Logical Reasoning
Logical Reasoning
What is Analogies?
Verbal analogies tests are standardized psychometric assessment
tests (also used on SAT, GRE, and other professional exams) that provide
the employing organization with information about a candidate’s general
verbal acuity and insight. Verbal analogy tests are designed to assess a
candidate’s ability to recognize relationships between ideas, think
methodically and fluency in the English language. The questions in the
test are designed to assess a candidate’s logical and analytical reasoning
through the use of partial analogies.
Eliminate any pairs in the answers that do not have a similar type
of relationship.
If the meaning of a word is unknown, then try to recollect the
context in which you have come across the word.
Also, consider alternative meanings of words.
Take another look at the relationship possibilities as described
above and try to look for them when trying to solve analogies.
If all else fails, eliminate the unlikely answers and make an
educated guess.
-------------------------
2. ARITHMETIC REASONING
What is Arithmetic Reasoning?
As mentioned above, Arithmetic Reasoning is all about solving
logical reasoning questions by performing various mathematical
operations. Some of the important chapters under arithmetic reasoning
are Puzzle, Analogy, Series, Venn diagram, Cube and Dice, Inequality and
so on. Let us now understand various types of arithmetic reasoning from
below.
1. Puzzle
In this type of arithmetic reasoning, candidates need to analyze
the given piece of information, pick the information that is important,
and leave out the information that is not required in solving the given set
of questions.
2. Analogy
In this type of arithmetic reasoning, candidates will need to find a
word or paid words analogous to those given in the question.
3. Series
In this type of arithmetic reasoning, Candidates need to find the
missing or wrong number in the provided series. There may be some
questions where one of the terms in the given series will be incorrect,
and candidates need to find out that term of the series by identifying the
pattern involved in the formation of the series.
4. Inequality
In this type of arithmetic reasoning, candidates must know about
various signs, which are used in such types of questions. The same is
given below:
Symbol – Meaning
5. Venn Diagram
A Venn diagram is a representation method for all possible
relations that can exist between a given groups of elements in a single
figure. A Venn diagram is the easiest way to express the relationship
between sets.
Tip #1: Clearing all the concepts well is very necessary to score
well in the topics of arithmetic reasoning.
Tip #2: Use graphical representations, to understand what is
being asked in the question to give the correct answer.
Tip #3: Practice mock tests and quizzes as much as possible to
get well versed with all the topics and their question patterns to
score well in the arithmetic reasoning section.
(b) Now if you find that both the statements are correct, the option 1
and 2 comes under picture. It is the most confusing part for most of the
students. The easier way to solve in that case is to write like this
“assertion statement” is true because “reason statement”. If that makes
sense to you based on concept then option 1 is correct else option 2.
A. If both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct
explanation of assertion.
B. If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not a correct
explanation of assertion.
C. If the assertion is true and the reason is false.
D. If both assertion and reason are false.
Directions: For the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) below, choose
the correct alternative
Assertion (A) : Pressure cookers are fitted with ebonite handles.
Reason (R) : Ebonite is strong.
A) Both A and R is true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R is true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true but R is false.
D) A is false but R is true.
Answer: C
Explanation:
The handles of pressure cookers are made of ebonite because it,
being a bad conductor of heat, does not heat up.
--------------------------
4. CALENDAR
Introduction:
Let us begin with the basics.
We know that in an ordinary year
there are 365 days, which means 52 ×
7 + 1, or 52 weeks and one day. This
additional day, we call an odd day. If
1st January of this year is on Sunday,
then 1st January next year will be
exactly 52 full weeks and a day after
that - so on a Monday.
This is all right as long as the year is not a leap year. The Earth
actually completes 1 orbit around the Sun in more than 365 days, i.e.,
in 365 Days 5 Hours 48 minutes and 45 seconds or takes
approximately 6 hours more.
A leap year occurs every 4 years to adjust for the 1/4th day, 6 x 4= 24
hours, so every 4th year has 366 days (or 2 odd days).
And as far as the few odd minutes of the orbit time are concerned,
well every 100 years starting 1 AD, the year is declared to be a non–
leap year, but every 4th century is a leap year. So, any year divisible
by 400 will be a leap year e.g.: 1200, 1600 and 2000. The years 1800,
1900 will be non-leap years.
Concept of ‘odd-days’:
The concept of odd days is very important in determining the
days of the week. Let us look at how many odd days there will be in a
century – i.e. 100 years. There will be 24 leap years and 76 non–leap
years. As studied earlier each leap year has 2 odd days and each non-
leap year has 1 odd day. Therefore, there will be 24 × 2 + 76 × 1 = 124
total odd days. Since 7 odd days make a week, to find out the next odd
When you count from the beginning i.e., 1st January, 0001
1 odd day mean – Monday
2 odd days mean – Tuesday
3 odd days mean – Wednesday and so on 6 odd days means Saturday.
Example:
1. Any date in March is the same day of the week as the corresponding
date of the same year.
A. October
B. November
C. June
D. September
Answer : Option 2
--------------------------
Question 1
The following four words are arranged in an alphabetical order, read
carefully and tell which word will come in second place?
(a) Absorbing
(b) Absorber
(c) Absorb
(d) Absorbed
Answer: D
Explanation:
The arrangement will be like, we have: Absorb, Absorbed,
Absorber, Absorbing.
Alpha-Numeric Sequence
A disorderly arrangement of few letters, numbers and symbols will
be there in these Alpha-numeric sequence questions. However
occasionally English alphabets from A to Z are given simply.
