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Question 231

DSSSB Assistant Superintendent 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability1

A man buys a tractor for ₹4,00,000 and spends ₹50,000 on its repairs. He sells it for ₹5,55,000. What is the gain percentage? (Rounded off to two decimal places)

  1. AOption (a)

    24.24%

  2. BOption (b)

    21.22%

  3. COption (c)

    23.33%

  4. DOption (d)

    22.22%

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

23.33%

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Effective CP = 400 + 50 = 450 (in thousands).

SP = 555 (in thousands).

Profit = 555 − 450 = 105.

Gain % = (105 / 450) × 100 = (7 / 30) × 100 = 23.33%.

∴ The correct answer is 23.33%.

Alternate Method

Given:

Purchase price of Tractor = ₹4,00,000

Amount spent on Repairs = ₹50,000

Selling Price (SP) = ₹5,55,000

Formula Used:

Total Cost Price (CP) = Purchase Price + Overhead Expenses

Gain = SP − CP

Gain Percentage = (Gain / CP) × 100

Calculations:

⇒ Total Cost Price (CP) = 4,00,000 + 50,000 = ₹4,50,000

⇒ Gain = 5,55,000 − 4,50,000 = ₹1,05,000

⇒ Gain % = (1,05,000 / 4,50,000) × 100

⇒ Gain % = (105 / 450) × 100

⇒ Gain % = (7 / 30) × 100

⇒ Gain % = 70 / 3 = 23.3333...

Rounding off to two decimal places, we get 23.33%.

∴ The correct answer is 23.33%.

Additional Information

Total Cost Price

When extra expenses like Repairs, Transportation, or Installation are incurred on an item, they must be added to the purchase price to find the actual Effective Cost Price.

Profit and Loss Percentage

Profit or Loss is always calculated on the Cost Price (CP) unless stated otherwise. Gain % = (SP − CP) / CP × 100.

Rounding Rule

For Rounding off to two decimal places, if the third decimal digit is 5 or more, increase the second digit by 1; otherwise, leave it unchanged.

Question 232

DSSSB Assistant Superintendent 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability1

The marked price of a fan is ₹3,000 and a discount of 25% is offered on the marked price. What additional discount must be offered to the customer now to bring the net price to ₹1,800?

  1. AOption (a)

    20%

  2. BOption (b)

    18%

  3. COption (c)

    24%

  4. DOption (d)

    25%

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

20%

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Price after 1st discount = 3,000 × (100 − 25)/100 = 3,000 × 0.75 = ₹2,250.

Required Net Price = ₹1,800.

Additional Discount needed = 2,250 − 1,800 = ₹450.

Additional Discount % = (450 / 2,250) × 100 = 1/5 × 100 = 20%.

∴ The correct answer is 20%.

Alternate Method

Given:

Marked Price (MP) = ₹3,000

First Discount (D1) = 25%

Final Selling Price (SP) = ₹1,800

Calculations:

⇒ Price after 1st discount = 3,000 − (25% of 3,000)

⇒ Price after 1st discount = 3,000 − 750 = ₹2,250

⇒ Let the additional discount be x%.

⇒ Final Price = 2,250 × (100 − x) / 100 = 1,800

⇒ (100 − x) / 100 = 1,800 / 2,250

⇒ (100 − x) / 100 = 180 / 225 = 4 / 5

⇒ 100 − x = (4 / 5) × 100

⇒ 100 − x = 80

⇒ x = 100 − 80 = 20

∴ The correct answer is 20%.

Additional Information

Successive Discount Formula

When two discounts a% and b% are given successively, the single equivalent discount is (a + b − (a × b)/100)%.

Marked Price and Selling Price

Selling Price = Marked Price × (100 − Discount%)/100. Discounts are always calculated on the Marked Price.

Net Discount

The net discount is the difference between the original Marked Price and the final Selling Price after all successive discounts.

