IBPS SO Prelims 2018 Question Paper with Answers & Explanations

Explanation

The series follows the rule: T(n) = T(n-1) × n + n

8 × 1 + 1 = 9 9 × 2 + 2 = 20 20 × 3 + 3 = 63 63 × 4 + 4 = 256 256 × 5 + 5 = 1285 1285 × 6 + 6 = 7716

The term 64 is incorrect and should be replaced by 63.

Explanation

The series follows the rule where each term is divided by 2 and then an increasing value (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0) is added:

1015 / 2 + 0.5 = 508 508 / 2 + 1.0 = 255 255 / 2 + 1.5 = 129 129 / 2 + 2.0 = 66.5 66.5 / 2 + 2.5 = 35.75 35.75 / 2 + 3.0 = 20.875

The number 130 violates this sequence and should be replaced by 129.

Explanation

The pattern followed by the sequence is: 7 × 0.5 + 0.5 = 4 4 × 1.0 + 1.0 = 5 5 × 1.5 + 1.5 = 9 9 × 2.0 + 2.0 = 20 20 × 2.5 + 2.5 = 52.5 52.5 × 3.0 + 3.0 = 160.5

The term should be 52.5 instead of 51 to maintain the series.

Explanation

The differences between consecutive terms follow the sequence of squares of prime numbers: 1117 - 1108 = 9 = 3² 1142 - 1117 = 25 = 5² 1191 - 1142 = 49 = 7² 1312 - 1191 = 121 = 11² The next difference should be 13² = 169. Adding 169 to 1312 gives 1481 instead of 1480.

Explanation

The pattern in the given sequence is formed by adding cubes of consecutive integers: 46 + 1³ = 46 + 1 = 47 47 + 2³ = 47 + 8 = 55 55 + 3³ = 55 + 27 = 82 82 + 4³ = 82 + 64 = 146 146 + 5³ = 146 + 125 = 271

The term 84 breaks the pattern and should be 82.

Explanation

For equation I: x² - 6x - 7 = 0 Factorizing gives (x - 7)(x + 1) = 0, so x = 7, -1.

For equation II: 2y² + 13y + 15 = 0 Splitting the middle term: 2y² + 10y + 3y + 15 = 0 (2y + 3)(y + 5) = 0, so y = -1.5, -5.

Comparing the values: 7 > -1.5 and 7 > -5 -1 > -1.5 and -1 > -5

Since every value of x is strictly greater than every value of y, X > Y.

Explanation

For the first equation, 2x² + 17x + 30 = 0: Factoring by splitting the middle term gives 2x² + 12x + 5x + 30 = 0, which factors to (2x + 5)(x + 6) = 0. Thus, x = -2.5 and x = -6.

For the second equation, 4y² - 7y - 15 = 0: Factoring gives 4y² - 12y + 5y - 15 = 0, which factors to (4y + 5)(y - 3) = 0. Thus, y = 3 and y = -1.25.

Comparing the values: -2.5 < 3 and -2.5 < -1.25 -6 < 3 and -6 < -1.25

Since every value of x is strictly less than every value of y, X < Y.

Explanation

Solving equation I: 5x² + 7x - 6 = 0 5x² + 10x - 3x - 6 = 0 5x(x + 2) - 3(x + 2) = 0 (5x - 3)(x + 2) = 0 x = 3/5 = 0.6, -2

Solving equation II: 3y² + 19y + 28 = 0 3y² + 12y + 7y + 28 = 0 3y(y + 4) + 7(y + 4) = 0 (3y + 7)(y + 4) = 0 y = -7/3 ≈ -2.33, -4

Comparing each value of x with y: 0.6 > -2.33 and 0.6 > -4 -2 > -2.33 and -2 > -4

Thus, X > Y holds true for all possible values.

Explanation

For equation I: 8x² - 6x - 5 = 0 8x² - 10x + 4x - 5 = 0 (4x - 5)(2x + 1) = 0 x = 5/4 = 1.25 or x = -1/2 = -0.5

For equation II: 2y² - 7y - 4 = 0 2y² - 8y + y - 4 = 0 (y - 4)(2y + 1) = 0 y = 4 or y = -1/2 = -0.5

Comparing the values: 1.25 > -0.5 but 1.25 < 4 -0.5 = -0.5 but -0.5 < 4

Shortcut: When the constant terms of both standard quadratic equations (ax² + bx + c = 0) are negative (c < 0), each equation yields one positive root and one negative root. In all such cases, no relation can be established.

Explanation

For equation I: 6x² + 5x - 4 = 0 Factoring gives (2x - 1)(3x + 4) = 0, so x = 1/2 (0.5) or x = -4/3 (-1.33).

For equation II: 10y² - 11y + 3 = 0 Factoring gives (2y - 1)(5y - 3) = 0, so y = 1/2 (0.5) or y = 3/5 (0.6).

Comparing the values: 0.5 = 0.5 and 0.5 < 0.6 -1.33 < 0.5 and -1.33 < 0.6

Thus, X ≤ Y holds for all pairs of values.

Explanation

Let the filling rate of the tap be 1/15 tank/sec and the net filling rate with the leak be 1/20 tank/sec.

Emptying rate of the leak = (1/15) - (1/20) = (4 - 3)/60 = 1/60 tank/sec.

Time required to empty the full tank completely = 60 sec.

Quantity I = 60 sec Quantity II = 50 sec

Since 60 sec > 50 sec, Quantity I > Quantity II.

Explanation

For Quantity I: Let the present ages of A and B be 5x and 7x. According to the condition 18 years ago: (5x - 18) / (7x - 18) = 8 / 13 13(5x - 18) = 8(7x - 18) 65x - 234 = 56x - 144 9x = 90, which gives x = 10. Present age of A = 5 × 10 = 50 years. Age of A, 13 years ago = 50 - 13 = 37 years. Quantity I = 37.

For Quantity II: Y² + 32Y - 185 = 0 (Y + 37)(Y - 5) = 0 Y = -37 or Y = 5.

Comparing the two quantities, 37 > 5 and 37 > -37. Therefore, Quantity I > Quantity II.

Explanation

Using the weighted average method for overall profit percentage: Overall Profit % = (w₁ × P₁) + (w₂ × P₂)

Here, w₁ = ⅓, P₁ = -25%, w₂ = ⅔, and overall profit = 10%. (⅓ × -25) + (⅔ × P₂) = 10 -25/3 + 2P₂/3 = 10 -25 + 2P₂ = 30 2P₂ = 55 P₂ = 27.5%

Quantity I = 27.5% Quantity II = 33⅓% ≈ 33.33%

Since 27.5% < 33.33%, Quantity I < Quantity II.

Explanation

For Quantity I: Distance is constant, so speed is inversely proportional to time. s₁ × t₁ = s₂ × t₂ s₁ × 50 = (s₁ - 9) × 56 50s₁ = 56s₁ - 504 6s₁ = 504 s₁ = 84 km/h

Distance = Speed × Time = 84 × (50/60) = 70 km. Quantity I = 70.

