UPSC Prelims 2013 · CSAT

Question 44: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

Consider the following figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 :

In the figures from 1 to 4 above, two symbols are shown to change their position in a regular direction. Following the same sequence, which one of the following will appear at the fifth stage ?

four squares numbered 1 to 4, each crossed by diagonals into a diamond grid with a small triangle and a sun symbol in changing positions, followed by four answer squares (a) to (d) with the same two symbols in different positions

apicture (a)

bpicture (b)

cpicture (c)

dpicture (d)

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

Track the two symbols separately. The sun moves a quarter-turn anticlockwise round the centre each stage (top, left, bottom, right), so at stage five it is back at the top. The triangle moves down the left edge one step at a time, reaching the bottom-left corner at stage five. Only option (b) has the sun at the top and the triangle at the bottom-left.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong. The triangle is near the bottom centre, not at the bottom-left.
(b) Right. Sun at the top, triangle at the bottom-left.
(c) Wrong. The sun is in the top-right corner, not at the top.
(d) Wrong. The triangle is at the bottom-right, not the bottom-left.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.