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Question 31

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

The curved surface area of a solid cylinder is numerically equal to the total surface area of another cylinder whose radius is half of the first cylinder. If the height and radius of the first cylinder are 7 cm and 4 cm, respectively. find the curved surface area of the second cylinder.

  1. AOption (a)

    40π cm2

  2. BOption (b)

    48π cm2

  3. COption (c)

    52π cm2

  4. DOption (d)

    65π cm2

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

48π cm2

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Numerical value of CSA1 = 2 × π × 4 × 7 = 56π.

Given radius of second cylinder (r2) = 2 cm and its TSA2 = 56π.

Relation: TSA = CSA + 2 × Base Area.

56π = CSA2 + 2 × (π × 22) ⇒ 56π = CSA2 + 8π.

CSA2 = 48π cm2.

∴ The correct answer is 48π cm2.

Alternate Method

Given:

First Cylinder: Radius (r1) = 4 cm, Height (h1) = 7 cm.

Second Cylinder: Radius (r2) = 4 ÷ 2 = 2 cm.

Formula Used:

Curved Surface Area (CSA) of cylinder = 2πrh

Total Surface Area (TSA) of cylinder = 2πr(r + h)

⇒ CSA of first cylinder = 2 × π × 4 × 7 = 56π cm2.

⇒ TSA of second cylinder = 2 × π × r2 × (r2 + h2) = 56π.

⇒ 2 × π × 2 × (2 + h2) = 56π.

⇒ 4π × (2 + h2) = 56π.

⇒ 2 + h2 = 56 ÷ 4 = 14.

⇒ h2 = 14 − 2 = 12 cm.

⇒ CSA of second cylinder = 2 × π × r2 × h2.

⇒ CSA2 = 2 × π × 2 × 12 = 48π cm2.

∴ The correct answer is 48π cm2.

Additional Information

Volume of a Cylinder

The volume represents the space occupied and is calculated as Base Area × Height: V = πr2h.

Total Surface Area (TSA)

TSA includes both the curved part and the two circular bases: TSA = 2πrh + 2πr2 = 2πr(h + r).

Area of the Circular Base

Since the base of a cylinder is a circle, its area is given by πr2.

Question 32

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

A shopkeeper marks an item at ₹4,000. During a festival, he first offers a discount of 25% on the marked price. After a week, he increases the discounted price by 20% to earn more profit. What is the final selling price of the item after these successive changes?

  1. AOption (a)

    ₹3,400

  2. BOption (b)

    ₹3,600

  3. COption (c)

    ₹3,500

  4. DOption (d)

    ₹3,700

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

₹3,600

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

The net percentage change can be calculated using the formula: a + b + (a × b)/100.

Here, a = −25 (discount) and b = +20 (increase).

Net change = −25 + 20 + (−25 × 20)/100 = −5 − 5 = −10%.

Final Selling Price = 4000 × (100 − 10)% = 4000 × 0.9 = ₹3,600.

∴ The correct answer is ₹3,600.

Alternate Method

Given:

Marked Price (MP) = ₹4,000

First Discount = 25%

Price Increase = 20%

Calculations:

⇒ Price after first discount = MP − 25% of MP

⇒ Price after discount = 4000 − (25/100 × 4000) = 4000 − 1000 = ₹3,000

⇒ Price after increase = Price after discount + 20% of Price after discount

⇒ Final Selling Price = 3000 + (20/100 × 3000) = 3000 + 600 = ₹3,600

∴ The correct answer is ₹3,600.

Additional Information

Successive Percentage Change

When a value is changed by x% and then by y%, the effective change is (x + y + xy/100)%. Use positive for increase and negative for discount/decrease.

Selling Price Formula

Selling Price (SP) = Marked Price (MP) × (100 − Discount%)/100. If there is a further markup, multiply by (100 + Increase%)/100.

Ratio Method for Successive Changes

Convert percentages to fractions: 25% discount = 4 to 3 ratio; 20% increase = 5 to 6 ratio. Multiply ratios: (4×5) to (3×6) = 20:18 = 10:9.

Question 33

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

The sum of two numbers is 72. If the larger number is increased by 8 and the smaller number is decreased by 6, then the resulting numbers are in the ratio 3 : 2, respectively. Find the smaller of the original two numbers.

  1. AOption (a)

    35.6

  2. BOption (b)

    32.5

  3. COption (c)

    35

  4. DOption (d)

    34.2

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

35.6

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

New sum of resulting numbers = 72 + 8 − 6 = 74.

Total ratio parts = 3 + 2 = 5 parts.

Value of 1 part = 74 ÷ 5 = 14.8.

New smaller number = 2 parts × 14.8 = 29.6.