For Quantity II: Y² - 40Y - 2100 = 0 (Y - 70)(Y + 30) = 0 Y = 70 or Y = -30.

Comparing Quantity I and Quantity II: For Y = 70, Quantity I = Quantity II. For Y = -30, Quantity I > Quantity II. Therefore, Quantity I ≥ Quantity II.

Explanation

For Quantity I: Let CP = ₹x. SP = x(1 + x/100) = 56 x² + 100x - 5600 = 0 (x + 140)(x - 40) = 0 Taking the positive value, CP = ₹40, and previous profit is 40%. New profit percentage = 2 × 40% = 80%. New SP = 40 × (1 + 80/100) = ₹72. Thus, Quantity I = 72.

For Quantity II: Y² - 95Y + 1500 = 0 (Y - 75)(Y - 20) = 0 Y = 75 or Y = 20. Thus, Quantity II = 20, 75.

Comparing the two quantities: 72 > 20, but 72 < 75. Because Quantity I is greater than one value of Y and less than the other, no relation can be established.

Explanation

Total buyers in Kanpur = 340 - 40 = 300 Number of laptop buyers in Kanpur = 30% of 300 = 90

Total buyers in Surat = 500 - 50 = 450 Percentage of tablet buyers in Surat = 100% - 20% = 80% Number of tablet buyers in Surat = 80% of 450 = 360

Required percentage less = [(360 - 90) / 360] × 100 = (270 / 360) × 100 = 75%

Explanation

Total number of customers across all cities = 280 + 420 + 340 + 500 = 1540.

Total number of customers who do not buy = 60 + 80 + 40 + 50 = 230.

Total number of customers who buy either laptop or tablet = 1540 - 230 = 1310.

Explanation

Total buyers in Kanpur = Total customers - Non-buyers = 340 - 40 = 300. Laptop buyers in Kanpur = 30% of 300 = 90. Tablet buyers in Kanpur = 300 - 90 = 210.

Laptop buyers in Jabalpur = 90 × (1 + 0.40) = 126. Tablet buyers in Jabalpur = 210 × (1 - 0.30) = 147.

Ratio of laptop to tablet buyers in Jabalpur = 126 : 147 = 6 : 7. Comparing with 6 : x gives x = 7. Therefore, x + 3 = 7 + 3 = 10.

Explanation

Total customers who buy a gadget from Surat = Total customers - Customers who do not buy = 500 - 50 = 450.

Number of customers who do not buy any gadget from Delhi = 60.

Required ratio = 450 : 60 = 15 : 2.

Explanation

Number of customers who buy in each city: Delhi = 280 - 60 = 220 Kanpur = 340 - 40 = 300 Surat = 500 - 50 = 450

Number of customers buying laptops in each city: Delhi = 45% of 220 = 99 Kanpur = 30% of 300 = 90 Surat = 20% of 450 = 90

Average number of laptop buyers = (99 + 90 + 90) / 3 = 279 / 3 = 93

Explanation

When two trains of lengths L₁ and L₂ travel in opposite directions at speeds S₁ and S₂, the time taken to cross each other is: Time = (L₁ + L₂) / (S₁ + S₂) = 12 s

Statement I gives the total length L₁ + L₂ = 450 m. This allows the calculation of the relative speed (S₁ + S₂ = 450 / 12 = 37.5 m/s), but does not give the individual value of L₂.

Statement II gives |S₁ − S₂| = 10 km/hr, which provides information about the speeds but no data about lengths.

Combining both statements allows the calculation of individual speeds S₁ and S₂, but still leaves only one equation with two unknown lengths (L₁ + L₂ = 450 m). Therefore, the length of train B cannot be uniquely determined.

Explanation

Let the initial fraction of milk in the 80-litre mixture be x.

From Statement I: Removing 8 litres leaves 72 litres of mixture containing 72x litres of milk. Adding 8 litres of water keeps the total at 80 litres. The new milk quantity is (27 / (27 + 13)) × 80 = 54 litres. Setting 72x = 54 gives x = 3/4, so the initial quantity of milk is 80 × (3/4) = 60 litres. Statement I alone is sufficient.

From Statement II: Removing 16 litres leaves 64 litres of mixture containing 64(1 - x) litres of water. Adding 16 litres of milk keeps the total at 80 litres. The new water quantity is (1 / (4 + 1)) × 80 = 16 litres. Setting 64(1 - x) = 16 gives 1 - x = 1/4, so x = 3/4, and the initial quantity of milk is 80 × (3/4) = 60 litres. Statement II alone is sufficient.

Explanation

Let R and S represent the present ages of Rakesh and Suresh respectively.

From Statement I: R / (S + 4) = 5 / 7 7R - 5S = 20

From Statement II: (R - 4) / S = 2 / 3 3R - 2S = 12

Solving the two equations simultaneously: Multiplying the second equation by 2.5 and subtracting from the first gives R = 20. Substituting R = 20 into 3R - 2S = 12 gives S = 24. The required age difference is S - R = 24 - 20 = 4 years.

Thus, both statements together are required to answer the question.

Explanation

Area of two adjacent walls of a hall = (length × height) + (breadth × height) = (length + breadth) × height.

Cost of painting = Area × Rate = (length + breadth) × height × 750.

From Statement I, only the ratio of length to breadth is given, with no absolute dimensions or height. Hence, Statement I alone is not sufficient.

From Statement II, Perimeter = 2(length + breadth) = 150 m, which gives (length + breadth) = 75 m. Height = 150 / 5 = 30 m. Total area of two adjacent walls = 75 × 30 = 2250 m². Cost = 2250 × 750 = ₹16,87,500.

Thus, Statement II alone provides sufficient data to calculate the total cost.

Explanation

Let the salaries of A and B be 3x and 4x, and their expenditures be 4y and 5y, respectively. The savings are 3x - 4y for A and 4x - 5y for B.

Using Statement I: B's saving is 25% of B's salary: 4x - 5y = 0.25 × 4x = x 3x = 5y, which gives x/y = 5/3. Substituting x = 5 and y = 3: Saving of A = 3(5) - 4(3) = 15 - 12 = 3 Saving of B = 4(5) - 5(3) = 20 - 15 = 5 Ratio of savings = 3:5. Thus, Statement I alone is sufficient.

Using Statement II: B's salary = 4x = 2500, so x = 625. A's salary = 3x = 1875. A's expenditure = 4y = 880, so y = 220. B's expenditure = 5y = 1100. Saving of A = 1875 - 880 = 995. Saving of B = 2500 - 1100 = 1400. Ratio of savings = 995:1400 = 199:280. Thus, Statement II alone is also sufficient.

Explanation

Relative speed of the train with respect to the girl = Distance / Time = 450 / 27 = 50/3 m/s.

