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

Explanation

The series follows a consistent addition pattern based on the alphabetical positions of the letters, where A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26. Each letter in a subsequent term is obtained by adding 5 to the corresponding letter of the previous term.

For the first letter of each term: A (1) + 5 = F (6); F (6) + 5 = K (11); K (11) + 5 = P (16). For the second letter of each term: C (3) + 5 = H (8); H (8) + 5 = M (13); M (13) + 5 = R (18). For the third letter of each term: E (5) + 5 = J (10); J (10) + 5 = O (15); O (15) + 5 = T (20).

Alternatively, each term consists of three letters with a gap of one letter between them (alternate letters), and the starting letter of each new term is the letter immediately following the last letter of the previous term plus one (e.g., E is 5, F is 6; J is 10, K is 11; O is 15, P is 16). Following the +5 logic for each position results in the next term being PRT.

Explanation

The series follows a multiplication pattern where each subsequent term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by a factor that doubles at each step. The pattern of multipliers is a geometric progression starting with 2.

The first term is multiplied by 2: 9 × 2 = 18

The second term is multiplied by 4: 18 × 4 = 72

The third term is multiplied by 8: 72 × 8 = 576

Following this sequence, the next multiplier must be 8 × 2 = 16. The missing number is determined by multiplying the fourth term by 16: 576 × 16 = 9216

Explanation

Sneha is the daughter of Akshay's only sister. In kinship terminology, the brother of one's mother is referred to as a maternal uncle. Since Akshay is the brother of Sneha's mother, he is her uncle.

Explanation

The total number of people in a row can be calculated using the formula: Total = (Position from Left + Position from Right) - 1. Since Tarak is 18th from both the left and the right ends, substituting the values gives 18 + 18 - 1 = 35. The subtraction of 1 is necessary because Tarak is counted twice—once while counting from the left and once while counting from the right.

Explanation

The word SOLVE contains the letter V, but the given word ABSOLUTE does not contain the letter V. Since the required letter is missing from the original set, the word cannot be formed.

Explanation

The coding follows a two-step process: finding the alphabetical opposite of each letter and then rearranging them based on the length of the word. Alphabetical opposites are pairs that sum to 27 (e.g., A=1, Z=26; 1+26=27).

Step 1: Find the opposites for the word OPTIMIST (8 letters). O → L, P → K, T → G, I → R, M → N, I → R, S → H, T → G. Opposite sequence: L K G R N R H G.

Step 2: Rearrange for an 8-letter word. The first two (L, K) and last two (H, G) letters remain in their positions. The middle four letters (G, R, N, R) undergo a left circular shift by 1 position: (G R N R) becomes (R N R G). Result: L K R N R G H G.

Now, apply this logic to PESSIMIST (9 letters). Step 1: Find the opposites. P → K, E → V, S → H, S → H, I → R, M → N, I → R, S → H, T → G. Opposite sequence: K V H H R N R H G.

Step 2: Rearrange for a 9-letter word. For a 9-letter word, the first two letters (K, V) are swapped to become (V, K). The remaining block of letters from the 3rd position to the end (H H R N R H G) undergoes a left circular shift by 2 positions: (H H R N R H G) becomes (R N R H G H H). Result: V K R N R H G H H.

Explanation

By interchanging the signs + and -, the given equation becomes 4 + 10 × 5 - 9 ÷ 3 = 51. To verify the validity of this interchange, we apply the BODMAS rule, which dictates the order of operations as Division, Multiplication, Addition, and then Subtraction.

First, we calculate the division part of the expression: 9 ÷ 3 = 3. This simplifies the equation to 4 + 10 × 5 - 3 = 51. Next, we proceed with the multiplication: 10 × 5 = 50, which further simplifies the expression to 4 + 50 - 3 = 51. Following the order of operations, we perform the addition: 4 + 50 = 54. Finally, we execute the subtraction: 54 - 3 = 51. Because the result of the left-hand side is 51, it matches the right-hand side exactly.

Explanation

The numbers in the given sequences follow the relationship of a Pythagorean triplet, specifically in the ratio 3:5:4, where the middle number (the one in brackets) represents the hypotenuse and the other two represent the legs of a right-angled triangle.

