Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 17
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This algebraic simplification question checks your ability to translate an English statement into an equation and solve a simple quadratic for its positive root.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Translate directly to an equation and solve for n. Since n * (5n) = 5n^2, isolate n^2 and take the positive square root (aptitude questions typically ask for the positive value unless specified otherwise).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Compute 5n^2 with n = 17: 5 * 17^2 = 5 * 289 = 1445, which matches the given total exactly.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
18, 15, 19, and 13 do not satisfy 5n^2 = 1445. Substituting any of these yields values other than 1445.
Common Pitfalls:
Interpreting “five times of itself” as n + 5n instead of n * (5n). The phrase clearly intends multiplication leading to 5n^2.
Final Answer:
17
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