ENGLISH – 40 Questions

I ) Passage 1

The following items are based on the passage given. Read the passage
and answer the items that follow. Your answers to these items should be
based on the passage only.

Passage: In recent decades, the confluence of rapid technological

advancement and globalization has reshaped economies and societies
worldwide. While this has led to unprecedented levels of
interconnectedness and efficiency, it has also brought forth complex
challenges. Automation, driven by artificial intelligence and robotics,
threatens traditional job markets, potentially exacerbating income
inequality. Simultaneously, the digital divide persists, wherein access to
technology and digital literacy remains unevenly distributed, both within
and between countries. Furthermore, the ease with which information
(and misinformation) can be disseminated in the digital age poses new
threats to social cohesion and democratic processes. Addressing these
multifaceted issues requires a holistic approach, involving robust policy-
making, investment in education and reskilling, and fostering international
cooperation to ensure that the benefits of technological progress are
shared equitably and its risks are mitigated effectively.

Q1. What is the central theme of the passage?

(a) The unquestionable benefits of technological advancement.

(b) The negative impacts of globalization on job markets.

(c) The complex challenges and opportunities presented by technology

and globalization.

(d) The role of international cooperation in promoting digital literacy.

Answer: (c) The complex challenges and opportunities presented by

technology and globalization. Explanation: The passage discusses both
the efficiencies brought by technology and globalization ("unprecedented
levels of interconnectedness and efficiency") and the "complex
challenges" such as job market threats, the digital divide, and
misinformation. It concludes by suggesting a "holistic approach" to
address these "multifaceted issues."

Q2. According to the passage, which of the following is a potential

negative consequence of automation?
(a) A decrease in overall economic efficiency.
(b) An increase in income inequality.
(c) A reduction in the global spread of information.
(d) A strengthening of traditional job markets.

Answer: (b) An increase in income inequality. Explanation: The passage

states, "Automation, driven by artificial intelligence and robotics,
threatens traditional job markets, potentially exacerbating income
inequality."

Q3. What does the "digital divide" refer to in the context of the passage?
(a) The gap between AI capabilities and human intelligence.
(b) The difference in speed between various internet service providers.
(c) The uneven distribution of access to technology and digital literacy.
(d) The separation between online and offline social interactions.

Answer: (c) The uneven distribution of access to technology and digital

literacy. Explanation: The passage explicitly defines it: "...the digital
divide persists, wherein access to technology and digital literacy remains
unevenly distributed, both within and between countries."

Q4. The passage suggests that addressing the challenges of the digital
age requires:
(a) Solely relying on technological solutions.
(b) A focus on national policies without international input.
(c) A multifaceted strategy including policy, education, and global
partnership.
(d) Limiting the spread of information to prevent misinformation.

Answer: (c) A multifaceted strategy including policy, education, and

global partnership. Explanation: The passage concludes by stating,
"Addressing these multifaceted issues requires a holistic approach,
involving robust policy-making, investment in education and reskilling,
and fostering international cooperation..."

Q5. Which of the following statements can be inferred from the passage?
(a) Globalization has had no impact on the spread of misinformation.
(b) Technological advancements have only created benefits for society.
(c) The author believes that the risks of technology outweigh its benefits.
(d) Misinformation in the digital age is a concern for societal stability.

Answer: (d) Misinformation in the digital age is a concern for societal

stability. Explanation: The passage mentions, "the ease with which
information (and misinformation) can be disseminated in the digital age
poses new threats to social cohesion and democratic processes." This
implies it's a concern for societal stability.

Sentence Correction / Grammar

Q6. Identify the part of the sentence that has an error. If there is no error,
choose (d).

The manager, as well as the clerks, (a) / were fighting (b) / for their bonus.
(c) / No error (d).

Answer: (b) Explanation: When two subjects are connected by "as well
as," "with," "along with," "together with," "in addition to," "like," "unlike,"
"no less than," "nothing but," the verb agrees with the first subject. Here,
the first subject is "The manager" (singular), so the verb should be "was"
instead of "were." Correct sentence: The manager, as well as the clerks,
was fighting for their bonus.

Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms)

Q7. Choose the word that is most nearly SIMILAR in meaning (SYNONYM)
to the word:
Ephemeral : (a) Eternal (b) Transient (c) Robust (d) Essential

Answer: (b) Transient Explanation: Ephemeral means lasting for a very

short time. Transient also means lasting only for a short time;
impermanent.

 Eternal: lasting or existing forever.

 Robust: strong and healthy; vigorous.

 Essential: absolutely necessary or important.

Q8. Choose the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning

(ANTONYM) to the word:

Alleviate (a) Aggravate (b) Mitigate (c) Soothe (d) Reduce

Answer: (a) Aggravate Explanation: Alleviate means to make (suffering,

deficiency, or a problem) less severe. Aggravate means to make (a
problem, injury, or offense) worse or more serious.

