CSAT comp

https://d19k0hz679a7ts.cloudfront.net/value_added_material/UPSC-CSAT-2020-SET-C.pdf

Passage – 1

Private investment in general is volatile. Foreign private investment is more volatile because the available investment avenues are significantly greater (i.e., the entire world). Therefore, the responsibility of providing employment cannot be left to Foreign District Investment (FDI). The current FDI inflows are volatile over time and across sectors and regions, which is a necessary consequence of their search for the highest returns. The adverse consequences are unstable employment and an accentuation of income and regional inequalities. A probable positive consequence of foreign investment is the inflow of new technology and its subsequent diffusion. However, the technology diffusion is not at all certain because the existing state of physical and human capital in India may prove inadequate for the diffusion.

Q1. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

1. Relying on foreign investment in the long run is not an economically sound policy.

2. Policies must be undertaken to reduce volatility in foreign private investment.

3. Policies must be undertaken to strengthen domestic private investment.

4. Public investment should be given priority over private investment.

5. Substantial public investment in education and health should be undertaken.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 1, 3 and 5
(c) 2, 4 and 5
(d) 3 only

Ans. (b)

Statement 1 is a correct assumption since the passage clearly highlights the negative consequences of foreign investment.
Statement 2 is wrong since it implies that the State has the ability to interfere and reduce volatility in foreign private investment. This is contrary to economic logic and the passage also makes no such reference to capability of the State to reduce such volatility.
Statement 4 seems to be correct given the passage begins by highlighting that private investment is volatile. Similarly, Statement 5 sounds correct for it gives primacy to the importance of public investment in some sectors.
Since, statement 2 is wrong, it is therefore prudent to eliminate Options (a) & (c).
Option (d) does not include Statements 1, 4 or 5. Therefore, the most valid option seems to be Option (b).

Passage – 2

Many opportunities to harness the highly skewed, seasonal and spatial distribution of monsoon floes, which occur in a four-month period from June to September annually, have been lost. Since these few months account for most of the rainfall and consequent freshwater availability, the need for holding rainwater in reservoirs, for subsequently releasing it for use over the year, is a necessity nobody can afford to overlook. Climate change will continue to affect weather conditions and create water shortages and excesses. While millions suffer from droughts and floods, waters in the country’s many rivers flow unutilized, and are discharged into the sea every year.

Q.No.2 With reference to the above passage, which of the following could be the most rational and practical implications for India?

1. Inter-linking of rivers should be undertaken.
2. A network of dams and canals should be built across the country for proper distribution of water.
3. Farmers should be provided easy loans for digging borewells.
4. Usage of water for agriculture should be regulated by law.
5. Distribution of river water among regions should be regulated by the Union Government.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2, 4 and 5
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 5

Ans: (a)

Statement 1 is correct since this is an attempt to optimise and efficiently utilise the skewed distribution of water in the country's rivers. Statement 2 is correct because it implies the need to ensure proper distribution of water, the need for which is brought out in the last sentence of the passage, that says millions suffer from droughts and floods.
Statement 3 is contrary to logic since digging borewells would have an adverse impact on the distribution of water. Furthermore, the passage does not mention the inability of farmers to secure credit to dig borewells. Hence, it cannot be the correct implication from the same.
Statement 4 is incorrect because the passage does not make any reference to the lack of regulations around usage of water for agriculture.
Statement 5 is incorrect since the passage does not bring out inability of states or federal relations as reasons for the skewed distribution of water. By elimination, Option (a) is the correct answer

Passage – 3

People will invest in education whenever they are granted the economic freedom to fully enjoy its benefits. Again, this is for the obvious reason that the return on education increases as the level of economic freedom rises. When people, thanks to lower tax rates, are allowed to retain most of the higher income that they gain from each incremental level of education, it makes eminent sense to invest in education. On the other hand, when the government decides to tax the higher income of educated individuals at even higher rates, it makes very little sense to invest in educating oneself further. The same incentives apply to parents who decide on whether to invest in their children’s education.

Q3. Which references to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. Lower tax rates in a country invariably translate into greater investments in higher education.
2. Investment in the education of children ensures their economic freedom.
3. Economic freedom has a positive impact on building up human capital.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Statement 1 is incorrect since it implies that lower tax rates will always lead to greater investment in higher education. Although, the passage discusses the direct correlation between the two, the use of the word invariably makes it an extreme statement.
Statement 2 is incorrect because it is economic freedom, resulting from lower tax rates, that ensures investment in higher education and not vice versa.
Statement 3 is correct since greater economic freedom makes way for investment in education which is a key component for building human capital.
Although Statement 1 may look correct, there is no option for marking Statements 1 & 2 as correct assumptions.
Hence, the most appropriate answer is Option (c).

