UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 150: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
A man starts walking in the north-easterly direction from a particular point. After walking a distance of 500 metres, he turns southward and walks a distance of 400 metres. At the end of this walk he is situated
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Treat the first leg as the hypotenuse of a 3-4-5 triangle: 500 m north-east is then 300 m east and 400 m north. Walking 400 m south cancels the northward part, leaving the man 300 m east of the start. Remember: the question is built on the 3-4-5 triangle.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The 400 m northward part is cancelled by the 400 m southward walk.
- (b) Nothing remains to the north-east after the southward walk.
- (c) Right: 300 m east of the starting point.
- (d) Nothing remains to the north after the southward walk.
Worth knowing: Exactly north-east (45 degrees) would leave him about 354 m east and 46 m south of the start, matching no option; the key assumes a 3-4-5 triangle.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.