CAT 2018

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CAT Preparation

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 Dear CAT Aspirants,
It’s a tough journey to reach where we want to be in the career. It takes

lots of efforts, struggles, long studying hours to crack CAT – One of the

toughest management entrance exams in the country. Being one

amongst the premier B School, Jaipuria Institute of Management

accepts CAT score as one of its component in the selection process.

The process being very stringent, a limited number of aspirants are able

to make through the selection process. In our endeavor to encourage

and nurture management aspirants, we share lots of CAT related

material in form of articles, ebooks, videos and even organize free ca-

reer-oriented workshops. So, this time here we are with Reading Com-

pression with their solutions.

Happy Reading!
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Question 1:
In a class, 60% of the students are girls and the rest are boys. There are 30
more girls than boys. If 68% of the students, including 30 boys,pass an
examination, the percentage of the girls who do not pass is [TITA]

Correct Answer: 20
Given that there are 60 % girls and 40 % boys
It is also given that there are 30 more girls than boys.
So, (60 % - 40 %) of total class strength = 30 students
=> 20 % of total class strength = 30 students
=> Total class strength = 30 x 5 = 150 students
It is also given that 68% of students pass the the examination, which
includes 30 boys
So, Number of students passed = 68% of Total students
=> Number of students passed = 68/100x 150 = 102 students
=> Since the number of boys passed is 30,
=> Number of girls passed = 102 - 30 = 72
Total number of girls = 60/100 x 150 = 90
Total number of girls = Girls who passed + Girls who did not pass
Girls who did not pass = 90 - 72 = 18
Percentage of girls who did not pass = 18/90 x 100 = 20 %

Question 2:
With rectangular axes of coordinates, the number of paths from (1,1) to
(8,10) via (4,6), where each step from any point (x,y) is either to (x,y+1)
or to (x+1,y) is [TITA]

Correct Answer: 3920

Let us first consider travelling from (1,1) to (4, 6)

This means, Travelling from 1 to 4 units in the x axis -> 3 horizontal
(h h h)
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IAnd travelling from 1 to 6 units in the y axis -> 5 vertical movements

(v v v v v)
No matter how we proceed, reaching from (1,1) to (4,6) requires 5 vertical
movements and 3 horizontal movements.
\So, Number of paths to travel from (1,1) to (4,6) = Number of ways
of arranging (h h h v v v v v)
Number of ways of arranging (h h h v v v v v) = 8!/3!5!
imilarly, travelling from (4, 6) to (8, 10) requires 4 horizontal movements
and 4 vertical movements
Number of ways of arranging (h h h h v v v v) = 8!/4!4!
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Total number of paths =

Question 3:
A club has 256 members of whom 144 can play football, 123 can play
Lorem ipsum

tennis, and 132 can play cricket. Moreover, 58 members can play both
football and tennis, 25 can play both cricket and tennis, while 63 can play
both football and cricket. If every member can play at least one game,
then the number of members who can play only tennis is
A. 32
B. 43
C. 38
D. 45

Correct Answer: 43
From observing the data given, we find that it is a closed 3 set Venn diagram.
Let the three sports be F, T and C for Football, Tennis and Cricket respectively
n(FUTUC) = 256 , n(F) = 144, n(T) = 123, n(C) = 132, n(F T) = 58, n(CnT) =
25, n(F C) = 63
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We know that (AUBUC) = n(A) + n(B) +n(C) - n(A B) - n(BnC) - n(C A) +

n(AnBnC)
So, 256 = 144 + 123 + 132 - 58 - 25 - 63 + n (F nTnC)
n (F T C) = 256 - 144 + 123 +132 - 146
n (F T C) = 256 - 253 = 3

Question 4 :
In a circle of radius 11 cm, CD is a diameter and AB is a chord of length
20.5 cm. If AB and CD intersect at a point E inside the circle and CE ha
length 7 cm, then the difference of the lengths of BE and AE, in cm, is
A. 1.5
B. 3.5
C. 0.5
D. 2.5

Correct Answer: 0.5

The idea that we use here is remarkably simple.

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We know, the product of rectangles formed by two intersecting chords are

always equal
So, AE x EB = CE x ED
AE x EB = 7 x 15
Also, we know that AB = 20.5 cms = AE + EB
So, the Sum of AE and EB must be 20.5 and their product must be
equal to 7 x 15 = 105
The numbers must be close to each other, for their sum to be 20.5
From trial and error, we find their values to be 10 and 10.5 cms respectively
So, AE x EB = 7 x 15
10 x 10.5 = 7 x 15
Difference = 10.5 - 10 cms = 0.5 cms

Question 5:
Meena scores 40% in an examination and after review, even though her
score is increased by 50%, she fails by 35 marks. If her post-review
score is increased by 20%, she will have 7 marks more than the passing
score. The percentage score needed for passing the examination is
A. 75
B. 86
C. 60
D. 70

Correct Answer: 70
Meena scores 40 % in an exam
After review, she scores 50 % more => Increase of 50 % from 40 % =
40% + 20% = 60%
She fails by 35 marks, by scoring 60%
60% score = Pass mark - 35 ----- (1)
If her post review score is increased by 20%, she would have 7 more than
the pass mark.
Previous year
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20% of 60% = 12 %
So, 60% + 12% = 72% of marks = Pass mark + 7 ------ (2)
So, 12% marks = 35 + 7 (5: 1 ratio)
So, similarly 12% can be re written as 10 % and 2 %
maintaining the 5:1 ratio)
Hence the pass percentage = 60 % + 10 % = 70%

