SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 Nov 2022 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)

Given,

Seven people A, B, C, J, P, Q and R are sitting around a circular table, facing the centre, not necessarily in the same order.

1)  Person A is sitting exactly in between R and J. R is not sitting adjacent to C.

2.)  The person C, who is sitting to the second right of J. (Here, the person C who is sitting second to the right of J. It is possible when only J is sitting immediately right of A.

3. C is sitting exactly in between B and Q.

4. B is not an immediate neighbour of P. (Here, case 1 satisfied this statement so we eliminate case 2.) Hence, the final arrangement will be as follows:

Hence, R is sitting exactly between the P and A.

Given,

Seven people A, B, C, J, P, Q and R are sitting around a circular table, facing the centre, not necessarily in the same order.

1)  Person A is sitting exactly in between R and J. R is not sitting adjacent to C.

2.)  The person C, who is sitting to the second right of J. (Here, the person C who is sitting second to the right of J. It is possible when only J is sitting immediately right of A.

3. C is sitting exactly in between B and Q.

4. B is not an immediate neighbour of P. (Here, case 1 satisfied this statement so we eliminate case 2.) Hence, the final arrangement will be as follows:

Hence, four persons are sitting between J to C in clockwise directions i.e. A, R, P & Q.

Given,

Seven people A, B, C, J, P, Q and R are sitting around a circular table, facing the centre, not necessarily in the same order.

1)  Person A is sitting exactly in between R and J. R is not sitting adjacent to C.

2.)  The person C, who is sitting to the second right of J. (Here, the person C who is sitting second to the right of J. It is possible when only J is sitting immediately right of A.

3. C is sitting exactly in between B and Q.

4. B is not an immediate neighbour of P. (Here, case 1 satisfied this statement so we eliminate case 2.) Hence, the final arrangement will be as follows:

Hence, only one person is sitting between Q and R.

Given,

Seven people A, B, C, J, P, Q and R are sitting around a circular table, facing the centre, not necessarily in the same order.

1)  Person A is sitting exactly in between R and J. R is not sitting adjacent to C.

2.)  The person C, who is sitting to the second right of J. (Here, the person C who is sitting second to the right of J. It is possible when only J is sitting immediately right of A.

3. C is sitting exactly in between B and Q.

4. B is not an immediate neighbour of P. (Here, case 1 satisfied this statement so we eliminate case 2.) Hence, the final arrangement will be as follows:

Hence, P is sitting third to the left of J.

Given,

Seven people A, B, C, J, P, Q and R are sitting around a circular table, facing the centre, not necessarily in the same order.

1. Person A is sitting exactly in between R and J. R is not sitting adjacent to C.

2. The person C, who is sitting to the second right of J. (Here, the person C who is sitting second to the right of J. It is possible when only J is sitting immediately right of A.

3. C is sitting exactly in between B and Q.

4. B is not an immediate neighbour of P. (Here, case 1 satisfied this statement so we eliminate case 2) Hence, the final arrangement will be as follows:

Hence, ‘C is facing towards the centre and second to the right of J’ is correct answer.

The least possible venn diagram;

Conclusions:

I. Some drums are melody→ False ( No direct relation is given between the two, it is possible but not definitely true, Hence some drums are melody is false)

II. No drums are melody → False ( No direct relation is given between the two, it is possible but not definitely true, Hence No drums are melody is false)

when we combine both conclusions one of them has to be true. As both make the complementary pair of Some + No. both conclusions are false also the elements are the same.

 Hence, Either I or II follows.

The least possible Venn diagram;

Conclusions :

I. Some tables are clever is possible → True (as there is no direct relation between tables and clever, it is not definitely true but it is possible, Hence some tables are clever is possible is true)

II Some old are table → False (it is one of the possibilities but not entirely true)

Hence, Only I follow.

The least possible Venn diagram for the given statements is as follows

Conclusions:

I. Atleast some orange is mango → False ( as there is no relation between orange and mango. so, it is possible but it's not definite. Hence, atleast some orange is mango is false).

II. Some Grapes is definitely mango  → False ( as there is no relation between Grapes and mango. so, it is possible but it's not definite. Hence, Some Grapes is definitely mango is false).

Hence, Neither I nor II follows is the correct answer.

Seven Persons – Asha, Tom, Jiya, Hira, Tua, Preet, and Vina

Floors (from bottom to top) – 1 to 7

1. Vina lives on the lowermost floor.

2. Only four people live between Vina and Asha.

3. Tua lives on an even-numbered floor. There are two possible cases 

Case 1: Tua lives in floor 4.

Case2: Tua lives in floor 2.

4. Only two people live between Tua and Preet.

5. Tom, who is an immediate neighbor of Asha, lives on an odd-numbered floor.
   

6. Only two people live between Asha and Hira.

7. Jiya lives on an even-numbered floor, below Tua.

In case 1 In floor 2, Jiya will live will is an even floor below Tua.

In case 2 Floor 4, Which is above the Tua's floor hence eliminated.

Hence, Jiya lives on second floor.

Seven Persons – Asha, Tom, Jiya, Hira, Tua, Preet, and Vina

Floors (from bottom to top) – 1 to 7

1. Vina lives on the lowermost floor.

2. Only four people live between Vina and Asha.

3. Tua lives on an even-numbered floor. There are two possible cases 

Case 1: Tua lives in floor 4.

Case2: Tua lives in floor 2.

4. Only two people live between Tua and Preet.

5. Tom, who is an immediate neighbor of Asha, lives on an odd-numbered floor.
   

6. Only two people live between Asha and Hira.

7. Jiya lives on an even-numbered floor, below Tua.

In case 1 In floor 2, Jiya will live will is an even floor below Tua.

In case 2 Floor 4, Which is above the Tua's floor hence eliminated.

Hence, three persons live between Hira and Preet.

Seven Persons – Asha, Tom, Jiya, Hira, Tua, Preet, and Vina

Floors (from bottom to top) – 1 to 7

1. Vina lives on the lowermost floor.

2. Only four people live between Vina and Asha.

3. Tua lives on an even-numbered floor. There are two possible cases 

Case 1: Tua lives in floor 4.

Case2: Tua lives in floor 2.

4. Only two people live between Tua and Preet.

5. Tom, who is an immediate neighbor of Asha, lives on an odd-numbered floor.
   

6. Only two people live between Asha and Hira.

7. Jiya lives on an even-numbered floor, below Tua.

In case 1 In floor 2, Jiya will live will is an even floor below Tua.

In case 2 Floor 4, Which is above the Tua's floor hence eliminated.

Hence, Asha lives immediately above Tom.