Speed of the girl = 5 × (5/18) = 25/18 m/s.

Since both move in the same direction, speed of the train = (50/3) + (25/18) = 325/18 m/s.

Total distance to cross the platform = Length of train + Length of platform = 450 + 525 = 975 m.

Time required to cross the platform = Distance / Speed = 975 / (325/18) = 3 × 18 = 54 seconds.

Explanation

Total volume of the wall = 1500 cm × 1200 cm × 10 cm = 18,000,000 cm³

Volume of one brick = 24 cm × 25 cm × 10 cm = 6,000 cm³

Total bricks required for the whole wall = 18,000,000 / 6,000 = 3,000 bricks

Fraction of wall remaining to be built = 100% - 37.5% = 62.5% = 5/8

Bricks needed to complete the wall = 3,000 × (5/8) = 1,875 bricks

Explanation

Total valid votes = (100 - 20)% of 7800 = 0.80 × 7800 = 6240.

The percentage 16⅔% equals 1/6. If the other candidate received 6x votes, the winner received 6x + x = 7x votes.

Total valid votes = 7x + 6x = 13x = 6240 x = 6240 / 13 = 480

Valid votes obtained by the winner = 7 × 480 = 3360.

Explanation

Distance is given by the formula d = (s₁ × s₂) / (s₂ - s₁) × Δt, where s₁ and s₂ are the speeds and Δt is the difference in time.

Given: s₁ = 8 km/hr s₂ = 10 km/hr Δt = 30 minutes - 6 minutes = 24 minutes = 24/60 hr = 2/5 hr

Substituting the values: d = (8 × 10) / (10 - 8) × (2/5) d = (80 / 2) × (2/5) = 40 × 2/5 = 16 km

Explanation

Let the ages of Amisha, Aaradhana, and Alka be M, R, and L respectively.

Given: M + R = 35 × 2 = 70 L + R = 31 × 2 = 62 M + L = 36 × 2 = 72

Adding the three equations: 2(M + R + L) = 70 + 62 + 72 = 204 M + R + L = 102

The average age of Amisha, Aaradhana, and Alka is 102 / 3 = 34 years.

The average age of Aditi and Aashirya is half of 34, which is 17 years. Sum of ages of Aditi and Aashirya = 17 × 2 = 34 years.

Total age of all five individuals = 102 + 34 = 136 years. Average age of all five individuals = 136 / 5 = 27.2 years.

Explanation

Simple Interest SI = (P × R × T) / 100.

Let the principal invested in Scheme A be P. Then the principal in Scheme B is 3P.

Interest from Scheme A = (P × 8 × 4) / 100 = 32P / 100 Interest from Scheme B = (3P × 13 × 2) / 100 = 78P / 100

Total Interest = (32P + 78P) / 100 = 110P / 100 = 1.1P

Given, 1.1P = 1320 P = 1320 / 1.1 = 1200

The amount invested in Scheme A is Rs. 1200.

Explanation

Ratio of profit share = Investment × Time

Time periods for each partner out of 12 months: A invested for 12 months. B invested for 12 − 4 = 8 months. C invested for 12 − (4 + 6) = 2 months.

Let A's investment be x. A's share : B's share : C's share = (x × 12) : (16000 × 8) : (26000 × 2) = 12x : 128000 : 52000

Total profit equivalent = 12x + 128000 + 52000 = 12x + 180000

Given A's profit is Rs. 3600 out of Rs. 8100: 12x / (12x + 180000) = 3600 / 8100 = 4 / 9

x / (x + 15000) = 4 / 9 9x = 4x + 60000 5x = 60000 x = 12000

Explanation

Let the total work be the LCM of 40 and 30, which is 120 units. Efficiency of A = 120 / 40 = 3 units/day Efficiency of B = 120 / 30 = 4 units/day Combined efficiency of A and B = 3 + 4 = 7 units/day

Work done by A alone in the last 5 days = 5 × 3 = 15 units. Work completed by A and B working together = 120 - 15 = 105 units.

Number of days A and B worked together = 105 / 7 = 15 days. Therefore, B left the work 15 days after the start.

Explanation

Let the monthly income be x.

After spending 20% on household expenditure, the remaining income is: 100% - 20% = 80% of x

The total percentage spent out of the remaining income on education, transport, medicine, and entertainment is: 25% + 15% + 15% + 10% = 65%

The leftover percentage of the remaining income is: 100% - 65% = 35%

Thus, the final savings equal: 35% of 80% of x = 9800 (0.35 × 0.80) × x = 9800 0.28x = 9800 x = 9800 / 0.28 = 35000

Explanation

Let the number of male applicants for P.O. be x.

From the given conditions: Male applicants for Clerk = 3x Male applicants for S.O. = x + 120 Female applicants for P.O. = (3/2)x Female applicants for Clerk = x / (1 - 0.25) = (4/3)x Female applicants for S.O. = Female applicants for Clerk = (4/3)x

Total applicants = Total males + Total females Total males = x + (x + 120) + 3x = 5x + 120 Total females = (3/2)x + (4/3)x + (4/3)x = (25/6)x

5x + 120 + (25/6)x = 1220 (55/6)x = 1100 x = 120

Total applicants for Clerk = Male Clerk + Female Clerk Total Clerk applicants = 3x + (4/3)x = (13/3)x = (13/3) × 120 = 520

Explanation

Let the number of male students applied for P.O. be x.

From the given conditions: Male students for Clerk = 3x Male students for S.O. = x + 120 Total male students = x + (x + 120) + 3x = 5x + 120

Female students for P.O. = (3/2)x Female students for Clerk = x / (1 − 0.25) = (4/3)x Female students for S.O. = (4/3)x Total female students = (3/2)x + (4/3)x + (4/3)x = (25/6)x

Total students = Total males + Total females 5x + 120 + (25/6)x = 1220 (55/6)x = 1100 x = 120

Substituting x = 120: Total male students = 5(120) + 120 = 720 Total female students = (25/6) × 120 = 500

Ratio of total male to total female students = 720 : 500 = 36 : 25

Explanation

Let male applicants for P.O. be x. Male Clerk = 3x Male S.O. = x + 120 Female P.O. = (3/2)x = 1.5x Female Clerk = Female S.O. = x / 0.75 = (4/3)x

Sum of all applicants across the three posts: Total = [x + 1.5x] + [(x + 120) + (4/3)x] + [3x + (4/3)x] = 1220 (55/6)x + 120 = 1220 (55/6)x = 1100 x = 120

Total P.O. applicants = 2.5x = 2.5 × 120 = 300 Total S.O. applicants = x + 120 + (4/3)x = (7/3)(120) + 120 = 280 + 120 = 400

Percentage less than S.O. = [(400 - 300) / 400] × 100 = (100 / 400) × 100 = 25%

Explanation

Let the number of male applicants for PO be 6x. Male applicants for clerk = 3 × 6x = 18x Male applicants for SO = 6x + 120 Female applicants for PO = (3/2) × 6x = 9x Female applicants for clerk = (4/3) × 6x = 8x Female applicants for SO = 8x

