SSC CGL Tier 1 2017 General Intelligence & Reasoning Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The relationship between the numbers in the first pair follows the rule of the negative reciprocal. If the first number is x, the second number is -1/x.

Applying this rule to the first term: x = -3/7 y = -1 / (-3/7) = 7/3

Applying the same rule to the third term: x = 9/2 y = -1 / (9/2) = -2/9

Explanation

Mother-in-law is the only feminine gender term among the given options. It is also the only relationship in the list that is defined by marriage (affinal) rather than being a direct biological blood relation (consanguineous).

Explanation

The letter group VUT is the odd one out because it follows a reverse alphabetical sequence. In this group, the letters are arranged in descending order of their positions in the English alphabet: V (22), U (21), and T (20). This represents a constant subtraction of 1 (n, n-1, n-2). The other alternatives consist of letters arranged in a forward or ascending alphabetical sequence where each subsequent letter is the immediate successor of the previous one (n, n+1, n+2).

Explanation

The number 22 is a composite number, as it is divisible by factors other than 1 and itself, specifically 2 and 11. The other numbers in the set are all prime numbers, which are natural numbers greater than 1 that have no positive divisors other than 1 and themselves. Specifically, 13, 41, and 43 are prime numbers.

Explanation

The given series follows a pattern based on the number of letters in each word. The word Shy has 3 letters, Food has 4 letters, Plate has 5 letters, and Recess has 6 letters. In this increasing sequence, the next word must contain 7 letters. Monsoon consists of exactly 7 letters (M-o-n-s-o-o-n), which satisfies the logical progression of the series.

Explanation

The given series consists of strings composed of the letters I and X. In the English alphabet, I is a vowel and X is a consonant.

Analyzing the number of consonants in each term of the series: XIII: contains 1 consonant (X) and 3 vowels (I, I, I). IXIII: contains 1 consonant (X) and 4 vowels (I, I, I, I). IXIII: contains 1 consonant (X) and 4 vowels (I, I, I, I). IIIXII: contains 1 consonant (X) and 5 vowels (I, I, I, I, I). IIIXII: contains 1 consonant (X) and 5 vowels (I, I, I, I, I).

The consistent pattern throughout the series is that every term contains exactly one consonant. To complete the series, we must choose an option that also contains exactly one consonant: Monsoon: contains 4 consonants (M, n, s, n). Soon: contains 2 consonants (S, n). Eat: contains 1 consonant (t) and 2 vowels (E, a). Lunch: contains 4 consonants (L, n, c, h).

Eat is the only option that matches the requirement of having exactly one consonant.

Explanation

The given sequence consists of the squares of consecutive natural numbers starting from 7. The pattern of the series is: 7² = 49 8² = 64 The missing number follows 8 in the sequence, which is 9. Calculating its square gives: 9² = 81 The subsequent terms in the series continue this pattern as 10² = 100 and 11² = 121.

Explanation

To determine the day of the week for Rehan's birthday, we calculate the total number of days between 18th May and 19th August in the same year and find the number of odd days.

The number of days remaining in May is 31 - 18 = 13 days. June has 30 days, July has 31 days, and we include 19 days of August.

Total days = 13 (May) + 30 (June) + 31 (July) + 19 (August) = 93 days.

The number of odd days is the remainder when the total number of days is divided by 7: 93 7 = 2

Adding 2 odd days to the starting day (Thursday): Thursday + 1 day = Friday Thursday + 2 days = Saturday

Rehan's birthday falls on a Saturday.

Explanation

To determine if 160 kg can be formed using the weights 30, 40, 50, and 100 kg exactly once, we analyze the two possible cases for the combination. In the first case, if the 100 kg box is included, the remaining boxes in the combination must sum to exactly 160 - 100 = 60 kg. Using the available boxes {30, 40, 50}, the possible sums are 30, 40, 50, 70 (30 + 40), 80 (30 + 50), 90 (40 + 50), and 120 (30 + 40 + 50). None of these combinations result in a sum of 60 kg. In the second case, if the 100 kg box is excluded, the combination must consist only of the weights 30, 40, and 50 kg. The maximum possible total in this scenario is 30 + 40 + 50 = 120 kg, which is less than the target of 160 kg. Since neither case yields the required total, 160 kg is an impossible combination.