 Mitigate: make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful.

 Soothe: gently calm (a person or their feelings); relieve or ease

(pain).

 Reduce: make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

Q09. Choose the word that is most nearly SIMILAR in meaning (SYNONYM)
to the word: Ubiquitous (a) Rare (b) Scarce (c) Omnipresent (d) Unique

Answer: (c) Omnipresent

Explanation: Ubiquitous means present, appearing, or found
everywhere. Omnipresent means widely or constantly encountered;
common or widespread (often with a connotation of being everywhere at
once).

 Rare: not occurring very often.

 Scarce: insufficient for the demand.

 Unique: being the only one of its kind.

Q10. Choose the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning

(ANTONYM) to the word:
Parsimonious (a) Frugal (b) Stingy (c) Generous (d) Miserly

Answer: (c) Generous Explanation: Parsimonious means very unwilling

to spend money or use resources; stingy or frugal. Generous means
showing a readiness to give more of something, especially money, than is
strictly necessary or expected.

 Frugal: sparing or economical with regard to money or food.

 Stingy: unwilling to give or spend; ungenerous.

 Miserly: relating to or characteristic of a miser (a person who hoards

wealth and spends as little money as possible).

Section 2: Aptitude (28 Questions)

Q1. A man buys an article for Rs. 27.50 and sells it for Rs. 28.60. Find his
gain percent.

a) 10% b) 7% c)3% d) 4%

Answer: d) 4% Calculation: Cost Price (CP) = Rs. 27.50 Selling Price (SP)
= Rs. 28.60 Gain = SP - CP = Rs. 28.60 - Rs. 27.50 = Rs. 1.10 Gain
Percent = (Gain / CP) * 100 Gain Percent = (1.10 / 27.50) * 100 Gain
Percent = (110 / 2750) * 100 Gain Percent = (11 / 275) * 100 Gain Percent
= (11/ (11 * 25)) * 100 Gain Percent = (1 / 25) * 100 Gain Percent = 4%

Q2. If A : B = 5 : 7 and B : C = 6 : 11, then A : B : C is:

Answer: 30 : 42 : 77 Calculation: A : B = 5 : 7 B : C = 6 : 11 To make the

'B' term common, multiply the terms of the first ratio by 6 and the terms
of the second ratio by 7. A : B = (5 * 6) : (7 * 6) = 30 : 42 B : C = (6 * 7) :
(11 * 7) = 42 : 77 Therefore, A : B : C = 30 : 42 : 77
Q3. The average of five consecutive odd numbers is 61. What is the
difference between the highest and lowest numbers? (Based on typical
UPSC CSAT/CAT questions)

Answer: 8 Calculation: Let the five consecutive odd numbers be x, x+2,

x+4, x+6, and x+8. Their average is (x + x+2 + x+4 + x+6 + x+8) / 5 =
61 (5x + 20) / 5 = 61 5x + 20 = 305 5x = 305 - 20 5x = 285 x = 285 / 5 =
57 So, the numbers are: Lowest number = x = 57 Highest number = x + 8
= 57 + 8 = 65 The difference between the highest and lowest numbers =
65 - 57 = 8.

Alternatively, for five consecutive numbers, the middle number (x+4) is

the average. So, x+4 = 61 => x = 57. The numbers are 57, 59, 61, 63,
65. Difference = 65 - 57 = 8.

Q4. A train 100 meters long is running at the speed of 30 km/hr. Find the
time taken by it to pass a man standing near the railway line. (Based on
typical competitive exam aptitude questions)

Answer: 12 seconds
Calculation: Speed of the train = 30 km/hr To convert km/hr to m/sec,
multiply by (5/18). Speed = 30 * (5/18) m/sec = (150/18) m/sec = (25/3)
m/sec. Length of the train = 100 meters. When a train passes a man
standing near the railway line, the distance covered by the train is equal
to its own length. Distance = 100 meters. Time = Distance / Speed Time =
100 / (25/3) seconds Time = (100 * 3) / 25 seconds Time = 300 / 25
seconds Time = 12 seconds.

Q5. What is the value of (0.1 * 0.1 * 0.1 + 0.02 * 0.02 * 0.02) / (0.2 * 0.2 *
0.2 + 0.04 * 0.04 * 0.04)? (Sourced from CAT previous year
discussions/patterns)

Answer: 0.125 (or 1/8) Calculation: Let a = 0.1 and b = 0.02. The
numerator is a³ + b³ The denominator can be written in terms of a and b:
0.2 = 2 * 0.1 = 2a 0.04 = 2 * 0.02 = 2b So the denominator is (2a)³ +
(2b)³ = 8a³ + 8b³ = 8(a³ + b³) The expression becomes (a³ + b³) / [8(a³ +
b³)] = 1/8 As a decimal, 1/8 = 0.125.

