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Question 421

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Simplify the following expression:

0.6859×0.1156×0.640000.289×0.1600×0.54872 \sqrt{\frac{0.6859 \times 0.1156 \times 0.64000}{0.289 \times 0.1600 \times 0.54872}} (Correct your answer up to three decimal places)

  1. AOption (a)

    1.414

  2. BOption (b)

    2.314

  3. COption (c)

    1.314

  4. DOption (d)

    2.414

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

1.414

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Equate decimal places: Total numerator places = 13, Total denominator places = 12, resulting in a factor of 10−1.

Identify powers: 6859 = 193, 54872 = 383 = (2 × 19)3, and 1156 = 342 = (2 × 17)2.

Simplify the ratios: (19/38)3 × (34/17)2 × (64000/1600) × 0.1 = (1/8) × 4 × 40 × 0.1 = 2.

Calculate the final root: √2 ≈ 1.414.

∴ The correct answer is 1.414.

Alternate Method

Given Expression: √( (0.6859 × 0.1156 × 0.64000) / (0.289 × 0.1600 × 0.54872) )

⇒ Count total decimal places in Numerator: 4 + 4 + 5 = 13.

⇒ Count total decimal places in Denominator: 3 + 4 + 5 = 12.

⇒ Remove decimals by adjusting powers of 10: √( (6859 × 1156 × 64000) / (289 × 1600 × 54872) × 10−1 )

⇒ Simplify the large numbers using prime factorization: 6859 = 193, 1156 = 342, 289 = 172, 54872 = 383.

⇒ √( (193 × 342 × 40) / (172 × 383 × 10) )

⇒ √( (193 × (2 × 17)2 × 40) / (172 × (2 × 19)3 × 10) )

⇒ √( (193 × 4 × 172 × 40) / (172 × 8 × 193 × 10) )

⇒ Cancel common terms: √( (4 × 40) / (8 × 10) ) = √(160 / 80) = √2

⇒ Square root of 2 up to three decimal places = 1.414

∴ The correct answer is 1.414.

Additional Information

Cubes of Numbers

Memorizing cubes up to 20 is crucial for simplification: 193 = 6859 and 383 = 54872.

Square Root Constants

Standard square root values frequently used in exams: √2 ≈ 1.414 and √3 ≈ 1.732.

Power and Indices Rule

For any numbers a and b: (a × b)n = an × bn. This helps in simplifying ratios like (34/17)2 = 22 = 4.

Question 422

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Two trains of lengths 160 meters and 140 meters are moving in opposite directions at 55 km/h and 65 km/h, respectively. Find the time taken by them to cross each other completely.

  1. AOption (a)

    9 seconds

  2. BOption (b)

    10 seconds

  3. COption (c)

    6 seconds

  4. DOption (d)

    8 seconds

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

9 seconds

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Relative Speed (opposite direction) = 55 + 65 = 120 km/h

Total distance to be covered = 160 + 140 = 300 m

Time = Total Distance ÷ Relative Speed

Time = 300 ÷ (120 × 5/18) = 300 ÷ (100/3) = 9 sec

∴ The correct answer is 9 sec.

Alternate Method

Given:

Length of Train 1 (L1) = 160 m

Length of Train 2 (L2) = 140 m

Speed of Train 1 (S1) = 55 km/h

Speed of Train 2 (S2) = 65 km/h

Formula Used:

Time taken to cross = (L1 + L2) ÷ (S1 + S2)

Calculations:

⇒ Total Distance = 160 + 140 = 300 m

⇒ Relative Speed = 55 + 65 = 120 km/h

⇒ Convert speed to m/s = 120 × (5/18) m/s

⇒ Relative Speed = 600/18 = 100/3 m/s

⇒ Time = 300 ÷ (100/3)

⇒ Time = (300 × 3) ÷ 100

⇒ Time = 900 ÷ 100 = 9 sec

∴ The correct answer is 9 sec.

Additional Information

Relative Speed in Opposite Directions

When two objects move towards each other or in opposite directions, their relative speed is the sum of their individual speeds: Vrel = S1 + S2.

Unit Conversion Factor

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

Crossing a Stationary Object

When a train crosses a pole or a standing man, the distance covered is equal to the length of the train itself.

Question 423

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Two positive numbers differ by 20. The mean proportional between these two numbers is 24. What is the sum of these two numbers?

  1. AOption (a)

    53

  2. BOption (b)

    52

  3. COption (c)

    51

  4. DOption (d)

    50

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

52

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Given difference (x − y) = 20 and mean proportional √xy = 24.

Square of mean proportional: xy = 242 = 576.