Explanation

The word CREATE cannot be formed using the letters of the word ECCENTRICITY because the letter A is not present in the original word. While ECCENTRICITY contains the letters E, C, N, T, R, I, and Y, it lacks the letter A required to spell CREATE.

Explanation

The coding pattern follows a simple forward shift where each letter in the word is replaced by the letter that appears three positions after it in the English alphabet (n + 3). For the word ETHANOL, the transformation is as follows: E (5) becomes H (8), T (20) becomes W (23), H (8) becomes K (11), A (1) becomes D (4), N (14) becomes Q (17), O (15) becomes R (18), and L (12) becomes O (15).

Applying this same rule to the word MIX: the letter M (13) shifted by three positions results in P (16); the letter I (9) shifted by three positions results in L (12); and the letter X (24) shifted by three positions wraps around the alphabet (25-Y, 26-Z, 1-A) to result in A (1). By combining these letters, the code for MIX is PLA.

Explanation

The mathematical value of the expression is determined by substituting the symbols according to the code language and applying the order of operations. In this code, the multiplication symbol × represents division ÷, the minus symbol - represents addition +, and the plus symbol + represents multiplication ×. Replacing the symbols in the given expression 24 × 6 - 8 + 2 yields the modified expression 24 ÷ 6 + 8 × 2.

Following the BODMAS rule, the division 24 ÷ 6 is performed first to get 4. The expression then becomes 4 + 8 × 2. Next, the multiplication 8 × 2 is performed to get 16. Finally, adding 4 + 16 results in the final value of 20.

Explanation

The operation follows a pattern where the result is determined by adding the sum of the digits of the first number to the sum of the digits of the second number. Let S(n) denote the sum of the digits of a number n. The logic is S(n₁) + S(n₂) = Result.

For 10 × 25 = 8: S(10) + S(25) = (1 + 0) + (2 + 5) = 1 + 7 = 8

For 12 × 25 = 10: S(12) + S(25) = (1 + 2) + (2 + 5) = 3 + 7 = 10

Applying this rule to 14 × 53: S(14) + S(53) = (1 + 4) + (5 + 3) = 5 + 8 = 13

Explanation

The numerical pattern in the grid is based on vertical addition, where the value in the third row of each column is the sum of the values in the first and second rows.

In the first column: 45 + 12 = 57 In the second column: 11 + 0 = 11 In the third column: 1 + 1 = 2

Explanation

Let the starting point be the origin (0, 0) on a Cartesian plane where the y-axis represents the North-South direction and the x-axis represents the East-West direction. Person X moves 40 m North to (0, 40), then 80 m West to (-80, 40), and finally turns right to move 50 m North, ending at (-80, 40 + 50) = (-80, 90). Person Y moves 90 m North from the same starting point, ending at (0, 90). Since both individuals are at the same vertical displacement of 90 m North, their relative position depends only on the horizontal axis. The distance between X at x = -80 and Y at x = 0 is 0 - (-80) = 80 m. Because Y is at a higher x-coordinate relative to X, Y is situated 80 m to the East of X.

Explanation

Argument I is a strong argument because it addresses the practical and economic repercussions of implementing a nationwide compulsory policy. In a country with a massive population like India, the fiscal expenditure required to provide infrastructure, equipment, food, and professional trainers for every citizen would be immense and could divert essential funds from other critical sectors like healthcare and education. Furthermore, the withdrawal of the youth from the active workforce or the delay in their entry into professional careers for a full year represents a significant opportunity cost. This loss of labor would directly impact the national productivity and the Gross Domestic Product, making the economic concern both logical and grounded in the reality of resource management.

