TANCETMBA

Questi
onPaper
2015
 MBA 2015 – EXAMINATION Mr. Dass first analyzed the company‟s resources.
PAPER Its best resource was its product and brand name.
PART – 1 Foam rubber mattresses are made of imported
Directions: latex and are extremely firm, unlike synthetic
This section comprises of two passages. After rubber mattresses made of polyurethane.
each passage questions consisting of items However, synthetics are much cheaper than foam
relating to the preceding passage are given. rubber mattresses. Latex mattresses are known
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Evaluate each item separately in terms of the for their orthopedic and anti-allergic qualities,
respective passage and choose your answer as per among others. The Form mat brand name had
the following guidelines: very nearly become a generic term for all types of
rubber mattresses. Formmat, however, was the
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1. If the item is a MAJOR OBJECTIVE in making
the decision; that is the outcome or result sought only latex mattress produced locally.
by the decision maker.
2. If the item is a MAJOR FACTOR in arriving at Apart from a superior product, the company had
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the decision; that is consideration, explicitly few resources. Its equipment, while satisfactory,
mentioned in the passage that is basic in was old and had been fully depreciated. It
determining the decision. operated in leased premises on a year-to-year
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3. If the item is a MINOR FACTOR in making basis, although the landlord was willing to
the decision: a less important element bearing on conclude a long-term agreement on favourable
or affecting a Major Factor, rather than a Major terms. On the other hand, the company‟s labor
Objective directly. force was experienced and dedicated and its
4. If the item is a MAJOR ASSUMPTION made production manager had more than ten years‟
deliberately; that is a supposition or projection experience in latex manufacturing.
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made by the decision maker before considering
the factors and alternatives. Mr. Joe Davies, president of the company, was
PASSAGE I past seventy years-old and was anxious to retire.
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Mr. Edward Crom, a building contractor by He had tried to retire previously, but had failed to
profession, met with an old friend, Mr. Ratan train a successor. Apart from Gordron Frederick,
Dass, a marketing consultant. Mr. Crom was the sales manager, no one else shared
excited about a business opportunity and wanted responsibility for marketing or administration.
to obtain Dass‟s evaluation of its prospects. Gordron Frederick let Ratan Dass know that if the
Formmat, a small company producing foam company were sold, he had no intention of
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rubber mattresses, was in financial trouble, and its remaining. Frederick had eighteen years‟
owners were anxious to sell it. The company had experience in the mattress industry, including
been established some twenty years, but its market twelve years with Formmat. If Frederick left the
share had steadily declined over the last five company, Crom might be hard pressed to find a
years. Since Mr. Crom had no previous suitable replacement. This was another issue that
experience in the mattress business, he requested Ratan Dass would have to study.
that his friend to find out what he could about the
company. Formmat‟s financial position was precarious. The
company was heavily in debt and its line of credit
fully extended. There was some question as to

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whether the company would be able to purchase twenty years. The big market is not the
enough latex to keep production going, but Mr. replacement market, but sales generated by family
Davies assured Ratan Dass that the company had formation. Thousands of young couples get
a bank letter of credit to purchase an additional married every year, and every marriage means
three month‟s supply. another mattress sale. But these young people
only see advertisements for spring mattresses. It
In spite of Mr. Davies‟s optimism, the fact was is obviously easier for my salesman to sell a
that his company had steadily lost market share.
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mattress which his customers have seen in
Once a dominant mattress manufacturer, with fifty countless advertisements than one which is
percent of the local market, its market share had relatively unknown.”
now declined to less than ten percent. Mr. Davies
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attributed this decline to inroads made by spring Dass was aware of the fact that if Formmat was
mattress manufacturers, who had only begun ever to regain some of its lost market share, it
production five years ago. Spring mattresses now would have to launch a major advertising program
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accounted for seventy percent of the total market, to educate young adults about the important
Davies‟s company ten percent, with the remaining attributes found in its products. A major question
twenty percent shared by a number of small plants that needed an immediate answer was: “To what
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producing synthetic rubber mattresses. Spring extent are people aware of Formmat mattresses
mattresses had some attributes similar to those of and their attributes?” Other questions involved
foam rubber, such as orthopedic qualities. They the attitudes of people toward foam rubber
were less costly to manufacture, but sold to the mattresses in general and how these attitudes
consumer at about the same price as Formmat compared to those towards spring mattresses. Mr.
mattresses. Dass ordered a market research survey to obtain
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answers to his questions. In brief, the study
Because of Formmat‟s financial difficulties, it revealed that a large segment of the population
coased advertising in newspapers and no radio. over twenty-five years of age was aware of
Little if any advertising had been done in other
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Formmat mattresses and had favorable attitudes
media over the past five years. As a result, toward their attributes. About three-quarters of
retailers were reluctant to handle the product line. these people expressed a preference for foam
By constrast, two of the larger spring mattresses rubber mattresses for their children (by contrast
manufacturers had advertised heavily in the mass with other mattresses for their own use).
media. One of these manufacturer‟s products was Awareness among younger segments of the
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sold exclusively by the largest furniture chain in population of the attributes of foam rubber
the country. mattresses in general, and of Formmat in
particular, was very low. Few young people
During his study of the mattress market, a number expressed an intention to buy foam rubber
of retailers had expressed the opinion to Mr. Dass mattresses.