Question. 2
Study the following arrangement carefully and answer the
question given below.
B@2$G6ACO%7FφβKL2YTP6W35UFV9
How many such vowels are there in the overhead arrangement, each of
which is immediately preceded by a number and not immediately
followed by a symbol?
(a) two
(b) One
(c) None
(d) Three
Answer: A
Explanation:
According to the question, in the given arrangements two such
consonants 6AC and 5 U F are immediately preceded by a number and
not immediately followed by a symbol.
Letter-Word Problems
Under letter-word problems, given from a certain word, questions
would be asked as, from the starting of the word how many letters in the
word are as far away as it is from the starting of the English alphabet.
Also in this type, a certain word is given and then students need to
answer about the number of letters that remain the same in their
position if they are placed in alphabetical order. At times, questions are
asked in a given word, if vowels and consonants are found or not?
Question.3
How many such letters are there in the word QMCKLOA that remain the
same in its position, if the letters of the word are arranged in alphabetical
order?
(a) None
(b) One
(c) Two
(d) Three
Answer: B
Explanation:
The arrangement will be like:
QMC LOA
AKHLAQ
So, such a type of letter is only O.
-------------------------
6. ALPHABET SERIES
While solving the problems based on alphabet, you must have in
your mind the exact positions of every letter of alphabet in forward order
as well as in backward or reverse order as given below:
Tricks:
I. EJOTY: To make it easier there is a trick called EJOTY (i.e. from left to
Right) by which you can simply locate the position of the letter without
much effort.
Suppose we want to find the place of the 20th letter from the left
side. And you know the 20th letter is T, so now, you only have to find a
letter which is two positions ahead of T, which is V.
II. VQLGB: It is similar to EJOTY but this is in reverse order i.e. from right
to left.
7. NUMBER SERIES
There are three types of questions asked from the number
series:
A numerical series is given in which a number is wrongly placed.
You are asked to identify that particular wrong number.
A numerical series is given in which a specific number is missing.
You are required to find out that missing number.
A complete numerical series is followed by an incomplete
numerical series. You need to solve that incomplete numerical
series in the same pattern in which the complete numerical series
is given.
Sol: 324 = 182, 361 = 192, 400 = 202, 441 = 212, 484 = 222
Geometric Series:
It is based on either descending or ascending order of numbers
and each successive number is obtained by dividing or multiplying the
previous number by a specific number.
Arithmetic Series:
It consists of a series in which the next term is obtained by
adding/subtracting a constant number to its previous term.
Example: 4, 9, 14, 19, 24, 29, 34 in which the number to be added to get
the new number is 5. Now, we get an arithmetic sequence 2,3,4,5.
Sol: 3 - 1 = 2, 6 - 3 = 3, 10 - 6 = 4, 15 - 10 = 5....
Mixed Series:
This particular type of series may have more than one pattern
arranged in a single series or it may have been created according to any
of the unorthodox rules.
Twin/Alternate Series:
As the name of the series specifies, this type of series may consist
of two series combined into a single series. The alternating terms of this
series may form an independent series in itself.
Note: In the wrong number series, the pattern of the series will always
be wrong immediately before and after the wrong number.
Solution: Problem with this type of series is how to identify these types
of series. Check the difference between successive numbers.
----10----12.5----20.25----30.375----45.5625
We can see that the difference is half of the previous number. 10
is not the half of 18 and 12.5 is not the half of 28. So, 28 is the wrong
number and the correct number is 27.
In this, all are cubes of number 2, 3,5,8,11,13. These numbers are prime
numbers except 8 and from 2 to 11, 7 is also a prime number which is
missing. In place of 83, there should be 73 i.e., 343.
Pattern 1:
The difference is –5---10----19-----41---80. Successive difference
is 2 times the previous one. But 19 and 41 are not following the pattern.
We can guess that something is wrong in this term if we want 20 and 40,
we have to replace 40 by 41. Hence 40 are wrong.
Pattern 2:
6x2-1 = 11
11x2-1 = 21
21x2 -1 = 41
41x2 – 1 = 81
81x2 -1 = 161
Hence, 40 is wrong
Pattern 1
12x1 = 12
12x (1.5) = 18
18x (1.5 +1) = 45
45x (2.5+1.5) = 180
180x (4+2.5)= 1170
1170x (6.5+4) = 12285
Pattern 2
12x (1+0) = 12
12x (1+.5) = 18
18x (1.5+1) = 45
45x (2.5+1.5) = 180
180x (4+2) = 1080
Example 2: 7 5 7 17 63?
Answer: 309
7x1 – 2 = 5
5x2 – 3 = 7
7x3 – 4 = 17
17x4 – 5 = 63
63x5 – 6 = 309
-----------------------
8. LOGICAL PUZZLES
What are Logical Puzzles?
Logical Reasoning Puzzles require you to analyze the given piece
of information, pick the information that is important and leave out the
information that is not required in solving the given set of questions.
Reasoning puzzles are mostly based on blood relations, arrangements,
inequalities, etc. Sometimes, the questions test your lateral thinking and
may not require any deduction or analysis.
b. Actual information: Data left after putting aside the useful secondary
information is called actual information. While trying to solve the
problem, you should begin with the actual information while the useful
secondary information should be kept in mind.
Example: Read the given information carefully and answer the questions
that follow:
1. Five friends Ami, Bema, Cal, Dan and Eco travelled from Darjeeling
to five different countries US, UK, China, Canada, Russia by 5
different modes of transport: Cycle, Rocket, Time Machine, Yacht,
and Bike.
