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Question 141

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

The 5-digit number 7a35b is divisible by 45, where a and b are positive integers. What is the value of (a + b)?

  1. AOption (a)

    14

  2. BOption (b)

    5

  3. COption (c)

    12

  4. DOption (d)

    7

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

12

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

For a number to be divisible by 45, it must be divisible by both 5 and 9.

Divisibility by 5: The last digit b must be 0 or 5. Since b is a positive integer, b = 5.

Divisibility by 9: The sum of digits (7 + a + 3 + 5 + 5) = 20 + a must be a multiple of 9.

The nearest multiple of 9 greater than 20 is 27. Therefore, 20 + a = 27 ⇒ a = 7.

The value of (a + b) = 7 + 5 = 12.

∴ The correct answer is 12.

Alternate Method

Given: The 5-digit number is 7a35b and it is divisible by 45.

Conditions: a and b are positive integers (a, b ∈ {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}).

Step 1: Divisibility by 5

⇒ For a number to be divisible by 5, its last digit must be 0 or 5.

⇒ Since b is a positive integer, b cannot be 0. Thus, b = 5.

Step 2: Divisibility by 9

⇒ Sum of digits = 7 + a + 3 + 5 + b

⇒ Sum = 15 + a + 5 = 20 + a

⇒ For 20 + a to be divisible by 9, the possible values for (20 + a) are 27, 36, ...

⇒ If 20 + a = 27, then a = 7.

⇒ If 20 + a = 36, then a = 16 (which is not a single-digit integer).

Step 3: Calculate (a + b)

⇒ a + b = 7 + 5 = 12.

∴ The correct answer is 12.

Additional Information

Divisibility Rule of 9

A number is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.

Divisibility Rule of 5

A number is divisible by 5 if its last digit is either 0 or 5.

Composite Divisibility

To check divisibility by a composite number like 45, check divisibility by its coprime factors (5 and 9).

Question 142

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Yogesh invested a certain sum of money at 10% per annum. After 2 years, he received ₹147 as compound interest, compounded annually. Find the corresponding simple interest (in ₹) for 2 years at the same rate.

  1. AOption (a)

    140

  2. BOption (b)

    130

  3. COption (c)

    125

  4. DOption (d)

    135

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

140

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Effective rate of Compound Interest (CI) for 2 years at 10% = 10 + 10 + (10 × 10 / 100) = 21%.

Effective rate of Simple Interest (SI) for 2 years at 10% = 10 × 2 = 20%.

According to the question: 21% = ₹147.

So, 1% = 147 ÷ 21 = ₹7.

Therefore, 20% (SI) = 20 × 7 = ₹140.

∴ The correct answer is ₹140.

Alternate Method

Given:

Compound Interest (CI) = ₹147

Rate (R) = 10% per annum

Time (T) = 2 years

Formula Used:

CI = P[(1 + R/100)T − 1]

SI = (P × R × T) ÷ 100

Calculations:

⇒ 147 = P[(1 + 10/100)2 − 1]

⇒ 147 = P[(11/10)2 − 1]

⇒ 147 = P[121/100 − 1]

⇒ 147 = P[21/100]

⇒ P = (147 × 100) ÷ 21 = 7 × 100 = ₹700

⇒ Now, SI for 2 years = (700 × 10 × 2) ÷ 100

⇒ SI = 7 × 10 × 2 = ₹140

∴ The correct answer is ₹140.

Additional Information

Direct SI-CI Relation for 2 Years

For a period of 2 years, the relationship is given by: SI = CI × 200 ÷ (200 + R). In this case, 147 × 200 ÷ 210 = ₹140.

Difference between CI and SI

The difference (D) for 2 years is calculated as: D = CI − SI = P(R/100)2. Here, D = 147 − 140 = ₹7.

Successive Rate Formula

Compound interest for 2 years can be treated as a successive percentage change: Effective Rate = x + y + (xy/100).

Question 143

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

A man is walking at 4 km/hr. A 180 m long train crosses him in 12 seconds while coming from the opposite direction. What is the speed of the train (in km/hr)?

  1. AOption (a)

    61

  2. BOption (b)

    50

  3. COption (c)

    45

  4. DOption (d)

    32

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

50

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Relative Speed = 180 / 12 = 15 m/s

Convert to km/hr: 15 × (18 / 5) = 54 km/hr

In opposite direction, Relative Speed = SpeedTrain + SpeedMan

54 = SpeedTrain + 4 ⇒ SpeedTrain = 50 km/hr

∴ The correct answer is 50 km/hr.