In the first case, 12 (20) 16, we have 12² + 16² = 144 + 256 = 400 = 20². This corresponds to the ratio 4 × (3, 5, 4).

In the second case, 21 (35) 28, we have 21² + 28² = 441 + 784 = 1225 = 35². This corresponds to the ratio 7 × (3, 5, 4).

In the third case, 48 (80) A, we apply the same logic: 48² + A² = 80². Solving for A, we get A² = 80² - 48² = 6400 - 2304 = 4096. Taking the square root, A = √(4096) = 64. Alternatively, using the ratio 16 × (3, 5, 4), we have 16 × 3 = 48, 16 × 5 = 80, and 16 × 4 = 64.

Explanation

The pattern established in the first grid is that the product of the two numbers in the top row and the number in the bottom-right corner equals the number in the bottom-left corner. For the first set, the calculation is 8 × 6 × 2 = 96.

Applying this same logic to the second grid, let the missing number be x. The relationship is expressed as x × 5 × 6 = 120. Simplifying the product on the left side gives 30x = 120. Dividing both sides by 30, we find x = 120 / 30 = 4.

Explanation

In formal logic, a valid connection between the subject of the first premise and the predicate of the second premise requires the middle term to be distributed at least once. The middle term in these statements is spirals. In Statement I, which is a universal affirmative proposition of the form All A are B, the predicate spirals is undistributed. In Statement II, which is a particular affirmative proposition of the form Some B are C, the subject spirals is also undistributed. Because the middle term is not distributed in either statement, no logical link can be established between dens and cards. This eliminates Conclusion II and Conclusion III.

Conclusion I states that Some spirals are not cards. However, Statement II only establishes that at least one spiral is a card. In the context of syllogisms, the word some means at least one and possibly all. The truth of Some spirals are cards does not logically necessitate that there are spirals which are not cards, as it is possible for all spirals to be cards based on the given information. Consequently, Conclusion I does not follow. Since none of the three conclusions are logically certain based on the premises, the answer is d.

Explanation

The relationship in the first pair is that of a whole to its constituent parts. A book is a physical entity composed of multiple pages. Similarly, in the second pair, a continent is a large continuous extent of land that is geographically and politically divided into several countries. Just as pages are the building blocks that make up a book, countries are the constituent units that make up a continent.

Explanation

The relationship between the first pair of letter groups is established by subtracting increasing integers from the alphabetical position of each letter. For JKLM : IIII, the operations are: J(10) - 1 = 9 (I) K(11) - 2 = 9 (I) L(12) - 3 = 9 (I) M(13) - 4 = 9 (I)

Applying the same logic to the second pair PQRS: P(16) - 1 = 15 (O) Q(17) - 2 = 15 (O) R(18) - 3 = 15 (O) S(19) - 4 = 15 (O)

The resulting sequence is OOOO, where the letter O is represented by the character 0 in the options.

Explanation

The relationship between the numbers in the first pair follows the logic x : x² + 1. For the first number 4, the second number is calculated as 4² + 1 = 16 + 1 = 17. Applying the same mathematical pattern to the second pair, where the first number is 7, the missing value is 7² + 1 = 49 + 1 = 50.

Explanation

The word pairs in options b), c), and d) follow a pattern of synonyms or related meanings. Ecstatic is an extreme degree of happy, a giant is defined by being high or large in scale, and a trail is a form of pathway. Conversely, the pair in option a) consists of antonyms, as sad and hopeful represent conflicting emotional states. Since the first pair involves words with opposite meanings while the others involve words with similar or reinforcing meanings, it is the odd word pair.

Explanation

The pattern followed in the given options is based on the numerical positions of letters in the English alphabet. In the sequences FHJ, JLN, and NPR, the difference between the letters is a constant +2. Specifically, for FHJ, the positions are 6, 8, 10; for JLN, they are 10, 12, 14; and for NPR, they are 14, 16, 18. In contrast, for LNQ, the positions are L = 12, N = 14, Q = 17. While the difference between L and N is +2, the difference between N and Q is +3, which deviates from the uniform pattern seen in the other alternatives.

Explanation

The logic followed in the pairs is that the second number is the square of the first number (x : x²). For the other pairs, 11² = 121, 13² = 169, and 21² = 441. However, for the first number 19, the square is 19 × 19 = 361. The given value 391 does not satisfy this mathematical relationship, making it the odd pair.