Seven Persons – Asha, Tom, Jiya, Hira, Tua, Preet, and Vina

Floors (from bottom to top) – 1 to 7

1. Vina lives on the lowermost floor.

2. Only four people live between Vina and Asha.

3. Tua lives on an even-numbered floor. There are two possible cases 

Case 1: Tua lives in floor 4.

Case2: Tua lives in floor 2.

4. Only two people live between Tua and Preet.

5. Tom, who is an immediate neighbor of Asha, lives on an odd-numbered floor.
   

6. Only two people live between Asha and Hira.

7. Jiya lives on an even-numbered floor, below Tua.

In case 1 In floor 2, Jiya will live will is an even floor below Tua.

In case 2 Floor 4, Which is above the Tua's floor hence eliminated.

Vina, Hira, Preet and Tom live on an odd-numbered floor while Tua lives on an even numbered floor.

Hence, Tua is on the even one.

Seven Persons – Asha, Tom, Jiya, Hira, Tua, Preet, and Vina

Floors (from bottom to top) – 1 to 7

1. Vina lives on the lowermost floor.

2. Only four people live between Vina and Asha.

3. Tua lives on an even-numbered floor. There are two possible cases 

Case 1: Tua lives in floor 4.

Case2: Tua lives in floor 2.

4. Only two people live between Tua and Preet.

5. Tom, who is an immediate neighbor of Asha, lives on an odd-numbered floor.
   

6. Only two people live between Asha and Hira.

7. Jiya lives on an even-numbered floor, below Tua.

In case 1 In floor 2, Jiya will live will is an even floor below Tua.

In case 2 Floor 4, Which is above the Tua's floor hence eliminated.

Hence, Tom lives on the fifth floor.

Given Statements: T < S < O = P = J > G > H ≥ A

Conclusions:

I. P > T → True (as T < S < O = P → T < P → It is clear that from this P > T)

II. A < O → True (as  O = P = J > G > H ≥ A → O  > A → its clear that A < O)

Hence, both conclusions are as follows

Given Statements :  T > A = M < X, R ≥ Y, D ≥  N = T

On combining : D ≥ N = T > A = M < X , R ≥ Y

I. A < R → False (As there is no direct relation between R and A, A < R is False)

II. D > M → True (as D > N = T > A = M, it is definitely True, Hence D >M is true)

Hence, Only conclusion II follows.

Given statements:  T > N < V = L ≤ W < K, V = H > I > F

On combining:   T > N < V = L ≤ W < K,  T > N < V = H > I > F

I. V > F → True ( As V = H > I > F so V > F is true )

II. T > H → False ( As T > N < V = H > I > F no direct relation is given between the two, so it is possibility but not definitely true Hence T > H is false)

Only I follow.

Given Statements: X < A ≤ H ≤ B; J = K; K ≤ B

On Combining: X < A ≤ H ≤ B ≥ K = J

Conclusions:

I. B ≥ J → True (As X < A ≤ H ≤ B ≥ K = J → B ≥ J. So, it is true)

II. X < K → False (As X < A ≤ H ≤ B ≥ K = J, there is no direct relation between X and K because of opposite signs between X and K. So, it is false)

Hence, Only I follow.

1- R sits fifth from the right extreme end of the row.

2- R sits second to the right of P.

3- T is immediate to the left of P.

4- Three persons sit between P and Q. 

5- Only three people sit between Q and S.

Case 2 is canceled because there is no space for S.

Case 2

 6- As many people sit between R and U as many between U and S.

7- Y sits second to the left of V, who is an immediate neighbor of Q. 

8- Not more than two people sit between V and S. 

9- Five persons sit between S and X. 

10- X sits on the extreme end of the row.

11- As many people sit between S and W as many between W and X.

Case-1

So final arrangement, 

Hence, 21 seats in a row.

1- R sits fifth from the right extreme end of the row.

2- R sits second to the right of P.

3- T is immediate to the left of P.

4- Three persons sit between P and Q. 

5- Only three people sit between Q and S.

Case 2 is canceled because there is no space for S.

Case 2

 6- As many people sit between R and U as many between U and S.

7- Y sits second to the left of V, who is an immediate neighbor of Q. 

8- Not more than two people sit between V and S. 

9- Five persons sit between S and X. 

10- X sits on the extreme end of the row.

11- As many people sit between S and W as many between W and X.

Case-1

So final arrangement, 

Hence, R sits sixth to the right of Q.

1- R sits fifth from the right extreme end of the row.

2- R sits second to the right of P.

3- T is immediate to the left of P.

4- Three persons sit between P and Q. 

5- Only three people sit between Q and S.

Case 2 is canceled because there is no space for S.

Case 2

 6- As many people sit between R and U as many between U and S.

7- Y sits second to the left of V, who is an immediate neighbor of Q. 

8- Not more than two people sit between V and S. 

9- Five persons sit between S and X. 

10- X sits on the extreme end of the row.

11- As many people sit between S and W as many between W and X.

Case-1

So final arrangement, 

Hence, six people are sit between S and T.

Given:-

Word: CONSISTENCY

3rd letter = N ; 4th letter = S ; 7th letter = T; 8th letter = E

Words formed using the above letters:

1. NEST - Home of Birds
2. SENT - Past simple and past particle of Send
3. STEN - To stride energetically / Narrow, little
4. TENS - used in mathematical operations.

Confusion Points NETS is not a meaningful word as we know NET is a meaningful word and NETS is its plural form so this cannot be considered a meaningful word. So by the given letters, only four meaningful words will be formed.

Given series:

Left Side  6 U # 7 Y 8 X @ Q 9 L S % $ V M 3 F 2 K 1 5 Z & 4 C * O ? D  Right Side

Letters, which are immediately preceded by a symbol and immediately followed by a number:

Symbol → Letter  → Number

6 U # 7 Y 8 X @ Q 9 L S % $ V M 3 F 2 K 1 5 Z & 4 C * O ? D

Hence, There is one letter, which is immediately preceded by a symbol and immediately followed by a number: @ Q 9.

Given series:

Left Side  - 6 U # 7 Y 8 X @ Q 9 L S % $ V M 3 F 2 K 1 5 Z & 4 C * O ? D  - Right Side

As, the numbers between X and Z are 9, 3, 2, 1 and 5.

Product of the numbers → 9 * 3 * 2 * 1 * 5 = 270

Hence, The product of these numbers would be 270.

Given series:

Left Side  6 U # 7 Y 8 X @ Q 9 L S % $ V M 3 F 2 K 1 5 Z & 4 C * O ? D  Right Side

1. If all the odd numbers are dropped:

6 U # Y 8 X @ Q L S % $ V M F 2 K Z & 4 C * O ? D

2. 7^th element from the left end is @.