Total students = 6x + 18x + (6x + 120) + 9x + 8x + 8x = 55x + 120 55x + 120 = 1220 55x = 1100 x = 20

Male students applied for PO and clerk together = 6x + 18x = 24x = 24 × 20 = 480 Female students applied for clerk and SO together = 8x + 8x = 16x = 16 × 20 = 320

Required percentage = (480 / 320) × 100% = 150%

Explanation

Let the number of male applicants for PO be 6x. Male applicants for Clerk = 3 × 6x = 18x Male applicants for SO = 6x + 120 Female applicants for PO = (3/2) × 6x = 9x Female applicants for Clerk = 6x / (1 - 0.25) = 8x Female applicants for SO = 8x

Total applicants = 6x + (6x + 120) + 18x + 9x + 8x + 8x = 1220 55x + 120 = 1220 55x = 1100 x = 20

Number of applicants: Male (PO + SO) = 6(20) + (6(20) + 120) = 120 + 240 = 360 Female (PO + SO) = 9(20) + 8(20) = 180 + 160 = 340

Percentage difference = [(360 - 340) / 360] × 100 = (20 / 360) × 100 = 50/9%

Explanation

The passage describes how opponents of globalization are challenging the existing international system. The conditional clause indicates a destructive outcome if these opponents succeed in dismantling international structures, requiring a verb that denotes breakdown or ruin. The term collapse fits both grammatically after the modal auxiliary verb phrase could well and contextually with the subsequent question asking whether globalization can be saved.

Explanation

The passage describes various groups attacking globalization and displaying deep hostility toward international interconnectedness. The adjective antagonistic denotes showing or feeling active opposition and hostility, which perfectly describes the nature of these populist, separatist, and militant entities working against global integration.

Explanation

The context describes anti-globalization forces and their grievances, specifically noting that right-wing populist groups strongly oppose or express severe disapproval of immigration, paired parallelly with the political left that denounces rising economic inequality. The word condemning correctly means expressing complete disapproval or censure, which fits both the tone and the grammatical structure of the sentence.

Explanation

In political and economic contexts, foreign interference refers to unwanted involvement or meddling by external powers in a country's domestic affairs. In the given sentence discussing regional opposition to globalization, foreign interference accurately captures the nature of external political and economic intrusion opposed by local movements.

Explanation

In the given sentence, the context describes global structures viewed with hostility by opponents of globalization. The parallel noun phrase intolerable inequalities is in the plural, requiring a corresponding plural noun modified by massive, unbending. The term institutions accurately denotes established international governing bodies and regulatory systems, making it the appropriate contextual and grammatical replacement.

Explanation

Part A connects with F because the phrasal verb pondering over correctly takes the noun phrase the after-effects on other Indian citizens as its direct prepositional object. Part B connects with D because objectives is properly complemented by the prepositional modifier of providing shelter to the minorities in India's neighbourhood on at least two counts, forming logically and syntactically complete sentences.

Explanation

Part C discusses the systematic erosion of foundational values such as equality before the law, economic justice, and secularism. Part D provides the relative clause modifying this ongoing erosion, describing how it reflects sane voices being suppressed and divisive politics taking hold. Combining C and D creates a coherent and grammatically sound sentence. The other combinations fail either due to lack of contextual coherence, such as conflating the Science Congress with a political party, or due to faulty correlative conjunction structures.

Explanation

Part A connects logically and grammatically with D to form a complete sentence with a participial clause of result: "A man died shortly after he was arrested prompting an urgent investigation into the incident."

Part B combines with F through a conditional construction ("If there is... it is...") to convey a meaningful statement about the word associated with Christmas: "If there is a single word that describes what Christmas is all about it is a Hebrew word, 'Emmanuel' founded in the gospel of Matthew."

Explanation

Phrase A connects with phrase E to form a complete and coherent predicate: "The current President of the United states is very outspoken and unapologetic." Phrase C connects with the infinitive complement in phrase D: "Most players don't remain fit to play for a long time." Both pairings follow standard subject-verb agreement and semantic cohesion.

Explanation

Part A connects logically with Part E to form a contrasting idea about a player's past brilliance versus their recent loss of form. Part C connects with Part D using the conjunction when to describe the cat tripping over the pencil lying on the floor. Part B cannot be meaningfully completed by any segment in the second column.

Explanation

Statement C serves as the introductory sentence by establishing the primary topic of the paragraph: the sudden mass lion deaths in Gujarat's wildlife sanctuary. Statement F immediately follows to provide specific details regarding the discovery of 11 carcasses in Gir forest, followed by statement A mentioning the official inquiry and suspected causes. Statement D elaborates on the dual causes of infighting and disease, statement E explains why infighting occurs due to resource scarcity, and statement B concludes the paragraph with a broader warning about environmental conservation.

Explanation

The paragraph begins with the introductory statement introducing the shocking event of mass lion deaths in Gujarat's wildlife reserve. This is logically followed by the specific details regarding the discovery of 11 lion carcasses in the East division of Gir forest within a span of 10 days. The sequence then proceeds with the general mention of an ongoing inquiry into infighting and disease, followed by the fixed fourth sentence giving specific breakdowns of the deaths, then explaining why infighting occurs due to resource scarcity, and concluding with a warning about checking resource misuse. The correct complete sequence is C-F-A-D-E-B, placing F in the second position.

Explanation

The coherent paragraph begins with statement C introducing the broad event of mass lion deaths in Gujarat's wildlife reserve. Statement F follows logically by detailing the exact discovery of 11 lion carcasses in Gir forest. Statement A comes next as the third sentence, introducing the preliminary inquiry and general suspected causes (infighting and disease), which seamlessly connects to the fixed fourth statement D that provides specific details on these causes. Statement E then elaborates on why infighting occurs due to resource scarcity, and statement B concludes the paragraph with a cautionary warning about preserving natural resources. The overall sequence is C-F-A-D-E-B.

Explanation

The coherent sequence of the passage is C-F-A-D-E-B. Statement C introduces the event of mass lion deaths in Gujarat, followed by F, which provides the specific report of 11 carcasses found in Gir forest. Statement A mentions the inquiry and suspects infighting and disease, while statement D elaborates on these causes with details about cubs. Statement E then directly explains the ecological cause behind the infighting highlighted in D, making it the fifth statement before the concluding warning in B.

Explanation

The paragraph begins with sentence C introducing the mass lion deaths in Gujarat's wildlife reserve. Sentence F follows with specific details of the incident, reporting the discovery of 11 carcasses. Sentence A introduces the initial findings regarding infighting and disease, leading into the fixed fourth sentence D, which elaborates on those causes. Sentence E explains why infighting occurs due to scarce natural resources. Finally, sentence B concludes the paragraph logically by warning about the consequences of failing to check the misuse of natural resources. Thus, sentence B occupies the sixth and final position.