Passage – 4

Our urban bodies cannot possibly ensure sustainable delivery of water in our cities unless financing mechanisms are put in place. Water delivery requires heavy investment in collecting it from a natural source, treating it to make it potable, and laying a distribution network of pipes for delivery to the users. It also requires investments in sewerage infrastructure and sewage treatment plants so that the sewers can carry the wastewater to these plants to ensure that no untreated sewage is discharged back into natural water bodies. If our cities were rich enough to meet the entire cost, water could be delivered free. They are not.

Q4. What is the most logical and crucial message conveyed by the passage?
(a) Urban local bodies must recover costs through user charges.
(b) Urban local bodies are not efficient enough to meet the water requirements of our cities.
(c) Water shortage in our cities is a perennial problem that cannot be solved.
(d) In view of the water crisis in our cities, there is an urgent need to limit the population of cities by adopting an upper limit of population size. Ans: (a)
Option (a) is correct since the passage clearly implies that financing mechanisms have to be put in place for ULB’s to sustain. Levying user charges can be one such mechanism.
Option (b) is incorrect since the passage only talks about lack of proper financing mechanisms that would fund the infrastructure to ensure water delivery. Inefficiency implies that there are funds but are not utilised well.
Option (c) is incorrect because the first sentence of the passage itself implies that sustainable delivery of water is possible if proper financing mechanisms are in place. Hence, water shortage in our cities is a problem that can be solved.
Option (d) is incorrect since the passage makes no mention of overpopulation as a reason for water shortage.

Q5. Which reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. Rich cities only can ensure sustainable delivery of water.
2. Sustainable delivery of water in cities means much more than supplying water to households.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
Statement 1 is incorrect since the passage talks about having proper financing mechanisms to ensure sustainable delivery of water. About rich cities it only says that they can afford free supply of water which implies that cities that are not rich need to raise finances to ensure the same. It does not hold it impossible for cities that are not rich to ensure sustainable delivery of water.
Statement 2 is correct since sustainable delivery of water not only involves collection, treatment and distribution of water, but also investments in sewerage infrastructure and seweage treatment plants. Hence by elimination, Option (b) is the correct answer.

Passage – 5

In India, agriculture still engages about half of its workforce, and about 85 per cent of its farms are small and marginal. Compared to China and Vietnam, which have experienced fast structural and rural transformation, India’s story is of slow transformation. As a result, poverty reduction in India was at much slower pace during 1988-2014, compared to China and Vietnam. India’s poverty reduction was slow during 1988-2005, but during 2005-2012, it accelerated dramatically–almost three times faster than during the earlier period. What did India do during this period? Research reveals that the relative price scenario changed significantly (by more than 50%) in favour of agriculture in the wake of rising global prices. This boosted private investments in agriculture by more than 50%. As a result, agri-GDP growth touched 4.1% during 2007-2012 as against 2.4% during 2002-2007. The net surplus of agri-trade touched $25 billion in 2013-2014; real farm wages rose by 7% per annum. All this led to unprecedented fall in poverty.

Q6. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. Structural and rural transformation is impossible when farms are mainly small and marginal.
2. A good price incentive can trigger investments in agriculture.
3. India needs to build value chains for high-value agri-products like livestock and horticulture.
4. Higher global prices of agricultural commodities are essential for India’s poverty reduction.
Which of the above assumptions are valid?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 and 4
Ans: (b)
Statement 1 is not a valid assumption. It is nowhere indicated in the passage that small and marginal farm size is a hurdle in structural and rural transformation. Passage only mentions that 85 per cent of Indian farms are small and marginal.
Statement 2 is a valid assumption. “Research reveals that the relative price scenario changed significantly (by more than 50%) in favour of agriculture in the wake of rising global prices. This boosted private investments in agriculture by more than 50%.”
Statement 2 can clearly be stated from the above mentioned sentence.
Statement 3 is not a valid assumption. The passage nowhere clearly talks about the need to build value chains for high-value agri-products like livestock and horticulture in India. It only makes mention of structural and rural transformation along with boost in private investment. Statement 4 is a valid assumption. Assumption can directly be derived from the sentences in the passage. “India’s poverty reduction was slow during 1988-2005, but during 2005-2012, it accelerated dramatically– almost three times faster than during the earlier period. What did India do during this period? Research reveals that the relative price scenario changed significantly (by more than 50%) in favour of agriculture in the wake of rising global prices. This boosted private investments in agriculture by more than 50%.”

7. Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message of the passage?
(a) India should create large-scale off-farm rural employment to reduce poverty in the near future.
(b) India should create a large number of farmer producer companies.
(c) Private investment in agriculture should be given priority over public investment.
(d) Inclusive agricultural growth is key to reduce poverty in the near future.
Ans: (d) The main theme of passage is poverty reduction in India and it highlights two reasons for poverty reduction in countries like China, Vietnam and India. Firstly, by structural and rural transformation (in China & Vietnam) and secondly, by relative change in price scenario in wake of rising global prices which in turn boosted private investment in agriculture (in India). So, option (c) seems right answer but option (d) carries broader ambit. “Inclusive agriculture growth” can be interpreted as agriculture with structural changes where there is scope for building value chain for high value agri-products, transformation of villages, along with investment from both private and public entities.

Q8. Two Statements S1 and S2 are given below with regard to four members P, Q, R and S followed by a Questions:
S1 : R is greater than P as well as Q.
S2 : S is not the largest one.
Question: Among four numbers P, Q, R and S, which one is the largest?
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Statements and the Question?
(a) S1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(b) S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(c) S1 and S2 together are sufficient to answer the Question, but neither S1 alone nor S2 alone is sufficient to answer the question.
(d) S1 and S2 together are not sufficient to answer the Question.
Ans: (c) S1 : R is greater than P as we as Q, i.e. R > P/Q
S2 : S is not the largest number.

Either of the two statements alone is not sufficient to answer the question. Reading both statements together, we can conclude that: R > P/Q/S Hence, we can say that S1 and S2 together are sufficient to answer the question. Hence, option (c) is the answer.

Q9. Two Statements S1 and S2 are given below followed by a Question:

S1 : n is a prime number.

S2 : n leaves a remainder of 1 when divided by 4.

Question: If n is a unique natural number between 10 and 20, then what is n?

Which one of the following is correct in respect of above Statements and the Question?

(a) S1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.

(b) S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.

(c) S1 and S2 together are sufficient to answer the Question, but neither S1 alone nor S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.

(d) S1 and S2 together are not sufficient to answer the Question.

Ans: (d) It’s given that n is a unique natural number between 10 and 20. According to S1, n is a prime number. So, our number n may be: 11, 13, 17 or 19 According to S2, on dividing n by 4 we get a remainder of 1. So, n can be: 13, 17 Either of the two statements alone is not sufficient to answer the question. Even if we read both the statements together, we do not get a unique value of n. Instead, we end up with two possible values of n, i.e. 13 & 17. Hence, we can say that even S1 and S2 together are not sufficient to answer the question. Hence, option (d) is the answer.

Q10 Two Statements S1 and S2 are given below with regard to two numbers followed by a Question:

S1 : Their product is 21.

S2 : Their sum is 10.

Question: What are the two numbers?

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Statements and the Question?

(a) S1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.

(b) S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.

(c) S1 and S2 together are sufficient to answer the Question, but neither S1 alone nor S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.

(d) S1 and S2 together are not sufficient to answer the Question.

Ans: (c)

According to S1, the product of numbers is 21. So, numbers can be: (3, 7) or (1, 21)

According to S2, sum of numbers is 10. So, numbers can be: (1, 9), (2, 8), (3, 7), (4, 6) or (5, 5)

Either of the two statements alone is not sufficient to answer the question. If we read both the statements together, we can see that the required two numbers with product of 21 and sum of 10 are: (3, 7)

Hence, we can say that both S1 and S2 together are sufficient to answer the question.

Hence, option (c) is the answer.

Directions for the following 6 (six) items: Read the following five passage and answer the items that follow. Your answer to these items should be based on the passages only

Passage – 1

In India, over the last decade or so, labour has been departing agriculture, but is only going to construction and unregistered manufacturing which are not markedly better jobs. Services, where labour tends to be most productive, are not generating the additional jobs the country needs. India will need 24 million or so jobs over the next decade. The new sector, e-commerce, can at best close only half the jobs gap. Only those sectors that drive domestic demand such as health and education can comfortably fill the other half.

