answer: A
Explanation: Let x be Luke’s age. Since Paul’s age is twice Luke's age, then Paul’s age can be
expressed as 2x. To determine their ages in 8 years (future), we just need to add 8 to the
expressions representing their ages.

Again, we can use a table to organize the ideas involved in this problem:

Present Future (+ 8 years)

Luke x x+8

Paul 2x 2x + 8

Sum of ages 88

In eight years, the sum of Luke’s and Paul’s ages is 88.

(𝑥 + 8) + (2𝑥 + 8) = 88

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

3𝑥 + 16 = 88
3𝑥 = 88 − 16
3𝑥 = 72
𝑥 = 24
Looking at the table, x represents Luke’s age in the present. Thus, Luke is 24 years old this
year.
Meanwhile, to find Paul’s age in the present, we just substitute x = 24 to 2x.
2𝑥 = 2(24) = 48

5. Answer: B
Explanation:

Let’s start by providing an illustration to the problem.

Two cars are 810 km apart. One car moves 100 kph and the other moves 80 kph. We need to
determine how many hours it takes for these cars to meet each other

Based on the diagram, the respective distance covered by each car when they meet each other
has a sum of 810 km.

Let t be the number of hours it takes for these cars to meet each other.
We create a table so that we can easily summarize the ideas involved in this problem. Recall
that 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 × 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

Rate (in kph) Time (in hours) Distance

Car 1 100 t 100t

Car 2 80 t 80t

Total 180t = 810

The respective distance covered by each car t hours are 100t and 80t.
The sum of these distances is 180t.
From our diagram, we saw that the total distance covered by the cars when they meet is 810
km.
Thus, we have 180t = 810
Now, we will solve for t.
180𝑡 = 810
𝑡 = 4. 5

Then, the cars will meet after 4.5 hours.

6. Answer: C
Explanation:
Using diagram:

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

Using algebraic method:

Let x be the number of stamps that Bea collected.
Since Ana collected thrice the number of stamps that Bea collected, then we can express the
number of stamps that Ana had collected as 3x.
The sum of their collected stamps is 360. Thus,
𝑥 + 3𝑥 = 360
4𝑥 = 360
𝑥 = 90
Since x represents the number of stamps collected by Bea. Thus, Bea collected 90 stamps.
Meanwhile, Ana collected 3(90) = 270 stamps.

7. Answer: B
Explanation: Using diagram:

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

We have 3 units remaining. To find the value of each units remaining, we divide 12 by 3:
12 ÷ 3 = 4

Thus, each unit is equal to 4 books.

Johann received 4 books from Claude.

Fred received 4 + 3 = 7 books from Claude.

Franz received 4 + 3 + 5 = 12 books from Claude.

Using algebraic method:

Let x be the number of books that Johann received from Claude.
Fred received 3 more books than Johann, then Fred has x + 3 books from Claude.
Franz received 5 more books than Fred, then Franz has (x + 3) + 5 books from Claude.
The total number of books that Claude gave to his friends is 23.
Thus,
𝑥 + (𝑥 + 3) + ((𝑥 + 3) + 5) = 23

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

Simplifying the equation and solving for x:

3𝑥 + 11 = 23
3𝑥 = 23 − 11
3𝑥 = 12
𝑥 = 4
x represents the number of books that Johann received from Claude, then Johann has 4 books.
To determine how many books that Franz received, we substitute x = 4 to (4 + 3) + 5
(x + 3) + 5 = ((4) + 3) + 5 = 12
Franz received 12 books from Claude.

8. Answer: A
Explanation:
We construct a table presenting the ages of Patty and Cindy in the past, present, and future.

We start assigning variables to the ages of Patty and Cindy in the past. Let x be Cindy’s age
seven years ago. Then, Patty’s age is 2x (since her age is twice of Cindy’s age seven years
ago)

Therefore, to get their respective ages in the present, we just add 7 years to their respective
ages in the past.

Moreover, to find their ages five years from present, we then have to add 12 years to their
respective ages in the past.

The sum of their ages in the future is 66.

Past Present (+7 years) Future (+ 12 years)

Cindy x x+7 x + 12

Patty 2x 2x + 7 2x + 12

Total 3x + 24 = 66

Finally, we have to solve the equation in the lowermost part of the table indicating the total of the
ages of Cindy and Patty.

3𝑥 + 24 = 66

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

3𝑥 = 42
𝑥 = 14

The problem asked us to find Cindy’s and Patty’s age in the present. Looking at the “present”
column of our table, we just substitute x = 14 to the expressions on that column.

Cindy: x + 7 = (14) + 7 = 21
Patty: 2x + 7 = 2(14) + 7 = 35.

Thus, Cindy is 21 years old and Patty is 35 years old in the present.