Question 6:
Corners are cut off from an equilateral triangle T to produce a regular
hexagon H. Then, the ratio of the area of H to the area of T is

A.5 : 6
B.3 : 4
C.2 : 3
D.4 : 5

Correct Answer: 2.3

Construct an Equilateral triangle and cut of equal lengths from all three
sides. So we obtain a hexagon and three equilateral triangles of
side 'a' in return.
We know that a hexagon comprises of 6 Equilateral Triangles. Since the
side of the hexagon is also 'a', we obtain 6 equilateral triangles in return.
Thus, we have a total of 6 + 3 = 9 equilateral triangles of side 'a'
Ratio of area of Hexagon with Area of Triangle = 6: 9 = 2: 3
Previous year
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Question 7:
Let T be the triangle formed by the straight line 3x + 5y - 45 = 0 and the
coordinate axes. Let the circumcircle of T have radius of length L,
measured in the same unit as the coordinate axes. Then, the integer
closest to L is [TITA]

Correct Answer: 9

We know that the equation of the straight line is 3x + 5y = 45

x/15 + y/9 =1
The intercepts are (15,0) and (0,9) respectively
Since it's a right-angled triangle, we know that Circumradius (R)
=hypotenuse/2
Circumradius =
We know that 34 is approximately equal to 6
So, from trial and error to find the closest number, we find that the value
of Circumradius is very close to 9
So, the integer closest to L = 9

Question 8:
For any positive integer n, let f(n) = n(n + 1) if n is even, and f(n) = n + 3
if n is odd. If m is a positive integer such that 8f(m + 1) - f(m) = 2,
then m equals [TITA]
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Correct Answer: 10
If n is even, f(n) = n (n + 1)
So, f (2) = 2(2+1) = 2 (3) = 6
If n is odd, f(n) = n + 3
f (1) = 1 + 3 = 4
It is given that, 8 x f(m+1) - f(m) =2
So, m can either be even or odd
Case-1: If m were even and m+1 odd
So, 8 x f(m+1) - f(m) =2
8(m + 4) - m (m + 1) = 2
8m + 32 - m2 - m = 2
m2 - 7m - 30 = 0
(m-10) (m+3) = 0
m = 10 or -3
m = 10, since m is positive
Case-2: If m were even and m+1 odd
8 x f(m+1) - f(m) =2
8 (m +1) (m + 2) - (m + 3) = 2
Now, let us substitute m = 1 which is the minimum possible value
8 (1 + 1) (1 + 2) - (1 + 3) 3
Case 2 does not work

Question 9:
A person invested a total amount of Rs 15 lakh. A part of it was invested in
a fixed deposit earning 6% annual interest, and the remaining amount
was invested in two other deposits in the ratio 2 : 1, earning annual
interest at the rates of 4% and 3%, respectively. If the total annual interest
income is Rs 76000 then the amount (in Rs lakh) invested in the fixed
deposit was [TITA]
Previous year
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Correct Answer: 9

Let Rs x be invested in FD.

So, Remaining amount = Rs. 15 Lakhs - x, which is invested in the ratio 2 : 1
So, each investment would have 1/3(15-x) and 2/3(15-x) investments respecti
So, Total annual interest income = 6% of x + 4% of 1/3(15-x) + 3% of 2/3(15-x)
= 76000
Rewriting Rs. 76000 as Rs. 0.76 Lakhs,
6% of x + 4% of 1/3(15-x) + 3% of 2/3(15-x) = 0.76
Multiply both sides by 100,
6x + 4/3(15-x) + 2(15-x) = 76
6x + 11/3(15-x) = 76
165 + 18x -11x = 228
7x = 63
x = 9 (or) Rs. 9 Lakhs

Question 10 :
The product of two positive numbers is 616. If the ratio of the difference
of their cubes to the cube of their difference is 157 : 3, then the sum of the
two numbers is
A. 50
B. 85
C. 95
D. 58
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Correct Answer: 50
Let the two numbers be a and b
From the question, we know
a x b = 616

a - b = 6, ab = 616
616 can be rewritten as 22 x 28, where 28 - 22= 6 using trial and error
So, a + b = 28 + 22 = 50

Question 11 :
On selling a pen at 5% loss and a book at 15% gain, Karim gains Rs. 7.
If he sells the pen at 5% gain and the book at 10% gain, he gains Rs. 13.
What is the cost price of the book in Rupees?
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A. 80
B. 85
C. 100
D. 95

Correct Answer: 80
From the question, let us frame the following equations
-P x 5% + b x 15% = 7 ---(1)
P x 5% + b x 10% = 13 --- (2)
________________________
(+)
b x (25%) = 20
Price of Book = b = Rs. 80

Question 12 :
If a1 + a2 + a3 + ... + an = 3(2n+1 - 2), then a11 equals [TITA]

Correct Answer: 6144

Let n = 1,
a1 = 3(21+1 -2) = 3(4-2) = 6 = 3 x 21
a2 = 3(22+1 -2) = 3(8-2) = 18, a2 = 18 - 6 = 12 = 3 x 22
a3 = 3(23+1 -2) = 3(14) = 42 a3 = 42 - 12 - 6 = 42-18 =24 = 3 x 23
So, a11 = 3 x 211 = 3 x 2048
a11 = 6144

Question 13 :
The number of the real roots of the equation 2cos(x(x + 1)) = 2x + 2-x is
Previous year
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A. 0
B. infinite
C. 1
D. 2