Using the identity: (x + y)2 = (x − y)2 + 4xy

⇒ (x + y)2 = 202 + 4 × 576 = 400 + 2304 = 2704.

⇒ Sum (x + y) = √2704 = 52.

∴ The correct answer is 52.

Alternate Method

Let the two positive numbers be 'a' and 'b' (where a > b).

Given:

Difference between numbers (a − b) = 20

Mean proportional between a and b = 24

Formula Used:

  1. Mean Proportional = √(a × b)

  2. (a + b)2 = (a − b)2 + 4ab

⇒ From mean proportional definition: √ab = 24

⇒ Squaring both sides: ab = 24 × 24 = 576

⇒ We know that (a + b)2 = (a − b)2 + 4ab

⇒ (a + b)2 = (20)2 + 4 × 576

⇒ (a + b)2 = 400 + 2304

⇒ (a + b)2 = 2704

⇒ a + b = √2704

⇒ a + b = 52

∴ The correct answer is 52.

Additional Information

Mean Proportional

The mean proportional between two numbers a and b is the square root of their product, expressed as x = √ab.

Third Proportional

If a, b, and c are in continued proportion (a:b = b:c), then c is called the third proportional, where c = b2 ÷ a.

Algebraic Relationship

The relationship between the sum and difference of two numbers is given by the identity (a + b)2 − (a − b)2 = 4ab.

Question 424

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Workers P and Q can complete a task in 16 days if working together. P alone takes 24 days. If P and Q start the task together, but Q leaves after 4 days, how many more days will P alone take to finish the work?

  1. AOption (a)

    18 days

  2. BOption (b)

    10 days

  3. COption (c)

    6 days

  4. DOption (d)

    9 days

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

18 days

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Combined efficiency of P and Q = 1/16, and efficiency of P alone = 1/24.

Work done by P and Q together in 4 days = 4 ÷ 16 = 1/4 of total work.

Remaining work to be finished by P alone = 1 − 1/4 = 3/4.

More days required by P = (3/4) × 24 = 18 days.

∴ The correct answer is 18 days.

Alternate Method

Given: P and Q can complete the task in 16 days; P alone takes 24 days; they work together for 4 days.

Formula Used: Total Work = LCM of individual days; Efficiency = Total Work ÷ Time.

PersonDaysTotal WorkEfficiency
P + Q1648 units3 units/day
P242 units/day

⇒ Total work (LCM of 16 and 24) = 48 units.

⇒ Efficiency of P + Q = 48 ÷ 16 = 3 units/day.

⇒ Efficiency of P alone = 48 ÷ 24 = 2 units/day.

⇒ Work completed by P and Q in 4 days = 3 units/day × 4 days = 12 units.

⇒ Remaining work = 48 − 12 = 36 units.

⇒ Additional days for P alone = 36 units ÷ 2 units/day = 18 days.

∴ The correct answer is 18 days.

Additional Information

Work and Efficiency Relationship

Efficiency is inversely proportional to the time taken (E ∝ 1/T). If a person is twice as efficient, they take half the time.

Combined Efficiency

The total efficiency of multiple workers is the sum of their individual efficiencies (ETotal = E1 + E2 + ...).

Pipes and Cisterns Analogy

The same LCM and efficiency method applies to tank-filling problems, where inlet pipes perform positive work and outlet pipes perform negative work.

Question 425

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

In a school, Class A has 24 students with an average height of 160 cm, and Class B has 20 students with an average height of 168 cm. The average height of students in Class C is 165 cm. If the overall average height of all students from Classes A, B and C is 164 cm, find the number of students in Class C.

  1. AOption (a)

    20

  2. BOption (b)

    26

  3. COption (c)

    18

  4. DOption (d)

    16

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

16

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Net deviation from the overall Average Height (164 cm) must be zero.

Deviation for Class A = (160 − 164) × 24 = −96

Deviation for Class B = (168 − 164) × 20 = +80

Total deviation (A + B) = −16. To balance, Class C must provide a deviation of +16.

Deviation per student in Class C = 165 − 164 = +1.

Number of students in Class C = 16 ÷ 1 = 16.

∴ The correct answer is 16.

Alternate Method

Given:

Class A: nA = 24, AvgA = 160 cm

Class B: nB = 20, AvgB = 168 cm

Class C: nC = x, AvgC = 165 cm

Overall Average = 164 cm

Formula Used:

Overall Average = (nA × AvgA + nB × AvgB + nC × AvgC) ÷ (nA + nB + nC)

Calculations:

⇒ 164 = (24 × 160 + 20 × 168 + x × 165) ÷ (24 + 20 + x)

⇒ 164 = (3840 + 3360 + 165x) ÷ (44 + x)

⇒ 164(44 + x) = 7200 + 165x

⇒ 7216 + 164x = 7200 + 165x

⇒ 7216 − 7200 = 165x − 164x

⇒ x = 16

∴ The correct answer is 16.