Alternate Method

Given:

Speed of walking man = 4 km/hr

Length of the train (Distance) = 180 m

Crossing time = 12 seconds

Formula Used:

Relative Speed = Total Distance / Total Time

Speed (km/hr) = Speed (m/s) × (18/5)

Calculations:

⇒ Relative Speed = 180 / 12 = 15 m/s

⇒ Relative Speed in km/hr = 15 × (18 / 5)

⇒ Relative Speed = 3 × 18 = 54 km/hr

⇒ Since they are moving in the opposite direction:

⇒ Relative Speed = Speed of Train + Speed of Man

⇒ 54 = Speed of Train + 4

⇒ Speed of Train = 54 − 4 = 50 km/hr

∴ The correct answer is 50 km/hr.

Additional Information

Relative Speed Concept

When two objects move in opposite directions, their relative speed is the sum of their individual speeds (u + v). If they move in the same direction, it is the difference (u − v).

Speed Conversion

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

Crossing a Stationary Point/Man

When a train crosses a man, a pole, or a point object, the distance traveled is equal to the length of the train itself.

Question 144

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Ram has ₹1000 in the denomination of ₹10, ₹20 and ₹5 notes. If the number of ₹10 notes is 16 more than that of ₹20 notes and the number of ₹5 notes is twice the number of ₹20 notes, find the total number of notes that Ram has.

  1. AOption (a)

    90

  2. BOption (b)

    120

  3. COption (c)

    100

  4. DOption (d)

    80

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

100

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Let the number of ₹20 notes be x. Then ₹10 notes = x + 16 and ₹5 notes = 2x.

Subtract the value of extra 16 notes of ₹10: 1000 − (16 × 10) = ₹840.

Effective value per unit: ₹10 (from x) + ₹20 (from x) + ₹10 (from 2x of ₹5) = ₹40.

Number of units (x) = 840 ÷ 40 = 21.

Total notes = 4x + 16 = 4(21) + 16 = 100.

∴ The correct answer is 100 notes.

Alternate Method

Given:

Total amount with Ram = ₹1000

Denominations are ₹10, ₹20, and ₹5.

Let the number of ₹20 notes be x.

Number of ₹10 notes = x + 16

Number of ₹5 notes = twice of ₹20 notes = 2x

Calculations:

⇒ Total Value = (Value of ₹10 notes) + (Value of ₹20 notes) + (Value of ₹5 notes)

⇒ 1000 = 10 × (x + 16) + 20 × (x) + 5 × (2x)

⇒ 1000 = 10x + 160 + 20x + 10x

⇒ 1000 − 160 = 40x

⇒ 840 = 40x

⇒ x = 840 ÷ 40 = 21

⇒ Number of ₹20 notes = 21

⇒ Number of ₹10 notes = 21 + 16 = 37

⇒ Number of ₹5 notes = 2 × 21 = 42

⇒ Total number of notes = 37 + 21 + 42 = 100

∴ The correct answer is 100 notes.

Additional Information

Currency Denomination Formula

The total value of money is calculated as: Total Value = ∑(Face Value of Note × Number of Notes).

Linear Equation Application

When multiple variables are related to a single base (like ₹20 notes here), express all terms in that base variable to solve the equation easily.

Verification Technique

Always verify the final count by multiplying back: (37 × 10) + (21 × 20) + (42 × 5) = 370 + 420 + 210 = 1000.

Question 145

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Two taps can fill a cistern in 4 hours and 8 hours, respectively. A third tap can empty it in 4 hours. How long (in hours) will it take to fill one-fourth of the empty cistern if all the taps are opened together?

  1. AOption (a)

    8

  2. BOption (b)

    4

  3. COption (c)

    6

  4. DOption (d)

    2

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

2

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Net filling rate per hour = (1/4 + 1/8 − 1/4) = 1/8 of the cistern.

Time to fill the full cistern = 1 ÷ (1/8) = 8 hours.

Time to fill one-fourth of the cistern = 8 × 1/4 = 2 hours.

∴ The correct answer is 2 hr.

Alternate Method

Given: Filling time of Tap A = 4 hr, Tap B = 8 hr. Emptying time of Tap C = 4 hr.

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

TapTime (hr)Total Work (LCM)Efficiency
Tap A (+)48 units+2
Tap B (+)8+1
Tap C (−)4−2

⇒ Total Efficiency when all taps are open = 2 + 1 − 2 = 1 unit/hr.

⇒ One-fourth capacity of the cistern = 8 × 1/4 = 2 units.

⇒ Required Time = 2 units ÷ 1 unit/hr = 2 hours.

∴ The correct answer is 2 hr.

Additional Information

Inlet and Outlet Pipes

An Inlet pipe fills the cistern (positive efficiency) while an Outlet pipe empties it (negative efficiency).

