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 :
First, let’s consider S1. It tells us that R is greater than both P and Q. However, this statement alone does not provide us with enough information to determine which of the four numbers is the largest, as R could be either the largest or the second-largest number.
Next, let’s consider S2. It tells us that S is not the largest number. This statement is also not sufficient on its own to determine which of the four numbers is the largest, as S could be either the second-largest, third-largest, or smallest number.
However, if we combine both statements, we can deduce that either R is the largest number.
Therefore, the correct answer is (c) S1 and S2 together are sufficient to answer the Question, but neither S1 alone nor S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.