Correct Answer: 1
2cos (x(x + 1)) = 2x + 2-x
Consider RHS, 2x + 2-x
This is of the form, y+1/y
We know that y+1/y >_2when y is positive and y+1/y <_2 when y is negative
Here, since we are dealing with 2x, y+1/y >_2 is considered respectively
So, 2cos (x (x + 1)) >_2
Substitute x = 0, 2x + 2-x = 20 + 20 = 2
2cos (x (x + 1)) = 2cos (0(0 + 1)) = 2cos (0) = 2 x = 0 is a valid solution
Any value other than this wont work.
Therefore, only x = 0 works and there is only one real solution

Question 14 :
The income of Amala is 20% more than that of Bimala and 20% less than
that of Kamala. If Kamala's income goes down by 4% and Bimala's goes
up by 10%, then the percentage by which Kamala's income would exceed
Bimala's is nearest to
A. 28
B. 29
C. 31
D. 32

Correct Answer: 31
Let Bimala's income be B. Amala's income is 20% more than B.
So, A = 1.2 B
Similarly, Amala's income is 20% less than that of Kamala.
A= 0.8K
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Therefore, 1.2B = 0.8K (or) K = 3/2B
Now, Bimala's new income goes up by 10% = 1.1B
Kamala's income goes down by 4%
4% (1.5B) = 0.06B
Therefore, Kamala's new income is = 1.5B - 0.06B = 1.44B
So, K = 1.44B and B = 1.1 B
Percentage change = 0.34 B = 0.34/1.1 x 100 = 31%

Question 15:
In a race of three horses, the first beat the second by 11 metres and the
third by 90 metres. If the second beat the third by 80 metres, what was
the length, in metres, of the racecourse? [TITA]

Correct Answer: 880

A beats B by 11 meters. When B completes the 11 meters, there is a

lead of 80 meters to C
So, C must have travelled only 90 - 80 = 10 meters
When B travels 11 meters, C travels only 10 meters
Ratio of distance travelled by second and third horse are11x and 10 x
respectively
We know that the second horse beats the third horse by 80 meters.
So, Length of the track = Distance travelled by the second horse
=11 x 80 = 880 meters
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Question 16:
IAB is a diameter of a circle of radius 5 cm. Let P and Q be two points
on the circle so that the length of PB is 6 cm, and the length of AP is
wice that of AQ. Then the length, in cm, of QB is nearest to
A. 8.5
B. 9.3
C. 9.1
D. 7.8

Correct Answer: 9.1

We know that angle APB = AQB = 90o

We know PB = 6, AB = 10 and AP = 2AQ
From using Pythagorean triplet, we find that AP = 8 cms
So, AQ = 4cms
AQ2 + QB2 = AB2
16 + QB2 = 100
QB2 = 84
QB = 9.3

Question 17:
One can use three different transports which move at 10, 20, and 30 kmph,
espectively. To reach from A to B, Amal took each mode of transport 1/3 of
his total journey time, while Bimal took each mode of transport 1/3 of
the total distance.
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The percentage by which Bimal's travel time exceeds Amal's travel time is
nearest to
A. 22
B. 19
C. 21
D. 20

Correct Answer: 22

Let the distance be = 60 Kms.

So, Bimal travels a distance of 20Kms in each mode and Amal travels
10, 20 and 30 Kms respectively in 1 hour each
Time taken by Bimal = Time taken to travel 20 kms in 10 Kmph + Time
taken to travel 20 kms in 20 Kmph + Time taken to travel 20 kms in 30 Kmph
Time taken by Bimal = 2 + 1 + 2/3hours = 3 + 2/3hours
Extra time taken by Bimal = 2/3hour
Percentage increase in time = 2/3/3 x 100 = 2/9 x 100 = 22
So, Percentage increase in time = 22
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Question 18:
Amala, Bina, and Gouri invest money in the ratio 3 : 4 : 5 in fixed deposits
having respective annual interest rates in the ratio 6 : 5 : 4. What is their
total interest income (in Rs) after a year, if Bina's interest income exceeds
Amala's by Rs 250?
A. 7000
B. 6000
C. 6350
D. 7250

Correct Answer: 7250

We know, Interest income Amount invested

And Interest income Interest rate
Therefore, Interest income must be in the ratio of the product of their
Amount invested and Interest rate.
So, Ratios of Interest incomes of Amala, Bimala and Gouri = 18: 20: 20
Bina's Interest income exceeds Amala by 250 Rs.
So, 20 x - 18 x = 250
2x = 250
So, Total Interest income = 250 x (9 + 10 + 10) = 7250 Rs.
Total Interest Income = Rs. 7250
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Question 19:
IA chemist mixes two liquids 1 and 2. One litre of liquid 1 weighs 1 kg and
one litre of liquid 2 weighs 800 gm. If half litre of the mixture weighs 480 gm,
then the percentage of liquid 1 in the mixture, in terms of volume, is
A. 70
B. 85
C. 80
D. 75

Correct Answer: 80
In Liquid L1 - 1L = 1000 grams
So, 1000 mL = 1000 grams
1 mL = 1 gram
x mL = x grams
In Liquid L2 - 1L = 800 grams
1000 mL = 800 grams
1mL = 0.8 grams
(500-x) mL = (500-x) x 0.8 grams
Total mass = x + 400 - 0.8x = 480 grams
0.2x = 80 grams
x = 400 grams
Therefore, Liquid 1 has 400 mL and Liquid 2 has 500 - 400 = 100 Ml
Therefore, Percentage of Liquid 1 = 400/500 x 100 = 80%

Question 20:
Let S be the set of all points (x,y) in the x-y plane such that |x| + |y| ≤ 2
and |x| ≥ 1. Then, the area, in square units, of the region represented by
S equals [TITA]

Correct Answer: 2
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Construct the given data on a rough graph.