Q6. Three pipes A, B, and C can fill a cistern in 6 hours. After working at it
together for 2 hours, C is closed, and A and B can fill the remaining part in
7 hours. The number of hours taken by C alone to fill the cistern is:
(Inspired by CAT/XAT level questions)

Answer: 14 hours
Calculation: Let the part of the cistern filled by A in 1 hour be 1/A, by B
be 1/B, and by C be 1/C. Given: 1/A+1/B+1/C=1/6 (Equation 1: Work done
by A, B, C together in 1 hour)
In 2 hours, A, B, and C fill 2∗(1/6)=1/3 of the cistern. Remaining part =
1−1/3=2/3.

This remaining part (2/3) is filled by A and B in 7 hours. So, work done by
A and B in 1 hour: (1/A+1/B)=(2/3)/7=2/21 (Equation 2)

Now, substitute Equation 2 into Equation 1: (2/21)+1/C=1/6

1/C=1/6−2/21 1/C=(7−4)/42 (LCM of 6 and 21 is 42) 1/C=3/42 1/C=1/14
So, C alone can fill the cistern in 14 hours.

Q7. A boat running upstream takes 8 hours 48 minutes to cover a certain

distance, while it takes 4 hours to cover the same distance running
downstream. What is the ratio between the speed of the boat and the
speed of the water current respectively? (Typical of competitive exam
questions on boats and streams)

Answer: 8 : 3 Calculation: Let the speed of the boat in still water be 'b'
km/hr and the speed of the current be 'c' km/hr. Speed upstream = (b - c)
km/hr Speed downstream = (b + c) km/hr Let the distance be 'D' km.

Time taken upstream = 8 hours 48 minutes = 8+48/60 hours = 8+4/5

hours = 44/5 hours. So, D/(b−c)=44/5 => D=(44/5)(b−c) (Equation 1)

Time taken downstream = 4 hours. So, D/(b+c)=4 => D=4(b+c)

(Equation 2)

Equating D from Equation 1 and Equation 2: (44/5)(b−c)=4(b+c)

44(b−c)=20(b+c) 11(b−c)=5(b+c) (Dividing by 4) 11b−11c=5b+5c
11b−5b=5c+11c 6b=16c b/c=16/6 b/c=8/3 So, the ratio of the speed of
the boat to the speed of the water current is 8 : 3.

Q8. A merchant has 1000 kg of sugar, part of which he sells at 8% profit

and the rest at 18% profit. He gains 14% on the whole. The quantity sold
at 18% profit is: (Application of Alligation - common in CAT/MAT)

Answer: 600 kg Calculation: This problem can be solved using the rule
of alligation. Profit on 1st part = 8% Profit on 2nd part = 18% Mean profit
= 14%

Using alligation: (Profit of 2nd part - Mean profit) : (Mean profit - Profit of
1st part) (18 - 14) : (14 - 8) 4 : 6 2 : 3

This means the ratio of the quantity of sugar sold at 8% profit to the
quantity sold at 18% profit is 2 : 3. Let the quantity sold at 8% profit be 2x
kg and the quantity sold at 18% profit be 3x kg. Total quantity =
2x+3x=5x. Given, total quantity = 1000 kg. So, 5x=1000 x=1000/5=200.

The quantity sold at 18% profit = 3x=3∗200=600 kg.

Q9. In a class, 60% of the students are girls and the rest are boys. If 30%
of the girls and 40% of the boys failed an examination, what is the
percentage of students who passed the examination? (Percentage
application, typical for aptitude tests)

Answer: 66% Calculation: Let the total number of students in the class
be 100. Number of girls = 60% of 100 = 60. Number of boys = 100 - 60 =
40.

Number of girls who failed = 30% of 60 = (30/100)∗60=18. Number of

girls who passed = 60 - 18 = 42.

Number of boys who failed = 40% of 40 = (40/100)∗40=16. Number of

boys who passed = 40 - 16 = 24.

Total number of students who passed = Number of girls who passed +

Number of boys who passed Total passed = 42 + 24 = 66.

Percentage of students who passed = (Total passed / Total students) * 100

Percentage passed = (66 / 100) * 100 = 66%.

Q10. The sum of the digits of a two-digit number is 9. If 27 is added to the

number, its digits are reversed. Find the number. (Algebraic problem
solving, often found in CSAT/MAT)

Answer: 36 Calculation: Let the ten's digit be 'x' and the unit's digit be
'y'. The number can be represented as 10x+y. The reversed number is
10y+x.