Hence, element that is 5^th to the right of 7^th from the left end is $.

Important Points

If we have to go from the left towards the left then we will subtract and vice versa.

If we have to move from the left towards the right then we will add and vice versa.

7th from left: @

7 + 5 = 12th

The 12^th element from the left end will be $.

Given series:

Left Side  6 U # 7 Y 8 X @ Q 9 L S % $ V M 3 F 2 K 1 5 Z & 4 C * O ? D  Right Side

1. Numbers that are immediately preceded by a symbol:

Symbol  → Number

6 U # 7 Y 8 X @ Q 9 L S % $ V M 3 F 2 K 1 5 Z & 4 C * O ? D

Hence, There are two numbers, which are immediately preceded by a symbol: #7 and &4.

In row-1 J, K, L, M, and N → facing South

In row-2 V, W, X, Y, and Z → facing North

1. Z sits third to the right of W.

2. V sits second to the left of Z.

3. The person facing V sits to the immediate right of K.

4. Only one person sits between K and M.

5. J is not an immediate neighbor of K. 

6. Only two people sit between J and L → Case 2 gets eliminated

(If we take 2 persons between J and L, then the place of L will not be determined as it is already occupied by K)

7. Neither K nor J faces Y → Case 1.1 gets eliminated

So, the final arrangement will be

Hence, V is facing N.

In row-1 J, K, L, M, and N → facing South

In row-2 V, W, X, Y, and Z → facing North

1. Z sits third to the right of W.

2. V sits second to the left of Z.

3. The person facing V sits to the immediate right of K.

4. Only one person sits between K and M.

5. J is not an immediate neighbor of K. 

6. Only two people sit between J and L → Case 2 gets eliminated

(If we take 2 persons between J and L, then the place of L will not be determined as it is already occupied by K)

7. Neither K nor J faces Y → Case 1.1 gets eliminated

So, the final arrangement will be

Hence, L sits to the immediate right of M is true**.**

In row-1 J, K, L, M, and N → facing South

In row-2 V, W, X, Y, and Z → facing North

1. Z sits third to the right of W.

2. V sits second to the left of Z.

3. The person facing V sits to the immediate right of K.

4. Only one person sits between K and M.

5. J is not an immediate neighbor of K. 

6. Only two people sit between J and L → Case 2 gets eliminated

(If we take 2 persons between J and L, then the place of L will not be determined as it is already occupied by K)

7. Neither K nor J faces Y → Case 1.1 gets eliminated

So, the final arrangement will be

Hence, K is facing X.

In row-1 J, K, L, M, and N → facing South

In row-2 V, W, X, Y, and Z → facing North

1. Z sits third to the right of W.

2. V sits second to the left of Z.

3. The person facing V sits to the immediate right of K.

4. Only one person sits between K and M.

5. J is not an immediate neighbor of K. 

6. Only two people sit between J and L → Case 2 gets eliminated

(If we take 2 persons between J and L, then the place of L will not be determined as it is already occupied by K)

7. Neither K nor J faces Y → Case 1.1 gets eliminated

So, the final arrangement will be

Hence, Z sits to the immediate left of Y**.**

In row-1 J, K, L, M, and N → facing South

In row-2 V, W, X, Y, and Z → facing North

1. Z sits third to the right of W.

2. V sits second to the left of Z.

3. The person facing V sits to the immediate right of K.

4. Only one person sits between K and M.

5. J is not an immediate neighbor of K. 

6. Only two people sit between J and L → Case 2 gets eliminated

(If we take 2 persons between J and L, then the place of L will not be determined as it is already occupied by K)

7. Neither K nor J faces Y → Case 1.1 gets eliminated

So, the final arrangement will be

Except N, all others are sitting at the end of the row.

Hence, N does not belong to the group.

Given:

1) B was 9m to the north of G.

2) G was 6 m west of Q.

3) D was 9m east of G.

4. M was 4m south of D.

5. F was 11m north of D and 2m east of O.

Now, O was in the Northwest direction with respect to D.

Using Pythagoras' theorem,

OD² = OP² + PD² = 2²+11²

OD² = 4+121 = 125

 OD = √125 

OD = 5√ 5 m

Hence, the correct answer is Northwest, 5√ 5 m.

Forward pair - 0

Backward pairs - GI, NR

Hence, two such pairs have as many letters in the word as they have between them in the English alphabetical series.

Table is drawn describing symbols and their meanings:

1) T is the daughter-in-law of Q who is the mother of P.

2) T is not married to P.

3) P is a male.

4) S has two children both of them are of same gender. 

5) A is the mother of O. A is not the wife of either S or T.

The above statement implies that A is a female and have a child O. There are three generations in the family. So, A can be either from I generation or II generation. She cannot be married to Q or T as the gender is same. So, she will be married to P. Also, S can be from II generation or I generation as he/she has two children.

6) R is the only son of B.

7)  Number of female and male in the family are same.

\

Now, as there could not be a single parent, so there should be a person married to Q. As R is the only son of B. B could not be married to S. Therefore, S is married to Q. 

Now, only B and R are to be paced. B will be married to T as there could not be single parent. There are equal number of male and female members, so, O will be a female member. 

Hence, O is the grand-daughter of S.

Table is drawn describing symbols and their meanings:

1) T is the daughter-in-law of Q who is the mother of P.

2) T is not married to P.

3) P is a male.

4) S has two children both of them are of same gender. 

5) A is the mother of O. A is not the wife of either S or T.

The above statement implies that A is a female and have a child O. There are three generations in the family. So, A can be either from I generation or II generation. She cannot be married to Q or T as the gender is same. So, she will be married to P. Also, S can be from II generation or I generation as he/she has two children.

6) R is the only son of B.

7)  Number of female and male in the family are same.

\

Now, as there could not be a single parent, so there should be a person married to Q. As R is the only son of B. B could not be married to S. Therefore, S is married to Q. 

Now, only B and R are to be paced. B will be married to T as there could not be single parent. There are equal number of male and female members, so, O will be a female member. 

Hence, B is the brother-in-law of A.

Table is drawn describing symbols and their meanings:

1) T is the daughter-in-law of Q who is the mother of P.

2) T is not married to P.

3) P is a male.

4) S has two children both of them are of same gender. 

5) A is the mother of O. A is not the wife of either S or T.

The above statement implies that A is a female and have a child O. There are three generations in the family. So, A can be either from I generation or II generation. She cannot be married to Q or T as the gender is same. So, she will be married to P. Also, S can be from II generation or I generation as he/she has two children.

6) R is the only son of B.

7)  Number of female and male in the family are same.

