UPSC Prelims 2013 · CSAT
Question 17: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
If all the three males are selected, then how many combinations of four member teams are possible ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
With all three males A, B and C selected, only one place remains, and it must go to a female. B cannot play with W and C cannot play with Z, which rules out W and Z. X and Y have no restriction with any of the males. So two teams are possible: A, B, C, X and A, B, C, Y.
How you could have got this
No shortcut here: in a “how many” question, ruling out options doesn’t help. Every statement has to be judged.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. Both X and Y are possible, so there is more than one team.
- (b) Right. The fourth member can only be X or Y.
- (c) Wrong. That would need W or Z as well, and both clash with a male.
- (d) Wrong. Four teams would need all four females, but W and Z clash.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.