2024 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2024 · CSAT

Question 69: Data Interpretation

A Question is given followed by two Statements I and II. Consider the Question and the Statements. A person buys three articles p, q and r for ₹50. The price of the article q is ₹16 which is the least.

  1. QuestionWhat is the price of the article p ?
  2. Statement–IThe cost of p is not more than that of r.
  3. Statement–IIThe cost of r is not more than that of p.

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 (c).

The three prices total ₹50 with q = 16, so p + r = 34, with each of p and r at least 16. Statement I (p not more than r) only says p is at most 17. Statement II (r not more than p) only says p is at least 17. Neither fixes p alone. Together, p ≤ r and r ≤ p mean p = r = 17. So both are needed.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong. Neither statement alone fixes p.
  • (b) Wrong. Each alone leaves a range for p.
  • (c) Right. Both together give p = r = 17.
  • (d) Wrong. Together p is fixed at 17.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.