2020 CSAT, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2020 · CSAT
Question 17: Data Interpretation
Two Statements S1 and S2 are given below followed by a Question :
- S1There are not more than two figures on any page of a 51-page book.
- S2There is at least one figure on every page.
- QuestionAre there more than 100 figures in that book?
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Statements and the Question?
aBoth S1 and S2 are sufficient to answer the Question, but neither S1 alone nor S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
bS1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
cS1 and S2 together are not sufficient to answer the Question.
dS2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
S1 allows at most 2 figures per page, so at most 102 in 51 pages; the total could be 100 or 102, so S1 alone cannot decide. S2 gives at least 1 per page, so at least 51; the total could be 60 or 150, so S2 alone cannot decide. Together the total lies between 51 and 102, which includes both 100 and 102, so the question cannot be answered.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The statements together still do not settle it, so (a) fails.
- (b) S1 alone allows totals below and above 100.
- (c) Right: together the total can be anywhere from 51 to 102, both below and above 100.
- (d) S2 alone only sets a floor of 51 figures.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.