Q11. Which one of the following is best implied in the passage?

(a) Strong measures need to be taken to reduce the rural to urban migration of labour.

(b) The working condition in construction and unregistered manufacturing needs to be improved.

(d) Increased social sector spending is imperative for large-scale job creation.

Ans: (d) Option A is incorrect: The passage mentions a migration of labour from the agricultural sector to other sectors such as construction and unregistered manufacturing. Nowhere does it mention a rural to urban migration.

Option B is incorrect: The passage states that “construction and manufacturing are not markedly better jobs”. However, it does not state as to why? There might be many reasons for this- ‘working conditions’ is at best an assumption. For example, (for the sake of argument), it might be stated so in the passage as these sectors might not be as productive or lucrative, income wise, while the working conditions might be okay. Therefore, option B only states an assumption.

Option C is incorrect: The given statement in option c is neither stated anywhere in the passage, nor implied. In fact, the passage clarifies that “services are not generating the additional jobs that the country needs”.

Option D is correct: In the last line of the passage, it is stated that “Only those sectors that drive domestic demand such as health and education can comfortably fill the other half”, (the other half referring to the ‘jobgap’). Now, health and education belong to the social sector. Therefore, it is implied that the author is calling for increased spending in these sectors, so that they might be able to create the necessary jobs (read large scale job-creation).

Passage – 2

In India, the current focus on the right to privacy is based on some new realities of the digital age. A right is a substantive right only if it works in all situations, and for everyone. A right to free expression for an induvial about her exploitation, for instance, is meaningless without actual availability of security that guarantees that private force cannot be used to thwart this right. The role of the State, therefore, is not just to abstain from preventing rightful free expression, but also to actively ensure that private parties are not able to block it.

Q12. On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

1. State should have some institutions to ensure its appropriate role in a digital society.

2. State should ensure that private parties do not violate the citizens’ right to privacy.

3. Digital economy is not compatible with the idea of not violating the citizens’ privacy.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 3 only

(d) 2 only

Ans: (a) 1 and 2.

Statement 1 is a valid assumption: The passage states that the state must abstain from preventing of citizens’ rights, and also actively ensure that private parties are not able to block it. Now, in order to ensure that the state is not involving in an activity or directly preventing the citizens from exercising their rights, with respect to the right to privacy in a digital era, the state would do well to establish institutions to check its functioning from time to time and, hence, ensure its appropriate role in a digital society.

Statement 2 is a valid assumption: The passage clearly states that the states must actively ensure that private parties are not able to block the exercise of rights by the citizens. As the main theme of the passage is the right to privacy in a digital era, the assumption made in statement 2, is thus correct. Statement 3 is an invalid assumption: Nowhere does the passage state or imply that digital economy is harmful in any way, such as not being compatible with the non-violation of citizen’s privacy. This is a rather extreme and incorrect assumption, as, according to the passage, there might be threats to the given right in a digital age, but this is preventable if appropriate measures are taken by the state. Hence option (a) is the correct answer.

Passage – 3

One of the biggest ironies around water is that a comes from rivers and other wetlands. Yet it is seen as divorced from them. While water is used as a resource, public policy does not always grasp that it is a part of the natural ecosystem. Efforts at engineering water systems are thus effort at augmenting water supply rather than strengthening the capacities of ecological systems. 13. Which one of the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?

(a) Rivers and other wetlands should be protected under Ramsar Convention.

(b) Engineering water systems should be modernized and further augmented.

(d) Water supply should not be free of cost so as to prevent its misuse or overuse.

Ans: (c)

Option A is incorrect: The passage nowhere refers to or makes an implied reference to the Ramsar Convention.

Option B is incorrect: The passage is suggesting for the opposite as to what is mentioned in option (b) i.e. instead of focusing on modernizing and augmenting the water system (i.e. augmenting the water supply), policies must focus on the source of such water i.e. it must try to strengthen the capacity of ecological systems. (However, as per the given passage, public policies are doing just the opposite)

Option C is correct: The first statement clearly states that “One of the biggest ironies, around water is that it comes from rivers and other wetlands. Yet it is seen as divorced from them. While water is used as a resource, public policy does not always grasp that is a part of the natural ecosystem.” Thus, the statement given in Option (c) that wetlands need to be reinforced as more than just open sources of water, can be logically derived from the passage. Option D is incorrect: While the statement given in option (d) is correct in its own merit, it is out of context with respect to the given passage, as the author does not state or indicate towards any such measure. Also, the statement is rather narrow in approach, as compared to the overall broader tone of the author.