9. Answer: A
Explanation: The distance from City A to City B can be computed by determining the distance
covered by the car throughout its trip given that it is moving at a rate of 60 kph.

Recall that 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 × 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒

The car left City A at 8:30 AM and reached City B at 10:45 AM, then the car’s travel time is 2
15 1
hours and 15 minutes or 2 60 = 2 4 hours.

1
Therefore, we have r = 60 and t = 2 4
To find the distance from City A to CIty B:
𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 × 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒
1
𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 60 × 2 4
9
𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 60 × 4
540
𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 4
= 135 𝑘𝑚

Thus, the distance from City A to City B is 135 km.

10. Answer: B
Explanation:

Let’s start by providing an illustration for this problem.

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

From the illustration, the broken line represents the place where James already reached Alex
and can now overtake him. At the broken line, the distance covered by James and Alex is
already equal. Thus, James will overtake if they already covered equal distances.

Let t be the time in hours of James overtaking Alex.

Meanwhile, let t + 2 be the time in hours of Alex where James is overtaking him.

Rate (in kph) Time (in hours) Distance (in km)

James 80 t 80t

Alex 60 t+2 60(t + 2)

James can overtake Alex if they have equal distances covered. Thus,
80𝑡 = 60(𝑡 + 2)
80𝑡 = 60𝑡 + 120
20𝑡 = 120

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

𝑡 = 6

Thus, James will overtake Alex in 6 hours.

11. Answer: C
Explanation: Recall that given the rates of two persons working a certain task alone, the time it
takes for them to finish the task if they work together is given by:

𝑡 𝑡
𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝐴
+ 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝐵
= 1

Where t is the time it takes for persons to finish the task by working together.

We can apply this formula to this problem.

Jessie can finish decorating the room in 4 hours. Meanwhile, if Catherine helps Jessie, they can
4 4
finish decorating the room in 3 hours. Thus, we have t = 3 . Using the formula above

𝑡 𝑡
𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐽𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑒
+ 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑒
=1

4
We substitute t = 3
and let x be the rate of Catherine:
4 4
3 3
4
+ 𝑥
=1
Multiplying both sides of the equation by 4x:
4 4
3 3
4𝑥( 4
+ 𝑥
) = 4𝑥(1)
4 16
3
𝑥 + 3
= 4x
Simplifying and solving for x:
4𝑥 + 16
3
= 4𝑥
12𝑥 = 4𝑥 + 16
8𝑥 = 16
𝑥 = 2
Thus, Catherine can decorate the room alone in hours.

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

12. Answer: D
Explanation:
Let x be the time it takes for Rachel to finish the task.
Then, Celine can finish the same task in x - 3 (we deduct 3 from x since Celine is faster than
Rachel and needs less time).

If Celine and Rachel work together, they can finish the same task in 2 hours.
Recall that:
𝑡 𝑡
𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝐴
+ 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝐵
= 1

Fitting the formula to our problem, we have:

2 2
𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒
+ 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑅𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑙
= 1

2 2
𝑥−3
+ 𝑥
= 1

Now, we are going to simplify the equation above and solve for x:
2𝑥 + 2(𝑥 − 3)
𝑥(𝑥 −3)
= 1
2𝑥 + 2(𝑥 − 3) = 𝑥(𝑥 − 3)
2
2𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 6 = 𝑥 − 3𝑥
2
4𝑥 − 6 = 𝑥 − 3𝑥
2
0 = 𝑥 − 7𝑥 + 6 = 0
(𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 − 1) = 0
𝑥 = 6 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = 1
We will reject x = 1 as a solution since we have x - 3 and 1 - 3 = -2. Thus, x = 1 is an extraneous
solution.

Since x represents the time it takes for Rachel to finish the task. Then, Rachel can finish the
task in 6 hours. Meanwhile, Celine can finish the same task in 3 hours (6 - 3 = 3).

13. Answer: D
Explanation:
Using diagram

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

Using algebraic method:

Let x be the price of a small plate of pancit.
Let 2x + 14 be the price of a large plate of pancit.
If you order a small plate and a large plate of pancit, you have to pay Php 104.00:
𝑥 + (2𝑥 + 14) = 104

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

3𝑥 + 14 = 104
3𝑥 = 90
𝑥 = 30
Then, a small plate of pancit costs Php 30.00.
To determine the price of a large plate, we substitute x = 30 to 2x + 14.
2(30) + 14 = 60 + 14 = 74

14. Answer: C
Explanation:
We can still apply the formula or technique we used in the previous work problems (but in this
case we are dealing with pipes and not people).

𝑡 𝑡
𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 𝐴
+ 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 𝐵
= 1
where t is the time it takes for two pipes to fill the tank if they are both open.