Original smaller number = 29.6 + 6 = 35.6.

∴ The correct answer is 35.6.

Alternate Method

Given: Sum of two numbers = 72. Let the larger number be x and the smaller number be y.

Formula Used: Linear equation in two variables and Ratio proportion properties.

⇒ x + y = 72 → (Equation 1)

⇒ According to the condition: (x + 8) ÷ (y − 6) = 3 ÷ 2

⇒ 2 × (x + 8) = 3 × (y − 6)

⇒ 2x + 16 = 3y − 18

⇒ 2x − 3y = −34 → (Equation 2)

⇒ Substitute x = 72 − y in Equation 2:

⇒ 2(72 − y) − 3y = −34

⇒ 144 − 2y − 3y = −34

⇒ 144 − 5y = −34

⇒ 5y = 144 + 34 = 178

⇒ y = 178 ÷ 5 = 35.6

∴ The correct answer is 35.6.

Additional Information

Ratio Division Rule

To divide a total sum S into a ratio a : b, the parts are [a/(a+b)] × S and [b/(a+b)] × S.

Linear Equations

For two variables, substitution or elimination methods are used to find the values of x and y.

Net Change Property

If values in a sum change, the new sum = original sum + total increase − total decrease.

Question 34

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

If 9x - 9x-1 = 72, then the value of 2x−12x+3 \frac{2x-1}{2x+3} is:

  1. AOption (a)

    34\frac{3}{4}

  2. BOption (b)

    37\frac{3}{7}

  3. COption (c)

    38\frac{3}{8}

  4. DOption (d)

    35\frac{3}{5}

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

37\frac{3}{7}

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Factor out the smallest power: 9x−1(91 − 1) = 72

8 × 9x−1 = 72 ⇒ 9x−1 = 9 ⇒ x − 1 = 1 ⇒ x = 2

Substitute x = 2 in the expression: (2 × 2 − 1) / (2 × 2 + 3) = 3 / 7

∴ The correct answer is 3/7.

Alternate Method

Given: 9x − 9x−1 = 72

Formula Used: Laws of Indices: am − am−n = am(1 − a−n)

⇒ 9x − (9x / 9) = 72

⇒ 9x (1 − 1/9) = 72

⇒ 9x (8/9) = 72

⇒ 9x = (72 × 9) / 8

⇒ 9x = 9 × 9 = 81

⇒ 9x = 92

Comparing the exponents as the bases are equal:

⇒ x = 2

Now, substitute the variable x into the required expression:

⇒ Value = (2x − 1) / (2x + 3)

⇒ Value = (2 × 2 − 1) / (2 × 2 + 3)

⇒ Value = (4 − 1) / (4 + 3) = 3/7

∴ The correct answer is 3/7.

Additional Information

Laws of Indices

For any non-zero base, the quotient rule states that am ÷ an = am−n.

Comparison Property

If ax = ay and a ≠ 1, 0, or −1, then the powers must be equal, such that x = y.

Negative Exponents

A term with a negative exponent can be written as its reciprocal with a positive exponent: a−n = 1 / an.

Question 35

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

A retailer buys 60 pens and sells them at the purchase price of 72 pens. Determine his profit percentage.

  1. AOption (a)

    20%

  2. BOption (b)

    12%

  3. COption (c)

    15%

  4. DOption (d)

    16%

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

20%

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Let the Cost Price (CP) of 1 pen be 1 unit.

Total CP of 60 pens = 60 units.

Selling Price (SP) of 60 pens = CP of 72 pens = 72 units.

Profit = 72 − 60 = 12 units.

Profit % = (12 ÷ 60) × 100 = 20%.

∴ The correct answer is 20%.

Alternate Method

Given:

Quantity of pens bought = 60

Selling Price (SP) of 60 pens = Cost Price (CP) of 72 pens

Formula Used:

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

Calculations:

⇒ Let the CP of 1 pen = ₹x

⇒ Total CP of 60 pens = ₹60x

⇒ Total SP of 60 pens = CP of 72 pens = ₹72x

⇒ Profit = ₹72x − ₹60x = ₹12x

⇒ Profit % = (12x ÷ 60x) × 100

⇒ Profit % = 1/5 × 100 = 20%

∴ The correct answer is 20%.

Additional Information

Profit and Loss Formulas

Profit % = (Profit ÷ CP) × 100 and Loss % = (Loss ÷ CP) × 100. Both are always calculated on Cost Price unless specified otherwise.

Quantity Based Trick

If CP of 'a' articles = SP of 'b' articles, then Profit/Loss % = [(a − b) ÷ b] × 100. A positive result indicates profit, while negative indicates loss.