Given: Sum of the digits is 9. x+y=9 (Equation 1)

Given: If 27 is added to the number, its digits are reversed. (10x+y)

+27=10y+x 10x−x+y−10y=−27 9x−9y=−27 Dividing by 9: x−y=−3
(Equation 2)

Now we have two linear equations:

1. x+y=9

2. x−y=−3

Adding Equation 1 and Equation 2: (x+y)+(x−y)=9+(−3) 2x=6 x=3.

Substitute the value of x in Equation 1: 3+y=9 y=9−3 y=6.

So, the ten's digit is 3 and the unit's digit is 6. The number is
10x+y=10(3)+6=30+6=36.

Check: Reversed number is 63. Original number 36 + 27 = 63. The

condition is satisfied.
Q11. Two trains, one 160 m and the other 140 m long, are running in
opposite directions on parallel tracks, the first at 77 km/hr and the other
at 67 km/hr. How long will they take to cross each other? (Relative speed
concept, higher calculation)

Answer: 7.5 seconds Calculation: Length of the first train (L1) = 160 m
Length of the second train (L2) = 140 m Speed of the first train

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Q12. A can do a piece of work in 20 days and B can do it in 30 days. They

work together for 7 days and then both leave the work. Then C alone
finishes the remaining work in 10 days. In how many days will C finish the
full work? (Work and Time - multiple individuals)

Answer: 24 days Calculation: A's 1 day's work = 1/20 B's 1 day's work
= 1/30

(A+B)'s 1 day's work = 1/20+1/30=(3+2)/60=5/60=1/12. Work done by A

and B in 7 days = 7×(1/12)=7/12. Remaining work = 1−7/12=5/12.

This remaining work (5/12) is done by C in 10 days. So, if C does 5/12

work in 10 days, C's 1 day's work = (5/12)/10=5/(12×10)=5/120=1/24.
Therefore, C alone can finish the full work in 24 days.

Q13. The ratio of the ages of Ram and Rahim 10 years ago was 1:3. The
ratio of their ages five years hence will be 2:3. Then the ratio of their
present ages is: (Age-related problems with multiple timeframes)

Answer: 3 : 5 Calculation: Let the ages of Ram and Rahim 10 years ago
be x years and 3x years respectively. So, Ram's present age = (x+10)
years. Rahim's present age = (3x+10) years.

Five years hence: Ram's age will be (x+10)+5=(x+15) years. Rahim's age
will be (3x+10)+5=(3x+15) years.

Given the ratio of their ages five years hence will be 2:3.
(x+15)/(3x+15)=2/3 3(x+15)=2(3x+15) 3x+45=6x+30 45−30=6x−3x
15=3x x=5.

Ram's present age = x+10=5+10=15 years. Rahim's present age =

3x+10=3(5)+10=15+10=25 years.

Ratio of their present ages = Ram's present age : Rahim's present age =
15 : 25 Dividing by 5, the ratio is 3 : 5.
Q14. A sum of money amounts to Rs. 9800 after 5 years and Rs. 12005
after 8 years at the same rate of simple interest. The rate of interest per
annum is: (Simple Interest - finding rate from amounts)

Answer: 12% Calculation: Amount after 5 years (A5) = Principal (P) +

Simple Interest for 5 years (SI5) = Rs. 9800. Amount after 8 years (A8) =
Principal (P) + Simple Interest for 8 years (SI8) = Rs. 12005.

Subtracting the first from the second: (P + SI8) - (P + SI5) = 12005 - 9800
SI8 - SI5 = Rs. 2205. This is the Simple Interest for (8 - 5) = 3 years. So,
Simple Interest for 3 years = Rs. 2205. Simple Interest for 1 year (SI) =
Rs. 2205 / 3 = Rs. 735.

Simple Interest for 5 years (SI5) = 5×735=Rs. 3675. We know, P + SI5 =

Rs. 9800. P = Rs. 9800 - SI5 P = Rs. 9800 - Rs. 3675 = Rs. 6125.

Now, we can find the rate of interest (R). SI = (P×R×T)/100 For T = 1 year,
SI = Rs. 735, P = Rs. 6125. 735=(6125×R×1)/100 R=(735×100)/6125
R=73500/6125 R=12. So, the rate of interest is 12% per annum.

Q15. A rectangular park 60 m long and 40 m wide has two concrete

crossroads running in the middle of the park and the rest of the park has
been used as a lawn. If the area of the lawn is 2109 sq. m, then what is
the width of the road? (Mensuration with algebraic formulation - tougher)

Answer: 3 m Calculation: Let the length of the park (L) = 60 m. Let the
breadth of the park (B) = 40 m. Total area of the park =
L×B=60×40=2400 sq. m. Area of the lawn = 2109 sq. m.