Explanation

In dictionary order, words are arranged alphabetically by comparing their letters from left to right. All five words start with the letter F. Comparing the second letters, Feeble (1) has e, which comes before l, o, and r, making it the first word. Next, we compare the words starting with Fl, which are Floor (3) and Fluorescent (5). In Floor, the third letter is o, while in Fluorescent, the third letter is u. Since o precedes u in the alphabet, Floor comes second and Fluorescent comes third. Between the remaining words, Foam (4) has o as its second letter and From (2) has r. As o comes before r, Foam is the fourth word and From is the fifth. The resulting alphabetical sequence is 1, 3, 5, 4, 2.

Explanation

The series follows a pattern where each subsequent letter is obtained by adding 4 to the positional value of the preceding letter in the English alphabet. The numerical positions of the given letters are: A is 1, E is 5, I is 9, and M is 13. By calculating the difference between consecutive terms, we find 5 - 1 = 4, 9 - 5 = 4, and 13 - 9 = 4. Following this arithmetic progression, the next value in the sequence is 13 + 4 = 17. The 17th letter of the English alphabet is Q.

Explanation

The series follows a pattern where each subsequent number is obtained by adding consecutive prime numbers to the previous term. The differences between the given terms are:

3 - 1 = 2 6 - 3 = 3 11 - 6 = 5 18 - 11 = 7

The sequence of additions is 2, 3, 5, and 7, which represents the set of prime numbers in increasing order. The prime number immediately following 7 is 11. Therefore, the missing number is calculated by adding 11 to the last term of the series:

18 + 11 = 29

Explanation

The relationship can be decoded by breaking down the description provided by Ritika. The phrase my grandfather's only son refers to Ritika's father, as the only son of a paternal grandfather is the father himself. The statement then implies that the man is the son of Ritika's father. Since they share the same father, the man is Ritika's brother, making Ritika the sister of the man.

Explanation

Let the weights of the books be B₁, B₂, B₃, and B₄. According to the problem, B₁ = 2B₂ and B₃ = ½B₂. The relationship for Book 4 is given as B₄ = B₂ + 60 and B₄ = B₁ - 60.

By equating the two expressions for B₄, we get B₂ + 60 = B₁ - 60, which simplifies to B₁ - B₂ = 120. Substituting the first condition B₁ = 2B₂ into this equation yields 2B₂ - B₂ = 120, resulting in B₂ = 120 grams.

Using this value, we calculate the weights of the other books: B₁ = 2 × 120 = 240 grams, B₃ = ½ × 120 = 60 grams, and B₄ = 120 + 60 = 180 grams. Comparing the weights 240, 120, 60, and 180, Book 1 is the heaviest at 240 grams.

Explanation

The word Important cannot be formed because the letter a is not present in the given word Improvement. Additionally, the word Important requires two t letters, whereas Improvement contains only one t. Since the letter a is absent from the original word, Important is the term that cannot be constructed.

Explanation

The code is formed by assigning a specific digit to each letter as seen in the given words. In MASTER (682145), the letters are coded as M=6, A=8, S=2, T=1, E=4, and R=5. In STAMP (21869), the letters are coded as S=2, T=1, A=8, M=6, and P=9. By matching the corresponding digits for the letters in PASTE, we find P = 9, A = 8, S = 2, T = 1, and E = 4. Arranging these digits in order gives the code 98214.

Explanation

The given expression 44 M 24 K 56 L 14 J 60 is solved by replacing the letters with their specified mathematical operations: M represents subtraction (-), K represents multiplication (×), L represents division (÷), and J represents addition (+).

Substituting these values, the expression becomes 44 - 24 × 56 ÷ 14 + 60.

Following the BODMAS rule, the operations are performed in the order of division, multiplication, addition, and subtraction. First, divide 56 by 14, which equals 4. The expression now reads 44 - 24 × 4 + 60.

Next, perform the multiplication 24 × 4, which equals 96. This results in 44 - 96 + 60. Finally, handle the addition and subtraction by combining 44 and 60 to get 104, then subtract 96 from 104 to arrive at the result of 8.

