2023 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2023 · CSAT

Question 70: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

Consider the following :

  1. IA + B means A is neither smaller nor equal to B.
  2. IIA – B means A is not greater than B.
  3. IIIA × B means A is not smaller than B.
  4. IVA ÷ B means A is neither greater nor equal to B.
  5. VA ± B means A is neither smaller nor greater than B.
  6. StatementP × Q, P – T, T ÷ R, R ± S
  7. Conclusion-1Q ± T
  8. Conclusion-2S + Q

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Statement and the Conclusions ?

aOnly Conclusion-1 follows from the Statement.
bOnly Conclusion-2 follows from the Statement.
cBoth Conclusion-1 and Conclusion-2 follow from the Statement.
dNeither Conclusion-1 nor Conclusion-2 follows from the Statement.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

Translate: A + B means A > B; A - B means A <= B; A × B means A >= B; A ÷ B means A < B; A ± B means A = B. The statement P × Q, P - T, T ÷ R, R ± S gives P >= Q, P <= T, T < R, R = S. Chain: Q <= P <= T < R = S. Conclusion 1 asks Q = T, but only Q <= T is known, so it need not hold. Conclusion 2 asks S > Q, and S > T >= Q, so it follows.

  • 1. Q ± T needs Q = T, but the chain gives only Q <= T.
  • 2. S = R > T >= P >= Q, so S > Q.
Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: Conclusion 1 (Q = T) does not follow, as Q <= T only.
  • (b) Right: only S > Q follows.
  • (c) Wrong: Conclusion 1 does not follow.
  • (d) Wrong: Conclusion 2 follows.

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

Practise this paper timedPrevious questionNext question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.