that a whole generation of young people were
largely unaware of Formmat products because of On the basis of the preliminary research result,
the lack of advertising. One retailer was quoted as Crom was optimistic that he could turn the
saying: “It is true older people remember company around. In support of his belief, he cited
Formmat, but these mattresses last for almost the recognition of the company among a
significant portion of the population, and the fact people. It has a small but growing industrial base,
that they would buy a Formmat for their children. and several multinational business concerns have
He believed that once retailers became aware that established manufacturing plants in various parts
new management had taken over the company, of the country.
they would be willing to stock the product. Crom
was aware that the research findings were not Government policy in Djibotland has traditionally
always in agreement with his conclusions. favored foreign investment. Leaders of all
However, the finding that young people were
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political parties have been virtually unanimous in
relatively unaware of Formmat did not seem to their belief that foreign investment in Djibotland
worry him. He felt that a well-designed would contribute to speeding that country‟s
advertising program would convince may people economic development, a major priority of both
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to buy a foam rubber mattress, rather than any the ruling coalition and opposition parties. Of
competing type. Moreover, the introduction of a special interest to the government were those
new management team would instill confidence industries that exported a significant share of their
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among Formmat‟s bankers. Credit lines would be total output. Since Djibotland had a relatively
increased, thereby improving the company‟s small population, there was a limit to the amount
financial position. However, before making a of goods that could be produced for the local
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final decision as to whether to purchase Formmat, market. Also, the government did not want to
Mr. Crom waited for Ratan Dass‟s final report encourage foreign investors to compete with local
and recommendations. industry, even though new industries might
Questions: alleviate the already high unemployment rate.
1. Public awareness of the high quality of
Formmat mattresses A final reason for encouraging export-intensive
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2. The anti-allergic qualities of Formmat industries was to earn badly needed foreign
mattresses exchange. Djibotland had a chronic deficit in its
3. Attitude of older consumers towards Formmat balance of trade; that is its imports were regularly
mattresses.
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greater than its exports. This meant that it had to
4. Willingness of retailers to stock Formmat use scarce foreign exchange to pay for the
products in the future. growing deficit. Therefore, Djibotland welcomed
5. Formmat‟s present market share potential investors that would promise to export a
6. Ratan Dass recommendations. significant share of their total output. So when
7. Plausibility of changing consumer attitudes executives of Xcel Corporation proposed to
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through advertising. establish a shoe manufacturing plant which would
8. Orthopedic qualities of Formmat mattresses. be export-intensive, it received ready approval
9. Frederick‟s intention to leave. from the government.
10. Likelihood that credit lines could be increased.
PASSAGE II Government support for the enterprise was given
The success of the Xcel Corporation in the not only because of the promise to export, but also
investment-conscious country of Djibotland was because of the high unemployment rate in the
recently the subject of a government inquiry. country. However, approval was given despite the
Djibotland is a developing country about the size fact that there was at the time surplus shoe
of New Delhi with a population of ten million production in Djibotland, most factories having
large excess capacities and underworked labor authorized under the current labor agreement to
forces. It was known that Xcel had promised the deal with such disputes. Management agreed to
government, among other things, to (1) employ the union demand. After several days of
hundreds of workers, (2) reduce the price of shoes bargaining, an agreement was worked out
by some 30 percent, and (3) export more than half whereby Xcel would be allowed to terminate most
its output. part-time workers, amounting to only one percent
of the total work force. Although the agreement
In return for these promises, Xcel received the
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brought about a temporary solution to the current
following concessions from the government: problem, labor-management relation at Xcel
continued to be streamed as management was
1. Land was given to the company on a lease basis convinced that more workers were redundant than
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for a period of 99 years, rent-free. the union cared to admit.
2. A government-owned contracting firm built the
factory at low subsidized prices. After another six months, it became apparent that
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3. The company received loans at very low what management had termed “a temporary slack
interest rates for an extended period of time. in demand” was realty a failure of the company to
These loans could be renewed at company request sell the quantity of shoes that had been forecast
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at lower than the prevailing market interest rate. before production began. Actual sales never
4. The government trained workers at the plant at reached the target quantity, and, as a result, the
no expense to the company. company lost Rs. 10 million in such of its first
two year of operation. The Indian representatives
Production commenced one year after the first on the board of directors-who constituted a
equipment arrived at the new plant. It took majority-voted to terminate the company‟s
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another half year to properly train the new work operations in Djibotland. Shortly after the vote,
force to operate the sophisticated equipment bankruptcy hearing began.