2. The one who travelled to China did not travel by Bike.
3. Cal went to Canada by Yacht and Bema went to the UK by Time
Machine.
4. Dan travelled by Bike and Eco travelled by Rocket.
5. Darjeeling is not connected by Cycle to the US and China.
(B) Place of Travel: Bema to UK, Cal goes to Canada. Now, cycle transport
is not available for US or China. Thus, Ami, who travels by bicycle, goes
to Russia. Dan travels by bike and hence, by (ii), did not go to China. So,
Dan goes to US. Now, only Eco remains. So, Eco goes to China. Clearly,
the incorrect combination is Eco - Time Machine. So, the answer is
option E.
--------------------------
9. INPUT-OUTPUT
What is Input-Output?
Similar to the computer concept of Input-Output, the reasoning
questions based on this topic involves an Input which is given in
the form of numbers and words and then gives out an Output
following a certain format.
In the questions asked in Government exams, one Input is given,
followed by the steps used to get an Output and then the final
Output.
Input → Machine → Output
Once you solve questions based on this topic, the concept may
become more understandable. For more questions based on this
topic, candidates can visit the input-output questions page and
get solved sample questions for better performance in the final
examination.
It must also be noted that mostly 3-4 questions are asked in the
examination from this topic, and candidates can easily save
themselves these marks if they find the Output efficiently at once.
The first and the most important thing is to read the question
carefully and analyse the steps based on which the Output is given. Once
you carefully see the steps. You shall be able to apprehend the pattern
that is being followed to get the Output.
At times, just looking at Step 1 and step 2 only candidates shall be
able to understand the pattern followed.
Use tabular form while solving the question as the length of the
Input may be longer and may make the solution even more
confusing.
Do not try solving this type of question verbally as you may miss a
few terms and steps and end up answering the questions wrongly.
Once you understand the pattern that is being followed in the
question, and then try applying the same to the Input given to be
solved.
Example 1:
INPUT: Train Car Airplane Ship Bus Cycle Auto Rickshaw
Step 1: Train Ship Car Airplane Bus Cycle Auto Rickshaw
Step 2: Train Ship Cycle Car Airplane Bus Auto Rickshaw
Step 3: Train Ship Cycle Car Bus Airplane Auto rickshaw
Step 4: Train Ship Cycle Car Bus Auto rickshaw Airplane
Based on the above-mentioned Input, Find what should be the
Output of the following Input?
Solution: If we carefully examine the Input “Train Car Airplane Ship Bus
Cycle Auto Rickshaw”, Step 4 is the final step and the Output clearly
shows that all the words have been arranged in descending order of
their appearance in the Alphabetic Series.
Now, based on the above example, given below are a few sample
questions:
Q1. How many steps does it take to get the final output?
Answer: 5 steps
Q4. What is the position of the word “Astronaut” from left in Step 3?
Answer: 2nd from left
--------------------------
Sample Question
Directions: Arrange the given
words in a meaningful sequence and
choose the appropriate option from
amongst the options.
Question:
1. Bihar 2. Universe 3. Patna 4. World
5. India
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
3, 1, 5, 4, 2
3, 4, 2, 1, 5
4, 1, 5, 3, 2
Answer : Option 2.
Explanation: The above words are related to the various steps of the
publishing industry. So, first the matter is written, then composed,
printed and finally read.
Explanation: All the problem words represent valuable items and have
their own value in monetary terms. The least costly product will be at
bottom and most valuable will be on top in respective ascending order.
Sand is least costly and other things are in the following manner-
and arrange that word in a similar fashion. After that, traverse to the
second letter from the arranged list and arrange that list again in the
appropriate manner. So on and so forth for the remaining letters of the
problem words.
----------------------
Solved Examples
In the following question, find out which of the answer figures (a),
(b), (c) and (d) completes the figure matrix?
Problem Figure:
Answer Figures:
1. (a)
2. (b)
3. (c)
4. (d)
5. none of the above
Answer: Clearly, in each row, the number of elements in the third figure
is equal to the difference in the number of elements in the first and
second figures. Also, the third figure has the same types of elements as
that of the first figure. Therefore, the answer is clearly C.
Problem Figure:
Answer Figures:
1. (a)
2. (b)
3. (c)
4. (d)
5. none of these
Answer: In the question figure, all the arrows are headed in the same
direction. They are all pointing in an anticlockwise direction. So, the
answer can either be (b) or (d). In (b), the shape of the arrow is
unnecessarily peculiar. Hence the only shape that fits the matrix will beD.
------------------------
12. DIRECTION
What is Direction?
Direction is the information contained in the relative position of
one point with respect to another point without the distance
information. Directions may be either relative to some indicated
reference or absolute according to some previously agreed upon frame
of reference.
Cardinal directions:
The four cardinal directions or cardinal points are:
North
East
South
West
Cardinal directions
1. North – West
2. North – East
3. South – West
4. South – East
Intermediate directions:
North-North-West West-North-West
North-North- East East -North-East
South-South-West West-South-West
South-South-East East-South-East
Topics:
The right and left directional movement
The directions of sun rays and shadow
The correct map v/s wrong map
Directions in Clocks
Directions in Seating arrangement
Assumptions:
The direction of the top of the page is always considered as North
unless specified in the question.
Example:
A person is walking towards you, and after walking for a few
meters, he takes a right turn. Which direction is he moving?
He does this every day once in the morning and evening. He plays
facing south and observed that his shadow was towards his left and then
turns and faces north he observed that his shadow was towards his right.
The direction of one's shadow depends on the direction and time she/he
is facing.
