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Forget conventional ways of solving math questions. For DS problems, the VA (Variable Approach) method is the quickest and easiest way to find the answer without actually solving the problem. Remember that equal numbers of variables and independent equations ensure a solution.
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Since we have many variables to determine a function and 0 equations, E is most likely to be the answer. So, we should consider conditions 1) & 2) together first. After comparing the number of variables and the number of equations, we can save time by considering conditions 1) & 2) together first.
Conditions 1) & 2)
When we substitute a by 1/a in condition 1), we have f(1/a) + 4f(a) = 15(1/a) or 4f(1/a)+16f(a) = 60(1/a). Then, since we have 4f(1/a) = 15a - f(a) from condition 1), we have 4f(1/a) + 16f(a) = (15a - f(a)) + 16f(a) = 15f(a) + 15a = 60/a or f(a) = -a + 4/a.
When we substitute a by -a, we have f(-a) = a - 4/a and -a + 4/a = a - 4/a.
Then, we have a = 4/a or a^2 = 4 and we have solutions a = 2 or -2.
Since both conditions do not yield a unique solution, they are not sufficient.
Therefore, E is the answer.
Answer: E
In cases where 3 or more additional equations are required, such as for original conditions with "3 variables", or "4 variables and 1 equation", or "5 variables and 2 equations", conditions 1) and 2) usually supply only one additional equation. Therefore, there is an 80% chance that E is the answer, a 15% chance that C is the answer, and a 5% chance that the answer is A, B or D. Since E (i.e. conditions 1) & 2) are NOT sufficient, when taken together) is most likely to be the answer, it is generally most efficient to begin by checking the sufficiency of conditions 1) and 2), when taken together. Obviously, there may be occasions when the answer is A, B, C, or D.