which was introduced. After the “running in”
period, production continued smoothly for about a
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Because Xcel was located in an underdeveloped
year until a labor dispute occurred. It appeared area of the country, the government was worried
that management wanted to dismiss about 10 about the political ramifications if production
percent of the work force owing to a what a ceased. The company employed 500 workers, and
company spokesman called “a temporary slack in quite a few shopkeepers were dependent upon
demand” for Xcel‟s products. The labour union their patronage. When government
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representing the company‟s work force refused to representatives asked Xcel management what
accept any reduction in the work force and could be done to keep the company operating,
threatened a strike if workers were terminated. they received the following answer. Management
After some discussion, union representatives was willing to continue production if the
agreed that the company might be justified in government granted the company an additional
laying off some workers, but nowhere near the 10 fifty-million loan on favourable terms. If the
percent figure that management desired. At any government could not grant such a loan, then
rate, the union claimed that the company must another alternative was to purchase the company
first submit its request to a joint union- from Xcel at a “reasonable” price.
management grievance committee which was
The government was in a dilemma. On the one Directions: Each passage in this section is
hand, it was concerned about the political followed by questions based on its contents. Read
consequences if Xcel should continue the the passages carefully and then answer the
bankruptcy proceedings. On the other hand, if it questions given below them by choosing the best
granted the loan, it might be setting a precedent answer to each question. Answer the question on
for any other company that was in financial the basis of what is stated or implied in the
difficulties. Moreover, there was certain risk passages.
involved in lending the money to a company in
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PASSAGE I
bad shape. The government appointed a special A living language is, a throbbing, vital thing, ever
committee to investigate the financial condition of changing, ever growing and mirroring the people
Xcel and decide the issue. who speak and write it. It has its roots in the
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masses, though its superstructure may represent
One month later, the committee submitted its the culture of a few. How, then, can, “We‟ can
report. The major finding was that Xcel had not change it or shape it to our liking by resolutions or
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kept any of its original promises to the orders from above? And yet, I find this a widely
government. For one thing, Xcel‟s shoe prices prevalent notion that we can force a language to
were no lower than those of any of its behave in a particular manner if we only will it so.
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competitors. As for exports, not only had the Variation is but the mirror of the rapid changes
company failed to reach its promised goal of 50 taking place among the people who use it. If a
percent, but as of the bankruptcy hearings, its language loses touch with the people, it loses its
exports for a five-year period only amounted to 5 vitality and becomes an artificial, lifeless thing.
percent of total output. In light of these
developments, the government felt that it had to Attempts to force the growth of a language in a
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make a quick decision in the Xcel affair in such a particular direction are likely to end in distorting it
way as to avoid criticism from the opposition. and crushing its spirit. What should be the policy
Questions: of the State in regard to language? The Congress
11. Ability of Xcel to survive if the fifty million
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has briefly but clearly and definitely stated this in
loan was granted. the resolution on Fundamental Rights: “The
12. High unemployment inDjibotland. culture, language and script of the minorities and
13. Dependence of shopkeepers on the existence of the different linguistic areas shall be protected-
of Xcel. “ By this declaration the Congress is bound, and
14. Continued operation of Xcel. no minority or linguistic group can require a wider
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15. Strained worker-management relations at Xcel assurance. Further, the Congress has stated in its
16. Export potential of Xcel. constitution, as well as in many resolutions, that,
17. Need for a quick decision by the government while the common language of the country should
as to whether to grant the loan requested by Xcel. be Hindustani, the provincial languages should be
18. Availability of government funds needed to dominant in their respective areas.
support Xcel.
19. Prevention of layoffs of workers at Xcel A language cannot be imposed by a resolution,
20. Political consequence of an Xcel bankruptcy. and the Congress desires to develop a common
PART – II language and carry on most of our work in the
provincial languages would be pious wishes,
ignored by the multitude, if they did, not fit in b) The masses will not use such a language
with existing conditions and the needs of the and so it might perish.
situation. We have thus to see how far they so fit c) The spirit of the language may get
in. Our great provincial languages are no dialects crushed and language gets distorted.
or vernaculars as the ignorant sometimes call Choose the correct code:
them. They are ancient languages with a rich 1) (b) only 2) (a) and (b)
inheritance, each spoken by many millions of 3) (c) only 4) (a) and (c)
persons, each tied up inextricably with the life and
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24. What does the author say about the
culture and ideas of the masses as well as of the provincial languages?
upper classes. It is axiomatic that the masses can a) These languages cannot be called
only grow educationally and culturally through vernaculars as they have a rich tradition
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the medium of their own language. behind them.
b) Official work should be done in the
Questions: common language but education can be
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21. Which of the following is the central theme imparted in provincial.
of the above passage? c) The provincial language can effectively
1) The importance of choosing a national compliment the common language.
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language over the vernaculars. Choose the correct code:
2) Highlighting the importance of 1) (a) and (b) 2) (a) and (c)
language being the uniting force. 3) (b) and (c) 4) All of the above
3) Highlighting the quest before 25. How does the author propose to protect the
policymakers in deciding India‟s language rights of the minorities?
policy. a) By offering a constitutional guarantee of
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4) A two language model and its protecting their language.
appropriateness in a diverse country like b) By allowing use of provincial language
india. along with Hindustani as a common
22. What does the author say about the
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language.
importance of language? c) By keeping provincial language
a) Language emanates out of people and unchanged to avoid isolating the educated
owes its dynamism to them. from the masses.
