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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 9 variables from 3 triangles and 5 equations, ∠BDE + ∠EDA = 180, ∠BED + ∠DEA + ∠EAD = 180, ∠ABC + ∠BCA + ∠CAB = 180, ∠EBD + ∠EDB + ∠BED = 180 and ∠EAC + ∠ECA + ∠AEC = 180, E is most likely 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)
Since we have BD = DE = EA = AC from condition 1), we have the measures of the interior angles, as shown in the above figure.
Since ∠ACE = ∠DBE + 40° from condition 2), we have 3x = x + 40°, 2x = 40° or x = 20°.
Thus, we have ∠EAC = 180° - 6x = 180° - 6(20), ∠EAC = 180° = 120 = 60°.
Since both conditions together yield a unique solution, they are sufficient.
Therefore, C is the answer.
Answer: C
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 on which the answer is A, B, C, or D.