Explanation

The analogy follows the relationship of a vehicle and the medium or surface on which it operates. A car is a land vehicle specifically designed to travel on a road. Similarly, a ship is a maritime vessel designed to travel across water. Therefore, just as a road is the path for a car, water is the medium for a ship.

Explanation

The relationship between the first pair of letter clusters, GLOW and FJNU, follows an alternating subtraction pattern based on the alphabetical positions of the letters. Specifically, the transformation is G - 1 = F, L - 2 = J, O - 1 = N, and W - 2 = U. By applying this same sequence of operations (-1, -2, -1, -2) to the second term PTEL, we get the following: P - 1 = O, T - 2 = R, E - 1 = D, and L - 2 = J. This yields the code ORDJ.

Explanation

The relationship between the numbers in the first pair follows the logic n : n³ - 1. For the number 5, the corresponding value is calculated as 5³ - 1, which equals 125 - 1 = 124. Applying the same pattern to the second pair, the missing number is found by calculating 6³ - 1. Since 6³ is 216, the result is 216 - 1 = 215.

Explanation

The word pairs Error and Accurate, Strength and Lethargy, and Gloomy and Cheerful all consist of antonyms, where the two words in each pair have opposite meanings. In contrast, the words Careless and Casual are synonyms or share a similar meaning, as both describe a lack of concern, attention, or formality. Because this pair is based on a relationship of similarity rather than opposition, it does not follow the pattern established by the other pairs.

Explanation

The relationship in the first pair is based on gender, where Lion is the masculine form and Lioness is its feminine counterpart. Similarly, Bull is the masculine term for cattle, and Cow is the corresponding feminine term.

Explanation

The relationship between the letter groups is determined by a constant forward shift of 7 positions in the alphabetical sequence. By assigning each letter its corresponding numerical position (A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26), the pattern for the first pair is: H (8) + 7 = 15 (O) I (9) + 7 = 16 (P) J (10) + 7 = 17 (Q)

Applying this same +7 shift logic to the group STU: S (19) + 7 = 26 (Z) T (20) + 7 = 27. In a cyclic alphabet of 26 letters, 27 corresponds to 27 - 26 = 1 (A). U (21) + 7 = 28. Similarly, 28 corresponds to 28 - 26 = 2 (B).

The resulting letters are ZAB.

Explanation

CWDX is the odd letters because it does not follow the pattern of having consecutive alphabetical opposite pairs. Two letters are opposites if the sum of their numerical positions equals 27 (Pᵢ + Pⱼ = 27). For the sequence C (3), W (23), D (4), and X (24), the sum of the first two letters is 3 + 23 = 26 and the sum of the last two letters is 4 + 24 = 28. Because these sums are not 27, the letters are not arranged as consecutive opposite pairs. Additionally, it violates the positional shift rule where the fourth letter should be the predecessor of the second (P₄ = P₂ - 1), as X (24) is the successor of W (23). Finally, this letter group is the only one that does not contain a vowel.

Explanation

The relationship in the first pair is established by their deviation from the base number 100. The number 99 is 1 less than 100 (100 - 1 = 99), while the number 101 is 1 more than 100 (100 + 1 = 101). Applying the same logic to the second pair, the number 90 is 10 less than 100 (100 - 10 = 90). To find the corresponding number, we add the same value of 10 to the base number: 100 + 10 = 110.

Explanation

Brinjal is the odd one out because it grows above the ground on a plant and is botanically a fruit. In contrast, carrots, radishes, and beets are all root vegetables that develop and grow underground as modified roots. This classification based on the growth environment and the anatomical part of the plant distinguishes brinjal from the other three options.

Explanation

The letters in the sets EDC, IHG, and QPO all follow a pattern of three consecutive alphabets in reverse alphabetical order, representing the numerical positions n, n-1, n-2. Specifically, E(5), D(4), C(3); I(9), H(8), G(7); and Q(17), P(16), O(15) are decreasing sequences of adjacent letters. In contrast, LKM consists of L(12), K(11), and M(13), which does not follow the consistent reverse-succession pattern found in the other alternatives.