Required area = Sum of area of two smaller triangles [ (-2,0) (-1,1) (-1,-1)
and (2,0) (1,-1) (1,1) ]
Required area = 2 x 1/2 x base x height
Required area = 1 x 2 = 2 Sq units

Question 21 :
The number of solutions of the equation |x|(6x2 + 1) = 5x2 is [TITA]

Correct Answer: 5
Previous year
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|x| (6x2 + 1) = 5x2
We know that |x2| = x2
Let y = |x|
So, y2 = x2
So, y (6y2 + 1) = 5y2
6y2 + 1 = 5y
6y2 -5 + 1 = 0
y = 1/3or1/2
Since, y = |x|
y = 1/3or-1/3, 1/2 or -1/2
Since we have cancelled y in our first step, x = 0 is also a solution
So, Number of possible solutions = 4 + 1 = 5

Question 22:
Three men and eight machines can finish a job in half the time taken by
three machines and eight men to finish the same job. If two machines
can finish the job in 13 days, then how many men can finish the job in
13 days? [TITA

Correct Answer: 13
Let Machines be referred as R and men be referred as M
It is given that, three men and eight machines can finish a job in half
the time taken by three machines and eight men to finish the same job.
From the given data,
3M + 8R = 2 x (3R + 8M)
2R = 13M
R = 13/2 M
Therefore, if two machines can finish a job in 13 days, 2 Robos can
finish the job in 13 days.
Previous year
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Question 23:
Each of 74 students in a class studies at least one of the three subjects
H, E and P. Ten students study all three subjects, while twenty study H and
E, but not P. Every student who studies P also studies H or E or both.
f the number of students studying H equals that studying E, then the
number of students studying H is

Correct Answer: 52

Let the number of students who studying only H be h, only E be e, only

H and P but not E be x, only E and P but not H be y

Given only P = 0 All three = 10; Studying only H and E but not P = 20
Given number of students studying H = Number of students studying E
= h + x + 20 + 10
= e + y + 20 + 10
h + x = e + y total number of students = 74
Therefore, h + x + 20 + 10 + e + y = 74
h + x + e + y = 44
h + x + h + x = 44
h + x = 22
Therefore, the number of students studying
H = h + x + 20 + 10 = 22 + 20 + 10 = 52.
Previous year
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Question 24:
The value of the sum 7 x 11 + 11 x 15 + 15 x 19 + ...+ 95 x 99 is

80707 80773
80730 80751

Correct Answer: 80707

Nth term of the series can be written as

tn=(4n+3)(4n+7)
=16n2+40n+21
Σtn=16Σn2+40Σn+21Σ1
=16n(n+1)(2n+1)6+40n(n+1)2+21n
here n = 23 (7, 11, 15….. 95 is an AP with common different 4 with 23 terms)
∑tn=16×23×24×476+20×23×24+21×23
= 80707

Question 25 :
A chord of length 5 cm subtends an angle of 60° at the centre of a circle.
The length, in cm, of a chord that subtends an angle of 120° at the centre
of the same circle is

8 6√2
5√3 2π

Correct Answer: 5√3

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Since ∆OAB is equilateral, radius of the circle is 5 cm .

In ∆OCD, by sine rule, 5sin30 =CDsin120
0 0

-CD=53√2×2 = 53

Question 26:
Gopal borrows Rs. X from Ankit at 8% annual interest. He then adds Rs. Y
of his own money and lends Rs. X+Y to Ishan at 10% annual interest. At the
end of the year, after returning Ankit’s dues, the net interest retained by
Gopal is the same as that accrued to Ankit. On the other hand, had Gopal
lent Rs. X+2Y to Ishan at 10%, then the net interest retained by him would
have increased by Rs. 150. If all interests are compounded annually,
then find the value of X + Y.

Correct Answer: 4000

Interest to be repaid to Ankit at the end of the year = 0.08X

Interest that Gopal would receive from Ishan in two cases are as given.
Case I: if he lends X + Y
Interest received = (X + Y) × 0.1 = 0.1X + 0.1Y
Interest retained by Gopal after paying to Ankit
= (0.1X + 0.1Y) – (0.08X) = 0.02X + 0.1Y
Given that Interest retained by Gopal is same as that accrued by Ankit
=> (0.02X + 0.1Y) = 0.08X
=> Y = 0.6X
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Case II: if he lends X + 2Y

Interest received = (X + 2Y) × 0.1 = 0.1X + 0.2Y
Interest retained by Gopal after paying to Ankit
= (0.1X + 0.2Y) – (0.08X) = 0.02X + 0.2Y
Given that interest retained by Gopal would increase by 150
=> (0.02X + 0.2Y) – (0.02X + 0.1Y) = 150
0.1Y = 150
=> Y = 1500 and X = 1500×0.6= 2500
Hence X + Y = 2500 + 1500 = 4000

Question 27 :
A water tank has inlets of two types A and B. All inlets of type A when open,
bring in water at the same rate. All inlets of type B, when open, bring in
water at the same rate. The empty tank is completely filled in 30 minutes
f 10 inlets of type A and 45 inlets of type B are open, and in 1 hour if 8 inlets
of type A and 18 inlets of type B are open. In how many minutes will the
empty tank get completely filled if 7 inlets of type A and 27 inlets of
type B are open