Example:
One morning after sunrise, Nandita and Ravi were sitting in a lawn with
their backs towards each other. Nandita’s shadow fell exactly towards her
left-hand side. Which direction was Ravi facing?
A. East
B. West
C. North
D. South
Solution:
Since it was morning and Nandita’s shadow fell exactly to her left-
hand side, Nandita was facing north and hence Ravi should be facing
south. Hence the answer is option D.
Adding the directions to the clock paved the way to the invention
of many ideas in the future. The direction in which the number ‘12’ exists
was considered as the North for the reference. And all the remaining
directions were marked accordingly. Hence, the numbers ‘3’, ‘6’ and ‘9’
were considered to be at East, South, and West, respectively.
Example:
A clock is so placed that at 2:00 p.m. the minute hand points towards
North-west. In which direction does the hour hand point at 6:00 p.m.?
A. North-West
B. West
C. North-East
D. South-East
Solution:
If the Minute hand is at 12 which are North-West, then at 6.00 p.m. the
hour hand will be pointing at the number 6. Since the numbers 12 and 6
are exactly the opposite. The opposite of North-West should be South-
East. Hence, option D is the correct answer.
Example:
A chess piece undergoes the following motion during the game. It starts
from D-8, and reaches H-5, from there it reaches A-3, finally, it moves to
the position H-8 and dies. In what direction the piece was when it died if
the chess board is assumed to be placed in front of you?
Solution:
The H-8 is the position where the chess piece died. If the chessboard is
assumed to be placed in front of us, then the position H-8 will lie in
between North and east. Hence, the answer is North-East.
Example:
P, Q, R, and S are playing a game of carom. P, R, and S, Q are partners. S
is to the right of R who is facing west. Then Q is facing?
A. North
B. South
C. East
D. West
Solution:
Since R is facing west and P is the partner of R P is facing east. Also, S is
to the right of R, so S will be facing south and Q is the partner of S.
Therefore, Q will face north. Hence, option A is the correct answer.
Example:
J, K, L, M, N, O, P and R are eight huts. L is 2 km east of K. J is 1 km north
of K and Q is 2 km south of J. P is 1 km west of Q while M is 3 km east of
P and O is 2 km north of P. R is situated right in the middle of K and L
while N is just in the middle of Q and M.
Solution:
Since K and P form the diagonal of the right-angle triangle KQP the
distance between KP is 1.41 km. Hence, option C is the correct answer.
Solution:
Since R is in the middle of K and L which are 2 km apart. The distance
between K and R is 1km. Hence, option D is the correct answer.
----------------------
Tips to remember:
1. Number of steps required to complete the pattern can be (n-1) at
most where n is the number of words/digits.
2. Previous step or input cannot be found from the step/output.
3. Always try to write steps in short form.
4. When we arrange words/digits some words are automatically arranged
so do not get confused with them and don’t count that like a new step
and focus on the pattern. For avoiding these situations do not assign
numbers like 1,2,3,4 to words/digits (use first letter or any short form).
Example:
1. In a class of 60 students where girls are twice that of boys, Laxmi
ranked 27th from the top. If there are 9 boys ahead of Laxmi, how
many girls are after her rank?
A) 23
B) 21
C) 22
D) 24
Answer: C) 22
Explanation: The number of girls is twice that of boys. --> G=2B and
G+B = 60 Therefore, G=40 and B= 20 given Laxmi ranked 27th from
the top and 9 boys are ahead of Laxmi. Therefore, there are 17 girls
ahead of Laxmi. Therefore, Number of girls who ranked after Laxmi =
40 - (17+1) = 2.
2) Perfect squares/Cubes:
Squares: 9, 16, 49, 81 ….
Cubes: 27, 64, 125, 216 ….
3) Multiple of numbers:
The series contains numbers which are multiple of different numbers.
Example: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20…..
4) Numbers in A.P./G.P.
Geometric progression: x, xr, xr3, xr4
Arithmetic progression: x, x + y, x + 2y, x + 3y are said to be in A.P.
The terms in series may be arithmetic or geometric progression.
6) Cumulative series:
In this type, the third number is the addition of previous two numbers.
Example: 2, 4, 6, 10, 16, 26 ……
7) Power series:
In this type, the terms are defined on the basis of powers of numbers;
the number may be expressed in the form of n3 – n.
Example:
If n = 4, n3 – n = 60
If n = 5, n3 – n = 120…
Series: 60, 120, 210, 336 …
a) If numbers in the series are 1, 5, 11, 19, 29…. then the relation is
(n2 – n – 1)
b) If numbers in the series are 21, 31, 43 then the relation is (n2 – n +
1)
Example:
If n = 5, (52 – 5 + 1) = 21
If n = 6, (62 – 6 + 1) = 31
If n = 7, (72 – 7 + 1) = 43
Types of Classification
Word classification: In this type similar groups are found among the
names, places, things, nouns, verbs, different sexes, races or any other
matter out of which four things are similar and one is not.
Alphabet classification: Here some groups of letters are formed
according to a pattern and one of them is different.
Number classification: Here out of a given group of numbers four will
be similar one will be strange.
Examples:
Number classification:
Q 1 − 27, 37, 49,63,78,97
Options:
A - 78
B - 37
C - 49
D - 79
Answer - A
Explanation: The additional sequence is 10,12,14,16. So 78 is an odd
man in the sequence. Hence A is the answer.
Alphabet classification:
1. Find the odd one among the following
A) ZW
B) TQ
C) SP
D) NL
Answer: D
Explanation:
Z−3W
T−3Q
S−3P
N−2L
Hence NL is the odd one
Word classification:
Three of the following four are the same in a certain way and hence
form a group. Find out the one which does not belong to that group.