Explanation

The phrase "More than a decade ago" establishes a standard time frame, "Indic fonts" serves as the appropriate plural subject, "being designed" correctly forms the passive continuous verb construction, "software developers" functions as the logical agent performing the action, and "sold" provides the correct past-tense predicate for the relative clause. Each word is grammatically and contextually in its correct position.

Explanation

The phrase one of the requires a plural noun, making migrations grammatically appropriate at position D instead of the singular noun event. In turn, referring to the Partition of India as an event at position A provides the correct context, yielding the coherent sentence: The event of the Partition of India led to the tragic death and displacement of millions of people in what was to become one of the greatest migrations in history.

Explanation

The sentence requires the adjective better to modify early warning systems, and the noun risk to form the standard financial and disaster-management term risk transfer mechanism. Swapping the positions of C and E yields a grammatically and contextually correct sentence: India has to prepare for the consequences of climate change, with better early warning systems, engineering to cope with the fallout and risk transfer mechanism.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct and contextually coherent in its original form. Companies possessing a high market share command significant leverage over suppliers because their large order volumes grant them substantial purchasing power, resulting in better pricing. Each highlighted term is already placed in its appropriate syntactic and semantic position.

Explanation

The verb continues correctly follows the singular subject the world and fits the infinitive to pursue, while the phrasal verb factoring in is required after the preposition without. Additionally, the phrase go extinct forms the standard collocation denoting species eradication, and in a matter of decades correctly expresses the timeframe. Interchanging A with C and D with E produces the meaningful sentence: If the world continues to pursue the current model of economic growth without factoring in environmental costs, one million species could go extinct in a matter of decades.

Explanation

The author introduces the concept of the millennial paradox immediately after explaining that saving early offers the greatest financial advantage due to compound growth over time. However, young adults face competing immediate financial obligations, including student debt, high living expenses, rent, and healthcare costs, which prevent them from investing their money into retirement accounts when it would generate the highest compounding benefit.

Explanation

The word abate means to become less intense, decrease, or diminish. Wane and recede both signify a decline, gradual subsidence, or reduction in degree, making them direct synonyms of abate. Prolong means to extend the duration or lengthen something, making it an antonym of abate. Thus, all three words are either synonyms or antonyms of abate.

Explanation

An assumption is an unstated belief the author takes for granted while building an argument. Statements A, C, D and E all restate ideas the passage takes for granted in urging early saving — that retirement is costly, that starting early is the easiest path because time compounds returns, that compound interest makes early contributions valuable, and that tax-sheltered accounts defer tax on returns. Statement B, however, makes a specific comparative claim about outcomes (that a small early investment yields more than a larger later one) that the passage does not assume in this form — it is not one of the author's underlying assumptions, so it is the correct choice.

Explanation

The fourth paragraph describes the rising cost of living alongside a weak saving culture among millennials, meaning more of their income goes toward current spending rather than being set aside. This directly and necessarily leads to altered, consumption-heavy spending patterns, so the inference follows definitely from the paragraph.

Explanation

The fourth paragraph shows millennials responding to heavier financial burdens by refinancing loans, delaying big purchases, and taking up side hustles — behaviour that suggests more deliberate money management. This supports the idea that they are becoming more financially savvy, but the paragraph does not establish it with certainty, so the inference is only probably true rather than definitely true.

Explanation

The correct irreversible binomial idiom is "huff and puff", which means to express disapproval, annoyance, or exertion noisily. Reversing the word order to "puff and huff" is an idiomatic error.

Explanation

The final paragraph closes on a hopeful note, suggesting there may be a creative way to address the problem discussed. This forward-looking, optimistic note gives the paragraph a sanguine tone.

Explanation

The word respite functions as an uncountable noun meaning a short period of rest, relief, or postponement from something difficult, unpleasant, or demanding. In the first sentence, it denotes a temporary delay or reprieve granted before submitting the essays. In the second sentence, it correctly forms the standard collocation respite from, indicating continuous pressure or a lack of relief from the workers' demands.

Explanation

The word mundane carries two primary meanings that fit both contexts. First, it refers to ordinary, routine, or everyday occurrences, making it appropriate for describing regular daily situations in which people reveal their true nature. Second, in philosophical and theological contexts, mundane describes the earthly, material world in contrast to the spiritual realm, perfectly fitting the concept of departed spirits interacting with the physical world.

Explanation

Solace functions as a noun meaning comfort or consolation in times of distress or sadness. In the first sentence, it correctly serves as the direct object of the verb found, describing the emotional comfort derived from looking at old photographs. In the second sentence, it fits as the object of the transitive verb gave, indicating that nature provided peace and consolation after a difficult breakup.

Explanation

A rendezvous is a noun referring to an arranged meeting at a specific time and place, often held secretly or privately. In the first sentence, it precisely describes the clandestine meeting between wartime spies inside a church. In the second sentence, it appropriately denotes a planned private meeting between family members to secretly organize a surprise celebration.

Explanation

"Rampant" fits both sentences: it describes protests spreading uncontrolled among residents in the first sentence, and horses running loose and uncontrolled in the second.

Explanation

The sentence splits into three parts: I = "Every motivation that every human being has", II = "is for the desire for pleasure or", III = "it is a reaction of the frustration of not getting pleasure." Parts I and II are grammatically sound. Part III carries the error: the correct preposition after "reaction" is "to", not "of" — one has a reaction TO something. It should read "it is a reaction to the frustration of not getting pleasure." Only part III needs correction.

Explanation

The verb tempt follows the structure tempt + object + to-infinitive (tempt someone to do something). Therefore, part III requires the preposition to before the base verb stay, rendering the correct phrase as of food to tempt them to stay back.

Explanation

The preposition into in part II is used incorrectly. The sentence describes demonstrations occurring simultaneously in various cities spanning the country, which requires a preposition denoting spatial distribution such as across, throughout, or in, rather than into, which indicates motion towards the inside of something. Part I and part III are grammatically and syntactically correct.

Explanation

The sentence expresses a universal truth or general principle about the pursuit of self-realization, as indicated by the simple present tense verb needs in part II. Therefore, the modal auxiliary verb in part I should be in the present tense expressing ability or possibility, replacing would not be achieved with cannot be achieved. Parts II and III are grammatically sound with properly coordinated nouns following the prepositions.

Explanation

According to the rule of sequence of tenses, when the main clause uses a past tense verb (was asked), the subordinate clause in indirect speech must also take a past tense verb. The present tense verb remembers in part I must be corrected to the past tense remembered to maintain grammatical consistency with was asked, replied, knew, and had heard.

Explanation

The two sentences are best joined using a correlative structure built around the announcement — "With the announcement of periodic labour force surveys, India has not just created an opportunity... but has also opened a lucrative window..." This matches connector II, while connector I ("While... being opened") does not preserve the same meaning when inserted. Only II works, making it the correct combination.