Area of the crossroads = Total area of the park - Area of the lawn Area of
the crossroads = 2400−2109=291 sq. m.

Let the width of the two crossroads be 'w' meters. One road runs along the
length (60m) and the other along the breadth (40m). Area of the road
parallel to the length = 60×w=60w sq. m. Area of the road parallel to the
breadth = 40×w=40w sq. m. The area of the common square portion at
the intersection of the two roads = w×w=w2 sq. m.

Area of the crossroads = (Area of road parallel to length) + (Area of road

parallel to breadth) - (Area of common portion) 291=60w+40w−w2
291=100w−w2 w2−100w+291=0.

This is a quadratic equation. We can solve it by factorization or the

quadratic formula. Let's try to factorize: We need two numbers whose
product is 291 and sum is 100. Consider factors of 291. 291 is divisible by
3 (2+9+1=12). 291=3×97. The numbers are 97 and 3. So,
w2−97w−3w+291=0 w(w−97)−3(w−97)=0 (w−3)(w−97)=0. Therefore,
w=3 or w=97.
Since the width of the road cannot be greater than the breadth of the park
(40m), w=97 is not possible. Thus, the width of the road is 3 m.

Q16. If log102=0.3010, then the value of log1080 is: (Logarithms -

common in CAT/MAT)

Answer: 1.9030 Calculation: We need to find log1080. log1080=log10

(8×10) Using the logarithm property log(ab)=loga+logb: log1080=log10
8+log1010.

We know log1010=1. Now, consider log108: log108=log10(23) Using the

logarithm property log(am)=mloga: log108=3×log102.

Given log102=0.3010. So, log108=3×0.3010=0.9030.

Therefore, log1080=log108+log1010=0.9030+1=1.9030.

Q17. The average monthly income of P and Q is Rs. 5050. The average
monthly income of Q and R is Rs. 6250 and the average monthly income
of P and R is Rs. 5200. The monthly income of P is: (Averages and system
of equations)

Answer: Rs. 4000 Calculation: Let P, Q, and R be the monthly incomes

of P, Q, and R respectively. Average income of P and Q = (P+Q)/2=5050
P+Q=2×5050=10100 (Equation 1)

Average income of Q and R = (Q+R)/2=6250 Q+R=2×6250=12500

(Equation 2)

Average income of P and R = (P+R)/2=5200 P+R=2×5200=10400

(Equation 3)

Adding Equation 1, Equation 2, and Equation 3: (P+Q)+(Q+R)+

(P+R)=10100+12500+10400 2P+2Q+2R=33000 2(P+Q+R)=33000
P+Q+R=33000/2=16500 (Equation 4)

We need to find P. Subtract Equation 2 from Equation 4: (P+Q+R)−

(Q+R)=16500−12500 P=4000. The monthly income of P is Rs. 4000.

Q18. A shopkeeper cheats to the extent of 10% while buying as well as

selling, by using false weights. His total gain percent is: (Successive
percentage or direct calculation of fraud)

Answer: 22.22% (or 200/9 %) Calculation: Let the true value (cost price
to the honest world) of 1 unit of goods be Rs. 100.

While buying: He uses a false weight and gets 10% more goods for the
same price. So, he pays Rs. 100 but receives goods actually worth Rs.
100/(1−0.10) = Rs. 100/0.9 = Rs. 1000/9. Alternatively, if he intends to
buy 1000g (costing Rs. 1000), he pays for 1000g but gets 1100g due to
false weight. So his cost for 1100g is Rs. 1000. Cost per gram for him =
1000/1100=10/11.

Let's use the standard approach for clarity with cheating: When buying, he
gets (say) 1100 grams for the price of 1000 grams (cost Rs. 1000). So his
effective cost price for 1100 grams is Rs. 1000. Cost price per gram for
him = 1000/1100=10/11.

While selling: He gives 10% less goods for the same price. So, when he
sells what he claims is 1000 grams (for which he would charge the selling
price of 1000 grams), he actually gives only 900 grams. Let the
shopkeeper profess to sell at cost price (to make the calculation of gain
from cheating clear). Suppose he sells at a marked price that should
correspond to true 1000 grams. He sells 900 grams but charges for 1000
grams. His selling price for 900 grams = True Cost Price of 1000 grams (if
selling at CP).

Let true CP of 1 gram be Re. 1. He buys 1100 grams for Rs. 1000
(effective CP = Rs. 10/11 per gram for him). He sells 900 grams for Rs.
1000 (assuming he sells at the true CP to isolate cheating gain). His
revenue for what he sells as 'x' grams is based on the price of 'x' grams,
but he gives 0.9x grams. His cost for what he sells as 'x' grams (i.e., for
0.9x grams he actually gives) is 0.9x×(10/11).