Passage – 4

Asset allocation is the most important investment decision we will ever make, and sadly, most of us do not give that decision the importance it deserves. We are adamant about seeking predictability with our future. We tend to think of investing in risky assets as extremely volatile and value eroding. We also dislike fluctuating returns and the loss of control of investment. We think our money is best left idle, unproductive but safe. There is no asset that is risk free. We could lose our jobs, our homes can lose value, our banks can go bankrupt, our bonds can default, the government can collapse and companies we chose fondly may cease to exist. But we cannot live life assuming that all these extreme events are waiting to happen, and all at the same time. All these extreme forms of risks we know will not manifest at the same time.

14. Which one of the following statements best implies the suggestion given by the author of the passage?

(a) Distribute your wealth across different kinds of assets so that your risks would be minimized.

(b) Risk-taking behaviour should be a necessary component of your personality if you want to generate wealth.

(d) You should know that investing your money is a risky business.

Ans: (a, d) The answer to this question may be any one of A & D. Both seem correct options.

Option A is correct: The passage, right at the beginning, clearly states that asset allocation is the most important investment decision that one would ever make. Further on, in the passage, the author links such asset allocation to predictability and risks.

Option B is incorrect: Though the option is correct, as it has merit independently. However, the passage does not talk about wealth generation per se.

Option C is incorrect: The passage nowhere mentions or refers to an asset management company. In fact, the tone of the passage is of individuals taking such investment decisions by themselves.

Option D correct: Fourth statement can be implied from following sentences. “We think our money is best left idle, unproductive but safe. There is no asset that is risk free. We could lose our jobs, our homes can lose value, our banks can go bankrupt, our bonds can default, the government can collapse and companies we chose fondly may cease to exist.”

Passage – 5

Although most of the Genetically Modified (GM) crops cultivated now are genetically engineered for a single trait, in future, crops genetically engineered for more than one trait will be the norm. Thus, biotechnology’s role in agriculture and the regulation of the same cannot be generation of GM crops. Instead, there is a need to take a comprehensive look, taking into account various aspects, including socio-economic impacts, so that the potential of the technology can be harnessed while minimizing negative impacts. Given the importance of biotechnology in developing varieties that can help in climate change mitigation and adaptation, not using biotechnology as a part of the climate change action plan cannot be an option. Domestic regulation of biotechnology cannot be viewed in isolation of trade policy and obligations under various international treaties and conventions.

Q15. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

1. Biotechnology regulation is an evolving process.

2. Participation of people is needed in policy decisions regarding biotechnology regulation.

3. Biotechnology regulation should take into account socio-economic aspects in decision-making.

4. Wider involvement of political executive in biotechnology regulation improved its effectiveness in dealing with the country’s trade policies and international obligations.

Which of the above assumptions are valid?

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (b) Statement 1 is a valid assumption. “Although most of the Genetically Modified (GM) crops cultivated now is genetically engineered for a single trait, in future, crops genetically engineered for more than one trait will be the norm.” Passage via above statement talks about role of biotechnology in both present and future. At present regulation aspect primarily focuses the generation of GM crops only but considering the potential biotechnology carries in different realms including socio-economic and climate change adaptation, regulation in biotechnology seems an ongoing process.

Statement 2 is not a valid assumption. Passage nowhere talks about the participation of people in policy decisions regarding biotechnology regulation.

Statement 3 is a valid assumption. “Instead, there is a need to take a comprehensive look, taking into account various aspects, including socio-economic impacts, so that the potential of the technology can be harnessed while minimizing negative impacts.” Above statement clearly support the assumption. Statement 4 is not a valid assumption. In passage, author nowhere talk about participation of political executive in biotechnology regulation.

Q16. Which one of the following statements best implies the crux of the passage?

(a) Precautionary principle is not given importance in current debate on developing GM crops.

(b) Biotechnology is not currently used in climate change mitigation and adaptation mechanisms.

(d) The negative impacts of biotechnology are not properly understood.

Ans: (c) Passage talks about role of biotechnology in cultivation of Genetically Modified (GM) crops in developing limited traits for time being and also categorically mentions the potential of biotechnology in developing multiple traits in the future crops as well. Also, role of biotechnology is far broader than confining it to the current priorities of developing GM crops only but in development of varieties that can help in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

So, option (c) best implies the crux of the passage.