Explanation

The numbers 100, 400, and 900 are all perfect squares, as they can be expressed as 10², 20², and 30² respectively. In contrast, 800 is not a perfect square of any integer, which makes it the odd number among the given alternatives.

Explanation

The pattern in the given series is determined by the position of the letter n in each word. In Never, n is the 1st letter. In Under, n is the 2nd letter. In Manly, n is the 3rd letter. In Sauna, n is the 4th letter. In Train, n is the 5th letter. Following this incremental sequence, the next word in the series must have the letter n in the 6th position. In the word Terminal, the letter n appears as the 6th letter.

Explanation

The series follows a pattern where each term consists of three consecutive letters, and the number of letters skipped between consecutive terms increases by one each time. Between ABC and DEF, zero letters are skipped. Between DEF and HIJ, one letter (G) is skipped. Between HIJ and MNO, two letters (K and L) are skipped. Between MNO and STU, three letters (P, Q, and R) are skipped. Following this arithmetic progression, the gap between STU and the final term must be four letters. Skipping V, W, X, and Y after STU results in the next letter being Z. Maintaining the three-consecutive-letter format in a circular alphabetical sequence, the next term is ZAB.

Explanation

The given series is a geometric progression where each subsequent term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by a common ratio of -2.

The pattern of the series is: -7.5 × -2 = 15 15 × -2 = -30 -30 × -2 = 60 60 × -2 = -120 -120 × -2 = 240

By multiplying the fourth term (60) by the common ratio (-2), we get the missing fifth term as -120.

Explanation

To find the day of the week for 28th October, we calculate the total number of days from 2nd April to 28th October. In April, there are 30 - 2 = 28 days remaining. The subsequent months have 31 days in May, 30 days in June, 31 days in July, 31 days in August, 30 days in September, and 28 days in October until the birthday.

Total days = 28 + 31 + 30 + 31 + 31 + 30 + 28 = 209 days.

The number of odd days is found by dividing the total days by 7 and finding the remainder: 209 7 = 6.

Since there are 6 odd days, we count 6 days forward from Sunday. Adding 6 days to Sunday results in Saturday.

Explanation

To determine if a total weight of 200 kg is possible, we examine the combinations of the weights {100, 90, 80, 40}. Using any two boxes, the maximum possible sum is 100 + 90 = 190 kg. Using any three boxes, the minimum possible sum is 90 + 80 + 40 = 210 kg. Since the value 200 kg lies strictly between the maximum sum achievable with two boxes and the minimum sum achievable with three boxes, no combination of these individual weights, used at most once, can result in a total of 200 kg.

Explanation

The word MOTLIEST contains the letters M, O, T, L, I, E, S, and T. To form the word MINES, the letter N is required. Since the letter N is not present in the original word MOTLIEST, MINES cannot be formed.

Explanation

The pattern observed in the other alternatives follows the logic where the second number is the square of the first number plus one, expressed as y = x² + 1. For this pair, the first number is 11, and its square is 11² = 121. However, the second number provided is 120, which is calculated as 121 - 1. Since it uses subtraction instead of the addition of 1, it is the odd pair.

Explanation

The coding logic follows a constant pattern where each letter of the word is shifted two positions backward in the English alphabetical sequence, represented by the formula n - 2. In the word CROWNED, the transformation is as follows: C (3) becomes A (1), R (18) becomes P (16), O (15) becomes M (13), W (23) becomes U (21), N (14) becomes L (12), E (5) becomes C (3), and D (4) becomes B (2).

Applying this same n - 2 logic to the word TAP: T is the 20th letter; 20 - 2 = 18, which corresponds to R. A is the 1st letter; shifting backward by two positions wraps around the alphabet (A to Z to Y), resulting in Y. P is the 16th letter; 16 - 2 = 14, which corresponds to N.