Marked Price (MP) and Discount

Selling Price = Marked Price × (100 − Discount %) ÷ 100. Discount is always calculated on the Marked Price.

Question 36

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Two trains, X and Y, are running on parallel tracks. Train X is 200 m long and travels at 72 km/hr. Train Y is 300 m long. If the trains are traveling in opposite directions, they pass each other completely in 15 seconds. If the trains were traveling in the same direction, how long would it take for the faster train to overtake the slower one?

  1. AOption (a)

    72 seconds

  2. BOption (b)

    67.5 seconds

  3. COption (c)

    78 seconds

  4. DOption (d)

    75 seconds

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

75 seconds

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Convert speed of Train X: 72 × (5/18) = 20 m/s.

Relative Speed (Opposite) = Total Length ÷ Time = 500 ÷ 15 = 100/3 m/s.

Speed of Train Y = (100/3) − 20 = 40/3 m/s.

Relative Speed (Same) = 20 − (40/3) = 20/3 m/s.

Time to overtake = 500 ÷ (20/3) = 75 sec.

∴ The correct answer is 75 sec.

Alternate Method

Given:

Length of Train X (LX) = 200 m

Length of Train Y (LY) = 300 m

Speed of Train X (SX) = 72 km/hr = 72 × (5/18) = 20 m/s

Time in opposite direction (Topp) = 15 sec

Formula Used:

Relative Speed (Opposite) = S1 + S2

Relative Speed (Same) = |S1 − S2|

Time = (L1 + L2) ÷ Relative Speed

Calculations:

⇒ Total distance to cover = 200 + 300 = 500 m

⇒ In opposite direction: SX + SY = 500 ÷ 15

⇒ 20 + SY = 100/3

⇒ SY = 100/3 − 20 = (100 − 60)/3 = 40/3 m/s

⇒ In same direction: Relative speed = SX − SY = 20 − 40/3

⇒ Relative speed (same) = (60 − 40)/3 = 20/3 m/s

⇒ Time to overtake = Total Distance ÷ Relative Speed (same)

⇒ Time = 500 ÷ (20/3) = 500 × (3/20)

⇒ Time = 25 × 3 = 75 sec

∴ The correct answer is 75 sec.

Additional Information

Relative Speed Concept

When two objects move in opposite directions, their speeds are added (S1 + S2). When they move in the same direction, their speeds are subtracted (S1 − S2).

Unit Conversion

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

Total Distance for Trains

Whether crossing each other or overtaking, the total distance to be covered is always the sum of the lengths of the two trains (L1 + L2).

Question 37

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

If 5 and 10 are given, what is the third proportional to these numbers?

  1. AOption (a)

    20

  2. BOption (b)

    25

  3. COption (c)

    30

  4. DOption (d)

    15

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

20

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

The Third Proportional (c) of two numbers a and b is calculated as: c = b2 ÷ a.

Given values: a = 5 and b = 10.

Applying the trick: c = (10 × 10) ÷ 5

c = 100 ÷ 5 = 20.

∴ The correct answer is 20.

Alternate Method

Given: First number (a) = 5, Second number (b) = 10.

Formula Used: If three numbers a, b, and c are in continued proportion, then a : b :: b : c, which means a/b = b/c.

Let the third proportional be x.

⇒ 5 : 10 :: 10 : x

⇒ 5 ÷ 10 = 10 ÷ x

⇒ 1 ÷ 2 = 10 ÷ x

⇒ x = 10 × 2

⇒ x = 20

∴ The correct answer is 20.

Additional Information

Mean Proportional

The mean proportional between two numbers a and b is √(a × b).

Fourth Proportional

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

Continued Proportion

Three numbers a, b, c are in continued proportion if the ratio of the first to the second is the same as the ratio of the second to the third (a/b = b/c).

Question 38

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Trains from Delhi, Lucknow, and Jaipur depart every 12 minutes, 18 minutes, and 27 minutes, respectively. If all depart together at 6:00 am, when will they depart together again?

  1. AOption (a)

    7:36 am

  2. BOption (b)

    7:48 am

  3. COption (c)

    7:40 am

  4. DOption (d)

    7:24 am

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

7:48 am

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

To find the next time trains from Delhi, Lucknow, and Jaipur depart together, calculate the LCM of their departure intervals.

LCM(12, 18, 27) = 108 minutes.

Convert 108 minutes to hours: 108 ÷ 60 = 1 hour 48 minutes.

Add this duration to the initial departure time: 6:00 am + 1:48 = 7:48 am.

∴ The correct answer is 7:48 am.

Alternate Method

Given:

Interval for Delhi train = 12 min

Interval for Lucknow train = 18 min

Interval for Jaipur train = 27 min

Initial simultaneous departure = 6:00 am

Formula Used:

Next simultaneous event = Initial time + LCM of individual intervals.