A - Violet
B - Black
C - Green
D - Red
Answer - B
Explanation
Except black, all others are the colours of the rainbow.
Topic list:
Introduction and assumptions
Linear arrangement
Circular arrangement
Seating arrangement in a photograph
Complex arrangement
Miscellaneous arrangements
Assumptions:
1. Unless specified the direction at the top page is always assumed as
North.
2. The right side of the page is the viewer’s left side and vice versa.
Linear Arrangement:
Any logical arrangement of objects or people either horizontally or
vertically or diagonally is known as linear arrangement.
Circular Arrangement:
The arrangement of physical quantities in a circular manner is called a
Circular arrangement.
Complex Arrangement:
Complex arrangements are very similar to linear arrangement problems
in terms of arrangement and properties. But unlike linear arrangement,
where the objects had only one property – their positioning, objects in
the complex arrangement have multiple properties.
Seating Arrangement:
Example: Six friends A, B, C, D, E and F are sitting in a row facing towards
North. C is sitting between A and E. D is not at the end. B is sitting
immediate right of E. F is not at the right end.
Solution: In the above example, all the people are facing North. We can
have the following seating arrangement:
However, we still cannot fix a place for them on the above grid.
D cannot be at either of the ends. Also, B is sitting to the immediate right
of E. Hence, case 2 above is discarded and we will have the following
arrangement:
ACEB
In addition, F is not at the right end and D cannot be at any of the ends,
we will have the following arrangement:
So, on the basis of the above arrangement, it can be concluded that
there are four people sitting to the right of D.
Miscellaneous arrangements:
There are few important points that students should keep in
mind while solving the questions based on arrangement:
Students should have the ability to visualize all the geometric
shape of the arrangement.
Students should have the ability to order the clues in the correct
order of usage.
Students should have the ability to understand the indirect clues.
16. CLOCKS
At the start one must understand how the hands of a clock move.
Let’s look at the three hands one by one:
Minutes Hand:
In 60 minutes = 360 Degree
In 1 minute = 360 / 60 = 6 Degree
1 minute = 6 degree
Seconds Hand
60 Seconds = 360 Degree
1 sec = 360 / 60 = 6 Degree
1 Second = 6 degree
Points to remember:
Speed of the minute hand= 6° per minute.
Speed of the hour hand= 0.5° per minute.
The concept of relative speed is used to solve the questions on
clocks. The relative speed of minute hand w.r.t hour hand=5.5° per
minute.
The hands of the clock are perpendicular 15 minutes apart.
The hands of the clock are in a straight line when they coincide or
opposite to each other.
0 degree / 360-degree → overlap / coincide 180 degrees →
opposite / straight 90 degrees → right angle
The minute hand gains 55 minutes over the hour hand per hour.
So, x minute space to be gained by minute hand over hour hand
can be calculated as x × (60/55) or x × (12/11)
Every hour, both the hands coincide once. In 12 hours, they will
coincide 11 times. It happens due to only one such incident
between 12 and 1’o clock.
If both the hour hand and minute hand move at their normal
speeds, then both the hands meet after 65 minutes.
The hands are in the same straight line when they are coincident
or opposite to each other.
When the two hands are at a right angle, they are 15-minute
spaces apart. In one hour, they will form two right angles and in
12 hours there are only 22 right angles. It happens due to right
angles formed by the minute and hour hand at 3’o clock and 9'o
o'clock.
When the hands are in opposite directions, they are 30-minute
spaces apart.
If both the hour hand and minute hand move at their normal
speeds, then both the hands meet after 65 minutes
TRICK:
Hour hand → 1 hour = 30 degree
8 hour → 240 degree
1 minute = 1/2 degree
Solution:
At 10 O'clock, the hour hand has covered (10*30°) = 300°
Tip: There will be two right angles (clockwise and anti-clockwise)
Considering that the hour hand is at 10, to make a 90-degree
angle with the hour hand, the minute hand has to be at 1 or 7.
For the first right angle, minute hand has to cover a relative
distance of (1*30) = 30°.
For the 2nd right angle, minute hand has to cover a relative
distance of (7*30) = 210°.
We know that the relative speed between the two hands is of 5
(1/2)° per minute.
Hence, time required for the 1st right angle = (30*2)/11 = 60/11
minutes
Time required for the 2nd right angle = (210*2)/11 = 420/11
Solution:
Thus, 22 times a day 23 hands of the clock make a 180-degree angle.
Such a problem arises when a clock runs faster or slower than expected
pace. When solving these problems, it is best to keep track of the correct
clock.
Example: The clock was set on Thursday, at 4 am. If the clock gains 20
minutes per hour, what will be the time that the clock shows on Friday, 8:
30 pm?
Solution:
The clock was set on Thursday, at 4 am.
The time from Thursday, from 4 am to Friday at 8.30 pm = 40
hours, 30 min.
The clock gains 20 minutes per hour. So, the clock gains 810 min
in 40 hours, 30 minutes.
So, the time that the clock will show on Friday, 8.30 pm = 8. 30 +
810 min = 10 am Saturday.
Solution:
The watch gains 5 seconds in 3 minutes = 100 seconds in 1 hour
From 8 am to 10 pm on the same day, time passed 14 hours.
So, when the correct time is 10 pm, the watch would show 10 hours 23
minutes 20 seconds per minute.
Example: If it’s 7:20 in the 12-hour clock then what will be the time in
the mirror?
