Q. Two Statements S1 and S2 are given below with regard to four numbers P, Q, R and S followed by a Question:
S1: R is greater-than P as well as Q.
S2: S is not the largest one.
Among four numbers P, Q, R and S which one is the largest?
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Statements and the Question?
(a) S1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(b) S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(c) S1 and S2 together are sufficient to answer the Question, but neither S1 alone nor S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(d) S1 and S2 together are not sufficient to answer the Question.
Correct Answer: (c) S1 and S2 together are sufficient to answer the Question, but neither S1 alone nor S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 CSAT Paper
Explanation :
S1: R is greater than both P and Q
– This alone is not enough to determine the largest number
– R could be either largest or second largest
S2: S is not the largest number
– This alone is not enough to determine the largest number
– S could be second largest, third largest, or smallest
Combined Analysis:
When we use both statements together:
1. R is greater than P and Q (from S1)
2. S is not the largest (from S2)
3. Since R is greater than P and Q, and S cannot be largest, R must be the largest number
Conclusion:
Therefore, answer is (c): S1 and S2 together are sufficient to answer the Question, but neither S1 alone nor S2 alone is sufficient.