Correct Answer: 48

Let the rate of filling of Type A and Type B pipes be a and b respectively.
Given 30×(10a + 45b) = 1 and 60×(8a + 18b) = 1
=> 30 × (10a + 45b) = 60 × (8a + 18b)
=> 10a + 45b = 16a + 36b
=> 3b = 2a or a = 1.5b
The total work = 30 × (10a + 45b) = 30 × (15b + 45b)
= 1800b
Required answer =1800b7a+27b=1800b10.5b+27b=48
Previous year
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Question 28 :
If p3 = q4 = r5 = s6, then the value of logs(pqr) is equal to

16/5 1
24/5 47/10

Correct Answer: 47/10

LLet p3=q4=r5=s6=k
p=k1/3,q=k1/4,r=k1/5,s=k1/6
pqr=k(20+15+1260)=k4760
logs(pqr)=logk16k4760
=(4760×6)logkk
=4710

Question 29 :
A parallelogram ABCD has area 48 sqcm. If the length of CD is 8 cm and
that of AD is s cm, then which one of the following is necessarily true?

s≥6 s≠6
s≤6 5≤s≤7

Correct Answer: s≥6

Previous year
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>
We can see that area of parallelogram ABCD = 2×Area of triangle ACD
48 = 2×Area of triangle ACD
Area of triangle ACD = 24
(1/2)×CD×DA×sinADC=24
AD×sinADC=6
We know that sinθ ≤ 1, Hence, we can say that AD ≥ 6
> s≥6
Previous year
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Question 29 :
The arithmetic mean of x, y and z is 80, and that of x, y, z, u and v is 75,
where u=(x+y)/2 and v=(y+z)/2. If x ≥ z, then the minimum possible
value of x is

Correct Answer: 105

Given x+y+z3=80
x+y+z=240 …. (1)
also x+y+z+u+v5=75
x+y+z+u+v=375 …. (2)
From (1) and (2), u+v=135 …. (3)
x+y2+y+z2=135
x+2y+z=270 …. (4)
From (1) & (4), y=30
x+z=210
Since x ≥ z, x takes the minimum possible value at
x = 105

Question 30:
The area of a rectangle and the square of its perimeter are in the ratio
1 : 25. Then the lengths of the shorter and longer sides of the rectangle
are in the ratio

1:4 2:9
1:3 3:8
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Correct Answer: 1:4

Let the length and the breadth of the rectangle be L and B respectively.
Given that Area of rectangle Perimeter 2=125, L×B(2(L+B))2=125
25LB=4L2+4B2+8LB
=L2+B2=(17/4)LB
(Note: Alternatively, we can also solve the quadratic equation in terms of
L/B and we’d get the same result, i.e. 4 or ¼ )
Since B < L, the ratio B : L = 1 : 4

Question 31:
The scores of Amal and Bimal in an examination are in the ratio 11 : 14.
After an appeal, their scores increase by the same amount and their new
scores are in the ratio 47 : 56. The ratio of Bimal’s new score to that of
his original score is

5:4 8:5
4:3 3:2

Correct Answer: 4:3

Given, ratio of the scores of Amal and Bimal is 11 : 14.

Let 11x and 14x be the scores of Amal and Bimal.
Let a be the score which is increased.
11x+a14x+a=4756
616x+56a=658x+47a
9a=42x, a=42x9, Required ratio =(14x+42x9):14x = (1+13):1
=4:3
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2018

Question 32 :
Let x, y, z be three positive real numbers in a geometric progression such
that x < y < z. If 5x, 16y, and 12z are in an arithmetic progression then the
common ratio of the geometric progression is

3/6 3/2
5/2 1/6

Correct Answer: 5/2

Since x, y ,and z are in G.P. and x<y<z, let x = a, y=ar and z=ar2,
where a>0 and r>1.
It is also given that, 15x, 16y and 12z are in A.P.
Therefore, 2×16y=5x+12z
Substituting the values of x, y and z we get,
32ar=5a+12ar2
32r=5+12r2
12r2−32r+5=0
On solving the above quadratic equation we get r=1/6 or 5/2.
Since r>1, therefore r=5/2.

Question 33:
TA tank is fitted with pipes, some filling it and the rest draining it. All filling
pipes fill at the same rate, and all draining pipes drain at the same rate.
The empty tank gets completely filled in 6 hours when 6 filling and 5
draining pipes are on, but this time becomes 60 hours when 5 filling and
6 draining pipes are on. In how many hours will the empty tank get
completely filled when one draining and two filling pipes are on?
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2018

Correct Answer: 10

Let the rate of each filling pipes be 'x lts/hr' similarly, the rate of each
draining pipes be 'y lts/hr'.
As per the first condition,
Capacity of tank = (6x - 5y)×6..........(i)
Similarly, from the second condition,
Capacity of tank = (5x - 6y) × 60.....(ii)
On equating (i) and (ii), we get
(6x - 5y) × 6 = (5x - 6y)×60 or, 6x - 5y = 50x - 60y
or, 44x = 55y or, 4x = 5y
or, x = 1.25y
Therefore, the capacity of the tank = (6x - 5y) × 6 = (7.5y - 5y) × 6 = 15y lts
Effective rate of 2 filling pipes and 1 draining pipe = (2x - y) = (2.5y - y) = 1.5y
Hence, the required time = 15y/1.5y=10 hours.

