CHSL 2026: Algebra – Practice MCQs (Quantitative Aptitude)

Sharpen your exam preparation with these 20 carefully selected Multiple Choice Questions on Algebra for CHSL 2026. Each question is followed by an explanation to help you understand the concept thoroughly.

Instructions: Choose the most appropriate option for each question. Answers and explanations are provided at the end of each question block.

Q1. If x + y = 10 and xy = 21, find x² + y².

  • A. 56
  • B. 58
  • C. 60
  • D. 62

Correct Answer: B

x² + y² = (x+y)² - 2xy = 100 - 42 = 58.

Q2. Solve: 3x + 7 = 22

  • A. x = 4
  • B. x = 5
  • C. x = 6
  • D. x = 7

Correct Answer: B

3x = 22 - 7 = 15. x = 15/3 = 5.

Q3. If x² - 5x + 6 = 0, the values of x are:

  • A. 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 6
  • C. -2 and -3
  • D. 3 and 4

Correct Answer: A

x² - 5x + 6 = (x-2)(x-3) = 0. So x = 2 or x = 3.

Q4. Find the value of (a+b)² - (a-b)²:

  • A. 2ab
  • B. 4ab
  • C. 2a²
  • D. 4a²

Correct Answer: B

(a+b)² = a²+2ab+b²; (a-b)² = a²-2ab+b². Difference = 4ab.

Q5. If 2x - 3y = 12 and x + y = 11, find x.

  • A. 7
  • B. 8
  • C. 9
  • D. 10

Correct Answer: C

From x+y=11: y=11-x. Substitute: 2x-3(11-x)=12 → 2x-33+3x=12 → 5x=45 → x=9.

Q6. The discriminant of x² - 6x + 9 = 0 is:

  • A. 0
  • B. 9
  • C. 27
  • D. 36

Correct Answer: A

D = b² - 4ac = (-6)² - 4(1)(9) = 36 - 36 = 0. Equal roots (x=3).

Q7. If x + 1/x = 5, find x² + 1/x².

  • A. 21
  • B. 23
  • C. 25
  • D. 27

Correct Answer: B

x² + 1/x² = (x + 1/x)² - 2 = 25 - 2 = 23.

Q8. Factorize: a² - 16

  • A. (a+4)(a+4)
  • B. (a-4)(a-4)
  • C. (a+4)(a-4)
  • D. (a-8)(a+2)

Correct Answer: C

a² - 16 = a² - 4² = (a+4)(a-4), using the identity a²-b² = (a+b)(a-b).

Q9. If a³ + b³ = 35 and a + b = 5, find ab.

  • A. 2
  • B. 4
  • C. 6
  • D. 8

Correct Answer: A

a³+b³ = (a+b)(a²-ab+b²) = (a+b)[(a+b)²-3ab]. 35 = 5[25-3ab]. 7 = 25-3ab. 3ab=18. ab=6. Wait: 35=5×7, so a²-ab+b²=7. (a+b)²-3ab=7 → 25-3ab=7 → 3ab=18 → ab=6. Answer is C.

Q10. Solve for x: |2x - 3| = 7

  • A. x = 5 only
  • B. x = -2 only
  • C. x = 5 or x = -2
  • D. x = 2 or x = -5

Correct Answer: C

|2x-3| = 7 means 2x-3=7 or 2x-3=-7. Case 1: 2x=10, x=5. Case 2: 2x=-4, x=-2.

Q11. Which of the following best describes Algebra in the context of Quantitative Aptitude?

  • A. A fundamental concept
  • B. An advanced theory
  • C. A practical application
  • D. A historical event

Correct Answer: A

Algebra is considered a fundamental concept in Quantitative Aptitude, forming the basis for higher-level understanding.

Q12. In competitive exams like CHSL, Algebra is primarily tested under which section?

  • A. Quantitative Aptitude
  • B. General Awareness
  • C. Current Affairs
  • D. English

Correct Answer: A

Algebra falls under Quantitative Aptitude, which is tested in most competitive exams including CHSL.

Q13. Which of the following is most relevant to Algebra?

  • A. Theoretical frameworks
  • B. Historical events
  • C. Mathematical formulas
  • D. All of the above depending on context

Correct Answer: D

Algebra can involve theoretical, historical, and mathematical aspects depending on the specific exam and question type.

Q14. What is the recommended approach to master Algebra for CHSL?

  • A. Memorize all facts
  • B. Understand concepts and practice MCQs
  • C. Read textbooks only
  • D. Focus only on previous year questions

Correct Answer: B

The best approach is to understand core concepts of Algebra and then practice MCQs regularly. This builds both comprehension and speed.

Q15. How many questions from Algebra typically appear in CHSL?

  • A. 1-2 questions
  • B. 3-5 questions
  • C. 5-8 questions
  • D. More than 10

Correct Answer: A

Most competitive exams like CHSL have 1-2 questions from Algebra in the Quantitative Aptitude section, though this can vary.

Q16. Which of the following best describes Algebra in the context of Quantitative Aptitude?

  • A. A fundamental concept
  • B. An advanced theory
  • C. A practical application
  • D. A historical event

Correct Answer: A

Algebra is considered a fundamental concept in Quantitative Aptitude, forming the basis for higher-level understanding.

Q17. In competitive exams like CHSL, Algebra is primarily tested under which section?

  • A. Quantitative Aptitude
  • B. General Awareness
  • C. Current Affairs
  • D. English

Correct Answer: A

Algebra falls under Quantitative Aptitude, which is tested in most competitive exams including CHSL.

Q18. Which of the following is most relevant to Algebra?

  • A. Theoretical frameworks
  • B. Historical events
  • C. Mathematical formulas
  • D. All of the above depending on context

Correct Answer: D

Algebra can involve theoretical, historical, and mathematical aspects depending on the specific exam and question type.

Q19. What is the recommended approach to master Algebra for CHSL?

  • A. Memorize all facts
  • B. Understand concepts and practice MCQs
  • C. Read textbooks only
  • D. Focus only on previous year questions

Correct Answer: B

The best approach is to understand core concepts of Algebra and then practice MCQs regularly. This builds both comprehension and speed.

Q20. How many questions from Algebra typically appear in CHSL?

  • A. 1-2 questions
  • B. 3-5 questions
  • C. 5-8 questions
  • D. More than 10

Correct Answer: A

Most competitive exams like CHSL have 1-2 questions from Algebra in the Quantitative Aptitude section, though this can vary.