Additional Information

Weighted Average Formula

The combined average of multiple groups is calculated as Aw = (n1a1 + n2a2 + ... + nkak) ÷ (n1 + n2 + ... + nk).

Deviation Method

The sum of deviations of all observations from their arithmetic mean is always zero. This property helps in finding missing values or averages quickly.

Average Property

The combined average must always lie between the lowest and the highest individual group averages. In this case, 160 < 164 < 168.

Question 426

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

A solid cuboid of dimensions 30 cm × 20 cm × 8 cm is melted. During melting, 10% of the material is lost. The remaining metal is recast into identical cubes of side 4 cm. How many complete cubes are formed?

  1. AOption (a)

    60

  2. BOption (b)

    63

  3. COption (c)

    66

  4. DOption (d)

    67

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

67

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Total Volume = 30 × 20 × 8 = 4800 cm3

Remaining Volume = 90% of 4800 = 4320 cm3

Volume of 1 Cube = 43 = 64 cm3

Number of Cubes = 4320 ÷ 64 = 67.5 → 67 complete cubes

∴ The correct answer is 67.

Alternate Method

Given:

Dimensions of the solid cuboid = 30 cm × 20 cm × 8 cm

Material lost during melting = 10%

Side of the identical cubes = 4 cm

Calculations:

⇒ Total volume of the cuboid = Length × Breadth × Height

⇒ Volume = 30 × 20 × 8 = 4800 cm3

⇒ Volume of material lost = 10% of 4800 = (10 ÷ 100) × 4800 = 480 cm3

⇒ Volume of remaining metal = 4800 − 480 = 4320 cm3

⇒ Volume of one small cube = (Side)3 = 43 = 64 cm3

⇒ Number of cubes formed = Remaining Volume ÷ Volume of one cube

⇒ Number of cubes = 4320 ÷ 64

⇒ Number of cubes = 67.5

⇒ Since we need the number of complete cubes, we take the integer part.

∴ The correct answer is 67.

Additional Information

Volume of Solid Shapes

For a cuboid, Volume = L × B × H. For a cube, Volume = a3. During melting and recasting, total volume remains constant unless a percentage loss is specified.

Material Loss Calculation

If x% of material is lost, the usable volume is (100 − x)% of the initial volume. Usable Volume = Vinitial × (1 − x/100).

Complete Units Rule

When calculating the number of discrete items formed from a bulk material, always round down to the nearest whole number if the result is a fraction.

Question 427

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

A borrower takes a loan of ₹1,860 at a simple interest rate of 12% per annum. After some years, the total amount payable becomes ₹2,529.60. For how many years was the loan taken?

  1. AOption (a)

    1

  2. BOption (b)

    4

  3. COption (c)

    3

  4. DOption (d)

    2

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

3

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Calculate total interest percentage: Interest = 2529.60 − 1860 = 669.60

Total Interest % = (669.60 / 1860) × 100 = 36%

Since the rate is 12% per year, Time (T) = Total % / Rate per annum

T = 36% / 12% = 3 years

∴ The correct answer is 3 years.

Alternate Method

Given:

Principal (P) = ₹1,860

Amount (A) = ₹2,529.60

Rate (R) = 12% p.a.

Formula Used: Simple Interest (SI) = (P × R × T) / 100

⇒ Simple Interest (SI) = Amount − Principal

⇒ SI = 2529.60 − 1860 = 669.60

⇒ 669.60 = (1860 × 12 × T) / 100

⇒ 669.60 = 18.6 × 12 × T

⇒ 669.60 = 223.2 × T

⇒ T = 669.60 / 223.2

⇒ T = 3 years

∴ The correct answer is 3 years.

Additional Information

Simple Interest Formula

The basic formula is SI = (P × R × T) / 100, where P is Principal, R is Rate, and T is Time.

Amount Calculation

Total Amount (A) = Principal (P) + Simple Interest (SI). It can also be expressed as A = P(1 + RT/100).

Finding Rate of Interest

If time and interest are known, the rate can be calculated as R = (SI × 100) / (P × T).

Question 428

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

Kavita's monthly salary increased by 25%, and then decreased by 20%. If her initial salary is ₹58,000, what was her final salary?

  1. AOption (a)

    ₹60,000

  2. BOption (b)

    ₹64,000

  3. COption (c)

    ₹58,000

  4. DOption (d)

    ₹55,000

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

₹58,000

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Apply the Successive Percentage Change formula: Net % change = x + y + (xy/100).