b) Language is a means of spreading unity Choose the correct code:
and brotherhood. 1) (a) and (b) 2) (c) and (a)
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c) Language is amenable to change both 3) (b) and (c) 4) All of the above
from within as well as from outside PASSAGE II
influences. The Alaska pipeline starts at the frozen edge of
Choose the correct code: the Arctic Ocean. It stretches southward across
1) (a) and (b) 2) (b) and (c) the largest and northemmost state in the United
3) (a) and (c) 4) All of the above States, ending at a remote ice-free seaport village
23. What can be the consequences if we try to nearly 800 miles from where it begins. It is
impose a change on language? massive in size and extremely complicated to
a) Then the language will lose its vitality operate. The steel pipe crosses windswept plains
and become artificial. and endless miles of delicate tundra that tops the
frozen ground. It weaves through crooked 3) consumers 4) construction
canyons, climbs sheer mountains, plunges over 27. According to the passage, 84 million gallons
rocky crags, makes its way through thick forests, of oil can travel through the pipeline each
and passes over or under hundreds of rivers and 1) day 2) week
steams. The pipe is 4 feet in diameter, and up to 2 3) month 4) year
million barrels (or 84 million gallons) of crude, oil 28. The phrase “Resting on” is closest in
can be pumped through it daily. Resting on H- meaning to
shaped steel racks called “bents,” long sections of
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1) Consisting of 2) Supported by
the pipeline follow a zigzag course high above the 3) Passing under 4) Protected with
frozen earth. Other long sections drop out of sight 29. The author mentions all of the following as
beneath spongy or rocky ground and return to the important in determining the pipeline‟s routs
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surface later on. EXCEPT the
1) climate
The pattern of the pipeline‟s up-and-down route is 2) lay of the land itself
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determined by the often harsh demands of the 3) local vegetation
arctic and subarctic climate, the tortuous lay of the 4) kind of soil and rock
land, and the varied compositions of soil, rock, or 30. How many companies shared the costs of
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permafrost (Permanently frozen ground). A little constructing the pipeline?
more than half of the pipeline is elevated above 1) 3 2) 4
the ground. The remainder is buried anywhere 3) 8 4) 12
from 3 to 12 feet, depending largely upon the type 31. Which of the following determined what
of terrain and the properties of the soil. One of percentage of the construction costs each
the largest in the world, the pipeline cost member of the construction would pay?
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approximately $8 billion and is by far the biggest 1) How much oil field land each company owned.
and most expensive construction project ever 2) How long each company had owned land in the
undertaken by private industry. In fact, no single oil fields.
business could raise that much money, so 8 major
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3) How many people worked for each company.
oil companies formed a consortium in order to 4) How many oil wells were located on the
share the costs. Each company controlled oil company‟s land.
rights to particular shares of land in the oil fields
and paid into the pipeline-construction fund
according to the size of its holdings. Today, PASSAGE III
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despite enormous problems of climate, supply If religion and community are associated with
shortage, equipment breakdowns, labor giobal violence in the minds of many people, then
disagreement, treacherous terrain, a certain so are global poverty and inequality. There has, in
amount of mismanagement, and even theft, the fact, been an increasing tendency in recent years
Alaska pipeline has been completed and is to justify policies of poverty removal on the
operating. ground that this is the surest way to prevent
Questions: political strife and turnoil. Basing public policy-
26. The passage primarily discusses the international as well as domestic-on such an
pipeline‟s understanding has some evident attractions.
1) operating costs 2) employees Given the public anxiety about were and disorders
in the rich countries in the world, the indirect Indeed, many famines have occurred without there
justification of poverty removal-not for its own being much political rebellion or civil strife or
sake but for the sake of peace and quiet in the intergroup warfare. For example, the famine
world-provides an argument that appeals to self- years in the 1840s in Ireland were among the most
interest for helping the needy. peaceful, and there was-little attempt by the
hungry masses to intervene even as ship after ship
It presents an argument for allocating more sailed down the river Shannon with rich food.
resources on poverty removal because of its
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Looking elsewhere, any own childhood memories
presumed political, rather than moral relevance. in Calcutta during Berigal famine of 1943 include
the sight of starving people dying in front of
While the temptation to go in that direction is easy sweetshops with various layers luscious food
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to understand, it is a perilous route to take even displayed behind the glass windows, without a
for a worthy cause. Part of the difficult lies in the single glass being broken, or law or order being
possibility that if wrong, economic reductionism disrupted.
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would not only impair our understanding of the Questions:
world, but would also tend to undermine the 32. Select the statement that can be most
declared rationale of the public commitment to plausibly inferred from the aforesaid passage.
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remove poverty. This is a particularly serious 1) A society plagued by recurrent famines can
concern, since poverty and massive inequality are never witness political revolution.
terrible enough in themselves, and deserve priority 2) Religions discrimination inevitably leads to
even if there were no connection whatsoever with violence and strife.
violence. Just as virtue is its own reward, poverty 3) Destitution of the masses leads to peace and
is at least its own penalty. This is not to deny that social stability.
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poverty and inequality can-an d do-have far 4) Famines and starvation do not necessarily result
reaching consequences with conflict and strife, but in political rebellion.
these connections have to be examined and 33. The author believes that it may not be
investigated with appropriate care and empirical
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advisable to emphasize on the connection
scrutiny, rather than being casually invoked with between poverty and violence as
unreasoned rapidity in support of a „good cause‟. 1) Emphasis on such connection appeals only to
self-interest of persons.