Solution:
For every mirror image based on a clock, if it is 12 hours clock, then
subtract given timing from 11:60 hours, And if it is 24 hours clock, then
subtract given timing from 23:60 hrs. Here, it is a 12-hour clock, hence,
11:60 – 7:20 = 4:40. Thus, the mirror image will show 4:40 in the clock.
Example: If the water image of the clock shows 4 hours 25 minutes, then
what will be the actual time?
Solution:
For every water image based on a clock, If minutes given are less
than 30, then subtract given timing from 18:30 hours.
And if minutes given are more than 30, then subtract given timing
from 18:90 hrs.
Here, minutes are less than 30, hence, 18:30 – 4:25 = 14:05 i.e., 2
hours 5 minutes.
Thus, the actual time shows 2 hours 5 minutes in a clock.
Let’s focus on the other one: A Hard turning cube that stuck all the time
will dramatically increase your solving time.
Questions:
1) How many small cubes will have no faces coloured?
(A) None
(B) 2
(C) 4
(D) 6
Answer: Option D
Cube:
Cuboids having its length, breadth, height all to be equal in
measurement is called a cube.
A cube is a solid bounded by six square plane regions, where the side of
the cube is called edge.
All terms in the sequence meet a specific logical rule which needs
to be recognised in order to find the missing terms.
Levels of Complexity
The difficulty level of number sequence questions may increase in
several ways:
Longer sequence: usually, the longer the sequence, the more complex
the question is.
The missing term appears early in the sequence rather than a later:
This gives you less initial information to discern the hidden rule behind
the sequence.
(C) 625
(D) 615
Answer: 212 = 441
222 = 484
232 = 529
242 = 576
252 = 625
So, the answer is (C).
In this example each cube number is added with 10 to become the next
cube number. So, the missing one is 393 = 59319 (C).
Example – Find out the smallest part, if 75 is divided into four parts
proportional to 3, 5, 8, 9.
(A) 9
(B) 10
(C) 11
(D) 12
Answer: Ratio = 3:5:8:9
Sum of ratio terms = 25
The smallest part is (75 x 3/25) = 9.
4. Arithmetic Series:
It is a mathematical sequence where there is a fixed difference between
the numbers. The next terms are obtained either by adding a fixed
number or by subtracting it.
5. Geometric Series :
It is a sequence in which each term of the series is obtained by a fixed
number multiplying or dividing the preceding number.
Answer: – In this series each term is multiple of 3. So, the next one is
243.
6. Arithmetico-Geometric Series :
As the name suggests - a peculiar combination of Arithmetic and
Geometric series forms the Arithmetico –Geometric series. An important
property of this series is that in the Geometric Sequence there are
differences of consecutive terms.
Here we have catered the complete details regarding the Number Series
and includes all the methods which are used in solving the number series
problems.
We hope that the blog helped you to clear all your doubts like How to
solve number series questions and which type of number series
questions asked in the exams.
Still, if you have any query related to Number Series, feel free to ask in
the comment box below.
1. Eligibility Test:
In this type of Decision Making, a set of necessary conditions and
qualifications required to be fulfilled by the candidate for a certain
vacancy in a job/promotion/admission in a college, along with the bio
data of certain candidates who have applied for the same will be given.
Candidates are required to evaluate and assess a candidate’s eligibility
and decide the appropriate course of action to be taken from the given
alternatives.
Example:
1. Karan was born on 19th March 1986. He has been working in finance
department of an organization for the past 5 years. He has secured 67%
marks in B.Com and 75% marks in his post-graduation.
20. Syllogism
1. Basic Syllogism
In this type of syllogism reasoning, the conclusions must be 100% true.
Conclusions which are 99% true will be considered as False.
2. Either - or Case
In this type of syllogism reasoning, when the conclusions are not 100%
true but the two given conclusions are 50% true then the either-or case
will be formed.
3. Coded Syllogism
In this type of syllogism reasoning, statements and conclusions are given
in coded form. Candidates need to decode the statements and
conclusions to find the answer.
4. Sequential Syllogism
In this type of syllogism reasoning, statements are given followed by the
options. Candidates need to choose the set in which the third statement
can be logically deduced from the first two statements.
No A is B No A is B No possibility is true
No B is A
Example:
1. Statements: All the diploma holders are psychologists. Some
psychologists are brilliant.
Conclusions:
I. All the diploma holders are brilliant.
II. Some diploma holders are brilliant.
III. Some brilliant psychologists.
IV. Some psychologists are diploma holders.
Option:
1) Only (3) and (4)
2) All of the above
3) Only (3)
4) Only (2) and (4)
Answer: (1)
Explication: Since all the diploma holders are psychologists and some
psychologists are brilliant. So, some brilliant will be psychologists and
some psychologists will be diploma holders.
----------------------
Types of Causes:
Immediate Cause: It immediately precedes the effect. This cause shares
the closest proximity with the effect with relation to time.
Principal Cause: The most important reason behind the effect. The
immediate cause can be the principal cause and vice versa.
Example:
I. Two strikers of Brazilian football team missed all three-group league
matches in the world cup due to hamstring injury.
II. Brazilian football team lost two matches and won one match in the
group league.
Answer:
A. Statement I is the cause and statement II is its effect.
Explanation:
Here statement I is the cause and statement II is its effect, because, due
to injury of Brazilian strikers they lost two of their group league matches.
-----------------------
There would be two statements given in questions labelled (1) and (2)
and you have to decide if these statements are sufficient to conclusively
answer the question. The following questions are
Relationships:
Example: How is A related to B?