45 3
Pipe A can fill the tank alone in 45 minutes. We expressed this as a fraction of hour: 60
𝑜𝑟 4
50 5
Pipe B can fill the tank alone in 50 minutes. We expressed this as a fraction of hour: 60
𝑜𝑟 6

Using the formula above:

𝑡 𝑡
𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 𝐴
+ 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 𝐵
= 1
𝑡 𝑡
3 + 5 = 1
4 6
Solving for the value of t:
4 6
3
𝑡 + 5
𝑡 = 1
20𝑡 + 18𝑡
15
= 1
20𝑡 + 18𝑡 = 15
28𝑡 = 15
15
𝑡 = 28
15. Answer: A
Explanation:

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

Cess sold 45 suman in the afternoon. It was stated that Cess sold thrice as much suman in the
morning than in the afternoon. Thus, Cess sold 3 × 45 = 135 suman in the morning.

Therefore, Cess sold 45 + 135 = 180 suman that day.

If each suman costs Php 15.00, then the total earnings of Cess from selling suman is:
15 × 180 = 𝑃ℎ𝑝 2700

16. Answer: D
Explanation:
Let x be the age of the child in the present.
Since, the sum of the ages of the child and his father is 40, then we can express the age of the
father as 40 - x.

Now, we will express the respective ages of the child and his father in 8 years.

Present Future (+8 years)

Child x x+8

Father 40 - x (40 - x) + 8 = 48 - x

In eight years, the child will be 24 years younger than his father. It means that the age of the
child in eight years is equal to the age of his father in 8 years minus 24.
(𝑥 + 8) = (48 − 𝑥) − 24
(𝑥 + 8) = (24 − 𝑥)
2𝑥 = 32
𝑥 = 16

Since x represents the age of the child in the present, then the child is 16 years old in the
present.

17. Answer: C
Explanation:

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

Let x be Sheila’s age.

Bianca’s age is 11 more than twice Sheila's age. Then, Bianca’s age can be represented as 2x
+ 11.

Now, we will express the respective ages of Sheila and Bianca 7 years ago.

Present Past (- 7 years)

Sheila x x-7

Bianca 2x + 11 2x + 11 - 7 = 2x + 4
Seven years ago, the sum of their ages was 29. Thus,
(𝑥 − 7) + (2𝑥 + 4) = 29
3𝑥 − 3 = 30
3𝑥 = 33
𝑥 = 11
Since x represents the age of Sheila in the present. Sheila is 11 years old in the present.

To find the age of Bianca in the current year, we just substitute x = 11 to 2x + 11.
2(11) + 11 = 33

18. Answer: A
Explanation:
The revenue from bus fare can be expressed as:
𝑅𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑒 = (𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑃)(35) + (𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑄)(62)
There are 20 passengers going to City Q and a revenue of 2290:
𝑅𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑒 = (𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑃)(35) + (20)(62)
Let x be the number of passengers to City P:
2290 = (𝑥)(35) + (20)(62)
2290 = 35𝑥 + 1240
2290 − 1240 = 35𝑥
1050 = 35𝑥
𝑥 = 30
Thus, there are 30 passengers going to City P.

19. Answer: D
Explanation:

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

Let x be Beatris’ age fourteen years ago. Fourteen years ago, Mica was 9 years older than
Beatris. Then, we can express Mica’s age fourteen years ago as x + 9.

Now, we will express the respective ages of Mica and Beatris in the present.

Past Present (+14 years)

Beatris x x + 14

Mica x+9 x + 9 + 14 = x + 23

In the present, the sum of the ages of Beatris and Mica is 75. Thus,
(𝑥 + 14) + (𝑥 + 23) = 75
2𝑥 + 37 = 75
2𝑥 = 38
𝑥 = 19
x represents Beatris’ age fourteen years ago. Then, Bea was 19 years old fourteen years ago.

20. Answer: C
Explanation:
Let’s start by providing an illustration for the problem

Based on the illustration, the sum of the distances covered by the faster and the slower car is
435 km.

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 Analytical Ability Set 3:
Answer key Word Problems

Let x be the rate of the slower car. Then, x + 5 is the rate of the faster car.

Rate Time Distance

Faster car x+5 3 3(x + 5)

Slower car x 3 3x

Since the sum of the distances covered by the cars is 435 km. Then,
3(𝑥 + 5) + 3𝑥 = 435
Solving for the value of x:
3𝑥 + 15 + 3𝑥 = 435
6𝑥 + 15 = 435
6𝑥 = 420
𝑥 = 70

Since x represents the rate of the slower car, then the rate of the slower car is 70 kph.
Meanwhile, the rate of the faster car can be obtained by substituting x = 70 to x + 5 = 70 + 5 =
75 kph.

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