Destitution can, of course, produce provocation 2) Linking poverty and violence undermines the
for defying established laws and rules. But it need moral character of anti-poverty measures.
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not give people the initiative, courage, and actual 3) The absence of any essential connection
ability to do anything very violent. Destitution between poverty and violence may then weaken
can be accompanied not only by economic the very rationale of anti-poverty policies.
debility, but also by political helplessness. A 4) There is no necessary link between poverty and
starving wretch can be too frail and too dejected to inequality.
fight and battle, and even to protest and holler. It 34. Which of the following best captures the
is thus not surprising that often enough intense central argument of this passage?
and widespread suffering and misery have been 1) Religion is inextricably linked with violence.
accompanied by unusual peace and silence. 2) Famines may not necessarily result in civil
unrest.
3) Global poverty and inequality are one of the Similarly, when petrol prices fall, we save a
fundamental causes of global violence and strife. significant bit on the new prices-and the same is
4) Basing anti-poverty programmes on the need eventually channelized towards other
for avoidance of violence and strife is dotted with expenditures. This in turn, means that people will
many pitfalls. not just drive less but also shop less when petrol
35. The author refers to his own experience as prices rise and more when gas prices fall, as a
a child during the Bengal famine of 1943 in result of which the demand-supply balance will be
order to
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harnpered, thus bringing about a drastic change in
1) Illustrate how religiosity may instill passive the economic conditions of the country. One may
acceptance of even the worst forms of starvation assume that the consumer will resort to online
among people. shopping instead of going all to the store to save
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2) Repudiate the argument that religious expenditure on fuel, but that doesn‟t really hold
discrimination usually tends to inspire violent ground if you take into consideration the fact that
protests. petrol price rise can also cause the price of other
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3) Substantiate his assertion that it is not unusual goods and services to rise, and that includes the
to have the most intense suffering and misery cost of shipping goods as well.
coexist with complete peace.
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4) Demonstrate that people confronted with acute If petrol prices continues to rise unabated, it can
starvation are rendered too helpless to protest ever have ripple effect on other sectors of the
at all. economy-something which we got to see in 2011.
PASSAGE IV The fact that soaring petrol prices are coming
Skyrocketing prices of crude oil in the heavy on the transport sector are becoming
international market are causing the petrol prices obvious by the day, and that even though the
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to fluctuate every other day, and these fluctuations automobile industry is trying its best to stabilize
in tum, are adversely affecting the economy as a the condition by introducing fuel-efficient cars,
whole. From a layman‟s point of view, higher hybrid car models, etc., Even businesses and
petrol prices means paying more at the refilling
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educational institutes have had to bear the brunt of
station or paying more for commuting from home rising gas prices, with quite a few offices and
to workplace. However, the effects of soaring educational institutes opting for a four-day week –
petrol prices go well beyond the simple practice of instead of five-day week, to do their bit to limit
paying more for fuelling your vehicle or the damage that is being caused to the economy.
commuting. In fact, the effects on the economy Experts are of the opinion that rising petrol prices-
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are much broader than what we can imagine. though indirectly, are also affecting various other
sectors-including the employment and tourism
Petrol prices and consumer‟s propensity to spend sector, negatively in these times of economic
are inversely related to each other, with a rise in recovery. However, petrol prices are quite
the cost of petrol bringing down the consumer‟s volatile in nature, and therefore, it isn‟t quite
discretionary spending and a fall adding to the surprising to see them shoot up at one point of
same. Simply put, when the petrol prices rise, we time, only to come down drastically within a
spend more on fuelling our vehicles and week.
commuting – and to make up for this additional 36. Which of the following is the central theme
expenditure, we cut down on other expenditures. of the above passage?
1) Relationship between petrol price and our 40. Which of the following is supported by the
propensity to spend. above passage?
2) Impact of fuel price fluctuations on a country‟s 1) Decline in the price of petrol paves way for
economy. increase in the spending by the consumer.
3) Ripple effect of petrol price hike on overall 2) Online shopping is the solution to rise in the
budget of an individual. price of petrol.
4) Volatility of petrol prices in international 3) There will be a surge in the use of public
market.
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transport as individuals will not use their personal
37. Consider the following statements: vehicles.
a) The surge in the price of petrol is due to 4) There will be less vehicles on the road as
removal of subsidy given by the government. individuals will not drive their own vehicles.
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b) The rise in the price of petrol will increase the PART III
cost of consumer goods. 41. The difference between 1000.01 and 99.987
c) A substantial portion of an individual‟s budged is
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is spent on fuel cost. 1) 901.023 2) 900.023
d) It is important to control the price of petrol as it 3) 0.14 4) 901.977
has impact on other sectors as well. 42. Which of the following cannot be a digit in
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Which of the above is / are correct in the units place of a perfect square?
context of the passage? 1) 7 2) 1
1) (a), (b) and (c) 2) (b) and (d) 3) 5 4) 0
3) (c) and (d) 4) (a), (b) and (d) 43. The least number by which 72 must be
38. Which of the following statement is correct multiplied in order to produce a multiple of
in the context of the above passage? 112 is
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1) The rise and fall in petrol prices affects the 1) 14 2) 6
education and transport sector the most. 3) 12 4) 18
2) There is surge in the sale of cycles as travelling 44. The smallest number which when added to
becomes extremely difficult.