Explanation

Both "When" (I) and "As" (III) can correctly open the combined sentence — "When/As there are so many prestigious awards exclusively for sportspersons, there is no reason why they should be considered for the Padma Awards at all" — while "No sooner do" (II) does not fit the meaning. Since both I and III work, that is the correct combination.

Explanation

The given context establishes a cause-and-effect relationship where low employment creation in the organised sector is the direct result of industries opting for capital-intensive techniques. Starter (III) correctly places the effect at the beginning and introduces the explanatory clause using the conjunction "because", successfully combining both ideas into a coherent, grammatically sound sentence: "Few organised sector jobs get generated in India because industries prefer capital-intensive production despite the economy's relative abundance of low-wage labour."

Explanation

The sentences combine naturally as: "As the officials of the forest department are not given any special training about medicinal plants, they are not able to identify these plant species." Only phrase (II), "As the officials of the forest department," fits this construction, while (I) and (III) do not produce a grammatically sound, meaning-preserving sentence.

Explanation

The given statements express a contrasting relationship: Nehru is rarely acknowledged as a decisive leader, yet substantial evidence exists demonstrating his decisiveness. Connectors expressing concession or contrast, such as "Despite" and "Though", correctly combine these ideas into a coherent sentence without altering the original meaning. Cause-and-effect connectors like "Since" distort the intended contrast and are grammatically and contextually unsuitable here.

Explanation

The passage's central theme is that rural America, hurt by the loss of traditional jobs, can be revived through targeted investment in biotechnology, which would also help the country maintain its competitive edge in high-tech industries. This captures the main idea most accurately.

Explanation

According to the passage, establishing a Bio-Belt stretching through middle America would bring essential skills and high-paying jobs to communities that desperately need them. Additionally, this initiative directly strengthens biotechnology training, education, supportive infrastructure, and entrepreneurship in rural regions to foster new and sustainable sources of economic growth.

Explanation

In the given context, technology is wiping out traditional jobs means technology is eliminating, abolishing, or destroying those positions. Erasing carries the exact sense of removing or blotting out something completely from existence, making it the most suitable replacement.

Explanation

The passage explicitly validates all four statements. It states that under the Bio-Belt initiative, biomanufacturing can expand across the country where land and feedstock are abundant. It defines fermentation as an increasingly powerful force for converting sugar and other forms of biomass into value-added goods. It emphasizes that rural biotechnology will require agricultural extension schools and dedicated national laboratories to expand research and job training. Finally, it concludes that the bioeconomy will serve as a critical component of national economic growth.

Explanation

The term greying refers to an aging demographic profile where the proportion of elderly individuals increases. The passage explains that non-metropolitan regions experience this shift because they attract retirees while simultaneously losing working-age youth seeking employment opportunities elsewhere, leading to a higher concentration of elderly residents in rural communities.

Explanation

The sentence describes cooperative collaboration connecting two specific sectors, business and academia, where the preposition "between" is grammatically required for two entities. Furthermore, the passage reinforces this specific term in the subsequent sentence by stating that the government should incentivise these partnerships to build local skills and research pipelines.

Explanation

The idiomatic expression "in a bind" or "stuck in a bind" refers to being in a difficult, restrictive, or awkward situation that is hard to resolve or escape from. In the context of the passage, rural America faces significant economic challenges, including the loss of traditional jobs and limited access to high-tech training, putting it in a tough, disadvantaged position.

Explanation

In the context of government action fostering collaborations between academia and business, to incentivise means to provide encouragement, motivation, or support for an initiative. The word promote directly conveys the sense of encouraging, furthering, and supporting the development of these collaborative partnerships.

Explanation

Placing H facing away from the centre at position 1 (numbered clockwise 1 to 8): F sits second to the right of H at position 3, facing the centre. Q sits third to the right of F at position 8, facing away from the centre. K sits second to the right of Q at position 2, facing the centre. G cannot be adjacent to H or F, nor opposite to them, placing G at position 6. I cannot sit adjacent to G (positions 5 and 7), so I sits at position 4, facing away from the centre. P sits third to the right of I at position 7, facing the centre. J sits at position 5, facing away from the centre.

With I seated at position 4 facing outward (away from the centre), the counter-clockwise direction represents the left of I. Position 3 is immediate left and position 2 (where K sits) is second to the left.

Explanation

Arranging the eight persons around the circular table in positions 1 to 8 in clockwise order: Position 1: H (faces outside) Position 2: Q (faces outside) Position 3: P (faces inside) Position 4: G (faces outside) Position 5: J (faces outside) Position 6: I (faces outside) Position 7: F (faces inside) Position 8: K (faces inside)

Since Q is at position 2 and faces away from the centre, the right of Q moves counter-clockwise along the circle (positions 1, 8, 7, 6 to reach position 5, where J sits). The four persons seated between Q and J in this direction are H, K, F, and I.

Explanation

Placing H facing outward at position 1, F sits second to the right of H at position 3 (facing inward). G cannot be adjacent to H or F, nor opposite to them, placing G at position 6.

Since F faces inward, Q sits third to the right of F at position 8 (facing outward). K sits second to the right of Q at position 2 (facing inward). I is not adjacent to G, placing I at position 4 (facing outward). P sits third to the right of I at position 7 (facing inward), leaving J at position 5 (facing outward).

In this arrangement, exactly three people (F, K, P) face inward toward the centre, while five people (H, Q, I, J, G) face outward. The person sitting diametrically opposite to F at position 3 is P at position 7.

Explanation

Arranging the eight persons around the circular table: With H facing away from the centre at position 1: F sits at position 3 facing towards the centre. G sits at position 6 facing away from the centre. Q sits at position 8 facing away from the centre. K sits at position 2 facing towards the centre. I sits at position 4 facing away from the centre. P sits at position 7 facing towards the centre. J sits at position 5 facing away from the centre.

Among the eight persons: Facing towards the centre: F, K, P Facing away from the centre: H, Q, I, J, G

Among the given options, K faces towards the centre, whereas H, Q, I, and J all face away from the centre.

Explanation

Arranging the eight persons around the circular table clockwise from positions 1 to 8: Position 1: H (facing outside) Position 2: K (facing centre) Position 3: F (facing centre) Position 4: I (facing outside) Position 5: J (facing outside) Position 6: G (facing outside) Position 7: P (facing centre) Position 8: Q (facing outside)

Exactly three persons (K, F, and P) face the centre, while the remaining five (H, I, J, G, and Q) face away from the centre. Since P sits at position 7 facing the centre, the immediate left of P is position 8, where Q is seated.

Explanation

In the expression Q × P + R, the segment Q × P denotes that Q is the father of P, placing Q one generation above P. The segment P + R denotes that P is the brother of R, which establishes that P is male. Together, these relations define P as the male child, or son, of Q.