Question 233

DSSSB Assistant Superintendent 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability1

Two trains of equal length are running on parallel tracks in the same direction at a speed of 66 km/hour and 48 km/hour. The faster train passes the slower train in 35 seconds. Find the length of each train.

  1. AOption (a)

    115 m

  2. BOption (b)

    87.5 m

  3. COption (c)

    92.5 m

  4. DOption (d)

    106 m

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

87.5 m

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Relative Speed (same direction) = 66 − 48 = 18 km/hr

Convert to m/s: 18 × (5/18) = 5 m/s

Total distance covered (sum of lengths) = 5 m/s × 35 sec = 175 m

Since lengths are equal, length of each train = 175 ÷ 2 = 87.5 m

∴ The correct answer is 87.5 m.

Alternate Method

Given:

Speed of faster train (v1) = 66 km/hr

Speed of slower train (v2) = 48 km/hr

Time taken to pass (t) = 35 sec

Length of each train = L (Equal length)

Formula Used:

Relative Speed (Same Direction) = v1 − v2

Total Distance = Speed × Time

Calculations:

⇒ Relative Speed = 66 − 48 = 18 km/hr

⇒ Converting to m/s = 18 × (5 ÷ 18) = 5 m/s

⇒ Total distance to cross = Length of Train 1 + Length of Train 2

⇒ Distance = L + L = 2L

⇒ 2L = Relative Speed × Time

⇒ 2L = 5 × 35

⇒ 2L = 175

⇒ L = 175 ÷ 2 = 87.5 m

∴ The correct answer is 87.5 m.

Additional Information

Relative Speed in Opposite Direction

When two objects move in opposite directions, their relative speed is the sum of their individual speeds (v1 + v2).

Unit Conversion Shortcut

To convert km/hr to m/s, multiply by 5/18. To convert m/s to km/hr, multiply by 18/5.

Train Crossing Concepts

When a train crosses a stationary object with length (like a platform or bridge), total distance = Length of train + Length of object.

Question 234

DSSSB Assistant Superintendent 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability1

A cyclist covers a distance of 50 km at a speed of 25 km/h and another distance of 70 km at a speed of 17.5 km/h. What is his average speed (in km/h) for the whole journey?

  1. AOption (a)

    16

  2. BOption (b)

    20

  3. COption (c)

    25

  4. DOption (d)

    22

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

20

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Total distance covered = 50 + 70 = 120 km

Time taken for first part = 50 ÷ 25 = 2 hours

Time taken for second part = 70 ÷ 17.5 = 4 hours

Total time taken = 2 + 4 = 6 hours

Average speed = Total Distance ÷ Total Time = 120 ÷ 6 = 20 km/h

∴ The correct answer is 20 km/h.

Alternate Method

Given:

First distance (d1) = 50 km, Speed (s1) = 25 km/h

Second distance (d2) = 70 km, Speed (s2) = 17.5 km/h

Formula Used:

Average Speed = Total Distance ÷ Total Time

Time = Distance ÷ Speed

Calculations:

⇒ Total distance = d1 + d2 = 50 + 70 = 120 km

⇒ Time for first part (t1) = 50 ÷ 25 = 2 hours

⇒ Time for second part (t2) = 70 ÷ 17.5 = 4 hours

⇒ Total time = t1 + t2 = 2 + 4 = 6 hours

⇒ Average speed = 120 ÷ 6

⇒ Average speed = 20 km/h

∴ The correct answer is 20 km/h.

Additional Information

Average Speed (Equal Distances)

If an object covers two equal distances at speeds x and y, then the average speed is given by 2xy ÷ (x + y).

Unit Conversion

To convert speed from km/h to m/s, multiply the value by 5 ÷ 18. To convert m/s to km/h, multiply by 18 ÷ 5.

Relative Speed

When two objects move in the same direction, relative speed is the difference of their speeds. If they move in opposite directions, it is the sum of their speeds.

Question 235

DSSSB Assistant Superintendent 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability1

There is a pipe attached with a tank of 5000 liters. The inlet pipe can fill the tank in 28 hours. There is a leak in the tank due to which it takes 14 hours more to fill the tank. In what time can the leak empty the tank?

  1. AOption (a)

    92 hours

  2. BOption (b)

    84 hours

  3. COption (c)

    82 hours

  4. DOption (d)

    88 hours

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

84 hours

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Time taken by Inlet Pipe (A) = 28 hr

Time taken with Leak (A + L) = 28 + 14 = 42 hr

Time to empty by Leak = (Time1 × Time2) / (Time2 − Time1)

Time to empty = (28 × 42) / (42 − 28) = (28 × 42) / 14 = 2 × 42 = 84 hr

∴ The correct answer is 84 hr.

Alternate Method

Given:

Filling time of Inlet Pipe = 28 hr

Extra time due to Leak = 14 hr

Total time with Leak = 28 + 14 = 42 hr

Formula Used:

Total Work = LCM of individual times

Efficiency = Total Work ÷ Time

Pipe/LeakTime (hr)Total Work (units)Efficiency (units/hr)
Inlet Pipe (A)28843
A + Leak (L)422

Calculations:

⇒ Efficiency of Inlet Pipe (A) = 3 units/hr

⇒ Combined Efficiency of Pipe and Leak (A + L) = 2 units/hr

⇒ Efficiency of Leak (L) = (A + L) − A

⇒ Efficiency of Leak = 2 − 3 = −1 unit/hr (Negative sign indicates emptying)

⇒ Time taken by Leak to empty the tank = Total Work ÷ |Efficiency of Leak|

⇒ Time = 84 ÷ 1 = 84 hr

∴ The correct answer is 84 hr.

Additional Information

Inlet and Outlet Pipes

An Inlet Pipe fills the tank (positive work), while an Outlet Pipe or Leak empties the tank (negative work).

Net Efficiency

When both pipes are open, the Net Efficiency is the algebraic sum of their individual efficiencies: Net E = EInlet − EOutlet.

Tank Capacity Irrelevance

If the question asks for time and provides relative filling rates, the actual volume (e.g., 5000 liters) is not required for the calculation.

Question 236

DSSSB Assistant Superintendent 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability1

A man travels from town A to town B by car at a speed of 60 km/h. On his return journey, he travels partly by bus at a speed of 40 km/h and partly by car at a speed of 80 km/h. The distance between A and B is 240 km. If the total time taken to travel from town A to town B is equal to the total time taken to travel from town B back to town A, find the distance he travelled by bus during the return journey.

  1. AOption (a)

    120 km

  2. BOption (b)

    40 km

  3. COption (c)

    160 km

  4. DOption (d)

    80 km

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

80 km

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Total time from A to B = 240 ÷ 60 = 4 hours.

Since return time is also 4 hours, the Average Speed for return journey = 240 ÷ 4 = 60 km/h.

Using Alligation on return speeds: (Car Speed 80 − Average 60) : (Average 60 − Bus Speed 40) = 20 : 20 = 1 : 1.

Time ratio (Bus : Car) = 1 : 1 ∴ Bus time = (1/2) × 4 = 2 hours.

Distance by bus = Speed × Time = 40 × 2 = 80 km.

∴ The correct answer is 80 km.

Alternate Method

Given:

Distance between town A and town B = 240 km.

Speed (A to B) = 60 km/h.

Return Bus speed = 40 km/h | Return Car speed = 80 km/h.

Formula Used:

Time = Distance ÷ Speed

Calculations:

⇒ Time taken (A to B) = 240 ÷ 60 = 4 hours.

⇒ Let the distance travelled by bus on the return journey be 'd' km.

⇒ Then, distance travelled by car = (240 − d) km.

⇒ Total return time = (d ÷ 40) + ((240 − d) ÷ 80) = 4 hours.

⇒ Multiply by 80: 2d + (240 − d) = 4 × 80

⇒ 2d + 240 − d = 320

⇒ d + 240 = 320

⇒ d = 320 − 240 = 80 km.

∴ The correct answer is 80 km.

Additional Information

Average Speed for Entire Journey

If distances are equal, Average Speed = (2 × S1 × S2) ÷ (S1 + S2).

Time and Speed Relation

For a fixed distance, Speed is inversely proportional to Time (S1/S2 = T2/T1).

Alligation in Speed-Distance

When Alligation is applied to speeds, the resulting ratio is always the ratio of the time taken for each segment.

Question 237

DSSSB Assistant Superintendent 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability1

The length of a rectangle is 5 cm more than its breadth. If the perimeter is 50 cm, find the length of the rectangle.

  1. AOption (a)

    14 cm

  2. BOption (b)

    12 cm

  3. COption (c)

    15 cm

  4. DOption (d)

    18 cm

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

15 cm

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Semi-perimeter (Length + Breadth) = Total Perimeter ÷ 2 = 50 ÷ 2 = 25 cm.

Since Length is 5 cm more than Breadth, use the sum and difference logic:

Length = (Sum + Difference) ÷ 2 = (25 + 5) ÷ 2 = 15 cm.

∴ The correct answer is 15 cm.

Alternate Method

Given:

Perimeter of the Rectangle = 50 cm

Length (L) = Breadth (B) + 5 cm

Formula Used:

Perimeter = 2 × (Length + Breadth)

Calculations:

⇒ Let the Breadth of the rectangle be B cm.

⇒ Therefore, the Length (L) = (B + 5) cm.

⇒ Perimeter = 2 × (L + B)

⇒ 50 = 2 × ((B + 5) + B)

⇒ 50 = 2 × (2B + 5)

⇒ 25 = 2B + 5

⇒ 2B = 25 − 5

⇒ 2B = 20

⇒ B = 10 cm

⇒ Length = B + 5 = 10 + 5 = 15 cm.

∴ The correct answer is 15 cm.

Additional Information

Area of Rectangle

The total surface area enclosed is given by Area = Length × Breadth.

Diagonal of Rectangle

The distance between opposite vertices is calculated using Pythagoras theorem: d = √(L2 + B2).

Relationship with Square

A Square is a special rectangle where Length = Breadth. Its Perimeter is 4 × Side.

Question 238

DSSSB Assistant Superintendent 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability1

What is the difference between the total surface area and the lateral surface area of a cube with side length of 18 cm?

  1. AOption (a)

    648 cm2

  2. BOption (b)

    644 cm2

  3. COption (c)

    640 cm2

  4. DOption (d)

    642 cm2

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

648 cm2

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

The difference between the Total Surface Area (TSA) and the Lateral Surface Area (LSA) of a cube is simply the area of the top and bottom faces.

Difference = 2 × (side)2

Difference = 2 × 182 = 2 × 324 = 648 cm2

∴ The correct answer is 648 cm2.

Alternate Method

Given:

Side of the cube (a) = 18 cm

Formula Used:

Total Surface Area (TSA) = 6a2

Lateral Surface Area (LSA) = 4a2

Calculations:

⇒ TSA = 6 × (18)2 = 6 × 324 = 1944 cm2

⇒ LSA = 4 × (18)2 = 4 × 324 = 1296 cm2

⇒ Difference = TSA − LSA

⇒ Difference = 1944 − 1296 = 648 cm2

∴ The correct answer is 648 cm2.

Additional Information

Volume of a Cube

The volume of a cube with side length 'a' is given by V = a3.

Diagonal of a Cube

The length of the longest diagonal that can fit inside a cube is d = a√3.

Surface Areas of a Cuboid

For a cuboid with length (l), breadth (b), and height (h): TSA = 2(lb + bh + hl) and LSA = 2h(l + b).

Question 239

DSSSB Assistant Superintendent 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability1

Find the ratio of the third proportional to 3 and 11√3 to the mean proportional between 121 and 9.

  1. AOption (a)

    3:11

  2. BOption (b)

    4:9

  3. COption (c)

    9:4

  4. DOption (d)

    11:3

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

11:3

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Third Proportional of 3 and 11√3 = (11√3)2 ÷ 3 = (121 × 3) ÷ 3 = 121.

Mean Proportional of 121 and 9 = √(121 × 9) = 11 × 3 = 33.

Required Ratio = 121 : 33 = 11 : 3 (by dividing both terms by 11).

∴ The correct answer is 11:3.

Alternate Method

Given:

First set: a = 3, b = 11√3

Second set: x = 121, y = 9

Formulas used:

  1. Third Proportional (c) of a and b is given by: b2 = a × c ⇒ c = b2 ÷ a
  2. Mean Proportional (m) of x and y is given by: m = √(x × y)

Calculations:

⇒ Third proportional = (11√3)2 ÷ 3

⇒ Third proportional = (121 × 3) ÷ 3 = 121

⇒ Mean proportional = √(121 × 9)

⇒ Mean proportional = 11 × 3 = 33

⇒ Ratio = 121 : 33

⇒ Ratio = (11 × 11) : (11 × 3)

⇒ Ratio = 11 : 3

∴ The correct answer is 11:3.

Additional Information

Mean Proportional

If three numbers a, b, and c are in continued proportion, then a/b = b/c. Here, b is called the mean proportional and b = √(ac).

Third Proportional

In the continued proportion a : b :: b : c, the term c is known as the third proportional to a and b, calculated as c = b2 ÷ a.

Fourth Proportional

If four numbers a, b, c, and d are in proportion (a : b :: c : d), then d is the fourth proportional and d = (b × c) ÷ a.

Question 240

DSSSB Assistant Superintendent 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability1

There is a pipe attached with a tank of 600 liters. The inlet pipe can fill the tank in 4 hours. There is a leak in the tank due to which it takes 4 hours more to fill the tank. In what time can the leak empty the completely filled tank?

  1. AOption (a)

    6 hours

  2. BOption (b)

    5 hours

  3. COption (c)

    8 hours

  4. DOption (d)

    12 hours

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

8 hours

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Time taken by inlet pipe (T1) = 4 hr

Time taken with leak (T2) = 4 + 4 = 8 hr

Leakage time = (T1 × T2) ÷ (T2 − T1)

Time = (4 × 8) ÷ (8 − 4) = 32 ÷ 4 = 8 hr

∴ The correct answer is 8 hr.

Alternate Method

Given:

Tank Capacity = 600 liters

Inlet pipe filling time = 4 hr

Time taken with leak = 4 hr + 4 hr = 8 hr

Formula Used:

Efficiency = Total Work ÷ Time taken

ComponentTime (hr)Total Work (LCM)Efficiency (units/hr)
Inlet Pipe48 units2
Inlet + Leak81

⇒ Efficiency of Leak = Combined Efficiency − Inlet Efficiency

⇒ Efficiency of Leak = 1 − 2 = −1 unit/hr

⇒ Time taken by leak to empty = Total Work ÷ |Efficiency of Leak|

⇒ Time = 8 ÷ 1 = 8 hr

∴ The correct answer is 8 hr.

Additional Information

Negative Work (Leakage)

In pipes and cisterns, a leak or an outlet pipe performs negative work. Its efficiency is subtracted from the total filling efficiency.

Efficiency and Time Relationship

Efficiency is inversely proportional to Time. If the time taken to fill increases, the net efficiency has decreased due to an opposing force like a leak.

Combined Pipe Formula

If pipe A fills in x hours and pipe B empties in y hours, net work per hour = (1÷x) − (1÷y).