Explanation

The logic followed in this pattern is that the number inside the parentheses is equal to the sum of the individual digits of the numbers on either side. In the first set 27 (15) 33, the calculation is (2 + 7) + (3 + 3) = 9 + 6 = 15. In the second set 41 (13) 53, the calculation is (4 + 1) + (5 + 3) = 5 + 8 = 13. Following the same rule for the third set 26 (A) 35, the value of A is calculated as (2 + 6) + (3 + 5) = 8 + 8 = 16.

Explanation

The numbers in the grids follow a specific arithmetic pattern based on the positions of the elements. Let the elements be represented as: a b c d e f

The following relationships exist between the numbers: The value in the second row, first column (c) is the sum of the values in the first row: c = a + b. The value in the third row, first column (e) is the difference between the values in the first row: e = a - b. The value in the third row, second column (f) is the sum of the middle-left value and the top-right value: f = c + b.

Applying this to the first grid: c = 3 + 2 = 5 e = 3 - 2 = 1 f = 5 + 2 = 7

Applying the same logic to the second grid to find the missing number (?): c = 2 + 1 = 3 e = 2 - 1 = 1 f = 3 + 1 = 4

The number that should be placed at the sign of the question mark is 4.

Explanation

The first statement indicates a partial overlap between the set of pens and the set of pencils. The second statement indicates a partial overlap between the set of pens and the set of erasers. There is no direct link or statement provided that connects the set of pencils with the set of erasers. In a Venn diagram, the circle representing pencils and the circle representing erasers can be drawn as entirely separate entities while still satisfying the conditions of both statements. Thus, the conclusion that some pencils are erasers is not definitely true.

The second conclusion states that all erasers are pens. However, statement II only confirms that some pens are erasers, which implies a shared intersection but does not establish that the entire set of erasers is contained within the set of pens. Since the premises do not support the universal inclusion of erasers in the category of pens, this conclusion also fails to follow logically.

Explanation

This analogy represents the relationship between an adult animal and its offspring. A lamb is the young of a sheep. Following the same pattern, a calf is the term used to describe the young of a cow.

Explanation

The logic follows an incremental addition to the alphabetical positions of each letter in the word. For the first pair, PRAG and QTDK, the relationship is:

P (16) + 1 = Q (17) R (18) + 2 = T (20) A (1) + 3 = D (4) G (7) + 4 = K (11)

Applying the same pattern of adding 1, 2, 3, and 4 to the positions of the letters in STOP:

S (19) + 1 = T (20) T (20) + 2 = V (22) O (15) + 3 = R (18) P (16) + 4 = T (20)

The resulting letters are TVRT.

Explanation

The relationship between the numbers is determined by finding the product of the individual digits of the first number and dividing that product by 2. For the number 562, the product of the digits is 5 × 6 × 2 = 60. Dividing this product by 2 yields 60 ÷ 2 = 30. Applying the same mathematical logic to the number 663, the product of its digits is 6 × 6 × 3 = 108. Dividing this product by 2 results in 108 ÷ 2 = 54.

Explanation

Cricket is classified as an outdoor sport played on an expansive open field or pitch. It is distinguished as the only outdoor game among the given alternatives, as it requires a large stadium or ground for play rather than an indoor environment.

Explanation

The letters follow a progression based on their alphabetical positions where the second letter is 4 places ahead of the first and the third letter is 11 places ahead of the second. For GWK, the positions are G (7), W (23), and K (11). The interval between the first and second letters is 23 - 7 = 16, and the interval between the second and third letters is 14 (cycling from W to K), which does not conform to the established +4 and +11 rule.

Explanation

The numerical relationship defining these pairs is x² + 1 : x³, where x is a base integer. In this specific pair, the second number is 13³ = 2197. Applying the corresponding formula for the first number, we calculate 13² + 1 = 169 + 1 = 170. Since the provided first number is 173 rather than 170, this pair deviates from the consistent mathematical pattern found in the other alternatives.

Explanation

Dictionary order is determined by comparing words letter by letter from left to right according to the English alphabet. Among the given words, Xanthic (3) appears first because its second letter a precedes the letters e and y found in the other words. Next, comparing Xenons (1) and Xenians (4), both share the first three letters Xen; however, the fourth letter i in Xenians comes before the letter o in Xenons, which places 4 before 1. Finally, comparing Xyllys (2) and Xyst (5), both start with Xy, but the third letter l in Xyllys precedes the third letter s in Xyst. Consequently, the correct alphabetical sequence is Xanthic, Xenians, Xenons, Xyllys, and Xyst, corresponding to the numerical order 3-4-1-2-5.

