How many cats, c, does Eleanor own?

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Source: — Data Sufficiency |

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BTGmoderatorDC wrote:
Sun Jan 19, 2020 6:58 pm
How many cats, c, does Eleanor own?

(1) c^2 = 5c + 14

(2) 3c^2 = 22c - 7

OA D

Source: Veritas Prep
Let's take each statement one by one.

(1) c^2 = 5c + 14

c^2 – 5c – 14 = 0
c(c – 7) + 2(c – 7) = 0
(c – 7)(c + 2) = 0

c = 7 or – 2. Since c cannot be negative, c = 7. Sufficient.

(2) 3c^2 = 22c – 7

3c^2 – 22c + 7 = 0
3c^2 – 21c – c+ 7 = 0
3c(c – 7) –1(c – 7) = 0
(c – 7)(3c – 1) = 0

c = 7 or 1/3. Since c cannot be a fraction, c = 7. Sufficient.

The correct answer: D

Hope this helps!

-Jay
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