Question 34:
A trader sells 10 litres of a mixture of paints A and B, where the amount of
B in the mixture does not exceed that of A. The cost of paint A per litre is
Rs. 8 more than that of paint B. If the trader sells the entire mixture for
Rs. 264 and makes a pro?t of 10%, then the highest possible cost of
paint B, in Rs. per litre, is

26 16
20 22

Correct Answer: 3
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2018

Correct Answer: 20

Let the quantities of the paints A and B in the mixture sold be a litres and
b litres respectively.
Value at which the entire mixture is sold=264 Profit percent made=10%
Value at which the entire mixture is bought = 264×100110=240
Price at which the entire mixture is bought=24 per litre Let the cost of
B be x per litre.
Cost of A=(x+8)per litre
(x+8)a+xb10=24
Maximum cost of B will occur when a is minimum. b<=a. So,
minimum a is 5.
Corresponding b is 5. Then (x+8)(5)+x(5)=240 x=20

Question 35:
In a circle, two parallel chords on the same side of a diameter have lengths
4 cm and 6 cm. If the distance between these chords is 1 cm, then the
radius of the circle, in cm, is

√ 12 √ 14
√ 13 √ 11

Correct Answer: √ 13

Let the 6 cm long chord be x cm away from the centre of the circle.
Let the radius of the circle be r cm.
The perpendiculars from the centre of the circle to the chords
bisect the chords.
r2=x2+32=(x+1)2+22
Solving, x=2 and r=√13
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2018

Question 36:
In an apartment complex, the number of people aged 51 years and above
is 30 and there are at most 39 people whose ages are below 51 years.
The average age of all the people in the apartment complex is 38 years.
What is the largest possible average age, in years, of the people whose
ages are below 51 years?

27 28
26 25

Correct Answer: 28

Let the average age of people aged 51 years and above be x years.
Let the average age of people aged below 51 years be y years.
Let the number of people aged below 51 years be N.

Given, the average age of all the people in the apartment complex
is 38 years.

Therefore,

x×30+y×N30+N=38 ….(1)

We want to maximize y, which occurs when x is minimum i.e. for x=51.

Substituting the value of x in (1) we get

390=N×(38-y)

Again, when y is maximum, N is also maximum i.e. 39

Therefore maximum value of y = 28. Lorem ipsum

Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2018

Question 37:
The arithmetic mean of x, y and z is 80, and that of x, y, z, u and v is 75,
where u=(x+y)/2 and v=(y+z)/2. If x ≥ z, then the minimum possible
value of x is

Correct Answer: 105

Given x+y+z3=80
x+y+z=240 …. (1)
also x+y+z+u+v5=75
x+y+z+u+v=375 …. (2)
From (1) and (2), u+v=135 …. (3)
x+y2+y+z2=135
x+2y+z=270 …. (4)
From (1) & (4), y=30
x+z=210
Since x ≥ z, x takes the minimum possible value at
x = 105

Question 38:
There are two drums, each containing a mixture of paints A and B. In drum
1, A and B are in the ratio 18 : 7. The mixtures from drums 1 and 2 are
mixed in the ratio 3 : 4 and in this final mixture, A and B are in the ratio
13 : 7. In drum 2, then A and B were in the ratio

229 : 141 220 : 149

239 : 161 251 : 163
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2018

Correct Answer: 239 : 161

Let the ratio of A and B in drum 2 be x : 1

Applying alligation,
13/20−x/x+1=3/4=>13/20−x/x+1=3/4×72−65/100=21/400
=>x/25−13/20=13/20−21/400=239/400
=>400x=239x+239
x=239/161
Required ratio is 239 : 161.

Question 39:
The scores of Amal and Bimal in an examination are in the ratio 11 : 14.
After an appeal, their scores increase by the same amount and their new
scores are in the ratio 47 : 56. The ratio of Bimal’s new score to that of
his original score is

5:4 8:5
4:3 3:2

Correct Answer: 4:3

Given, ratio of the scores of Amal and Bimal is 11 : 14.

Let 11x and 14x be the scores of Amal and Bimal.
Let a be the score which is increased.
11x+a14x+a=4756
616x+56a=658x+47a
9a=42x, a=42x9, Required ratio =(14x+42x9):14x = (1+13):1
=4:3
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2018

Question 40:
While multiplying three real numbers, Ashok took one of the
numbers as 73 instead of 37. As a result, the product went up by
720. Then the minimum possible value of the sum of squares of the
other two numbers is

Correct Answer: 40

Let the other two numbers be y and z.

As per the condition

3yz - 37yz = 720

Or 36yz=720

Or yz=20

Minimum possible sum of the squares of the other two numbers

would occur when y = z i.e. y=z=√20

Hence the required sum = 40.

Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2018

Question 41:
The strength of a salt solution is p% if 100 ml of the solution contains p
grams of salt. If three salt solutions A, B, C are mixed in the proportion
1 : 2 : 3, then the resulting solution has strength 20%. If instead the
proportion is 3 : 2 : 1, then the resulting solution has strength 30%.
A fourth solution, D, is produced by mixing B and C in the ratio 2 : 7.
The ratio of the strength of D to that of A is

2:5 1:3
1:4 3 : 10

Correct Answer: 1:3

Let 'a', 'b' and 'c' be the concentration of salt in Solutions A, B and C
respectively.
It is given that three salt solutions A, B, C are mixed in the proportion
1 : 2 : 3, then the resulting Solution has strength 20%.