\

Now, as there could not be a single parent, so there should be a person married to Q. As R is the only son of B. B could not be married to S. Therefore, S is married to Q. 

Now, only B and R are to be paced. B will be married to T as there could not be single parent. There are equal number of male and female members, so, O will be a female member. 

Hence, R is nephew of P.

Given : 

 292, 291, 295, 268, 284, 161

Calculation :

 The series follows the following pattern:

 ⇒ 292 - (1)³ = 291

 ⇒ 291+ (2)² = 295

 ⇒ 295- (3)³ = 268

 ⇒ 268+ (4)² = 284

 ⇒ 284 - (5)³ = 159

 The wrong term is 161

 Hence the wrong term in the series is 161

Given :

  27, 48, 80, 134, 221, 355

 Calculation :

 The series follows the following pattern

  ⇒ 27   48   80  134  221  355

  ⇒    21    32   54     87    134     ( difference of numbers 

  ⇒        11    22     33    47          ( Then the double difference is multiple of 11)

  ⇒ 47 is not a multiple of 11 then 44 difference is come here instead of 47

  ⇒ 87 + 44 = 131 then 221 + 131 = 352

 The wrong term is 355

 Hence the wrong term in the series is 355

Given : 

  215, 200, 250,175, 275, 150, 300

 Calculation :

 The series follows the following pattern 

 ⇒ 225 - 25 = 200

 ⇒ 200 + 50 = 250

 ⇒ 250 - 75 = 175

 ⇒ 175+ 100 = 275

 ⇒ 275 - 125 = 150

 ⇒ 150+ 150 = 300

 The wrong term is 215

 Hence the wrong term in the series is 215.

Given :

  25, 50, 85, 130, 185, 245, 325

 Calculation :

 The series follows the following pattern 

 ⇒ 25 + 25 = 50

 ⇒ 50 + 35 = 85

 ⇒ 85 + 45 = 130

 ⇒ 130 + 55 = 185

 ⇒ 185 + 65 = 250

 ⇒ 250 + 75 = 325

 The wrong term is 245

 Hence the wrong term in the series is 245

Given : 

  1, 3, 5, 9, 17, 33, 65

Calculation : 

 The series follows the following pattern 

 ⇒ 2 × 2 - 1 = 3

 ⇒ 3 × 2 - 1 = 5

 ⇒ 5 × 2 - 1 = 9

 ⇒ 9 × 2 - 1 = 17

 ⇒ 17 × 2 - 1 = 33

 ⇒ 33 × 2 - 1 = 65

 The wrong term is 1

 Hence the wrong term in the series is 1

Shortcut Trick

Initial total units = 27 + 29 = 56 units.

56 units = 1008 student → 1 unit = 18.

Initial Boys = 29 × 18 = 522. New Boys = 522 + 9 = 531.

New ratio (Girls : Boys) = 56 : 59. So, 59 units = 531 → 1 unit = 9.

New Girls = 56 × 9 = 504. Initial Girls = 27 × 18 = 486.

New girls admitted = 504 − 486 = 18.

∴ The correct answer is 18 girls.

Alternate Method

Given: Total = 1008, Initial Ratio = 27 : 29, Final Ratio = 56 : 59.

Formula Used: Value = (Ratio Part ÷ Total Parts) × Total Value.

⇒ Initial Girls = (27 ÷ 56) × 1008 = 486

⇒ Initial Boys = (29 ÷ 56) × 1008 = 522

⇒ New Boys = 522 + 9 = 531

⇒ Let new Girls admitted be G. New total girls = 486 + G

⇒ (486 + G) ÷ 531 = 56 ÷ 59

⇒ 486 + G = (56 × 531) ÷ 59

⇒ 486 + G = 56 × 9 = 504

⇒ G = 504 − 486 = 18

∴ The correct answer is 18 girls.

Additional Information

Ratio and Proportion

If a quantity is divided in the ratio a : b, the parts are a/(a+b) × Total and b/(a+b) × Total.

Ratio Change Method

When adding values to terms of a ratio, the cross-multiplication or unitary method helps identify the increase in specific parts effectively.

Shortcut Trick

Ratio of Expenditure to Savings = 75 : 25 = 3 : 1.

Net increase in Income (20%) = [ (Ratio_Exp × %Increase_Exp) + (Ratio_Sav × %Increase_Sav) ] ÷ Total Ratio

20 = [ (3 × 10) + (1 × x) ] ÷ 4

80 = 30 + x ⇒ x = 50%.

∴ The correct answer is 50%.

Alternate Method

Given: Initial Income spending = 75%, Income increase = 20%, Expenditure increase = 10%.

Formula Used: Income = Expenditure + Savings

⇒ Let Initial Income = 100

⇒ Initial Expenditure = 75% of 100 = 75

⇒ Initial Savings = 100 − 75 = 25

⇒ New Income = 100 + 20% of 100 = 120

⇒ New Expenditure = 75 + 10% of 75 = 75 + 7.5 = 82.5

⇒ New Savings = 120 − 82.5 = 37.5

⇒ Increase in Savings = 37.5 − 25 = 12.5

⇒ Percentage Increase = (12.5 ÷ 25) × 100 = 50%

∴ The correct answer is 50%.

Additional Information

Percentage Change Formula

The percentage increase or decrease is calculated as: [(New Value − Old Value) ÷ Old Value] × 100.

Income-Expenditure Relationship

Total Income is always the sum of Expenditure and Savings. If any two components change, the third must adjust to maintain this balance.

Alligation Method in Income

Income % change can be viewed as the weighted average of Expenditure % change and Savings % change based on their respective initial ratios.

Shortcut Trick

Let Cost Price (CP) be 100.

Marked Price (MP) = 100 × 1.5 = 150.

Selling Price (SP) after successive discounts = 150 × 0.80 × 0.85 = 102.

Profit = SP − CP = 102 − 100 = 2 units.

Given 2 units = Rs. 400, then 1 unit = Rs. 200.

CP = 100 units = 100 × 200 = Rs. 20,000.

∴ The correct answer is Rs. 20,000.

Alternate Method

Given: Markup% = 50%, Successive discounts = 20% and 15%, Profit = Rs. 400.

Formulas: SP = MP × (100 − D₁)% × (100 − D₂)%, Profit = SP − CP.

⇒ Let CP = x. Then MP = x + 0.5x = 1.5x.

⇒ SP = 1.5x × (80/100) × (85/100).

⇒ SP = 1.5x × 0.8 × 0.85 = 1.02x.

⇒ Profit = 1.02x − x = 0.02x.

⇒ 0.02x = 400 ⇒ x = 400 ÷ 0.02 = 20,000.

