Quadratic equation in a linear equations chapter?

[chetan.kinger45]

I am referring to the MGMAT Algebra 5th edition guide. I was solving the problem set for the linear equations chapter. Can someone tell me what is a quadratic equation problem doing in a linear equation chapter? I am talking about problem number 2 of the problem set for the linear equations chapter. I spent 20 mins trying to figure out how to solve this problem without using my knowledge of quadratic equations only to be disappointed after seeing the proposed solution uses quadratic equations.. Is this a misplacement or am I missing something?

[RonPurewal]

You have a point there; that problem would be better placed in the quadratics chapter. Thanks.

If you really did, literally, spend 20 minutes, then that's not a good thing.
Remember that, on this exam, the essence of time management is giving up quickly if you aren't getting something"”so, if you are working on anything related to this exam, you should go ahead and quit if you're stuck.

[chetan.kinger45]

I totally understand what you said about time management. I have gone through Stacey's blog posts and also got some inputs from Stacey for the same. I plan to follow strict deadlines when I take CAT's or solve problems from the OG. I feel that if I start giving up questions while I am learning the content as well, then I am at risk of not learning how to approach a problem type that I have not encountered before.

[jlucero]

That's a valid point. While practicing, feel free to invest extra time, but as Ron & Stacey both point out, on test day, sometimes you have to know when to give up and move on. This is something we'll have to switch up in the 6th edition.

[RonPurewal]

I feel that if I start giving up questions while I am learning the content as well, then I am at risk of not learning how to approach a problem type that I have not encountered before.

Remember that ...
1/ DOING problems, for the first time, under timed conditions,
and
2/ REVIEWING the problems, later, taking all the time you want
... are completely different processes.

You should never, ever, ever do a problem untimed the first time you see it. To do so is to build poor time-management habits that will be extremely difficult to unseat on test day.

Your first exposure to a problem should always be "grip it or rip it". If you get stuck, quit immediately. Try to find another way. If you can't find another way, guess.
When you review the problem, retrospectively, take as much time as you need.