-a+2b+3c1+2+3=20
-a+2b+3c=120 ... (1)

Also, if the proportion is 3 : 2 : 1, then the resulting Solution has strength 30%.
3a+2b+c1+2+3=30
3a+2b+c=180 ... (2)
From equation (1) and (2), we get
-b+2c=45
By observation, we find that b = c = 15 and a = 45.

So if we mix Solution B and C in any ratio we get the mixture with 15%
concentration whereas A's strength = 45%.

Hence, the required ratio = 1545 = 1 : 3

Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2018

Question 42:
Points E, F, G, H lie on the sides AB, BC, CD, and DA, respectively, of a square
ABCD. If EFGH is also a square whose area is 62.5% of that of ABCD and
CG is longer than EB, then the ratio of length of EB to that of CG is

2:5 4:9
3:8 1:3

Correct Answer: 1:3

Let the area of ABCD be 100. Side of ABCD = 10 Area of EFGH is

62.5 => Side of EFGH = √62.5

Triangles AEH, BFE, CGF and DHG are congruent by ASA.

Let AE = BF = CG = DH = x; EB = FC = DG = AH = 10 -xx

AE2+AH2=EH2

x +(10−x) =(√62.5)
2 2 2

Solving, x = 2.5 or 7.5

Since it’s given that CG is longer than EB, CG = 7.5 and EB = 2.5.

Therefore, EB : CG = 1 : 3
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2018

Question 43:
log1281=p,then3(4−p4+p) is equal to

log416 log68
log616 log28

Correct Answer: log68

Question 44:
Train T leaves station X for station Y at 3 pm. Train S, traveling at three
quarters of the speed of T, leaves Y for X at 4 pm. The two trains pass each
other at a station Z, where the distance between X and Z is three-?fths of
that between X and Y. How many hours does train T take for its journey
from X to Y?

Correct Answer: 15
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2018

Train T starts at 3 PM and train S starts at 4 PM.

Let the speed of train T be t.
=> Speed of train S = 0.75t.
When the trains meet, train t would have traveled for one more hour than
train S.
Let us assume that the 2 trains meet x hours after 3 PM. Trains S would
have traveled for x-1 hours.
Distance traveled by train T = xt
Distance traveled by train S = (x-1)*0.75t = 0.75xt-0.75t
We know that train T has traveled three fifths of the distance. Therefore,
train S should have traveled two-fifths the distance between the 2 cities.
=> (xt)/(0.75xt-0.75t) = 3/2
2xt = 2.25xt-2.25t
0.25x = 2.25
x = 9 hours.
Train T takes 9 hours to cover three-fifths the distance. Therefore, to cover
the entire distance, train T will take 9*(5/3) = 15 hours.
Therefore, 15 is the correct answer

Question 45:
A wholesaler bought walnuts and peanuts, the price of walnut per kg being
thrice that of peanut per kg. He then sold 8 kg of peanuts at a proit of 10%
and 16 kg of walnuts at a pro?t of 20% to a shopkeeper. However, the
shopkeeper lost 5 kg of walnuts and 3 kg of peanuts in transit. He then
mixed the remaining nuts and sold the mixture at Rs. 166 per kg, thus
making an overall pro?t of 25%. At what price, in Rs. per kg, did the
wholesaler buy the walnuts?

98 96
84 86
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2018

Correct Answer: 96

Let the cost price of peanuts for the wholesaler be x per kg.
Cost price of walnuts for the wholesaler is 3x per kg.
The wholesaler sold 8 kg of peanuts at 10% profit and 16 kg of walnuts
at 20% profit to a shopkeeper.
Total cost price to the shopkeeper = (8)(x)(1.1) + 16(3x)(1.2) = 66.4x
The shopkeeper lost 5 kg walnuts and 3 kg peanuts.
The shopkeeper sold the mixture of 11 kg walnuts and 5 kg peanuts.
His total selling price=166(16) = 2656
His total cost price =2656(100125)=2124.8
66.4x=2124.8
x=32
Price at which the wholesaler bought walnuts = 3x = 96/- per kg

Question 46:
A CAT aspirant appears for a certain number of tests. His average score
increases by 1 if the first 10 tests are not considered, and decreases by 1
if the last 10 tests are not considered. If his average scores for the first
10 and the last 10 tests are 20 and 30, respectively, then the total number
of tests taken by him is

Correct Answer: 60

Let the average score of the aspirant in all the tests be x. Let the number
of tests be n. The aspirant's average score for the first 10 tests and last
10 tests are 20 and 30 respectively.
nx−200/n−10=x+1 and nx−300/n−10=x−1
Solving, we get n=60
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2018

Question 47:
Let ABCD be a rectangle inscribed in a circle of radius 13 cm. Which one of
the following pairs can represent, in cm, the possible length and breadth
of ABCD?

24, 10 25, 9
24, 12 25, 10

Correct Answer: 24, 10

We know that AC is the diameter and ABC = 90°. AC = 2*13 = 26 cm

In right angle triangle ABC,
AC =AB +BC
2 2 2

- AB +BC =26
2 2 2

- AB +BC =676
2 2

Let us check with the options.

Option (A): 24 +10 =676.

2 2

Option (B): 25 +9 =706≠676.

2 2

Option (C): 25 +10 =725≠676.

2 2

Option (D): 24 +12 =720≠676.

2 2
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2017
2018

Question 48:
In a parallelogram ABCD of area 72 sq cm, the sides CD and AD have
lengths 9 cm and 16 cm, respectively. Let P be a point on CD such that
AP is perpendicular to CD. Then the area, in sq cm, of triangle APD is

18√3 24√3
32√3 12√3

Correct Answer: 32√3

Area of the parallelogram ABCD = (base)(height) = (CD)(AP) = 72 sq.cm.