Let's simplify: Suppose 100 units is the reference. Cost Price: He pays for
100 units but gets 110 units. So his cost is effectively for 100/110=10/11
per unit of true value. Selling Price: He sells 90 units but charges for 100
units. So his selling price is for 100/90=10/9 per unit of true value (if he
sells at the true cost price of what he claims to sell).

Let CP of 1 gram of good be Re 1. While buying, he gets 1100 grams for

Rs. 1000. So, his CP for 1 gram = Rs. 1000/1100=Rs. 10/11. While selling,
he sells 900 grams for Rs. 1000 (assuming he sells at the professed
original cost price of 1000g). So, his SP for 1 gram = Rs.
1000/900=Rs. 10/9.

Gain per gram = SP - CP = 10/9−10/11=(110−90)/99=20/99. Gain % =

(Gain / CP) * 100 Gain % = ((20/99)/(10/11))∗100 Gain % =
(20/99)×(11/10)×100 Gain % = (2/9)×100=200/9

Alternative using successive formula (approximate if not careful with

base): Not directly applicable as these are not simple percentage
increases on the same base.

Correct approach using quantities: Let the actual cost of 1000g of goods
be Rs. 1000. When buying, he pays Rs. 1000 but gets 1100g (10% more).
So, for him, Cost of 1100g = Rs. 1000. When selling, he sells 900g (10%
less) but charges for 1000g. So, Selling Price of 900g = Rs. 1000
(assuming he sells at the cost price he claims for 1000g).

To compare, let's find CP and SP for the same quantity of goods he

handles. From selling: SP of 900g = Rs. 1000 => SP of 1g = Rs. 1000/900
= Rs. 10/9. From buying: CP of 1100g = Rs. 1000 => CP of 1g = Rs.
1000/1100 = Rs. 10/11.

Gain on 1g = SP - CP = 10/9−10/11=(110−90)/99=20/99. Gain % =

(Gain / CP) * 100 = ((20/99)/(10/11))∗100 Gain % = (20/99)×(11/10)×100
Gain % = (2/9)×100=200/9.

Q19. The speeds of three cars are in the ratio 2 : 3 : 4. The ratio of the
times taken by these cars to travel the same distance is: (Ratio and
proportion involving Speed, Time, Distance)

Answer: 6 : 4 : 3 Calculation: Let the speeds of the three cars be 2s,3s,

and 4s respectively. Let the distance to be traveled be 'D'. Time taken =
Distance / Speed.

Time taken by the first car (T1) = D/(2s). Time taken by the second car
(T2) = D/(3s). Time taken by the third car (T3) = D/(4s).

The ratio of the times T1 : T2 : T3 is: (D/2s):(D/3s):(D/4s) Since D and s are

common, we can simplify the ratio to: 1/2:1/3:1/4.

To convert this ratio into integers, find the LCM of the denominators (2, 3,
4). LCM(2, 3, 4) = 12. Multiply each term of the ratio by 12: (1/2×12):
(1/3×12):(1/4×12) 6:4:3.

Q20. A sum of Rs. 12,500 amounts to Rs. 15,500 in 4 years at the rate of
simple interest. What is the rate of interest? (Simple Interest - basic but
essential)

Answer: 6% Calculation: Principal (P) = Rs. 12,500 Amount (A) = Rs.

15,500 Time (T) = 4 years Simple Interest (SI) = Amount - Principal = Rs.
15,500 - Rs. 12,500 = Rs. 3,000.

We know that SI = (P×R×T)/100, where R is the rate of interest.

3000=(12500×R×4)/100 3000=125×R×4 3000=500×R R=3000/500
R=6. So, the rate of interest is 6% per annum.

Q21. A cistern has two pipes. One can fill it with water in 8 hours and the
other can empty it in 5 hours. In how many hours will the cistern be
emptied if both the pipes are opened together when 3/4 of the cistern is
already full of water? (Pipes and Cisterns - working against each other,
with a condition)

(a) 331 hours (b) 6 hours (c) 10 hours (d) 1331 hours

Answer: (c) 10 hours Calculation: Let the filling pipe be A and the
emptying pipe be B. Pipe A can fill the cistern in 8 hours. Part filled by A in
1 hour = 1/8. Pipe B can empty the cistern in 5 hours. Part emptied by B in
1 hour = 1/5.

When both pipes are open, the net work done in 1 hour = (Part filled by A)
- (Part emptied by B) = 1/8−1/5=(5−8)/40=−3/40. The negative sign
indicates that the cistern is being emptied. So, the part of the cistern
emptied in 1 hour when both pipes are open is 3/40.

The cistern is already 3/4 full. This is the volume of water that needs to be
emptied. Volume to be emptied = 3/4 of the cistern.

