UPSC Prelims 2018 · CSAT

Question 13: Data Interpretation

The following three items are based on the graph given below which shows imports of three different types of steel over a period of six months of a year. Study the graph and answer the three items that follow.

The figures in the brackets indicate the average cost per ton over six months period. What was the approximate ratio of sheet steel and scrap steel imports in the first three months of the year?

a grouped bar chart of thousands of tons of steel imported (axis 20 to 44) for each month January to June, three bars per month: Coil ($ 320), Sheet ($ 256) and Scrap ($ 175)

a1 : 1

b1·2 : 1

c1·4 : 1

d1·6 : 1

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

Sheet steel in the first three months totals 40 + 37 + 36 = 113 thousand tons. Scrap steel totals 32 + 34 + 32 = 98 thousand tons. Ratio = 113 : 98 = 1.15 : 1, which rounds to 1.2 : 1. For approximate-ratio questions, divide once and choose the nearest option.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) 1 : 1 needs equal imports, but sheet is 113 against 98.
(b) Correct: 113 ÷ 98 = 1.15, nearest to 1.2.
(c) 1.4 : 1 would need sheet imports near 137 against 98.
(d) 1.6 : 1 would need sheet imports near 157 against 98.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.