Explanation

In the expression Q + P ÷ R, Q + P indicates that Q is the brother of P, and P ÷ R indicates that P is the mother of R. This establishes that Q is the maternal uncle of R. Because the gender of R is not defined anywhere in the statement, R may be either a nephew or a niece.

Explanation

T ≥ S = P ≥ Q. Conclusion I: P = Q — false. Conclusion II: P > Q — false. However, since T ≥ S = P ≥ Q, either P = Q or P > Q must hold together as a pair, so one of the two conclusions is necessarily true even though neither is true individually. Hence either conclusion I or II is true.

Explanation

From the given statements S ≤ T, T > R, and T = W:

Evaluating Conclusion I (R < S): Combining S ≤ T and R < T shows that both R and S are less than or equal to T, with opposite inequality signs facing each other, so no definite relationship can be established between R and S.

Evaluating Conclusion II (S > W): Substituting T = W into S ≤ T gives S ≤ W, which directly contradicts S > W.

Therefore, neither conclusion is definitely true.

Explanation

From the given statement, substituting X for Y gives X ≤ Z, which is equivalent to Z ≥ X. This inequality establishes two mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive possibilities: Z > X or Z = X. Since conclusion I states Z = X and conclusion II states Z > X, exactly one of them must be true.

Explanation

From the given inequality chain, connecting S and R gives S > E > C > U = R. Since the strict greater-than inequality holds throughout the chain from S to R, it directly follows that S > R, or equivalently R < S. For the second conclusion, the chain gives E > C, which means C < E, making the condition C ≥ E false.

Explanation

V < U cannot be concluded because both are related by opposite signs in the given statements, so conclusion I does not follow. L ≥ S, however, clearly holds true, so conclusion II follows. Hence only conclusion II is true.

Explanation

Setting up infrastructure alone is ineffective if it is not made functional, maintained, and monitored to ensure consistent power delivery to intended areas. Establishing an inspection body to oversee and utilize the installed network provides a direct and practical corrective measure to resolve the gap between infrastructure installation and actual power supply.

Explanation

Course of action I follows because it addresses knowledge and skill development directly. IQ and General Knowledge are not synonymous, so course of action II does not follow. Hence only course of action I follows.

Explanation

The given conditions state that the head of the class on Wednesday is Student D and on Saturday is Student B. Thus, Student D is assigned to Wednesday.

Explanation

Working through the given conditions, the final arrangement is: Monday–A–18, Tuesday–C–23, Wednesday–D–24, Thursday–E–20, Friday–F–21, Saturday–B–17. The head of the class on Thursday is Student E.

Explanation

From the final arrangement, the head of class on Friday is F with roll number 21, and on Saturday is B with roll number 17. Their sum is 21 + 17 = 38.

Explanation

From the final arrangement, Student C's roll number is 23.

Explanation

The final arrangement is: Monday–A–18, Tuesday–C–23, Wednesday–D–24, Thursday–E–20, Friday–F–21, Saturday–B–17. Only "Saturday–B–17" matches this arrangement exactly.

Explanation

Working through the given conditions on the time taken by each person, Sia takes 40 minutes to complete the task.

Explanation

Comparing the time taken by each person, Palak takes the maximum time among all of them. Hence the answer is Palak.

Explanation

Checking the given condition against each person, exactly four persons satisfy it. Hence the answer is Four.

Explanation

From the coding scheme, 'pik' is the code for 'saurabh'. Hence the answer is pik.

Explanation

From the coding scheme: 'saurabh major go army' → tik mik pik sik; 'army convoy go further' → gik tik cik mik; 'major go with rifle' → tik sik lik dik. The word 'go' is common to all three sentences, so its code is 'tik'. The word 'army' is common to the first two sentences, so its code is 'mik'. Hence the answer is mik.

Explanation

Using the same coding scheme, 'major' is common to the first and third sentences. Excluding 'go' = tik, the shared code between 'tik mik pik sik' and 'tik sik lik dik' is 'sik'. Hence the answer is sik.

Explanation

'Convoy' appears only in the sentence 'army convoy go further' → gik tik cik mik. With 'go' = tik and 'army' = mik already fixed, the remaining codes gik and cik correspond to 'convoy' and 'further', but which code belongs to which word cannot be determined uniquely. Hence the code for 'convoy' is either gik or cik.

Explanation

From the coding scheme, 'go' is common to all three sentences, so its code is 'tik'. Hence the answer is tik.

Explanation

An evaluation period before confirming employment is instituted precisely because an individual's actual on-the-job performance cannot be fully determined at the initial stage of making a recruitment offer, making Assumption I implicit. Furthermore, establishing a trial or probation period operates on the presupposition that the candidate will utilize this timeframe to actively demonstrate their competence and prove their value to the organization, which makes Assumption II implicit as well.

Explanation

Since it is stated that the existing laws are not strong enough, argument I is strong. Argument II states that there is no problem with the laws but the problem is with implementation, so II is also strong. However, I and II are contradictory: one says the laws are insufficient and the other says they are sufficient. Hence either I or II is strong.

Explanation

In logical reasoning, an argument is considered strong when it is rational, directly addresses the core issue, and is grounded in fundamental human rights or established principles. Personal autonomy and the freedom of an individual to choose their own life partner represent a strong, universally recognized right. Conversely, justifying a practice solely on the grounds of long-standing tradition or past custom is an appeal to tradition, which lacks substantive logical justification and is considered a weak argument.

Explanation

Three persons sit between C and D, with either C or D at an extreme end of the line, and the person facing D sits third to the left of R. S faces the person sitting third to the left of A and cannot sit adjacent to R, which rules out one of the two possible cases. The immediate neighbour of Q faces the immediate neighbour of A, only one person sits between P and T (who faces the person seated immediately to the right of E), neither E nor F faces R, and V and Q do not sit adjacent to each other. Working through these constraints places V in the position asked about. Hence the answer is V.

Explanation

Three persons sit between C and D, with either C or D at an extreme end of the line, and the person facing D sits third to the left of R. S faces the person sitting third to the left of A and cannot sit adjacent to R, which rules out one of the two possible cases. The immediate neighbour of Q faces the immediate neighbour of A, only one person sits between P and T (who faces the person seated immediately to the right of E), neither E nor F faces R, and V and Q do not sit adjacent to each other. Working through these constraints, only one such position/pair satisfies all the conditions. Hence the answer is One.

Explanation

Three persons sit between C and D, with either C or D at an extreme end of the line, and the person facing D sits third to the left of R. S faces the person sitting third to the left of A and cannot sit adjacent to R, which rules out one of the two possible cases. The immediate neighbour of Q faces the immediate neighbour of A, only one person sits between P and T (who faces the person seated immediately to the right of E), neither E nor F faces R, and V and Q do not sit adjacent to each other. Working through these constraints, F faces Q. Hence the answer is 'F faces Q'.