B is the father of A.
D is the brother of A.
Now before hopping for the conclusion, I’ll point out a mistake that
students tend to make in such questions is that they conclude about the
relationship without knowing the sex of the person involved.
Now let’s check out the statement (1) says that B is the father of A. Is it
enough to conclude how A is related to B? Now A can either be B’s son
or daughter. So, to establish a relationship of A to B we need to learn
whether A is male or female or indirect terms:
A is the brother/sister of X.
A is the father/mother of X.
A is an uncle/aunt of X.
Now using the suggested method above we can notice that the
statement (1) is not sufficient to answer the question. Similarly,
statement (2) cannot bring us to any conclusion about the relationship of
A and B. Thus, the answer is we cannot get the answer from statements
(1) and (2) together but still more data are needed.
Dates:
Tips:
The ‘day’ or ‘date’ of some earlier incident is mentioned,
The number of days between that incident and the required day is
given.
Example: “On which day of the week did Rahul reach Delhi?”
Sol: As you can notice that the Statement (1) provides us the information
between the no. of days between an earlier incident and the required
day. Now we need to know the day when Rahul’s brother reached Delhi.
And for this, we turn to statement (2), thus, we know the answer can’t be
A or D as the statement (1) is not sufficient to answer the question alone.
Now, statement (2) says Rahul’s mother reached Delhi on Thursday i.e.
two days later after his brother thus Rahul’s brother reached Delhi on
Tuesday and therefore from both the statements we can infer that Rahul
reached Delhi on Wednesday. Hence, C is the correct answer i.e. both
statements are required altogether to make a conclusion
Comparison:
Tips:
1. In these methods you need to write the names of people in ascending
or descending order of heights, weights or their sitting arrangement
from left to right.
Sol: To find out the answer to the above question we will form an
inequality and using the information given in the statement (1) we get, K
<L<N
Combining the inequalities, we get, K < M < L < N, or M < K < L <N
Critical Analysis
Tips:
1. To tackle these types of problems you need to revise your general
background of argumentation techniques, an assumption of arguments
and inference making.
Example: Many Indian experts think that India has a very meagre oil
reserve. Is that correct?
Statement (1): India imports about 1.5 core tons of crude oil every year.
Sol: First let’s ponder and deduce about the statement (1). Note that
statement (1) does not imply that importing tons of crude oil means
India has a low oil reserve. High Imports can be due to the huge
consumption or small production. And when we move on to the
statement (2), it also doesn’t directly suggest that 67 companies did not
take up the offer because of the low reserves. They might be willing to
do so because of socio, political and economic incentives. Hence, both
the statements neither individually nor jointly derive us to an accurate
conclusion. Thus, the answer is E.
Age:
Tips:
1. That the real question is not to actually find the age but to tell whether
the statements are sufficient to calculate the age of the desired person.
2. The approach you need to follow in these questions is that if no. of
equations is equal to the no. of unknowns then the data is sufficient
otherwise not.
Sol: This is a deceptive problem. Observe that there are two unknowns
here: Father and son and what about the no. of equations? The
information is only about one i.e. the father. Both the statements tell
about the father only, though the language is a bit tricky and thus,
there’s 1 info and two unknowns. Hence, the answer is E.
Course of Action
A course of action is a guideline or administrative step initiated to
improve or solve the problem based on the information provided in the
question.
Types of Question asked:
1. Problem and Solution based
2. Fact and Improvement based
Problem and Solution based:
Points to remember:
1. It solves/reduces or minimizes the problem.
2. The solution or course of action is practically Possible.
Example:
Directions: In each question below is given a statement followed by two
courses of action numbered I and II. A course of action is a step or
administrative decision to be taken for improvement, follow up, or
further action in regard to the problem, policy etc. On the basis of the
information given in the statement. You have to assume everything in
the statement to be true, and then decide which of the two given
suggested courses of action logically follows for pursuing.
Give answer:
(a) If only I follows
(b) If only II follows
(c) If either I or II follows
(d) If neither I nor II follows
(e) If both I and II follow
Statement:
A large number of people in Rampur city are diagnosed to be suffering
from a dengue.
Courses of Action:
I. The city municipal authority should take immediate steps to carry out
extensive fumigation in Rampur.
II. The citizens of Rampur should be advised to take proper steps to
prevent mosquito bites.
Answer
Clearly,
I. Elimination of mosquitoes
II. Prevention from mosquitoes
Both the two Courses of Action will prevent dengue and reduce the
problem. So, both the courses follow and answer is option (e).
Example:
Statement:
The teenager was arrested by police for taking drugs
Courses of Action:
I. The teenager should be imposed with a fine of 50000 Rupees..
II. The teenager should be sent to a drug rehabilitation centre
Answer: Clearly,
-------------------------
Examples:
All men are mortal. Joe is a man. Therefore, Joe is mortal.
Bachelors are unmarried men. Bill is unmarried. Therefore, Bill is a
bachelor.
Types of deductive Reasoning
1. Syllogism
Syllogism is a form of deductive reasoning where you arrive at a specific
conclusion by examining two other premises or ideas. Syllogism derives
from the Greek word syllogisms, meaning conclusion or inference.
2) No A is B
In this type of question, the first element is not at all associated with the
second element. Representing it by Venn diagram, the pattern consists
of a circle representing A not intersecting the circle representing B.
Conclusions we may get from the above pattern are based on possibility
and only one or a few out of them will be following the statement.
Some A is not B
All A are B.
All B are A.
All A are B and All B are A.
Example: Some bats are cats.