∴ The correct answer is Rs. 20,000.

Additional Information

Effective Discount

For successive discounts of a% and b%, the single equivalent discount is (a + b − ab/100)%.

Markup and Profit Relationship

Profit occurs if the multiplier of Markup is greater than the multiplier of Discount. Net change = [Markup% − Discount% − (Markup × Discount)/100].

Shortcut Trick

Total work = LCM(18, 27) = 54 units.

Efficiency: Karun = 54 ÷ 27 = 2; Varun = 54 ÷ 18 = 3.

Karun worked for the entire 15 days: Work done = 15 × 2 = 30 units.

Remaining work for Varun = 54 − 30 = 24 units.

Days Varun worked = 24 ÷ 3 = 8 days. Since the total work lasted 15 days, he joined after 15 − 8 = 7 days.

∴ The correct answer is 7 days.

Alternate Method

Given: Varun takes 18 days, Karun takes 27 days. Total time taken = 15 days.

Formula Used: Efficiency = Total Work ÷ Days; Total Work = Efficiency × Time.

⇒ Total work = 54 units (LCM of 18 and 27).

⇒ Karun is present for the full 15 days.

⇒ Work done by Karun = 15 × 2 = 30 units.

⇒ Remaining work to be done by Varun = 54 − 30 = 24 units.

⇒ Number of days Varun actually worked = 24 ÷ 3 = 8 days.

⇒ Time after which Varun joined = Total time − Varun's working time = 15 − 8 = 7 days.

∴ The correct answer is 7 days.

Additional Information

Combined Efficiency Rule

When two people work together, their combined efficiency is the sum of their individual efficiencies. Work Done = (E₁ + E₂) × Time.

Work & Wages

Wages are distributed in the ratio of the actual work done by each individual, which is Efficiency × Time spent on the job.

Leaving/Joining Concept

Always calculate the work done by the person who stays for the entire duration first to find the remaining work for the person who leaves or joins late.

Shortcut Trick

Average Speed for three equal distances = 3 × a × b × c ÷ (ab + bc + ca)

Average Speed = (3 × 10 × 12 × 15) ÷ (120 + 180 + 150) = 5400 ÷ 450 = 12 km/h

Total Distance = Average Speed × Total Time

Total Distance = 12 km/h × (30 ÷ 60) h = 12 × 0.5 = 6 km

∴ The correct answer is 6 km.

Alternate Method

Let each equal distance be 'd' km.

Total time = (Time₁ + Time₂ + Time₃)

⇒ 30 ÷ 60 = (d ÷ 10) + (d ÷ 12) + (d ÷ 15)

⇒ 1 ÷ 2 = (6d + 5d + 4d) ÷ 60

⇒ 1 ÷ 2 = 15d ÷ 60

⇒ 1 ÷ 2 = d ÷ 4

⇒ d = 2 km

⇒ Total Distance = 3 × d = 3 × 2 = 6 km

∴ The correct answer is 6 km.

Additional Information

Average Speed Formula

For two equal distances with speeds x and y, Average Speed = 2xy ÷ (x + y). For three equal distances, it is 3xyz ÷ (xy + yz + zx).

Time, Speed and Distance Relation

Distance = Speed × Time. Ensure units are consistent (e.g., convert minutes to hours by dividing by 60 if speed is in km/h).

In June of number of patients in all three hospitals is 50% more than the number of patients admitted in all three hospitals in March month

 Then, total number of patients admitted in all three hospitals in March are 

   ⇒ 3500 + 4400 + 4962

   ⇒ 12862

 In June 50% more than the number of patients were admitted in all three hospitals in march 

 Then, 12862 × 150% / 100

  ⇒ 19293

 Number of patients admitted in all three hospitals in May are 

  ⇒ 6400 + 3870 + 4365

  ⇒ 14635

 Number of patients admitted in all three hospitals in April are 

  ⇒ 4900 + 6450 + 7345

  ⇒ 18695

 Then, the absolute difference between patients admitted in all three hospitals in June and patients admitted in all three hospitals in the months of April and May together are 

  ⇒ ( 18695 + 14635) - ( 19293 ) 

  ⇒ 33330 - 19293

  ⇒ 14037

  Hence, 14037 is the correct answer.

Number of patients admitted in hospitals A and B are together in May month are 

 ⇒ 6400 + 3870 

 ⇒ 10270

 The average of the patients are 

 ⇒ 10270 / 2

 ⇒ 5135

 The number of patients admitted in hospitals A and C in April month are 

 ⇒  4900 + 7345

 ⇒ 12245

 The average of the patients are 

 ⇒ 12245 / 2

 ⇒ 6122.5

 The average of May (A and B) and April (A and C) hospital-admitted patients are 

 ⇒ 5135 + 6122.5

 ⇒ 11257.5 / 2

 ⇒ 5628.75 ~ 5629

 Hence, 5629 is the correct answer.

Number of patients in hospital D in may is 120% of patients admitted in hospital A in May month

 Then, number of patients admitted in hospital A in May month are 6400

 ⇒ 6400 × 120 / 100

 ⇒ 7680

 The number of patients admitted in hospitals B and C together in the month of April are 

 ⇒ 6450 + 7345

 ⇒ 13795

 Then required % 

 ⇒ 7680 = ? of 13795 % 

 ⇒ ? = (7680 × 100 ) / 13795

 ⇒ ? = 55.67% 

 Hence, 55.67% is the correct answer.

Number of patients in hospitals A and B together in March and April are 

 ⇒ 3500+4400 + 4900 + 6450

 ⇒ 19250

 Number of patients in hospital C in all three months are 

 ⇒ 4962 + 7345 + 4365

 ⇒ 16672

 The required ratio is 

 ⇒ 19250 : 16672

 ⇒ 9625 : 8336

 Hence, 9625 : 8336 is the correct answer.

Number of patients in hospital B in all three months are 4400, 6450, 3870

 Then, total number of patients in hospital B in all three months are 

   ⇒ 4400 + 6450 + 3870 = 14720

 Number of patients in hospital C in all three months are 4962, 7345, 4365

 Then, total number of patients in hospital C in all three months are 

  ⇒ 4962 + 7345 + 4365 = 16672

  ⇒ 16672 - 14720 = 1952 

 Then, number of patients in hospital B is 1952 less than in hospital C.

Hence, 1952, Less is the correct answer.

Given : 

  (16)²×(4)² ÷ (64)² = (4)^?

 Calculations : 

 (16)² × (4)⁴ ÷ (64)² = (4)^?

  ⇒ (4²)² × (4)⁴ ÷ (4³)² = (4)^?

 ⇒ (4)⁴ × (4)⁴ ÷ (4)⁶ = (4)^?