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the sum of squares of 9 to 10 gives a perfect
3) The volatility in the price of petrol affects square.
multiple-sectors of the economy. 1) 0 2) 3
4) Rise in the international price of petrol is solely 3) 8 4) 15
responsible for the inflation in the country. 45. A number when divided by 119 leaves
39. Which of the following statement(s) is / are remainder 19. If the same number is divided
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inferred from the passage? by 17, the remainder will be
a) Increase in the price of petrol will promote 1) 19 2) 10
online shopping. 3) 7 4) 2
b) Due to high cost of fuel, companies may want 46. The sum of two number is 60 and their
the employees to work from home. difference is 5. The difference of their squares
c) The poor and the middle class are the worst is
sufferers of the rise in cost of fuel. 1) 300 2) 60
Codes: 3) 55 4) 5
1) (b) only 2) (a) and (b) 47. The number of 3-digit numbers exactly
3) (c) only 4) (a) and (c) divisible by 6 is
1) 166 2) 151 3) 3/2 4) 9/4
3) 150 4) 149 58. The entry following an in a sequence is
48. If x*y = (x+y)+(x-y), then the value of 3*2 is determined by the rule (an-1)2. If 1 is an entry
1) 7 2) 6 in the sequence, the next three entries are
3) 5 4) 4 1) 0,-1,2 2) 0, -1,1
49. The largest number which exactly divides 3) 0, 1,2 4) 0,1,0
the product of any three consecutive integer is 59. What is the maximum, number of points of
1) 22) 3
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intersection of two circles which have unequal
3) 6 4) 12 radii?
50. The fraction whose denominator is 30 and 1) None 2) 1
which lies between 5/8 and 7/11 is 3) 2 4) 3
A
1) 17/30 2) 19/30 60. If the area of a rectangle is equal to the area
3) 23/30 4) 13/30 of a square, then the perimeter of the rectangle
51. 0.03 times 0.05 is must be
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1) 15% 2) 1.5% 1) ½ the perimeter of he square
3) 0.15% 4) 0.015% 2) Equal to the perimeter of the square
52. Which of the following numbers in closest 3) Equal to twice the perimeter of the square
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to zero? 4) None of the above
1) (1-0.9)2 2) 1-(0.9)2 PART IV
3) (0.09) 4) (0.09)2 Directions: Each question below is followed by
53. If x+y = 4 and x-y = 3, then x+2y is two statements numbered as (a) and (b). You
1) ½ 2) 7/2 have to determine whether the data given in the
3) 9/2 4) 15/2 statements is sufficient for answering the question.
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54. How much interest will Rs. 2000 earn an Use the data given, plus your knowledge of
annual rate of 8% in one year if the interest is mathematics and every day facts, to mark your
compounded every 6 months? answer as.
1) Rs. 160 2) Rs. 163.20
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1) If statement (a) ALONE is sufficient to answer
3) Rs. 249.73 4) Rs. 332.80 the question, but statement (b) ALONE is not
55. If 15 men work independently and at the sufficient.
same rate can manufacture 27 baskets in an 2) If statement (b) ALONE is sufficient to answer
hour, how many baskets would 45 men the question, but statement (a) ALONE is not
working independently and at the same rate of sufficient.
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manufacture in 40 minutes? 3) If both statement TOGETHER are needed to
1) 27 2) 35 answer the questions, but neither statement alone
3) 40 4) 54 is sufficient.
56. If the price of a samosa is Re. 1 and the 4) If not enough facts are given to answer the
price triples every 6 months, how long will it be question.
before the price of samosa touches Rs. 81? 61. A piece of wood 7 feet long is cut into three
1) 1 year 2) 2 years pieces. What is the length of each of the
3) 2.5 years 4) 13 years pieces?
2 2
57. If x/y = 2/3, then x /y is Statement:
1) 4/9 2) 2/3
a) The length of the longest piece is equal to the b) The tank is filled to 75 percent of capacity at
sum of the lengths of the other two pieces. the start of the trip.
b) The length of the shortest piece is 6 inches. 67. If the number of square units in the area of
62. In a certain code, ‟13‟ means stop smoking a circle is A and the number of linear units in
and „59‟ means „injurious habit‟. What do the circumference is C, what is the radium of
„9‟ and „5‟ mean respectively in that code? the circle?
Statement: Statement:
a) „157 means „stop bad habit‟.
C
a) A>C+3 b) A/C = 3/2
b) „839‟ means „smoking is injurious‟ 68. When one place of fruit is taken at random
63. Does Balu have more records in his record from a fruit bowl, what is the chance that it is
collection than Lakshmi has in here? an apple?
A
Statement: Statement:
a) Radha has more records in her collection than a) There are half as many apples as oranges in the
Lakshmi. fruit bowl.
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b) Balu has fewer records in his collection than b) A third of the fruit in the fruit bowl are orange.
