UPSC Prelims 2015 · CSAT

Question 52: Data Interpretation

The graph below depicts the earnings of A and B over the period 2000 to 2010 :

From the graph, which one of the following can be concluded ?

A line graph of Earnings (vertical axis) against Years (horizontal axis, from 2000 to 2010) with two curves, A and B, both starting at 2000; A rises faster at first and B overtakes it near 2007, with dashed vertical lines at 2007 and 2010 where the curves meet at the top.

aOn the average A earned more than B during this period.

bOn the average B earned more than A during this period.

cThe earnings of A and B were equal during this period.

dThe earnings of A were less as compared to B during this period.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

Compare the curves over the whole period. A is above B from 2000 to 2007, a gap that is wide and lasts seven years. They meet in 2007. After that, any lead B gets is smaller and lasts only three years, and they meet again in 2010. The total area under A is therefore larger, so on average A earned more than B. The curves are equal only at the meeting points, not throughout.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right: A leads for the longer stretch and by a bigger margin, so its average is higher.
(b) Wrong: B leads only briefly after 2007 and by less.
(c) Wrong: they are equal only at the points where the curves meet.
(d) Wrong: A was above B for most of the period.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.