2) Modus ponens
A mode of reasoning from a hypothetical proposition according to which
if the antecedent be affirmed the consequent is affirmed (as, if A is true,
B is true; but A is true; therefore, B is true)
3) Modus Tollens
Modus Tollens is a valid argument form in propositional calculus in
which and are propositions. If implies, and is false, then. Is false. Also
known as an indirect proof or a proof by contra positive.
Examples:
If being the king implies having a crown, not having a crown implies not
being the king.
Formula:
p→q. p. ∴ q. This form of argument is called Modus Ponens (Latin for
"mode that affirms") Note that an argument can be valid, even if one of
the premises is false.
-------------------
Conclusions/Inference:
I. The accident that occurred was fatal
II. Several accidents have so far taken place because of the unsatisfactory
state of roads.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
It is clearly mentioned in the statement that some people say that bad
thoughts come to their mind while sleeping and not all people. So, in
conclusion I follow the statement. It is not mentioned anywhere in the
sentence that only bad thoughts come in the morning. Therefore,
conclusion II does not follow the statement.
Conclusion:
I. Anirudh will be shortlisted
II. Anirudh will not be shortlisted
A. Only conclusion I follow
B. Only conclusion II follows
C. Either I or II follows
D. Neither I nor II follows
E. Both I and II follow
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Anirudh scored 75% in 10th and 78% in graduation. But he scored only
57% in 12th standard. Therefore, he will not be shortlisted.
Conclusion:
I. Consistency and hard work is required to pass every exam.
II. Some people can pass the exam without consistency and hard work.
A. Only conclusion I follow
B. Only conclusion II follows
C. Either I or II follows
D. Neither I nor II follows
E. Both I and II follow
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
It is very clear from the statement that to pass an exam one needs to
work hard and consistently. It is not given in the statement that some
people can pass even without working hard. Therefore, the only
conclusion I follow is the statement.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The statement above states that in India more emphasis is laid on pure
and basic science but it is not mentioned that India is sufficiently
developed in those fields. Therefore, conclusion II does not follow the
statement. Similarly, nothing about the production industry is mentioned
in the statement. Thus, in conclusion I do not follow the statement.
Conclusion:
I. The government will change the rules
II. The government will not change the rules
A. Only conclusion I follow
B. Only conclusion II follows
C. Either I or II follows
D. Neither I nor II follows
E. Both I and II follow
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The government representative did not clearly state whether the rules
would change or not. He just stated that it will be reviewed. So, in this
situation, either of the conclusions can be determined.
Conclusion:
I. The students who do not behave properly should be taught discipline
both in school and at home.
II. Students who do not behave properly in class create a bad impact on
other students.
A. Only conclusion I follow
B. Only conclusion II follows
C. Either I or II follows
D. Neither I nor II follows
E. Both I and II follow
Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
The statement clearly states that students with bad behavior bring bad
names to family and friends, so we can conclude that discipline should
be taught to them and they also create a bad impact on other students.
---------------------
25. Dices
There are two types of dices that are:
1.) Base Dices
2.) Open Dices
But since most of the exams focus on Base dice reasoning questions,
hence we too shall be concentrating on them only, and accordingly shall
be discussing them in detail along with the relevant rules and conditions
that go with them.
Standard Dice:
If the base numbers of two dice that are thrown randomly do not come
the same, then it will be considered a Standard Dice. It is presented in a
pictorial form for a better understanding of the students.
In the diagram, both the base numbers are not matching, which makes it
a standard dice.
Ordinary Dice:
Unlike Standard dice, in ordinary dice the base numbers are the same,
which looks like:
Here we can see the base number of both the dice is the same, that is 3.
General Rules to be following while solving Dice questions:
Tips and Tricks and Shortcuts 1:
If the same digit comes at the top (in the below case it’s 4) and both the
dices have the same surface, then the remaining surfaces of both the
dices are opposite to each other. That is 2 is opposite to 5, and 3 is
opposite to 1.
Tips and Tricks and Shortcuts for Dices 2:
If two dice have some common numbers, then the remaining numbers of
both the dice are opposite to each other even if their surface and top
numbers are not equal. It is better explained with the help of a diagram
mentioned:
Dices Tips and Tricks and Shortcuts 3:
In case if only one number is common in both the dice having a different
surface number, and then we’ve to rotate it in a clockwise direction to
depict the opposite surface. It is better explained with the help of the
diagram mentioned below that is:
As per the above diagram, the base number is different, but we have
only 1 common number which is 2. Next, if we have to find out the
number opposite to 5 and 6 then we have to rotate in a clockwise
direction.
Resultant is:
After rotating the 1’st dice clockwise, first 6 appear then 5. Which
makes it clear that 6 is opposite to 4
If we rotate the 2’nd dice clockwise then, 1 is appearing. Hence we
can say that 5 is opposite to 1.
The 2’nd form of dice is the open dice whose diagram is
presented below:
Relevant examples
Both the above types of Base dices (Standard Dice and ordinary dice) are
better explained with the help of supporting examples mentioned below:
Question 1:
If two dice are thrown together then the below-mentioned position
appears. By looking at the below diagram, find out which number will be
opposite to number 4?
Options:
A. 3
B. 2
C. 5
D. 6
Answer: A
Tips and Tricks to solve Dice questions
Explanation: By looking at the diagram, it is evident that there is 1
common number that is 3 facing the same side, which makes it clear that
2 is opposite to 6 and 1 is opposite to 5. Therefore, we can say that 3 will
be opposite to 4. Therefore, option A is the correct one.