 ⇒ (4)⁸ ÷ (4)⁶ = (4)^?

 ⇒ (4)^(8-6) = (4)^?

 ⇒ (4)² = (4)^?

 ⇒ ? = 2

 Hence 2 will come in the place of '?'.

Given : 

 3072 ÷ 4 ÷2 = ?³ + 259

Calculation :

3072 ÷ 4 ÷ 2 = ?³  + 259

 ⇒ 3072 ÷ 4 ÷ 2 = ?³ + 259

 ⇒ 3072 ÷ (4×2) = ?³ + 259

 ⇒ 3072 ÷ 8 = ?³ + 259

 ⇒ 384 = ?³ + 259

 ⇒ ?³ = 384 - 259

 ⇒ ?³ = 125

 ⇒ ? = 5

 Hence, 5 will come in place of '?'.

Given : 

 13 × 8 + 7 × 22 = ? - 15

 Calculation : 

   13×8 + 7× 22 = ? - 15

 ⇒ 104 + 154 = ? - 15

 ⇒ 258 = ? - 15

 ⇒ 258 + 15 = ?

 ⇒ ? = 273 

 Hence,273 will come in the place of '?'.

Given : 

 (?)² + 8 = (16)² + (29)²

 Calculation : 

  ( ?)² + 8 = (16)² + (29)²

 ⇒ (?)² + 8 = 256 + 841

 ⇒ (?)² + 8 = 1097

 ⇒ (?)² = 1097 - 8

 ⇒ (?)² = (33)²

 ⇒ (?) = 33

 Hence, 33 will come in the place of '?'.

Given : 

 1000^1/3 + 343^1/3 + 2197^1/3 +4096^1/3 = ?

 Calculation : 

 1000^1/3 + 343^1/3 + 2197^1/3 + 4096^1/3 = ?

 ⇒ (10)^3×1/3 +(7)^3×1/3 + (13)^3×1/3  + (16)^3×1/3 = ?

 ⇒ 10 + 7 + 13 + 16 = ?

 ⇒ 46 = ?

 Hence, 46 will come in the place of '?'.

Given : 

  52 + 65 - 25 - 40 = ? × 4

 Calculation : 

  52 + 65 - 25 - 40 = ? × 4

 ⇒ 117 - 25 - 40 = ? ×4

 ⇒ 117 - 65 = ? ×4

 ⇒  52 = ? × 4

 ⇒ ? = 52 / 4

 ⇒ ? = 13

 Hence, 13 will come in the place of '?'.

Given :

 440 ÷ 4 - 10× 6 + 5² = ?

Calculation :

  440 ÷ 4 - 10×6 + 5² = ?

⇒ 110 - 60 + 25 = ?

⇒ 50 + 25 = ?

⇒ ? = 75

Hence,75 will come in the place of '?'.

Given :

 (15×18) + (255÷17) = ? + (189÷9)

 Calculation : 

  (15×18) + (255÷17) = ? + (189÷9)

 ⇒ 270 + 15 = ? + 21

 ⇒ 285 = ? + 21

 ⇒ ? = 285 - 21

 ⇒ ? = 264

 Hence, 264 will come in the place of '?'.

Given :

 (1.8×55) + (238 ÷ 14) = ? + 15

 Calculation :

(1.8×55) + (238÷14) = ? + 15

⇒ (99) + (17) = ? + 15

⇒ 116 = ? + 15

⇒ ? = 116 - 15

⇒ ? = 101

Hence, 101 will come in the place of '?'.

Given :

 26×13 + 24×12 + 110 = ?

 Calculation :

  26×13 + 24×12 + 110 = ?

 ⇒ 338 + 288 + 110 = ? 

 ⇒ 736 = ?

 Hence 736 will come in the place of '?'.

Given :

 15² - 784^1/2 + 2401^1/2 = ?

 Calculation : 

 15² - 784^1/2 + 2401^1/2 = ?

 ⇒ 225 - (28)^2×1/2 + (49)^2×1/2 = ?

 ⇒ 225 - 28 + 49 = ?

 ⇒ 197 + 49 = ?

 ⇒ ? = 246

Hence,246 will come in the place of '?'.

Given :

 ? × 3 - 72 × 84 ÷ 144 = 3²

 Calculation :

  ? × 3 - 72 × 84 ÷ 144 = 3²

 ⇒ ? × 3 - 84 ÷ 2 = 3²

 ⇒ ?×3 - 42 = 9

 ⇒ ? ×3 = 51

 ⇒ ? = 51 / 3

 ⇒ ? = 17

 Hence, 17 will come in the place of '?'.

Given :

 50% of 170 + 60% of 180 + 110 = ? + 10

 Calculation :

  50% of 170 + 60% of 180 + 110 = ? + 10

 ⇒ 85 + 108 + 110 = ? + 10

 ⇒ 193 + 110 = ? + 10

 ⇒ 303 + ? = 10

 ⇒ ? = 303  - 10

 ⇒ ? = 293

 Hence,293 will come in the place of '?'.

Given :

 (14)² + 179 + (5)² = (?)²

 Calculation :

 (14)² + 179 + (5)² = (?)²

 ⇒196 + 179 + 25 = (?)²

 ⇒ 400 = (?)²

 ⇒ (20)^2×1/2 = (?)^2×1/2

 ⇒ ? = 20

Hence, 20 will come in the place of '?'.

Given : 

 15 × ? + 20% of 450 = 360+15×8

 Calculation :

  15 × ? + 20% of 450 = 360 + 15×8

 ⇒ 15 × ? + 1/ 5 of 450 = 360 + 120

 ⇒ 15 × ? + 90 = 480

 ⇒ 15 × ? = 390

 ⇒ ? = 390 / 15

 ⇒ ? = 26

 Hence, 26 will come in the place of '?'.

Shortcut Trick

Total Simple Interest for 3 years = ₹5400 → Interest per year = 5400 ÷ 3 = ₹1800.

Overall rate % = (1800 ÷ 12000) × 100 = 15%.

Apply Alligation: (20 − 15) : (15 − 10) = 5 : 5 = 1 : 1.

Divide ₹12000 in 1 : 1 ratio → ₹6000 and ₹6000.

∴ The correct answer is ₹6000, ₹6000.

Alternate Method

Given: Total Investment = ₹12000, Total Time = 3 years, Total Interest = ₹5400, Rates = 10% and 20%.

Formula Used: SI = (P × R × T) ÷ 100

⇒ Let the investment in 10% scheme be P₁ and in 20% scheme be (12000 − P₁).

