2023 CSAT, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2023 · CSAT
Question 56: Data Interpretation
Question : Is p greater than q ?
- Statement-1p × q is greater than zero.
- Statement-2p^2 is greater than q^2.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Question and the Statements ?
aThe Question can be answered by using one of the Statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other Statement alone.
bThe Question can be answered by using either Statement alone.
cThe Question can be answered by using both the Statements together, but cannot be answered using either Statement alone.
dThe Question cannot be answered even by using both the Statements together.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Statement 1 (pq > 0) only says p and q have the same sign. Statement 2 (p^2 > q^2) only says p is farther from zero than q. Together: if both are positive, p > q; if both are negative, p < q (for example p = -5, q = -2). The answer to 'is p greater than q?' depends on the sign, which neither statement fixes, so it cannot be answered even with both.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: neither statement alone settles it.
- (b) Wrong: neither statement alone settles it.
- (c) Wrong: even together, the sign is open: positives give p > q, negatives give p < q.
- (d) Right: the question cannot be answered even with both.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.