CAT 2006QA Question 8

2 Variable EquationsEasy

The number of solutions of the equation 2x + y = 40 where both x and y are positive integers and x ≤ y is:

Answer & solution

  • A

    7

  • 13

  • C

    14

  • D

    18

  • E

    20

Solution

2x + y = 40

∴ y = 40 – 2x

x and y are positive integers and x ≤ y

If x = 1, y = 38

x = 2, y = 36

x = 3, y = 34
.
.
.
x = 12, y =16

x = 13, y = 14

x = 14, y = 12

∴ For x > 13, y ≤ x

∴ There are 13 solutions to the given equation.

Hence, option (b).

CAT 2006 QA Q8: The number of solutions of the equation 2x + y = 40 where both x and y are positive integers and x ≤ y is: — Solution | TheCATExam