Time taken to empty 3/4 of the cistern = (Volume to be emptied) / (Part

emptied in 1 hour) Time = (3/4)/(3/40) Time = (3/4)×(40/3) Time = 40/4
Time = 10 hours.

Q22. A man rows to a place 48 km distant and back in 14 hours. He finds

that he can row 4 km with the stream in the same time as 3 km against
the stream. The rate of the stream (speed of the current) is: (Boats and
Streams - linking time and speed ratios)

(a) 1 km/hr (b) 1.5 km/hr (c) 2 km/hr (d) 2.5 km/hr

Answer: (a) 1 km/hr Calculation: Let the speed of the man in still water
be 'b' km/hr and the speed of the stream be 's' km/hr. Speed downstream
= (b+s) km/hr Speed upstream = (b−s) km/hr Distance one way (D) = 48
km. Total time taken for round trip = 14 hours. So, 48/(b+s)+48/(b−s)=14
(Equation 1)

He can row 4 km with the stream (downstream) in the same time as 3 km

against the stream (upstream). Let this time be 't'. t=4/(b+s) and
t=3/(b−s). So, 4/(b+s)=3/(b−s) 4(b−s)=3(b+s) 4b−4s=3b+3s
4b−3b=3s+4s b=7s (Equation 2)

Substitute b=7s into Equation 1: 48/(7s+s)+48/(7s−s)=14

48/(8s)+48/(6s)=14 6/s+8/s=14 (6+8)/s=14 14/s=14 s=14/14 s=1 km/hr.

The rate of the stream is 1 km/hr. (Speed of boat b=7s=7×1=7 km/hr).

Q23. A container contains 40 litres of milk. From this container, 4 litres of

milk was taken out and replaced by water. This process was repeated
further two times. How much milk is now contained by the container?
(Mixtures - repeated replacement)
(a) 26.34 litres (b) 27.36 litres (c) 28 litres (d) 29.16 litres

Answer: (d) 29.16 litres Calculation: This is a case of repeated removal

and replacement. Initial quantity of milk = 40 litres. Quantity of liquid
taken out each time = 4 litres. Number of operations = 3 (once, then
"further two times").

Formula for the quantity of the original liquid left after 'n' operations: Final
Quantity = Initial Quantity * (1−(Quantity taken out / Total Quantity))n
Milk left = 40×(1−(4/40))3 Milk left = 40×(1−1/10)3 Milk left =
40×(9/10)3 Milk left = 40×(729/1000) Milk left = (4×729)/100 Milk left =
2916/100 Milk left = 29.16 litres.

Q24. The work done by a man, a woman, and a child are in the ratio 3 :
2 : 1. There are 20 men, 30 women, and 36 children in a factory. Their
weekly wages amount to Rs. 780, which is divided in the ratio of work
done by the men, women, and children. What will be the wages of 15
men, 21 women, and 30 children for 2 weeks? (Ratio, Proportion, and
Work & Wages - complex scenario)

(a) Rs. 585 (b) Rs. 292.5 (c) Rs. 1170 (d) Rs. 900

Answer: (c) Rs. 1170 Calculation: Ratio of work done by 1 man : 1

woman : 1 child = 3 : 2 : 1. Let the work units be 3k,2k,1k respectively.

Total work done by 20 men, 30 women, and 36 children in a unit of time

(say, 1 day or 1 week for simplicity of ratio): Work by men = 20×3k=60k
Work by women = 30×2k=60k Work by children = 36×1k=36k Total work
units for the first group = 60k+60k+36k=156k.

Their weekly wages = Rs. 780. This wage is for 156k units of work. Wage
per 'k' unit of work = Rs. 780/156k=Rs. 5/k. (This means Rs. 5 for each 'k'
unit of work, the k cancels out if we think of it as a scaling factor). More
simply, total wage Rs. 780 is divided in the ratio of total work done by
each group: 60k : 60k : 36k, which is 5 : 5 : 3. Total parts = 5+5+3=13.
Wage for men = (5/13)×780=5×60=300. Wage for women =
(5/13)×780=300. Wage for children = (3/13)×780=180. (Check:
300+300+180=780).

Now for the second group: 15 men, 21 women, and 30 children. Work
done by this group in 1 week: Work by 15 men = 15×3k=45k Work by 21
women = 21×2k=42k Work by 30 children = 30×1k=30k Total work units
for the second group = 45k+42k+30k=117k.

Wage for 117k units of work for 1 week: Since Rs. 780 corresponds to
156k units of work, Wage for 1k unit = 780/156=Rs. 5. So, wage for 117k
units = 117×5=Rs. 585 for 1 week.
The question asks for the wages for 2 weeks. Wages for 2 weeks = Rs.
585×2=Rs. 1170.