Here, x = +25% (increase) and y = −20% (decrease).

Net change = 25 − 20 + [25 × (−20) / 100] = 5 − 5 = 0%.

Since the net change is 0%, the final salary remains the same as the initial salary.

∴ The correct answer is ₹58,000.

Alternate Method

Given:

Initial Salary = ₹58,000

First Change = 25% Increase

Second Change = 20% Decrease

Step 1: Calculate salary after 25% increase

⇒ Salary after increase = 58,000 + (25/100 × 58,000)

⇒ Salary after increase = 58,000 + 14,500 = ₹72,500

Step 2: Calculate salary after 20% decrease on the new amount

⇒ Final Salary = 72,500 − (20/100 × 72,500)

⇒ Final Salary = 72,500 − 14,500

⇒ Final Salary = ₹58,000

∴ The correct answer is ₹58,000.

Additional Information

Successive Percentage Formula

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 decrease.

Multiplier Method

Final Value = Initial Value × (1 ± r1/100) × (1 ± r2/100). In this case: 58,000 × 1.25 × 0.80 = 58,000 × 1 = 58,000.

Base Change Property

An increase of 25% (1/4) followed by a decrease of 20% (1/5) results in no change because (5/4) × (4/5) = 1.

Question 429

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

The total surface area of a cube having side 94 cm is:

  1. AOption (a)

    53,016 cm2

  2. BOption (b)

    53,006 cm2

  3. COption (c)

    53,026 cm2

  4. DOption (d)

    52,989 cm2

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

53,016 cm2

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

The Total Surface Area (TSA) of a cube follows the formula 6 × a2.

Since the side is 94 cm, the unit digit of 942 is 6 (4 × 4 = 16).

Multiplying by 6, the final unit digit must be 6 (6 × 6 = 36).

Estimating: 942 is slightly less than 1002 (10,000), so TSA is slightly less than 60,000.

Calculation: 6 × 8836 = 53016.

∴ The correct answer is 53,016 cm2.

Alternate Method

Given:

The side length (a) of the cube is 94 cm.

Formula Used:

Total Surface Area of a cube = 6 × (side)2

Calculations:

⇒ TSA = 6 × (94)2

⇒ TSA = 6 × (94 × 94)

⇒ 942 = (100 − 6)2 = 10000 − 1200 + 36 = 8836

⇒ TSA = 6 × 8836

⇒ TSA = 53016 cm2

∴ The correct answer is 53,016 cm2.

Additional Information

Volume of a Cube

The volume represents the total capacity of the cube and is calculated as a3.

Lateral Surface Area (LSA)

The LSA refers to the area of only the four side faces (excluding top and bottom), given by 4 × a2.

Body Diagonal of a Cube

The length of the longest rod that can be placed inside a cube is a√3.

Face Diagonal of a Cube

The diagonal of any single square face of the cube is calculated as a√2.

Question 430

RRB NTPC 2026• Mathematics• Mathematics

A and B can do a piece of work in 12 days and 30 days, respectively. Both work for 2 days and then A leaves. How long (in days) will B take to complete the remaining work?

  1. AOption (a)

    22

  2. BOption (b)

    23

  3. COption (c)

    24

  4. DOption (d)

    25

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

23

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Total work = LCM(12, 30) = 60 units.

Efficiency of A = 5 units/day, B = 2 units/day.

Work done by both in 2 days = (5 + 2) × 2 = 14 units.

Remaining work = 60 − 14 = 46 units.

Time taken by B alone = 46 ÷ 2 = 23 days.

∴ The correct answer is 23 days.

Alternate Method

Given: A completes work in 12 days and B in 30 days.

PersonDaysTotal WorkEfficiency
A12605
B302

⇒ Total work (LCM of 12 and 30) = 60 units.

⇒ Work completed by A and B together in 2 days = (5 + 2) × 2 = 14 units.

⇒ Remaining work to be done by B = 60 − 14 = 46 units.

⇒ Time taken by B to complete the remaining work = Remaining Work ÷ Efficiency of B

⇒ Time = 46 ÷ 2 = 23 days.

∴ The correct answer is 23 days.

Additional Information

Relationship between Efficiency and Time

Efficiency is inversely proportional to Time. If time ratio is x : y, the efficiency ratio is y : x.

Work & Wages

Wages are generally distributed in the ratio of the work done by each person, which is the product of Efficiency × Time.

Total Work Calculation

Total work can be assumed as any multiple of the given days, but LCM is preferred to keep efficiencies in whole numbers.