Net Efficiency Rule

If multiple pipes operate, the net rate of filling is the algebraic sum of their individual efficiencies (Rates).

Work & Wages in Pipes

If workers or pipes are paid based on work, the wage ratio is equal to the ratio of their individual efficiencies.

Question 146

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Two trains, A and B, start simultaneously from stations Delhi and Mumbai respectively towards each other on parallel tracks. After meeting, train A takes 16 hours to reach Mumbai, and train B takes 9 hours to reach Delhi. If train A’s speed is 60 km/h, what is the length of train B (in meters), given that it crosses a pole in 18 seconds?

  1. AOption (a)

    300

  2. BOption (b)

    420

  3. COption (c)

    400

  4. DOption (d)

    280

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

400

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Ratio of speeds after meeting: SA / SB = √(TimeB / TimeA)

60 / SB = √(9 / 16) = 3 / 4

SB = (60 × 4) / 3 = 80 km/h

Speed of Train B in m/s = 80 × (5 / 18) = 400 / 18 m/s

Length of Train B = Speed × Crossing Time = (400 / 18) × 18 = 400 m

∴ The correct answer is 400 m.

Alternate Method

Given:

Speed of Train A (SA) = 60 km/h

Time taken by Train A to reach Mumbai after meeting (tA) = 16 hr

Time taken by Train B to reach Delhi after meeting (tB) = 9 hr

Time taken by Train B to cross a pole = 18 sec

Formula Used:

  1. SA / SB = √(tB / tA)
  2. Distance = Speed × Time
  3. km/h to m/s conversion: Speed × (5 / 18)

Calculations:

⇒ 60 / SB = √(9 / 16)

⇒ 60 / SB = 3 / 4

⇒ 3 × SB = 60 × 4

⇒ SB = 240 / 3 = 80 km/h

⇒ Speed of Train B in m/s = 80 × (5 / 18) = 400 / 18 m/s

⇒ Length of Train B = Speed × Time to cross pole

⇒ Length of Train B = (400 / 18) × 18

⇒ Length of Train B = 400 m

∴ The correct answer is 400 m.

Additional Information

Meeting Time Formula

If two objects start at the same time and meet at a point, the time they take to meet is T = √(t1 × t2), where t1 and t2 are times taken to reach destinations after meeting.

Train Crossing a Pole

When a train crosses a stationary object of negligible length (pole, man, tree), the distance traveled is equal to the length of the train itself.

Unit Conversion

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

Question 147

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Two solid hemispheres are joined together to make a sphere. The total surface area of solids reduced by approximately ___%.

  1. AOption (a)

    50

  2. BOption (b)

    33.33

  3. COption (c)

    66.67

  4. DOption (d)

    25

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

33.33

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Total surface area (TSA) of one solid hemisphere = 3 units (πr2 factor).

TSA of two separate hemispheres = 3 + 3 = 6 units.

Surface area of the resulting sphere = 4 units.

Reduction = 6 − 4 = 2 units.

Percentage Reduction = (2 ÷ 6) × 100 = 33.33%.

∴ The correct answer is 33.33%.

Alternate Method

Given: Two identical solid hemispheres are joined at their flat bases to form a sphere of the same radius r.

Formula Used:

⇒ Total Surface Area of a Solid Hemisphere = 3πr2

⇒ Surface Area of a Sphere = 4πr2

Calculations:

⇒ Combined TSA of two separate hemispheres = 2 × 3πr2 = 6πr2

⇒ Surface Area of the single sphere formed = 4πr2

⇒ Reduction in Surface Area = 6πr2 − 4πr2 = 2πr2

⇒ Percentage Reduction = (Reduction ÷ Original Area) × 100

⇒ Percentage Reduction = (2πr2 ÷ 6πr2) × 100

⇒ Percentage Reduction = (1 ÷ 3) × 100 ≈ 33.33%

∴ The correct answer is 33.33%.

Additional Information

Curved Surface Area (CSA) of Hemisphere

The area of only the curved part of a hemisphere is 2πr2. The flat base has an area of πr2.

Volume Conservation

When solids are joined or melted, the total volume remains constant. Volume of sphere = (4/3)πr3.

Total Surface Area of Solid Hemisphere

TSA = CSA + Base Area = 2πr2 + πr2 = 3πr2.

Question 148

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Lekhraj sells an article at a profit of 25%. If the cost price is increased by 20% and the selling price is reduced by 10%, what percentage loss will Lekhraj incur?

  1. AOption (a)

    6.5%

  2. BOption (b)

    7.25%

  3. COption (c)

    7.5%

  4. DOption (d)

    6.25%

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

6.25%

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Let initial Cost Price (CP) = 100, then initial Selling Price (SP) = 125.

