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JAMB UTME - Mathematics - 2024

Question 1 Report

If p * q = 2p + pq + q, find p  when ( p * 2) - (p * 1) = 40
Answer Details

To solve the given problem, we first need to understand the operation defined by p * q. According to the definition, p * q = 2p + pq + q. We need to find the value of p that satisfies the equation (p * 2) - (p * 1) = 40.


Let's break down the operations step by step:


  • First, find p * 2:

    p * 2 = 2p + p(2) + 2

    Simplifying this, we get: p * 2 = 2p + 2p + 2 = 4p + 2

  • Next, find p * 1:

    p * 1 = 2p + p(1) + 1

    Simplifying this, we get: p * 1 = 2p + p + 1 = 3p + 1


Using these simplifications, we substitute into the equation: (p * 2) - (p * 1) = 40


Substitute the expressions we found:

(4p + 2) - (3p + 1) = 40


Now, simplify the equation:

4p + 2 - 3p - 1 = 40

This simplifies to: 4p - 3p + 2 - 1 = 40

Further simplifying gives: p + 1 = 40


Subtract 1 from both sides to solve for p:

p = 40 - 1

p = 39


Therefore, the value of p is 39.