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# CAT 2017 [slot 1] Question with solution 13

Question 13:
If a and b are integers of opposite signs such that $(a + 3)^{2} : b^{2} = 9 : 1$ and $(a -1)^{2}:(b - 1)^{2} = 4:1$, then the ratio $a^{2} : b^{2}$ is
1. 9:4
2. 81:4
3. 1:4
4. 25:4
Option: 4
Explanation:

Since the square root can be positive or negative we will get two cases for each of the equation.

For the first one,

a + 3 = 3b .. i

a + 3 = -3b ... ii

For the second one,

a - 1 = 2(b -1) ... iii

a - 1 = 2 (1 - b) ... iv

we have to solve i and iii, i and iv, ii and iii, ii and iv.

Solving i and iii,

a + 3 = 3b and a = 2b - 1, solving, we get a = 3 and b = 2, which is not what we want.

Solving i and iv

a + 3 = 3b and a = 3 - 2b, solving, we get b = 1.2, which is not possible.

Solving ii and iii

a + 3 = -3b and a = 2b - 1, solving, we get b = 0.4, which is not possible.

Solving ii and iv,

a + 3 = -3b and a = 3 - 2b, solving, we get a = 15 and b = -6 which is what we want.

Thus, $\frac{a^2}{b^2} = \frac{25}{4}$

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