Following this shift, the code for TAP is RYN.

Explanation

Based on the coding logic provided, the operators in the expression are substituted as follows: × is replaced by ÷, ÷ is replaced by -, and + is replaced by ×.

Substituting these operators into the given expression 642 × 6 ÷ 25 + 4: 642 ÷ 6 - 25 × 4

Applying the BODMAS rule, we first perform the division: 642 ÷ 6 = 107

Next, we perform the multiplication: 25 × 4 = 100

Finally, we perform the subtraction: 107 - 100 = 7

Explanation

The logic followed in the given expressions is the difference between the sum of the digits of the two numbers. Specifically, if the expression is A B, the result is (Sum of digits of A) - (Sum of digits of B).

For 29 14: (2 + 9) - (1 + 4) = 11 - 5 = 6

For 37 25: (3 + 7) - (2 + 5) = 10 - 7 = 3

Applying the same logic to 84 62: (8 + 4) - (6 + 2) = 12 - 8 = 4

Explanation

The displacement of the marathon route can be calculated by tracking the vertical (North-South) and horizontal (East-West) movements separately. The route first moves 21 km North. The subsequent 7 km West turn is exactly cancelled out by the final 7 km East turn (a right turn from a Northward heading). This leaves only the Northward components of the journey. Adding the initial 21 km North and the later 10 km North gives a total displacement of 21 + 10 = 31 km North from the starting position.

Explanation

According to Statement 1, the entire set of clocks is contained within the set of watches (Clocks ⊆ Watches). Statement 2 establishes that there is an intersection between the set of clocks and the set of alarms (Clocks ∩ Alarms ≠ ∅). Because every clock is also a watch, any element that belongs to both clocks and alarms must also belong to the set of watches. This logical necessity ensures that there is an overlap between alarms and watches (Alarms ∩ Watches ≠ ∅), which directly supports Conclusion I. Conclusion II cannot be definitively concluded because while all clocks are watches, there may be watches outside the clock set that do not intersect with alarms.

Explanation

To arrange the words in dictionary order, we compare the letters of each word from left to right. All five words start with the letter P. Looking at the second letters, we have a in Pastel, e in Pebble, o in Postal, and r in both Pragmatic and Protect. According to the alphabet, a comes before e, e comes before o, and o comes before r. Therefore, Pastel (3) is first, Pebble (5) is second, and Postal (4) is third.

To determine the order between the two words starting with Pr, we compare their third letters. Pragmatic (1) has the letter a as its third letter, while Protect (2) has the letter o. Since a precedes o in the alphabet, Pragmatic (1) comes before Protect (2). Combining these steps, the correct dictionary sequence is 3, 5, 4, 1, 2.

Explanation

The series follows a pattern of consecutive letters in reverse alphabetical order. By assigning numerical values to the letters based on their positions in the English alphabet, we have Q as 17, P as 16, O as 15, and N as 14. The common difference between successive terms is d = -1. Following this arithmetic progression, the next term in the sequence is 14 - 1 = 13. The letter corresponding to the 13th position in the alphabet is M.

Explanation

The series follows a Fibonacci-style addition pattern where each term starting from the third position is the sum of the two preceding terms.

The third term is 6 + 9 = 15. The fourth term is 9 + 15 = 24. The fifth term is 15 + 24 = 39. The sixth term is 24 + 39 = 63.

To find the missing number, we add the two previous terms in the sequence: 39 + 63 = 102.

Explanation

P and Q are brothers, making them part of the same generation. S is the child of P, and R is the son of Q. Since P and Q are siblings, their children S and R are first cousins. R is married to U, which makes U the wife of S's cousin. In standard kinship terminology used in verbal reasoning, the wife of one's cousin is referred to as a sister-in-law.

Explanation

Let the present ages of A and B be A and B respectively. According to the first condition, B's age nine years from now equals A's current age: A = B + 9, which can be rewritten as A - B = 9.

The second condition states that the sum of A's age three years hence and B's age four years ago is 76: (A + 3) + (B - 4) = 76 A + B - 1 = 76 A + B = 77

Adding the two equations, (A - B) + (A + B) = 9 + 77, gives 2A = 86, so A = 43. Substituting A = 43 into the equation A + B = 77 gives 43 + B = 77, which results in B = 34.

The present age of C is half of B's present age: C = ³⁴⁄₂ = 17

To find C's age after 10 years, we add 10 to the present age: 17 + 10 = 27

Explanation

The word Bane cannot be formed from the letters in Herringbone because it requires the letter A. A close inspection of the constituent letters of Herringbone (H, E, R, R, I, N, G, B, O, N, E) reveals that while it contains the letters B, N, and E, the letter A is absent from the original word. Therefore, any word containing the letter A is impossible to construct.

Explanation

The coding follows a logic where the nᵗʰ letter of the original word is shifted backward by n positions, and the sequence of resulting letters is reversed to form the final code.

For the word NIGHT: N (14) - 1 = 13 (M) I (9) - 2 = 7 (G) G (7) - 3 = 4 (D) H (8) - 4 = 4 (D) T (20) - 5 = 15 (O) Arranging the letters M, G, D, D, O in reverse order yields ODDGM.

For the word DARK: D (4) - 1 = 3 (C) A (1) - 2 = 25 (Y) R (18) - 3 = 15 (O) K (11) - 4 = 7 (G) Arranging the letters C, Y, O, G in reverse order yields GOYC.

Applying this pattern to the word GREEN: G (7) - 1 = 6 (F) R (18) - 2 = 16 (P) E (5) - 3 = 2 (B) E (5) - 4 = 1 (A) N (14) - 5 = 9 (I) Arranging the letters F, P, B, A, I in reverse order yields IABPF.

Explanation

To correct the equation using the BODMAS rule, the minus (-) and plus (+) signs are interchanged. The original equation is 4 × 3 - 6 ÷ 2 + 7 = 8. After interchanging the specified signs, the expression becomes:

4 × 3 + 6 ÷ 2 - 7

Following the BODMAS order of operations:

First, perform the division: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 The expression is now 4 × 3 + 3 - 7.

Second, perform the multiplication: 4 × 3 = 12 The expression is now 12 + 3 - 7.

Third, perform the addition: 12 + 3 = 15 The expression is now 15 - 7.

Finally, perform the subtraction: 15 - 7 = 8

The calculated value of 8 matches the right-hand side of the given equation.

Explanation

The relationship in this analogy is based on the primary mechanism used for steering and directional control of the vehicle. In a car, the driver manipulates the steering wheel to guide the vehicle's path. Similarly, on a motorcycle, the rider uses the handle bar to control the front wheel's direction and steer the vehicle. Both components represent the specific interface used by the operator to provide directional input.

Explanation

The relationship between the letter sets is based on the concept of reverse or opposite letters in the English alphabet, where the sum of the positions of two corresponding letters is always 27. In the first pair EFG : VUT, E is the 5th letter and V is the 22nd (5 + 22 = 27), F is the 6th letter and U is the 21st (6 + 21 = 27), and G is the 7th letter and T is the 20th (7 + 20 = 27).

Applying this logic to JIH: The letter J is the 10th letter, so its opposite is the 27 - 10 = 17th letter, which is Q. The letter I is the 9th letter, so its opposite is the 27 - 9 = 18th letter, which is R. The letter H is the 8th letter, so its opposite is the 27 - 8 = 19th letter, which is S. The resulting sequence is QRS.

Explanation

The relationship established in the first pair is that the second number is obtained by dividing the first number by 10. This is shown as 0.02 ÷ 10 = 0.002. Following the same logic for the second pair, we divide 1/3 by 10. The calculation is ⅓ × ⅒ = ¹⁄₃₀.