Explanation :
We need to find digits P,Q,R,S (all nonzero and distinct), with P≤3, Q≤4, such that
PP × PQ = RRSS
(where “PP” means the two-digit number with both digits P, etc.).
Step 1. List possible values of PP (since P≤3 and nonzero):
P=1 → PP=11
P=2 → PP=22
P=3 → PP=33
Step 2. For each P, try Q (1 through 4, but Q≠P) and compute PP×PQ. We need a 4-digit product of the form RRSS.
1) P=1 → PP=11, PQ=10+Q gives 11×11=121 up to 11×14=154, all 3-digit. No good.
2) P=2 → PP=22, PQ=20+Q gives 22×21=462, 22×23=506, 22×24=528, all 3-digit. No good.
3) P=3 → PP=33, PQ=30+Q:
33×31 = 1023 (not of form RRSS)
33×32 = 1056 (no)
33×34 = 1122 → this is “RRSS” with R=1, S=2, and all digits {3,4,1,2} are distinct.
No other choice works. Hence the only solution is P=3, Q=4, R=1, S=2.
Thus Q=4 and it is uniquely determined from the question itself, without using either statement.
Therefore the correct answer is (d):
“The Question can be answered even without using any of the Statements.”
Q. Question: Let P, Q, R, S be distinct non-zero digits. If PP × PQ = RRSS, where P ≤ 3 and Q ≤ 4, then what is Q equal to? Read More »