Q17. How many zeroes are there at the end of the following product?

1 x 5 x 10 x 15 x 20 x 25 x 30 X 35 x 40 x 45 x 50 x 55 x 60

(a) 10

(b) 12

(d) 15

Ans: (a) Zeros at the end means multiple of 10, i.e. (2 × 5).

So, the number of 2s or the number of 5s (whichever is lesser) will decide the number of zeros at the end of the expression.

Now, 1 × 5 × 10 × 15 × 20 × 25 × 30 × 35 × 40 × 45 × 50 × 55 × 60

=1 × 5 × (5 × 2) × (5 × 3) × (5 × 22) × (5 × 5) × (5 × 3 × 2) × (5 × 7) × (5 × 23 ) × (5 × 9) × (5 × 5 × 2) × (5 × 11) × (5 × 22 × 3)

Here, number of 2s = 10 And number of 5s = 14 The lesser of the two will determine the number of zeros. Hence, there will be 10 zeros at the end in the given expression.

Q18. Let XYZ be a three-digit number, where (X + Y + Z) is not a multiple of 3.

Then (XYZ + YZX + ZXY) is not divisible by

(a) 3

(b) 9

(d) (X + Y + Z)

Ans: (b) XYZ is a three-digit number. So, we can write this as: 100X + 10Y + Z (as X is at hundreds place and Y is at tens place)

So, XYZ + YZX + ZXY = (100X + 10Y + Z) + (100Y + 10Z + X) + (100Z + 10X + Y) = 111 (X + Y + Z)

Hence, it is divisible by (X + Y + Z). Also, 111 is divisible by 3, as well as 37.

So, the expression XYZ + YZX + ZXY is not divisible by 9.

Q19 Let p, q, r and s be natural numbers such that P – 2016 = q + 2017 = r – 2018 = s + 2019

Which one of the following is the largest natural number?

(a) P

(b) q

(d) s

Ans: (c) Method I: In questions like this, we need to keep in mind that we are just supposed to compare the numbers and so we should avoid wasting our time in finding their real values.

p – 2016 = q + 2017 or p = q + 2017 + 2016 (it means p > q)

q + 2017 = r – 2018 or r = q + 2017 + 2018 (it means r > q)

r – 2018 = s + 2019 or r = s + 2019 + 2018 (it means r > s)

p – 2016 = r – 2018 or r = p – 2016 + 2018 = p + 2 (it means r > p)

We already know that r > q, s Hence, r is the largest number.

Method II: Let s = 0. So, we get: p – 2016 = q + 2017 = r – 2018 = 2019

So, p – 2016 = 2019 Or p = 2019 + 2016 = 4035 And q + 2017 = 2019 or q = 2019 - 2017 = 2 And r – 2018 = 2019 Or r = 2019 + 2018 = 4037

Hence, r is the largest number.

Q20. How many five-digit prime numbers can be obtained by using all the digits 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 without repetition of digits?

(a) Zero

(b) One

(d) Ten

Ans: (a) Prime number: A prime number is a number which can only be completely divided by 1 and itself. Given digits are 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and we are supposed to make five-digit prime numbers. We know that if the sum of the digits of a number is divisible by 3, then that number is also divisible by 3. Here, sum of the given digits = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15 (which is divisible by 3) So, any number formed using these 5 digits will always be divisible by 3. Hence, no five-digit prime number can be made using these five-digits (without repetition).

Q21. A man walks down the backside of his house straight 25 metres, then turns to the right and walks 50 metres again; then he turns towards left and again walks 25 metres. If his house faces to the East, what is his direction from the starting point?

(a) South-East

(b) South-West

(d) North-West

Ans. d.

22. Two statements are given followed by two Conclusions: Statements: All numbers are divisible by 2. All numbers are divisible by 3. Conclusion-I: All numbers are divisible by 6. Conclusion-II: All numbers are divisible by 4. Which of the above Conclusions logically follows/follow from the two given Statements?

(a) Only Conclusion-I

(b) Only Conclusion-II

(d) Both Conclusion-I and Conclusion-II

Ans: (a) Given statements are:

1. All numbers are divisible by 2

2. All numbers are divisible by 3

Conclusion-I is true, because all numbers which are divisible by 2 and 3 must also be divisible by 6.

Conclusion-ll is false, because all numbers which are divisible by 2 and 3 need not be divisible by 4.

Hence, only conclusion l logically follows. Option (a) is the correct answer.