Q25. A trader marks his goods at 40% above the cost price but allows a
discount of 20% on the marked price. His actual gain percent is: (Profit
and Loss - marked price and discount)

(a) 10% (b) 12% (c) 15% (d) 20%

Answer: (b) 12% Calculation: Let the Cost Price (CP) be Rs. 100. Marked
Price (MP) is 40% above CP. MP = CP + 40% of CP =
100+(40/100)×100=100+40=Rs. 140.

Discount allowed = 20% on MP. Discount amount = 20% of Rs. 140 =

(20/100)×140=0.2×140=Rs. 28.

Selling Price (SP) = MP - Discount SP = Rs. 140 - Rs. 28 = Rs. 112.

Gain = SP - CP = Rs. 112 - Rs. 100 = Rs. 12. Gain Percent = (Gain / CP) *
100 Gain Percent = (12/100)×100=12%.

Alternatively, using successive percentage change formula for profit (+A

%) and discount (-B%): Net % change = A−B−(AB/100) (if B is discount on
MP, and A is markup on CP) Here, markup is +40%, discount is -20%. Let
CP = 100. MP = 140. SP = 140×(1−20/100)=140×0.8=112. Gain =
112−100=12. Gain % = 12%.

If using x+y+xy/100 for successive changes (where x is markup, y is

discount as negative): First change (markup on CP): +40% Second change
(discount on MP): -20% Effective change from CP: This formula is tricky
here directly. Better to use: Let new price after markup be P′=P(1+m/100).
Then selling price SP=P′(1−d/100)=P(1+m/100)(1−d/100).
SP=100(1+40/100)(1−20/100)=100(1.4)(0.8)=100×1.12=112. So, gain is
12%.

Q26. If x+1/x=5, then the value of x3+1/x3 is: (Algebra - identities)

(a) 110 (b) 125 (c) 130 (d) 140

Answer: (a) 110 Calculation: Given x+1/x=5. We need to find x3+1/x3.

We know the identity: (a+b)3=a3+b3+3ab(a+b). Let a=x and b=1/x. So,
(x+1/x)3=x3+(1/x)3+3(x)(1/x)(x+1/x). (x+1/x)3=x3+1/x3+3(x+1/x).

Substitute the given value x+1/x=5: (5)3=x3+1/x3+3(5)

125=x3+1/x3+15 x3+1/x3=125−15 x3+1/x3=110.

Q27. The sum of all two-digit numbers divisible by 5 is: (Arithmetic

Progression - sum of terms)

(a) 945 (b) 950 (c) 990 (d) 1035

Answer: (a) 945 Calculation: Two-digit numbers divisible by 5 are: 10,
15, 20, ..., 95. This is an Arithmetic Progression (AP) with: First term (a) =
10 Common difference (d) = 5 Last term (l or an) = 95.

First, find the number of terms (n). an=a+(n−1)d 95=10+(n−1)5

95−10=(n−1)5 85=(n−1)5 85/5=n−1 17=n−1 n=18. There are 18 such
numbers.

Now, find the sum of these terms (Sn). Sn=n/2×(a+l) S18=18/2×(10+95)

S18=9×(105) S18=945.

Q28. A flight has to cover a distance of 3000 km. Due to bad weather, its
average speed for the trip was reduced by 100 km/hr and the time of
flight increased by one hour. The original duration of the flight was:
(Speed, Distance, Time - quadratic equation formation)

(a) 4 hours (b) 5 hours (c) 6 hours (d) 7.5 hours

Answer: (b) 5 hours Calculation: Let the original speed be 's' km/hr and
the original time be 't' hours. Distance (D) = 3000 km. So,
D=s×t⟹3000=st (Equation 1)

Due to bad weather: New speed = (s−100) km/hr New time = (t+1) hours
The distance remains the same: 3000=(s−100)(t+1) (Equation 2)

From Equation 1, s=3000/t. Substitute this into Equation 2:

3000=(3000/t−100)(t+1) 3000=(3000/t)t+3000/t−100t−100
3000=3000+3000/t−100t−100 0=3000/t−100t−100 Multiply by 't' to
clear the denominator: 0=3000−100t2−100t Divide by -100:
0=−30+t2+t t2+t−30=0.

This is a quadratic equation. Factorize it: We need two numbers whose

product is -30 and sum is +1. These are +6 and -5. t2+6t−5t−30=0
t(t+6)−5(t+6)=0 (t−5)(t+6)=0. So, t=5 or t=−6. Since time cannot be
negative, t=5 hours.

The original duration of the flight was 5 hours. (Original speed

s=3000/5=600 km/hr. New speed = 600−100=500 km/hr. New time =
5+1=6 hours. Distance = 500×6=3000 km. This matches.)