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A CAT QA question asks: 'What is x if 5x − 7 = 38?' Options: x = 5, 7, 9, 11. The fastest method is:
ASubstitute each option value back into the equation
BSet up algebra step by step to find the value of x = 9
CEstimate using thirty eight over five being roughly 8
DSkip the question for now and return at the end
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Substitute each option value back into the equation
Substituting x = 9: 5(9) − 7 = 45 − 7 = 38 ✓. Option A wins because the substitution is faster than algebra and verifiable in one step. The CAT-specific shortcut.
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