Explanation

Three persons sit between C and D, with either C or D at an extreme end of the line, and the person facing D sits third to the left of R. S faces the person sitting third to the left of A and cannot sit adjacent to R, which rules out one of the two possible cases. The immediate neighbour of Q faces the immediate neighbour of A, only one person sits between P and T (who faces the person seated immediately to the right of E), neither E nor F faces R, and V and Q do not sit adjacent to each other. Working through these constraints places S in the position asked about. Hence the answer is S.

Explanation

Three persons sit between C and D, with either C or D at an extreme end of the line, and the person facing D sits third to the left of R. S faces the person sitting third to the left of A and cannot sit adjacent to R, which rules out one of the two possible cases. The immediate neighbour of Q faces the immediate neighbour of A, only one person sits between P and T (who faces the person seated immediately to the right of E), neither E nor F faces R, and V and Q do not sit adjacent to each other. Working through these constraints places R in the position asked about. Hence the answer is R.

Explanation

Neither conclusion I nor II follows from the given statement.

Explanation

From the statements, all apples are cherries (Apples ⊆ Bananas ⊆ Cherries). Since only some cherries are mangoes, the intersection between cherries and mangoes does not necessarily involve apples, so conclusion I does not follow. For conclusion II, the universal affirmative statement 'All apples are bananas' (A-type) converts by limitation only to the particular affirmative 'Some bananas are apples' (I-type), making 'All bananas are apples' invalid. Therefore, neither conclusion follows.

Explanation

Only conclusion I follows from the given statement.

Explanation

Combining the first statement (Some colours are reds) with the second statement (All reds are blacks) directly yields the conclusion that Some colours are blacks. The phrase "at least some" is logically equivalent to "some", making Conclusion I definitely true. In contrast, there is no relation given that necessitates all whites being colours, so Conclusion II does not follow.

Explanation

To find the letters satisfying the condition of being immediately preceded by a number or immediately followed by a symbol:

H is followed by symbol *. M is followed by symbol ^. K is followed by symbol ⊕. L is followed by symbol &. P is preceded by number 8 and followed by symbol #. I is preceded by number 7. Q is preceded by number 4. R is preceded by number 6 and followed by symbol @. E is preceded by number 8.

The other letters (O, O, Y, W, Z) satisfy neither condition. Thus, there are 9 such letters in total.

Explanation

Arranging the elements as per the given conditions gives two possible cases: Case 1: H * 7 ) 0 M % K @ L & 8 P # & O Y 7 I 4 Q 6 R @ 8 E 6 & W 8 ) Z Case 2: H * 8 ) 6 M % K @ L & 8 P # & O Y 6 I 4 Q 7 R @ 8 E 0 & W 7 ) Z In both cases, L is the fourth element, and the element second to the right of L is 6. Hence the answer is 6.

Explanation

Arranging the elements as per the given conditions gives two possible cases: Case 1: H * 7 ) 0 M % K @ L & 8 P # & O Y 7 I 4 Q 6 R @ 8 E 6 & W 8 ) Z Case 2: H * G ) 0 M % K @ L & H P # & O Y G I D Q F R @ H E F & W H ) Z Comparing the two cases and counting the positions that satisfy the given condition gives three. Hence the answer is Three.

Explanation

Replacing each letter with its positional value in the English alphabet: H = 8, O = 15, M = 13, K = 11, L = 12, P = 16, O = 15, Y = 25, I = 9, Q = 17, R = 18, E = 5, W = 23, Z = 26.

Among the replaced letter values, the numbers divisible by 4 are H (8), L (12), and P (16), giving 3 numbers.

Among the original numeric digits in the sequence, the numbers divisible by 4 are 8, 4, 8, and 8, giving 4 numbers.

Total count of numbers divisible by 4 = 3 + 4 = 7.

Explanation

Counting the numbers from the right end of the sequence gives 8, 6, 8, 6, 4, 7, 8, 0, and 7, making the first 7 the ninth number from the right end.

Moving to the right from this 7, the successive letters are M (1st), K (2nd), L (3rd), P (4th), O (5th), Y (6th), and I (7th).

Explanation

Starting by walking south, Shalini faces South. A right turn rotates her heading 90° clockwise to face West. A second right turn rotates her heading another 90° clockwise to face North. After walking 15m North and stopping, her final facing direction is North.

Explanation

Arranging the seven persons and their respective companies from the topmost floor (7) to the ground floor (1): Floor 7: W - ONGC Floor 6: V - RIL Floor 5: Z - IOC Floor 4: U - Tata Motors Floor 3: X - HPCL Floor 2: Y - BPCL Floor 1: T - SBI

X lives on floor 3 and Z lives on floor 5, which is two floors above X. Z works in IOC.

Explanation

Arranging the seven colleagues and their companies from floor 7 to floor 1: Floor 7: W (ONGC) Floor 6: V (RIL) Floor 5: Z (IOC) Floor 4: U (Tata Motors) Floor 3: X (HPCL) Floor 2: Y (BPCL) Floor 1: T (SBI)

In the given pattern, V on floor 6 is related to Tata Motors on floor 4 (two floors below), and T on floor 1 is related to HPCL on floor 3 (two floors above). Similarly, Z on floor 5 is related to the company two floors above on floor 7, which is ONGC.

Explanation

Placing Z on floor 5 and ONGC on floor 7, V must be on floor 6 (even floor) with X on floor 3 (two floors between V and X) so that Tata Motors is on floor 4 (just above X). Since T cannot be on floor 7 (HPCL is above T) and has three floors between it and IOC, T is on floor 1 and IOC is on floor 5. U is placed on floor 4 with RIL on floor 6 (one floor between U and RIL), which leaves W on floor 7, X on floor 3 (HPCL), and T on floor 1 (SBI). This places Y (BPCL) on the 2nd floor. Therefore, exactly 5 persons (on floors 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) live above the one who works in BPCL.

Explanation

Arranging the colleagues from top to bottom based on the given conditions gives the unique floor-wise distribution: Floor 7: W (ONGC) Floor 6: V (RIL) Floor 5: Z (IOC) Floor 4: U (Tata Motors) Floor 3: X (HPCL) Floor 2: Y (BPCL) Floor 1: T (SBI)

In all other pairs, the person and the employee of the given company live on immediately adjacent floors with a difference of one floor: W (7) and RIL (6), T (1) and BPCL (2), Z (5) and Tata Motors (4), and Y (2) and HPCL (3). In contrast, V lives on floor 6 while the person working in SBI lives on floor 1.

Explanation

Placing the individuals and their companies on the seven floors from 7 to 1: Floor 7: W (ONGC) Floor 6: V (RIL) Floor 5: Z (IOC) Floor 4: U (Tata Motors) Floor 3: X (HPCL) Floor 2: Y (BPCL) Floor 1: T (SBI)

Since V is on floor 6 and the person working in HPCL (X) is on floor 3, V lives exactly three floors away from the one who works in HPCL (6 - 3 = 3).