2024 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2024 · CSAT

Question 70: Data Interpretation

A Question is given followed by two Statements I and II. Consider the Question and the Statements. P, Q, R and S appeared in a test.

  1. QuestionHas P scored more marks than Q?
  2. Statement–IThe sum of the marks scored by P and Q is equal to the sum of the marks scored by R and S.
  3. Statement–IIThe sum of the marks scored by P and S is more than the sum of the marks scored by Q and R.

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).

From statement I, P + Q = R + S. Statement II says P + S > Q + R. Combining them gives S > Q, but this does not compare P and Q. Marks (P, Q, R, S) of (6, 4, 5, 5), (5, 5, 4, 6) and (4, 6, 3, 7) all satisfy both statements, with P above, equal to and below Q respectively. So the question cannot be answered even with both statements.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong. Neither statement alone helps.
  • (b) Wrong. Neither statement alone helps either.
  • (c) Wrong. Even together, P can be above, equal to or below Q.
  • (d) Right. Both together leave all three cases possible.

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.