UPSC Prelims 2022 · CSAT

Question 49: Data Interpretation

Consider the Question and two Statements given below :

QuestionWhat is the age of Manisha?
Statement–1Manisha is 24 years younger than her mother.
Statement–25 years later, the ages of Manisha and her mother will be in the ratio 3: 5.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the Question and the Statements?

aStatement–1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question

bStatement–2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question

cBoth Statement–1 and Statement–2 are sufficient to answer the Question

dBoth Statement–1 and Statement–2 are not sufficient to answer the Question

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

Statement 1 alone gives only a difference (mother = Manisha + 24), so her age is open. Statement 2 alone gives only a ratio, which fits many pairs of ages. Together, let Manisha be m and her mother m + 24. In five years (m + 5) : (m + 29) = 3 : 5, so 5m + 25 = 3m + 87, 2m = 62 and m = 31. Check: 36 and 60 are in the ratio 3 : 5.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Fails: a difference of 24 fits many ages.
(b) Fails: a ratio of 3 : 5 alone fits many pairs of ages.
(c) Correct: together they give m = 31.
(d) Wrong: the two statements together fix her age.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2022, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.