Calculations:

⇒ Prime factorization of 12 = 2 × 2 × 3 = 22 × 31

⇒ Prime factorization of 18 = 2 × 3 × 3 = 21 × 32

⇒ Prime factorization of 27 = 3 × 3 × 3 = 33

⇒ LCM = 2max(2,1,0) × 3max(1,2,3) = 22 × 33

⇒ LCM = 4 × 27 = 108 minutes

⇒ Converting minutes to hours: 108 minutes = 60 minutes + 48 minutes = 1 hour 48 minutes

⇒ Next meeting time = 6:00 am + 1 hour 48 minutes

⇒ Next meeting time = 7:48 am

∴ The correct answer is 7:48 am.

Additional Information

Least Common Multiple (LCM)

The smallest number that is a multiple of two or more numbers. It is used to find the first time periodic events coincide.

Relationship between LCM and HCF

For any two numbers A and B, LCM(A, B) × HCF(A, B) = A × B. This is a fundamental property in number theory.

Periodic Events

For problems involving traffic lights, bells, or circular tracks, the next time of coincidence is always the LCM of their individual time periods.

Question 39

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

A television is marked at ₹50,000. A retailer gives a 15% discount on the first 70% of the price and a 5% discount on the rest. What is the total percentage discount offered?

  1. AOption (a)

    12%

  2. BOption (b)

    10%

  3. COption (c)

    11%

  4. DOption (d)

    13%

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

12%

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Ratio of the two parts of the Marked Price = 70% : 30% = 7 : 3.

Total Percentage Discount = [(Part1 × Rate1) + (Part2 × Rate2)] ÷ (Total Parts)

Total Discount % = [(7 × 15) + (3 × 5)] ÷ (7 + 3)

Total Discount % = (105 + 15) ÷ 10 = 120 ÷ 10 = 12%

∴ The correct answer is 12%.

Alternate Method

Given: Marked Price (MP) = ₹50,000; Discount1 = 15% on 70% MP; Discount2 = 5% on remaining MP.

⇒ First part of MP = 70% of 50,000 = (70 ÷ 100) × 50,000 = ₹35,000

⇒ Second part of MP = 30% of 50,000 = (30 ÷ 100) × 50,000 = ₹15,000

⇒ Discount 1 = 15% of 35,000 = 0.15 × 35,000 = ₹5,250

⇒ Discount 2 = 5% of 15,000 = 0.05 × 15,000 = ₹750

⇒ Total Discount Amount = 5,250 + 750 = ₹6,000

⇒ Total Percentage Discount = (Total Discount ÷ Total MP) × 100

⇒ Total Discount % = (6,000 ÷ 50,000) × 100 = 12%

∴ The correct answer is 12%.

Additional Information

Weighted Average Discount

When different portions of a Marked Price are sold at different discount rates, the overall discount is the weighted average: Dtotal = (w1d1 + w2d2) ÷ (w1 + w2).

Successive Discounts

If two discounts d1 and d2 are applied one after another, the single equivalent discount is [d1 + d2 − (d1 × d2) ÷ 100]%.

Net Selling Price

The Selling Price is calculated as MP × [1 − (Discount % ÷ 100)]. In this problem, SP = ₹50,000 − ₹6,000 = ₹44,000.

Question 40

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Calculate the total amount when ₹4000 is invested at 10% compound interest per annum, compounded annually for 2 years.

  1. AOption (a)

    ₹4400

  2. BOption (b)

    ₹4080

  3. COption (c)

    ₹4800

  4. DOption (d)

    ₹4840

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

₹4840

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

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

Total Amount percentage = 100% + 21% = 121%.

Total Amount = 121% of ₹4000 = 1.21 × 4000.

Total Amount = ₹4840.

∴ The correct answer is ₹4840.

Alternate Method

Given:

Principal (P) = ₹4000

Rate (R) = 10% per annum

Time (n) = 2 years

Formula Used:

Amount (A) = P(1 + R/100)n

Calculations:

⇒ A = 4000 × (1 + 10/100)2

⇒ A = 4000 × (110/100) × (110/100)

⇒ A = 4000 × (1.1) × (1.1)

⇒ A = 4000 × 1.21

⇒ A = 4840

∴ The correct answer is ₹4840.

Additional Information

Compound Interest Formula

Compound Interest (CI) = Amount − Principal = P[(1 + R/100)n − 1].

Difference between CI and SI

For 2 years, the difference (D) between CI and SI is given by D = P(R/100)2.

Effective Rate for 2 Years

If the rate is r%, the effective compound interest rate for 2 years is (2r + r2/100)%.