⇒ [(P₁ × 10 × 3) ÷ 100] + [((12000 − P₁) × 20 × 3) ÷ 100] = 5400

⇒ 30P₁ + 60(12000 − P₁) = 540000

⇒ 30P₁ + 720000 − 60P₁ = 540000

⇒ 30P₁ = 180000 ⇒ P₁ = ₹6000.

⇒ P₂ = 12000 − 6000 = ₹6000.

∴ The correct answer is ₹6000, ₹6000.

Additional Information

Alligation in Simple Interest

When a sum is divided into two parts at different rates, the ratio of the parts is found by the difference between the individual rates and the average overall rate.

Weighted Average Rate

The effective rate R_eff = (Total Interest × 100) ÷ (Total Principal × Time).

Simple Interest Constancy

In Simple Interest, the interest earned remains the same every year if the principal and rate are constant.

Shortcut Trick

Ratio 3 years ago (S : F) = 2 : 3 (Difference = 1)

Ratio 3 years later (S : F) = 5 : 7 (Difference = 2)

Equating differences: 3 years ago ratio becomes 4 : 6 and 3 years later is 5 : 7.

Change in ratio units = 1 unit → Time gap = 3 + 3 = 6 years.

Son's age 3 years ago = 4 units = 4 × 6 = 24 years.

Present age of Son = 24 + 3 = 27 years.

∴ The correct answer is 27 years.

Alternate Method

Given: Ratio of Son and Father 3 years ago = 2 : 3, Ratio after 3 years = 5 : 7.

Formula: Let ages 3 years ago be 2x and 3x. Total time gap between conditions = 6 years.

⇒ (2x + 6) ÷ (3x + 6) = 5 ÷ 7

⇒ 7 × (2x + 6) = 5 × (3x + 6)

⇒ 14x + 42 = 15x + 30

⇒ 15x − 14x = 42 − 30

⇒ x = 12

⇒ Son's age 3 years ago = 2x = 2 × 12 = 24 years

⇒ Son's Present Age = 24 + 3 = 27 years

∴ The correct answer is 27 years.

Additional Information

Age Ratio Difference Rule

The difference between the ages of two people remains constant over time. To solve quickly, make the difference between ratio parts equal in both time periods.

Concept of Time Gap

If a ratio is given for 'n' years ago and 'm' years later, the total time interval to be added to the earlier ratio is (n + m) years.

Present Age Calculation

Always ensure the final step adjusts the calculated value to the 'Present' by adding or subtracting the required years from the specific ratio point used.

Shortcut Trick

When distance is constant, Speed is inversely proportional to Time.

Time ratio (Downstream : Upstream) = 6 : 8 = 3 : 4

Speed ratio (Downstream : Upstream) = 4 : 3

Speed of boat (u) : Speed of stream (v) = (4+3)/2 : (4-3)/2 = 7 : 1

Given 1 unit = 2 km/h, then 7 units = 7 × 2 = 14 km/h.

∴ The correct answer is 14 km/h.

Alternate Method

Given: Time downstream (t_d) = 6 hours, Time upstream (t_u) = 8 hours, Speed of stream (v) = 2 km/h.

Formula Used: Distance = Speed × Time; Downstream speed = u + v; Upstream speed = u − v.

⇒ Let the speed of the boat in still water be u km/h.

⇒ Distance downstream = (u + 2) × 6

⇒ Distance upstream = (u − 2) × 8

⇒ (u + 2) × 6 = (u − 2) × 8

⇒ 6u + 12 = 8u − 16

⇒ 2u = 28

⇒ u = 14 km/h

∴ The correct answer is 14 km/h.

Additional Information

Relative Speed in Water

Speed of boat in still water (u) = (Downstream Speed + Upstream Speed) ÷ 2.

Speed of Stream

Speed of stream (v) = (Downstream Speed − Upstream Speed) ÷ 2.

Time and Speed Relation

When distance is constant, u/v = (t_u + t_d) / (t_u − t_d).

Shortcut Trick

Perimeter of Rectangle = 2 × (20 + 12) = 64 m.

Area of Square = 64 m² ⇒ Side of Square = √64 = 8 m.

Perimeter of Square = 4 × 8 = 32 m.

∴ The correct answer is 32 m.

Alternate Method

Given:

Length (L) = 20 m, Breadth (B) = 12 m

Formula Used:

Perimeter of rectangle = 2(L + B)

Area of square = side²

Perimeter of square = 4 × side

Calculations:

⇒ Perimeter of Rectangle = 2 × (20 + 12) = 2 × 32 = 64 m

⇒ Area of Square = 64

⇒ (Side)² = 64

⇒ Side = √64 = 8 m

⇒ Perimeter of Square = 4 × 8 = 32 m

∴ The correct answer is 32 m.

Additional Information

Rectangle Properties

Area = L × B and Diagonal = √(L² + B²).

Square Properties

Diagonal of square = Side × √2. Area can also be calculated as (Diagonal²)/2.

Relationship

For a given perimeter, a square has a larger area than any other rectangle.

Shortcut Trick

Concentration of milk in A = 7/16, in B = 6/11, and in C = 1/2.

Using Alligation: (6/11 − 1/2) : (1/2 − 7/16)

⇒ (1/22) : (1/16) ⇒ 16 : 22

⇒ 8 : 11

∴ The correct answer is 8 : 11.

Alternate Method

Given: Ratio of milk and water in Vessel A = 7 : 9, Vessel B = 6 : 5. Target ratio in Vessel C = 1 : 1.

Formula Used: Alligation method on milk fraction.

⇒ Fraction of milk in A = 7 / (7+9) = 7/16

⇒ Fraction of milk in B = 6 / (6+5) = 6/11

⇒ Fraction of milk in C = 1 / (1+1) = 1/2

⇒ Quantity of A / Quantity of B = (6/11 − 1/2) / (1/2 − 7/16)

⇒ (12 − 11)/22 / (8 − 7)/16

⇒ (1/22) / (1/16) = 16 / 22 = 8 / 11

∴ The correct answer is 8 : 11.

Additional Information

Rule of Alligation

It is a shortcut to find the ratio in which two ingredients at given prices/concentrations must be mixed to produce a mixture of a desired mean price/concentration.

Mixture Concentration

Always apply alligation on the same component (either only milk or only water) across all vessels to get the correct mixing ratio.

Balanced Ratio Method

If the sum of ratio parts is different, take the LCM of the sums (16, 11, 2) to normalize the values for easier calculation.

The correct answer is There was a divide in the choices of how to adapt to food culture.