(CD)(AP) = 72 9(AP) = 72 => AP = 8

Question 49:
In a circle with center O and radius 1 cm, an arc AB makes an angle 60
degrees at O. Let R be the region bounded by the radii OA, OB and the arc
AB. If C and D are two points on OA and OB, respectively, such that
OC = OD and the area of triangle OCD is half that of R, then the length
of OC, in cm, is

(π/3√3) 1/2
(π4)1/2

(π6) 1/2
(π/4√3)1/2
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2017
2018

Correct Answer: (π/3√3) 1/2

It is given that radius of the circle = 1 cm

Chord AB subtends an angle of 60° on the centre of the given circle.
R be the region bounded by the radii OA, OB and the arc AB.
Therefore, R = 60°360°×Area of the circle = 1/6×π×(1) = π/6 sq. cm
2

It is given that OC = OD and area of triangle OCD is half that of R.

Let OC = OD = x.
Area of triangle COD = 1/2×OC×OD×sin60°
π/6×2 = 1/2×x×x×√3/2
-x =π/3√3
2

-x = (π/3√3) 1/2 cm
.

Question 50:
How many numbers with two or more digits can be formed with the digits
,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, so that in every such number, each digit is used at most
once and the digits appear in the ascending order?

Correct Answer: 502

As the digits appear in ascending order in the numbers, number of ways

of forming a n-digit number using the 9 digits = 9Cn
Number of possible two-digit numbers which can be formed
= 9C2+9C3+9C4+9C5+9C6+9C7+9C8+9C9
=29−(9C1+9C1) =512−(1+9)=502
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2017
2018

Question 51:
If f(x + 2) = f(x) + f(x + 1) for all positive integers x, and f(11) = 91, f(15)
= 617, then f(10) equals

Correct Answer: 54

f(x+2) = f(x) + f(x+1)

f(11) = 91
Let f(12) = a
f(13) = 91 + a
f(14) = 91 + 2a
f(15) = 182 + 3a.
This is also equal to 617.
182 + 3a = 617 => a = 145
f(10) = f(12) - f(11) = 145 - 91 = 54

Question 52:
John borrowed Rs. 2,10,000 from a bank at an interest rate of 10% per
annum, compounded annually. The loan was repaid in two equal
instalments, the first after one year and the second after another year.
The ?rst instalment was interest of one year plus part of the principal
amount, while the second was the rest of the principal amount plus due
interest thereon. Then each instalment, in Rs., is

Correct Answer: 121000

Let each instalment be x. Equating the present value of both the

instalments to the money borrowed,
x/1.1+x/1.1 =210000
2

x=121000
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2017
2018

Question 53:
Let f(x) = min{2x2,52−5x}, where x is any positive real number. Then the
maximum possible value of f(x) is

Correct Answer: 32

f(x) = min (2x ,52−5x)

2

The maximum possible value of this function will be attained

when 2x =52−5x.
2

2x +5x−52=0
2

(2x+13)(x−4)=0
=> x=−13/2 or x=4
Since x has to be positive integer, we can discard the case x=−13/2.
x=4 is the point at which the function attains the maximum value.
putting x=4 in the original function, we get, 2x =2*4 =32.
2 2

Or the maximum value of f(x) = 32.

Question 54:
The distance from A to B is 60 km. Partha and Narayan start from A at
the same time and move towards B. Partha takes four hours more than
Narayan to reach B. Moreover, Partha reaches the mid-point of A and B
two hours before Narayan reaches B. The speed of Partha, in km per hour, is

4 6
5 3

Correct Answer: 5
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2017
2018

Let the time taken by Partha to cover 60 km be x hours.

As per the condition, Narayan will cover 60 km in x-4 hours.
Therefore, Speed of Partha = 60x
And Speed of Narayan = 60x−4
It is also given that Partha reaches the mid-point of A and B two hours
before Narayan reaches B. Hence,
=> 30/60/x+2=60/60/(x−4)
x/2+2=x−4
x+4/2=x−4
x+4=2x−8
x=12
OR Partha will take 12 hours to cross 60 km.
=> Speed of Partha = 6012=5 Kmph.

Question 55:
Humans and robots can both perform a job but at different efficiencies.
Fifteen humans and five robots working together take thirty days to finish
the job, whereas five humans and fifteen robots working together take
sixty days to finish it. How many days will fifteen humans working together
(without any robot) take to finish it?

Correct Answer: 32

Let the rates of work of each human and each robot be H and R
respectively (both in units/day).
15H+5R=130 …… (1)
5H+15R=160 ……(2)
3(1)−(2)=>40H=112
H=1480
In a day, 15 humans can complete 15H i.e. 132th of the job.
15 humans can complete the job in 32 days
Previous year
Quant’s for CAT CAT 2017
2018

Question 56:
IWhen they work alone, B needs 25% more time to finish a job than A does.
They two finish the job in 13 days in the following manner: A works alone
till half the job is done, then A and B work together for four days, and
finally B works alone to complete the remaining 5% of the job. In how
many days can B alone finish the entire job?

20 16
22 18

Correct Answer: 20

Let the time taken by A to finish the job be “a” days.

Time taken by B to finish the job =5/4a days.
Part of the job completed when A and B worked together for 4 days
= 1=1/2−5/100=9/20
4(1/a+1/5a/4)=9/20
a=16
Time taken by B alone to complete the entire job = 5a/4 = 20 days.
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