Explanation

The series follows a pattern where each letter in the term is shifted forward by 7 positions in the alphabetical order (A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26).

For the first letter of each term: L(12) + 7 = S(19), S(19) + 7 = Z(26), and Z(26) + 7 = G(7).

For the second letter of each term: O(15) + 7 = V(22), V(22) + 7 = C(3), and C(3) + 7 = J(10).

For the third letter of each term: Q(17) + 7 = X(24), X(24) + 7 = E(5), and E(5) + 7 = L(12).

Following this constant addition of 7 to the numerical position of each letter in the previous term ZCE, we arrive at the next term GJL.

Explanation

The series follows the pattern Tₙ₊₁ = (Tₙ × 2) + k, where k is an incrementing integer starting from 1. For the first transition, 13 × 2 + 1 = 27. For the second transition, 27 × 2 + 2 = 56. For the third transition, 56 × 2 + 3 = 115. Following this logic, the missing number is calculated by multiplying the previous term by 2 and adding the next consecutive integer, 4. This results in 115 × 2 + 4 = 230 + 4 = 234. Each step in the sequence involves doubling the current value and adding an incremented constant.

Explanation

Sumitra's memory restricts the possible dates to February 14th and 15th, as the birthday falls strictly between the 13th and the 16th. Similarly, the brother's memory restricts the possible dates to February 15th and 16th, as the birthday falls strictly between the 14th and the 17th. The intersection of these two sets of possible dates identifies February 15th as the only day that satisfies both requirements.

Explanation

The sugar content of the five drinks can be determined by ranking them in descending order. Moto has the highest sugar content as it is more than all other drinks. Energy has more sugar than only Lion, which places Energy in the 4th position and Lion in the 5th (least sugar). The remaining drinks are Red and Bull, which must occupy the 2nd and 3rd positions. The condition that Bull does not have more sugar than Red implies that Red has a higher sugar content than Bull. Consequently, the descending order of sugar content is Moto > Red > Bull > Energy > Lion. Red is the drink with the second most sugar content.

Explanation

The word TANING cannot be formed because it requires two N letters, whereas the source word CALCULATING contains only one N. Since the available frequency of the letter N in the given word is insufficient to fulfill the requirement of the word TANING, it is the word that cannot be constructed.

Explanation

The logic used in the code is the sum of the positional values of the letters in the English alphabet multiplied by 11.

For WILDHORN: The positional values are W = 23, I = 9, L = 12, D = 4, H = 8, O = 15, R = 18, and N = 14. Sum = 23 + 9 + 12 + 4 + 8 + 15 + 18 + 14 = 103 Code = 103 × 11 = 1133

For RAPTURE: The positional values are R = 18, A = 1, P = 16, T = 20, U = 21, R = 18, and E = 5. Sum = 18 + 1 + 16 + 20 + 21 + 18 + 5 = 99 Code = 99 × 11 = 1089

For PORTLOUIS: The positional values are P = 16, O = 15, R = 18, T = 20, L = 12, O = 15, U = 21, I = 9, and S = 19. Sum = 16 + 15 + 18 + 20 + 12 + 15 + 21 + 9 + 19 = 145 Code = 145 × 11 = 1595

Explanation

Based on the given instructions, the letters represent mathematical operators where A denotes subtraction (-), B denotes addition (+), C denotes division (÷), and D denotes multiplication (×). Substituting these operators into the expression in option c:

13 ÷ 13 - 13 + 13 × 13 = 157

Applying the BODMAS rule, the operations are performed in the order of Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction.

First, perform the division: 13 ÷ 13 = 1 The expression becomes: 1 - 13 + 13 × 13 = 157

Second, perform the multiplication: 13 × 13 = 169 The expression becomes: 1 - 13 + 169 = 157

Third, perform the addition and subtraction: 1 + 169 - 13 = 170 - 13 = 157

Since 157 = 157, the statement is mathematically correct.

Explanation

The mathematical logic behind the given expressions follows a rule based on the values of the three numbers, let them be a, b, and c in the form a b c = Result. The formula depends on whether the third number (c) is odd or even.

When c is odd, the pattern is: a + 2b + 2c = Result

When c is even, the pattern is: a + 3b + 2c = Result

Applying this logic to the given cases:

For 9 2 5: Here a = 9, b = 2, and c = 5 (which is odd). 9 + 2(2) + 2(5) = 9 + 4 + 10 = 23

For 1 4 8: Here a = 1, b = 4, and c = 8 (which is even). 1 + 3(4) + 2(8) = 1 + 12 + 16 = 29

For the target expression 1 6 3: Here a = 1, b = 6, and c = 3 (which is odd). 1 + 2(6) + 2(3) = 1 + 12 + 6 = 19

Explanation

The first statement establishes that the set of LEDs is a subset of the set of bulbs (L ⊆ B). The second statement indicates that at least some part of the set of bulbs does not overlap with the set of tube lights (B ∩ Tᶜ ≠ ∅). These premises do not provide a definitive logical link between LEDs and tube lights. There is no information to confirm that LEDs must overlap with tube lights, making Conclusion I uncertain. Similarly, there is no information to confirm that all LEDs are contained within the set of tube lights, making Conclusion II uncertain. In syllogisms, a conclusion only follows if it is true in all possible scenarios; since neither conclusion is necessarily true based on the given premises, neither follows.

Explanation

In this analogy, the relationship is based on botanical classification. A banana is the reproductive organ of the plant and is classified as a fruit. Similarly, ginger is botanically classified as a rhizome, which is a modified underground stem. Unlike roots, ginger possesses nodes, internodes, and scale leaves, which are identifying characteristics of stem tissue. It grows horizontally under the ground and serves as a storage organ for the plant, following the morphological structure of a stem rather than a root.

Explanation

The transformation from the first cluster to the second follows an alternating +2 and +1 shift in alphabetical positions. By mapping the first pair JPSW and LQUX, the pattern is: J (10) + 2 = L (12), P (16) + 1 = Q (17), S (19) + 2 = U (21), and W (23) + 1 = X (24). Applying this consistent +2, +1, +2, +1 shift to the second cluster MRFT results in: M (13) + 2 = 15 which is O, R (18) + 1 = 19 which is S, F (6) + 2 = 8 which is H, and T (20) + 1 = 21 which is U. The resulting sequence of letters is OSHU.

Explanation

The numerical relationship follows the pattern n² + 1 for consecutive integers. In the first pair, 65 = 8² + 1 and 82 = 9² + 1, where the bases are the consecutive integers 8 and 9. For the second pair, the first term is 145 = 12² + 1. To maintain the same logic, the missing number must be the square of the next consecutive integer plus 1. Thus, the calculation is 13² + 1 = 169 + 1 = 170.

Explanation

Trees represents the complete organism or the whole botanical entity, whereas Leaves, Flower, and Stem are individual anatomical parts or components that belong to the structure of a tree or plant. The distinction is based on the relationship between a whole organism and its constituent parts.

Explanation

In the letter group GIK, the alphabetical positions of the letters are G = 7, I = 9, and K = 11. The group follows a consistent pattern of adding 2 to the position of each previous letter, resulting in a +2, +2 sequence (7 + 2 = 9 and 9 + 2 = 11). This distinguishes GIK as the odd one out, as it is the only alternative that does not follow the +2, +1 increment pattern found in the other groups.

Explanation

The pair 576 - 729 represents 24² and 27². This is the odd selection because the difference between the square roots of the numbers is 27 - 24 = 3, whereas the other pairs consist of squares of consecutive integers where the difference between the square roots is exactly 1.

Explanation

To arrange the words in dictionary order, compare the letters of each word from left to right. All five words begin with the letter W. Comparing the second letters, Warlike and Waste both have the letter a, Witty has i, Worcester has o, and Wrong has r. Alphabetically, a comes before i, o, and r. Between Warlike and Waste, compare the third letters: r in Warlike comes before s in Waste, so Warlike (5) is first and Waste (1) is second. The remaining words follow based on their second letters: i in Witty (3) comes next, followed by o in Worcester (4), and finally r in Wrong (2). This results in the sequence 5, 1, 3, 4, 2.