Key Points

• The answer can be inferred from the following lines of the passage: What does the history of the restaurant say about its future? People have relished their reopening. In recent weeks global restaurant reservations have been near their pre-pandemic levels. The long-term future of the restaurant is less clear. The pandemic has led to many people buying more takeout than before, while others have a newfound love of cooking. Restaurants have little choice but to continue to adapt.
• Thus, the correct answer is There was a divide in the choices of how to adapt to food culture.

The correct answer is rich people's work was enjoyable and rewarding.

Key Points

• The answer lies in the following lines of the passage:  But in the latter half of the 20th century, the opposite became true. The rise of knowledge-intensive jobs, and globalization, made rich people’s work more financially rewarding—and enjoyable. Toiling into the night became a sign of status.
• Thus, the correct answer is rich people's work was enjoyable and rewarding.

The correct answer is all (a), (b) and (c).

Key Points

• The answer lies in the following lines of the passage: The first is immigration. In the 50 years after the second world war the net flow of migrants into rich countries, relative to population, more than quadrupled. Starting a restaurant is a good career move for new arrivals; it neither requires formal qualifications nor, at least for chefs, fluency in the local language. Migrants tend to improve the quality of an area’s restaurants. The second factor was the changing microeconomics of the family. The size of the family increased with the rising microeconomics. As a new paper by Rachel Griffith of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, a think-tank, and colleagues, shows, households’ choices about whether to make their own food or to buy it premade are shaped not only by the upfront cost of those things. They also depend on what economists call “shadow costs”. The true cost of an at-home meal involves not just the outlay for the ingredients, but the time spent on shopping and preparation. In an era of low female labor-force participation, shadow costs were low. A stay-at-home mother who cooked instead of eating out would have less leisure time. But as more women entered the workforce during the 20th century this equation changed, raising the shadow cost of cooking. Now a working woman who cooked dinner would be sacrificing time that might _________ used to earn money. And so eating out made increasing economic sense, even as it became more expensive. The third factor was changing working patterns. Historically poor people have tended to work longer hours than rich ones. But in the latter half of the 20th century, the opposite became true.
• Thus, the correct answer is all (a), (b) and (c).

The correct answer is Size of the family decreased with the rising microeconomics.

Key Points

• The answer lies in the following lines of the passage: Starting a restaurant is a good career move for new arrivals; it neither requires formal qualifications nor, at least for chefs, fluency in the local language. Migrants tend to improve the quality of an area’s restaurants. The second factor was the changing microeconomics of the family. The size of the family increased with the rising microeconomics. As a new paper by Rachel Griffith of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, a think-tank, and colleagues, shows, households’ choices about whether to make their own food or to buy it premade are shaped not only by the upfront cost of those things. They also depend on what economists call “shadow costs”. The true cost of an at-home meal involves not just the outlay for the ingredients, but the time spent on shopping and preparation.
• Thus, the correct answer is Size of the family decreased with the rising microeconomics.

The correct answer is 'otherwise be** '.**

Key Points Let's explore the meanings of the above-given words:

• Impact: Effect of the action performed or influence of someone's words or explanation.
• Example: The President's speech had a huge impact on the common people.
• Can be put to: To put something into practice.
• Example: Going for a walk regularly can be put into practice in our day-to-day lives.
• Affected: Side-effects of something or the action performed.
• Example: Frequent alcohol consumption affected the individual's health adversely.
• Otherwise be: Apart from that or in conditions different from the present scenario.
• Example: A bank aspirant who lives alone will be sacrificing his time in cooking food that might otherwise be used to revise.
• Want to: To achieve something or a desire for something or a wish to be like someone.
• Example: Listen, I want to talk to you, it's urgent!

Thus, the correct answer is  'otherwise be '.

The correct answer is technological advancement has aided in the process of cooking.

Key Points

• The answer can be inferred from the following lines of the passage:  And yet the continued rise of the restaurant up until the pandemic nonetheless presents an economic puzzle. Cooking at home was becoming even easier. Average house sizes grew. Appliances such as the food processor and the dishwasher reduced preparation and clean-up times. Dining out became relatively more expensive.
• Thus, the correct answer is technological advancement has aided in the process of cooking.

The correct answer is the total time spent in preparation and cooking.

Key Points

• The answer lies in the following lines of the passage:  The second factor was the changing microeconomics of the family. As a new paper by Rachel Griffith of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, a think-tank, and colleagues, shows, households’ choices about whether to make their own food or to buy it premade are shaped not only by the upfront cost of those things. They also depend on what economists call “shadow costs”. The true cost of an at-home meal involves not just the outlay for the ingredients, but the time spent on shopping and preparation.
• Thus, the correct answer is the total time spent in preparation and cooking.

The correct answer is movement.

Key Points Let's explore the meanings of the above-given words:

• Stride: Walk with long, decisive steps in a particular direction or overcome an obstacle.
• Example: India needs to take a stride to reduce the value of the US dollar.
• Movement: To be in a state of action.
• Example: There was no movement in the room the last night when the murder took place.
• Defense: To protect oneself from a fight or offensive words.
• Example: Will you like to say something in your defense?
• Downfall: Decelerating growth or decrease in a specific work.
• Example: Inconsistency in practice can lead to a downfall in your mock test scores.

Thus, the correct answer is movement.

The correct answer is a consequence.

Key Points Let's explore the meanings of the above-given words:

• Cause: The reason why something has happened or the reasons behind a particular result.
• Example: What are the causes of stomach ulcers in regular alcohol drinkers?
• Event: A particular meeting place where information is conveyed in a group of people or a conclave.
• Example: I am going to visit the VOGUE Fashion Week event next week in Paris.
• Led: The ultimate result of something but a probable result.
• Example: Dieting for many days led to lower blood pressure and getting unconscious.
• Consequence: The final result of the action performed.
• Example: You never know what will be the consequences of frequent alcohol consumption on your health.

Thus, the correct answer is a consequence.

Additional Information Synonyms of the word "upshot" is ramification, reverberation, aftermath, and culmination.

Antonyms of the word "upshot" are cause and origin.

The correct answer is '​Devastation.'

Key Points

• The given sentence is talking about the apologies from George Bush and Tony Blair for the destruction they caused in Iraq.
• Therefore, the most appropriate word to be filled in the blank is 'Devastation'.
• Also, the use of the word ''apologize'' in the sentence indicates the use of the word 'devastation' in the blank.
• The word 'Devastation' means Great destruction or damage. 
• Example: The bomb caused widespread devastation.
  

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Complete Sentence: George Bush and Tony Blair both apologize for the devastation they caused in Iraq.

Additional Information

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• Invitation means A written or verbal request inviting someone to go somewhere or to do something.
• Celebration means The action of celebrating an important day or event.
• Donation means Something that is given to a charity, especially a sum of money.
• Entertainment means The action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment.