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Question 201

DSSSB MTS 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability

A man walks from A to B at 5 km/h and returns from B to A at 4 km/h. What is his average speed for the whole journey?

  1. AOption (a)

    4.4 km/h

  2. BOption (b)

    4.5 km/h

  3. COption (c)

    4.6 km/h

  4. DOption (d)

    4.8 km/h

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

4.4 km/h

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

When an equal distance is covered at two different speeds x and y, the average speed is given by the Harmonic Mean formula.

Average Speed = (2 × x × y) / (x + y)

Here, x = 5 km/h and y = 4 km/h.

Average Speed = (2 × 5 × 4) / (5 + 4) = 40 / 9 ≈ 4.44 km/h.

∴ The correct answer is 4.4 km/h.

Alternate Method

Given:

Speed from A to B (v1) = 5 km/h

Speed from B to A (v2) = 4 km/h

Formula Used:

Average Speed = Total Distance ÷ Total Time

⇒ Let the distance between A and B be 'd' km.

⇒ Time taken to go from A to B (t1) = Distance ÷ Speed = d / 5 hours.

⇒ Time taken to return from B to A (t2) = Distance ÷ Speed = d / 4 hours.

⇒ Total Distance for the whole journey = d + d = 2d km.

⇒ Total Time taken = t1 + t2 = d/5 + d/4 = (4d + 5d) / 20 = 9d / 20 hours.

⇒ Average Speed = Total Distance ÷ Total Time = 2d ÷ (9d/20)

⇒ Average Speed = (2d × 20) / 9d = 40 / 9 km/h

⇒ Average Speed ≈ 4.44 km/h

∴ The correct answer is 4.4 km/h.

Additional Information

Average Speed (Equal Time Intervals)

If a person travels at speed v1 for time t and speed v2 for the same time t, the average speed is the Arithmetic Mean: (v1 + v2) / 2.

General Average Speed Formula

For any journey with different distances d1, d2 and speeds v1, v2, Average Speed = (d1 + d2) / (d1/v1 + d2/v2).

Relative Speed

When two objects move in opposite directions, relative speed = v1 + v2. In the same direction, relative speed = |v1 − v2|.

Question 202

DSSSB MTS 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability

In an election contested by two candidates, 1,780 votes were declared invalid. The winning candidate secured \( 82% \) of the valid votes and triumphed by a margin of 80 votes. Determine the total number of votes cast in the election.

  1. AOption (a)

    2400

  2. BOption (b)

    1694

  3. COption (c)

    1943

  4. DOption (d)

    1905

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

1905

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Winner = 82% of Valid votes → Loser = 18% of Valid votes.

Victory Margin = 82% − 18% = 64% of Valid votes.

64% = 80 → 1% = 1.25 → 100% (Valid) = 125 votes.

Total Votes = Valid + Invalid = 125 + 1780 = 1905 votes.

∴ The correct answer is 1905 votes.

Alternate Method

Given:

Invalid votes = 1,780

Winner's share = 82% of valid votes

Margin of victory = 80 votes

Calculations:

⇒ Let Total Valid Votes = V

⇒ Winner's Votes = 82% of V = 0.82V

⇒ Loser's Votes = (100 − 82)% of V = 18% of V = 0.18V

⇒ Margin = Winner's Votes − Loser's Votes

⇒ 80 = 0.82V − 0.18V

⇒ 80 = 0.64V

⇒ V = 80 ÷ 0.64 = 125

⇒ Total Votes Cast = Valid Votes + Invalid Votes

⇒ Total Votes Cast = 125 + 1780 = 1905

∴ The correct answer is 1905 votes.

Additional Information

Election Margin Calculation

In a two-candidate election, if the winner gets x% of votes, the margin is (x − (100 − x))% = (2x − 100)% of the total valid votes.

Valid vs Invalid Votes

Total votes cast = Valid votes + Invalid votes. Percentages are always calculated on the base of valid votes unless specified otherwise.

Percentage to Fraction Conversion

To simplify calculations, convert percentages to fractions: 64% = 64/100 = 16/25. Thus, (16/25) × Valid = 80 ⇒ Valid = 125.

Question 203

DSSSB MTS 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability

A train 240 meters long passes a pole in 24 seconds. How long will it take to pass a platform 360 meters long?

  1. AOption (a)

    36 seconds

  2. BOption (b)

    40 seconds

  3. COption (c)

    48 seconds

  4. DOption (d)

    60 seconds

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

60 seconds

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 60 seconds

Shortcut Trick

Ratio of Distance (Pole : Platform) = 240 : (240 + 360) = 240 : 600 = 2 : 5.

Since Speed is constant, Time is directly proportional to Distance.

2 units of time = 24 seconds ⇒ 1 unit = 12 seconds.

5 units of time = 5 × 12 = 60 seconds.

∴ The correct answer is 60 seconds.

Alternate Method

Given: Length of train = 240 m, Time taken to pass a pole = 24 s, Length of platform = 360 m.

Formula: Speed = Distance ÷ Time; Total Distance = Train Length + Platform Length.

⇒ Speed of the train = Distance ÷ Time = 240 ÷ 24 = 10 m/s.

⇒ Total distance to pass the platform = Length of train + Length of platform.

⇒ Total distance = 240 + 360 = 600 m.

⇒ Time taken to pass the platform = Total distance ÷ Speed.

⇒ Time = 600 ÷ 10 = 60 seconds.

∴ The correct answer is 60 seconds.

Additional Information

Relative Speed

When two trains move in the same direction, relative speed = S1 − S2. In opposite directions, relative speed = S1 + S2.

Unit Conversion

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

Distance Rule

When a train crosses a stationary object with length (like a bridge or tunnel), the total distance covered is the sum of their lengths.

Question 204

DSSSB MTS 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability

A cylinder having radius of 5 cm and a height of 10 cm. Find its volume. (π = 3.14)

  1. AOption (a)

    785 cm3

  2. BOption (b)

    250 cm3

  3. COption (c)

    500 cm3

  4. DOption (d)

    1000 cm3

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

785 cm3

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Volume of cylinder = π × r2 × h

Given: radius (r) = 5 cm, height (h) = 10 cm, π = 3.14

Volume = 3.14 × 52 × 10

Volume = 3.14 × 25 × 10 = 785 cm3

∴ The correct answer is 785 cm3.

Alternate Method

Given:

Radius (r) = 5 cm

Height (h) = 10 cm

π = 3.14

Formula Used:

Volume of Cylinder = πr2h

Calculations:

⇒ Volume = 3.14 × (5)2 × 10

⇒ Volume = 3.14 × 25 × 10

⇒ Volume = 78.5 × 10

⇒ Volume = 785 cm3

∴ The correct answer is 785 cm3.

Additional Information

Curved Surface Area (CSA) of Cylinder

The area of the side surface of the cylinder is given by 2πrh.

Total Surface Area (TSA) of Cylinder

The sum of the CSA and the areas of the two circular bases: 2πr(h + r).

Volume of a Cone

A cone with the same radius and height as a cylinder has exactly one-third of its volume: (1/3)πr2h.

Question 205

DSSSB MTS 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability

Volume and surface area of a solid hemisphere are numerically equal. What is the diameter of hemisphere?

  1. AOption (a)

    6 cm

  2. BOption (b)

    7 cm

  3. COption (c)

    8 cm

  4. DOption (d)

    9 cm

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

9 cm

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

For a solid hemisphere, equating Volume and Total Surface Area: (2/3) π r3 = 3 π r2.

Simplifying the terms, we get r = 3 × (3/2) = 4.5 cm.

The Diameter is 2 × radius = 2 × 4.5 = 9 cm.

∴ The correct answer is 9 cm.

Alternate Method

Given:

The Volume of the solid hemisphere is numerically equal to its Surface Area.

Formula Used:

  1. Volume of Hemisphere = (2/3) π r3
  2. Total Surface Area of Solid Hemisphere = 3 π r2
  3. Diameter (d) = 2 × Radius (r)

Calculations:

⇒ Volume = Surface Area

⇒ (2/3) π r3 = 3 π r2

⇒ (2/3) r = 3 (By dividing both sides by π r2)

⇒ r = 3 × 3 / 2

⇒ r = 9 / 2 = 4.5 cm

⇒ Diameter (d) = 2 × r

⇒ d = 2 × 4.5

⇒ d = 9 cm

∴ The correct answer is 9 cm.

Additional Information

Curved Surface Area (CSA) of Hemisphere

The area of the curved part only is 2 π r2. For a hollow hemisphere, this is the only surface area.

Total Surface Area (TSA) of Solid Hemisphere

It includes the curved part plus the flat circular base: 2 π r2 + π r2 = 3 π r2.

Properties of a Sphere

A full sphere has a Volume of (4/3) π r3 and a Surface Area of 4 π r2.

Numerical Equality Concept

When values are numerically equal, we ignore the units (cm2 vs cm3) and equate the magnitude.

Question 206

DSSSB MTS 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability

A vendor bought 100 oranges at ₹8 each. He sold 80 of them at ₹10 each and the remaining 20 oranges at ₹6 each. What is his overall profit or loss percentage?

  1. AOption (a)

    12.5% profit

  2. BOption (b)

    10% profit

  3. COption (c)

    10% loss

  4. DOption (d)

    15% profit

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

15% profit

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Average Selling Price (SP) = (80 × 10 + 20 × 6) / 100 = 9.2

Cost Price (CP) = 8

Profit % = [(9.2 − 8) / 8] × 100

Profit % = (1.2 / 8) × 100 = 15%

∴ The correct answer is 15% profit.

Alternate Method

Given:

Total oranges = 100

Cost Price (CP) per orange = ₹8

Selling Price (SP) of 80 oranges = ₹10 each

Selling Price (SP) of 20 oranges = ₹6 each

Formula Used:

Total CP = Total Quantity × CP per unit

Total SP = (Quantity1 × SP1) + (Quantity2 × SP2)

Profit % = [(Total SP − Total CP) / Total CP] × 100

⇒ Total CP = 100 × 8 = ₹800

⇒ SP of 80 oranges = 80 × 10 = ₹800

⇒ SP of 20 oranges = 20 × 6 = ₹120

⇒ Total SP = 800 + 120 = ₹920

⇒ Profit = Total SP − Total CP = 920 − 800 = ₹120

⇒ Profit % = (120 / 800) × 100

⇒ Profit % = 15%

∴ The correct answer is 15% profit.

Additional Information

Profit and Loss Basics

Profit occurs when SP > CP, and Loss occurs when CP > SP. Both percentages are always calculated on the CP.

Weighted Average in SP

When items are sold at different prices, the overall SP per unit is the weighted average: (n1s1 + n2s2) / (n1 + n2).

Marked Price and Discount

Selling Price = Marked Price − Discount. Discount percentage is always calculated on the Marked Price (MP).

Question 207

DSSSB MTS 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability

If the volume of a cone is 48 π cm3 and the height is 10 cm. Find the radius of its base in nearest one decimal place.

  1. AOption (a)

    2.8 cm

  2. BOption (b)

    3.8 cm

  3. COption (c)

    4.8 cm

  4. DOption (d)

    1.8 cm

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

3.8 cm

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Direct relation: r2 = (3 × Volume) / (π × h)

r2 = (3 × 48π) / (10π) = 144 / 10 = 14.4

r = √14.4

Since 3.82 = 14.44, then r ≈ 3.8 cm.

∴ The correct answer is 3.8 cm.

Alternate Method

Given:

Volume of cone (V) = 48π cm3

Height of cone (h) = 10 cm

Formula Used:

Volume of a cone = (1/3) × π × r2 × h

Calculations:

⇒ 48π = (1/3) × π × r2 × 10

⇒ 48 = (10/3) × r2

⇒ r2 = (48 × 3) / 10

⇒ r2 = 144 / 10

⇒ r2 = 14.4

⇒ r = √14.4

⇒ r ≈ 3.7947 cm

⇒ r ≈ 3.8 cm (rounding to nearest one decimal place)

∴ The correct answer is 3.8 cm.

Additional Information

Slant Height of a Cone

The slant height (l) is the distance from the apex to any point on the base circumference: l = √(r2 + h2).

Surface Area of a Cone

Curved Surface Area (CSA) = πrl and Total Surface Area (TSA) = πr(l + r).

Relationship with Cylinder

For the same radius and height, the volume of a cylinder is exactly three times the volume of a cone (Vcyl = πr2h).

Question 208

DSSSB MTS 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability

The average age of 5 members of a family is 20 years. If a new member joins the family, the average age becomes 18 years. What is the age of the new member?

  1. AOption (a)

    10 years

  2. BOption (b)

    12 years

  3. COption (c)

    8 years

  4. DOption (d)

    15 years

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

8 years

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Total age of 5 members = 5 × 20 = 100 years

Total age of 6 members = 6 × 18 = 108 years

New member's age = 108 − 100

⇒ 8 years

∴ The correct answer is 8 years.

Alternate Method

Given:

Average age of 5 members = 20 years

Average age of 6 members = 18 years

Formula Used:

Total Age = Average × Number of Members

5 Members = 100 6 Members = 108 + New Member 108 − 100 = 8

Calculations:

⇒ Total age of 5 members = 5 × 20 = 100 years

⇒ Total age of 6 members = 6 × 18 = 108 years

⇒ Age of new member = 108 − 100

⇒ = 8 years

∴ The correct answer is 8 years.

Additional Information

Average Formula

Average = Total Sum ÷ Number of Observations.

Adding a New Member

New Value = New Total Sum − Old Total Sum.

Average Decrease Concept

If the average decreases after adding a member, the new member's value is below the original average.

Question 209

DSSSB MTS 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability

If P is 20% more than Q, and R is 20% less than Q, then P is what percentage more than R?

  1. AOption (a)

    40%

  2. BOption (b)

    50%

  3. COption (c)

    45%

  4. DOption (d)

    35%

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

50%

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Using the Ratio Method:

P : Q = 120 : 100 = 6 : 5

R : Q = 80 : 100 = 4 : 5

Combining them, P : R = 6 : 4 = 3 : 2

P is more than R by (3 − 2) = 1 unit over base 2.

Required % = (1 / 2) × 100 = 50%.

∴ The correct answer is 50%.

Alternate Method

Given:

P = Q + 20% of Q

R = Q − 20% of Q

Formula Used:

Percentage More = [(Value1 − Value2) / Value2] × 100

Calculations:

⇒ Let the value of Q be 100.

⇒ P = 100 + 20% of 100 = 100 + 20 = 120.

⇒ R = 100 − 20% of 100 = 100 − 20 = 80.

⇒ Difference between P and R = 120 − 80 = 40.

⇒ Required Percentage = (Difference / R) × 100

⇒ Required Percentage = (40 / 80) × 100

⇒ Required Percentage = 1/2 × 100 = 50%.

∴ The correct answer is 50%.

Additional Information

Percentage Change Formula

The percentage change is calculated as [(Final Value − Initial Value) / Initial Value] × 100. Always identify the correct base value (the value after 'than').

Base Comparison Rule

If A is x% more than B, then B is [x / (100 + x)] × 100% less than A. This is useful for quick inverse percentage calculations.

Fraction to Percentage Conversion

Common fractions help in speed: 1/2 = 50%, 1/3 = 33.33%, 1/4 = 25%, 1/5 = 20%, and 1/8 = 12.5%.

Question 210

DSSSB MTS 2026• Arithmetical and Numerical Ability

A shopkeeper is offering a 20% discount on a Mixer that originally costs Rs 400. What is the sale price of the Mixer?

  1. AOption (a)

    320

  2. BOption (b)

    350

  3. COption (c)

    360

  4. DOption (d)

    400

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

320

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Discount of 20% means the Sale Price is 80% of the original price.

Sale Price = 80% of 400

Sale Price = 0.8 × 400

Sale Price = 320

∴ The correct answer is 320.

Alternate Method

Given:

Original Price (Marked Price) = 400

Discount Percentage = 20%

Formula Used:

Sale Price = Original Price − (Discount% × Original Price)

Calculations:

⇒ Discount Amount = 20% of 400

⇒ Discount Amount = (20/100) × 400 = 80

⇒ Sale Price = 400 − 80

⇒ Sale Price = 320

∴ The correct answer is 320.

Additional Information

Marked Price (MP)

The price at which an article is listed or printed on the label is called the Marked Price or List Price.

Discount Formula

Discount is always calculated on the Marked Price. Formula: Discount = MP − SP.

Successive Discounts

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