New CP = 100 × 1.20 = 120.

New SP = 125 × 0.90 = 112.5.

Net Loss = 120 − 112.5 = 7.5.

Loss Percentage = (7.5 ÷ 120) × 100 = 6.25%.

∴ The correct answer is 6.25%.

Alternate Method

Given: Initial profit = 25%, CP increase = 20%, SP reduction = 10%.

Formula: Profit/Loss % = (SP − CP) ÷ CP × 100.

⇒ Let the initial Cost Price be ₹100.

⇒ Initial Selling Price = 100 + 25% of 100 = ₹125.

⇒ New Cost Price = 100 + 20% of 100 = ₹120.

⇒ New Selling Price = 125 − 10% of 125 = 125 − 12.5 = ₹112.5.

⇒ Loss = New CP − New SP = 120 − 112.5 = ₹7.5.

⇒ Loss % = (7.5 ÷ 120) × 100 = (1 ÷ 16) × 100 = 6.25%.

∴ The correct answer is 6.25%.

Additional Information

Profit and Loss Percentage

Profit % = (Profit ÷ CP) × 100 and Loss % = (Loss ÷ CP) × 100. The denominator is always the Cost Price unless specified otherwise.

Successive Changes

When multiple changes occur, always update the base. For example, a 10% reduction on 125 is 125 × 0.90, not 125 − 10.

Base Change Rule

If CP changes, the new profit or loss must be calculated on the revised CP to find the effective percentage.

Question 149

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

In a science experiment, chemicals X, Y, and Z are mixed in the ratio 5:2:3. If the total weight of the mixture is 100 grams, how much of chemical Y is present?

  1. AOption (a)

    50 grams

  2. BOption (b)

    10 grams

  3. COption (c)

    20 grams

  4. DOption (d)

    30 grams

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

20 grams

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Sum of ratio parts = 5 + 2 + 3 = 10 units.

10 units = 100 g (Total weight).

1 unit = 10 g.

Chemical Y share = 2 units = 2 × 10 = 20 g.

∴ The correct answer is 20 g.

Alternate Method

Given:

Ratio of Chemical X : Chemical Y : Chemical Z = 5 : 2 : 3

Total weight of the mixture = 100 g

Calculations:

Let the weight of Chemical X be 5k, Chemical Y be 2k, and Chemical Z be 3k.

⇒ Total weight = 5k + 2k + 3k = 10k

⇒ 10k = 100

⇒ k = 100 ÷ 10

⇒ k = 10 g

⇒ Weight of Chemical Y = 2k = 2 × 10

⇒ Weight of Chemical Y = 20 g

∴ The correct answer is 20 g.

Additional Information

Ratio and Proportions

A ratio indicates how many times one number contains another. To divide a quantity in a given ratio, the total quantity is divided by the sum of the ratio terms to find the value of one unit.

Percentage in Mixtures

The percentage of any component can be found by (Component Ratio / Total Ratio) × 100. In this case, Chemical Y is (2/10) × 100 = 20% of the total mixture.

Question 150

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Find the measure of the unknown interior angle in an irregular hexagon with angles 140°, 80°, 145°, 155°, and 100°.

  1. AOption (a)

    100°

  2. BOption (b)

    120°

  3. COption (c)

    105°

  4. DOption (d)

    110°

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

100°

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Total sum of interior angles of a hexagon (n = 6) = (6 − 2) × 180° = 720°.

Sum of 5 given angles = 140° + 80° + 145° + 155° + 100° = 620°.

Unknown angle = 720° − 620° = 100°.

∴ The correct answer is 100°.

Alternate Method

Given: Angles of an irregular hexagon are 140°, 80°, 145°, 155°, and 100°.

Formula Used: Sum of interior angles of a polygon = (n − 2) × 180°, where n is the number of sides.

For a hexagon, n = 6:

⇒ Sum = (6 − 2) × 180°

⇒ Sum = 4 × 180°

⇒ Sum = 720°

Let the unknown 6th angle be x.

⇒ 140° + 80° + 145° + 155° + 100° + x = 720°

⇒ 620° + x = 720°

⇒ x = 720° − 620°

⇒ x = 100°

∴ The correct answer is 100°.

Additional Information

Polygon Interior Angles Theorem

The sum of the interior angles of any convex polygon is given by (n − 2) × 180°, where n represents the number of sides.

Exterior Angle Sum

For any convex polygon, the sum of the exterior angles (one at each vertex) is always equal to 360° regardless of the number of sides.

Regular Hexagon

In a regular hexagon, all interior angles are equal, and each angle measures 720° ÷ 6 = 120°.