Radha. 69. A swimming pool is supplied water by two
64. How much money is saved by buying a box pipes, P and Q. If pipe P operating alone can
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of a dozen pencils instead of 12 pencils singly? fill the pool?
Statement: Statement:
a) When purchased in a box of 12, the cost of each a) Operating together, pipes P and Q can fill the
pencil is Rs. 0.05 less than if purchased singly pool in 4 hours.
b) The price of a box of a dozen pencils is Rs. b) Pipe P supplies water at the rate of 520 litres
2.40. per hour, and 6240 gallons are required to fill the
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65. Salim invested a total of Rs. 10,000 for a pool.
period of one year. Part of the money he put 70. A company‟s profit was Rs. 8,00,000 in
into an investment that earned 6 percent 1990. What was its profit in 1991?
simple interest, and the rest of the money into
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Statement:
an investment that earned 8 percent simple a) There was a 20% increase in income in 1991.
interest. How much money did he put into the b) There was a 25% increase in costs in 1991.
investment that earned 6 percent? 71. How many of the 60 applicants for a job
Statement: passed neither the physical nor the written
a) The total interest earned on, Rs. 10,000 for the exam?
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year was Rs. 640. Statement:
b) The rupee value of the investment that earned 6 a) Of the 60 applicants, exactly 10% passed both
percent was only one-fourth the dollar value of the the physical and the written exams.
investment that earned 8 percent. b) Of the 60 applicants, exactly 50% passed the
66. If a car is driven 150 miles, the fuel tank is physical exam, and exactly 20% passed the
filled to what percent of capacity at the end of written exam.
the trip? 72. What will be the total weight of 10 poles,
Statement: each of the same weight?
a) The car averaged 15 miles per gallon for the Statement:
trip. a) One-fourth of the weight of each pole is 5 kg.
b) The total weight of three poles is 20 kilograms a) B is heavier than T and C and is less heavier
more than the total weight of two poles. than V who is not the heaviest.
73. How long is a bridge that crosses a river b) C is heavier than only T.
which is 250 metres wide? 79. Which word in the code language means
Statement: „flower‟?
a) One bank of the river, holds 1/5 of the bridge. Statement:
b) The other bank holds 1/6 of the bridge. a) „de fu la pane‟ means „rose flower is
74. Train T leaves town „A‟ for town „B‟ and
C
beautiful‟- and „la quiz‟ means „beautiful tree‟.
travels at a constant speed. At the same time b) „de la chin‟ means „red rose flower‟ and „pa
train „S‟ leaves town „B‟ for town „A‟ and chin‟ means „red tea‟.
also travels at a steady speed. Town „C‟ is 80. Who is C‟s partner in a game of cards
A
between A and B which train is travelling involving four players A, B, C and D?
faster? Statement: Statement:
Towns A, G and B lie on a straight „line a) D is sitting opposite to A.
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a) Train S arrives at town C before train T b) B is sitting right of A and left of D.
b) C is closer to A than to B. PART V
75. Did the XYZ Corporation have higher sales Directions: In this section you are required to
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in 1998 than in 1999? spot errors in sentences. Choose and mark the
Statement: part/sentence with the error.
a) In 1998 the sales were twice the average 81. 1) The scenery here is not good
(arithmetic mean) of the sales in 1998, 1999 and 2) I have lost my furniture‟s
1970. 3) We have received no information
b) In 1970, the sales were three times those in 4) No error
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1999. 82. 1) Please excuse the trouble
76. The last Sunday of March, 2006 fell on 2) He took pains over his work
which date? 3) Scouts wear shorts
Statement:
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4) No error
a) The first Sunday of that month fell on 5th 83. 1) Rahul can now drive
b) The last day of that month was Friday. 2) He took off his shoes
77. Who is to the immediate right of P among 3) Please look at my picture
five persons P,Q,R,S and T facing north? 4) No error
Statement: 84. 1) She would not listen to me
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a) R is third to the left of Q and P is second to the 2) He was wearing a cap
right of R. 3) I cannot manage my work alone
b) Q is to the immediate left of T who is second to 4) No error
the right of P. 85. 1) The model stood
78. 2) So stationary that
Among T,V,B,E and C who is the third from 3) The passerby took her to be a mannequin
the top when arranged in the descending order 4) No error
of their weights? 86. 1) The teacher concluded the lecture
Statement: 2) On a note of resignation
3) As it became evident
 4) That the students had been listening 93. The master dispensed----------the services of
87. 1) He is giving me trouble his servant.
2) He is treating me badly 1) with 2) off
3) He is bullying me 3) up 4) for
4) No error 94. Can I------------some money from you?
88. 1) Environmentalists worry 1) borrow 2) loan
2) The disappearance of many species 3) take 4) request
3) Of plants and animals
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95. He is fond------------reading novels.
4) From the face of the earth 1) about 2) of
89. 1) the voters were too dissatisfied 3) at 4) for
2) with their representative in Parliament III. Choose the synonym for the word given:
A
3) that they decided 96. Mirage
4) to vote against him this time 1) Water 2) Illusion
90. 1) Nehru distinguished himself 3) Mirror 4) Effect
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2) As a freedom fighter 97. Mentor
3) Statesman and 1) Reformist 2) Guide
4) He wrote very well 3) Philosopher 4) Stylist
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II. Pick out the most effective word to make the 98. Mundane
sentence meaningfully complete. 1) Worldly 2) Spatial
91. Deepak will be able to speak English well a 3) Global 4) Elliptical
year from now---------he works hard. 99. Gnome
1) if 2) had 1) Alien 2) Native
3) provided 4) because 3) Drone 4) Dwarf
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92. Even if it rains all day I will not be able to -- 100. Glib
-------- my journey. 1) Antique 2) Anti climatic
1) put away 2) put out 3) Articulate 4) Slippery
3) put off 4) put by
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MBA 2015 – ANSWERS

1……2 2……2 3……2 4…….2 5…….3 6…….3 7……4 8…….2 9…….3 10……4
11……4 12…..2 13……3 14……1 15……2 16……2 17……4 18…..4 19…..1 20……3
21…..3 22……2 23…..3 24…..3 25……4 26……4 27……1 28……2 29……3 30……3
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31……1 32……4 33……2 34…..2 35…..4 36……3 37……2 38……1 39……1 40……1
41……2 42…...1 43……1 44…..4 45……4 46……1 47……3 48……2 49……3 50……2
51……3 52……4 53…..3 54….2 55……4 56……2 57……1 58……4 59……3 60……4
61……3 62……* 63……4 64…….1 65……1 66……4 67……2 68……3 69……2 70……4
71…..3 72……* 73……3 74……3 75……3 76……* 77……* 78…..1 79……4 80…..4
81……2 82……1 83…..3 84……3 85…..3 86……2 87……4 88……1 89……1 90…..4
91…..3 92……3 93……1 94……1 95……2 96……2 97……2 98……1 99……4 100….3
MBA 2015 – DETAILED SOLUTIONS x-y = 5
PART – III 32.5-y´ =5
41. (2) ∴ y = 32.5-5 = 27.5
Difference = 1000.01-99.987 2 2
x -y = (32.5) 2-(27.5) 2
= 900.023 = 1056.25-756.25 = 300
42. (1) 47. (3)
12 = 1 112 = 121 There digit numbers exactly divisible by 6
22 = 4 122 = 144 are 102, 108, ….996
C
32 = 9 132 = 169 This is an A.P. with
42 = 16 142 = 196 a = 102; d = 6
2
5 = 25 152 = 225 Now
A
62 = 36 162 = 256 tn = a+(n-1)d
72 = 49 172 = 289 ⇒ 996 = 102+(n-1)6
82 = 64 182 = 324 = 102+6n-6 = 6n+96
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92 = 81 192 = 361 ⇒ 6n = 996-96 = 900
102 = 100 202 = 400
Digits in unit place of a perfect square are ∴n = 900 150
6
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0,1,4,5,6 and 9. Therefore 7 cannot be in
48. (2)
unit place of a perfect square.
x*y = (x+y)+(x-y)
43. (1)
3*2 = (3+2)+(3-2)
= 5+1 = 6
Clearly 72∗14 = 9
112 49. (3)
Therefore 72*14 = 9*112 6 is the largest number which exactly
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44. (4) divided the product of any three consecutive
92+102 = 81+100 = 181 integers.
Now 181+15 = 196 = 142 50. (2)
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5
Therefore required smallest number = 15 = 0.625; 7 = 0.6364; 17 = 0.5667;
8 11 30
45. (4)
Let the number be x. Then 19
= 0.6333; 23 = 0.7666; 13 = 0.43333
x = 119k + 19 30 30 30
= (7*17)k+(17+2) Clearly, 0.625 < 0.6333 < 0.6363
= 17(7k+1)+2 Therefore 5 < 19 < 7
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8 30 11
Therefore when x is divided by 17, the 19
lies between 5 and 7
remainder is 2. 30 8 11
46. (1) 51. (3)
Let the two numbers be x and y 0.03*0.05 = 0.0015
Then x+y = 60 = (0.0015*100)%
x-y = 5 = 0.15%
Adding, 2x = 65 52. (4)
(1-0.9)2 = (0.1) 2 = 0.01
x = 65 = 32.5 1-(0.9) 2 = 1-0.81 = 0.19
2 (0.09) 2 = 0.0081
Now,
 Therefore (0.09) 2 is closest to zero M2 = 45; T2 = 40 min, W2 = ?
53. (3) 15*60*W2 = 45*40*27
x+y = 4
x-y = 3 45∗40∗27
∴ W2 = 15∗60 = 54
Adding 2x = 7
56. (2)
In 6 months price of Samosa = 1*3 = Rs.3
x=7
2 In 1 year price of a Samosa = 3*3 = Rs.9
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Also x+y =4 In 1 year 6 months price of a Samosa = 3*9
= Rs.27
7
+y =4 In 27 years price of a Samosa = 3*27 =
2
Rs.81
A
7 8−7 1 57. (1)
y = 4- = =
2 2 2 x 2
y =3
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Now x+2y =7+21=7+1= 9 x2 x x 2 2 4
54. 2 2 2 2 y2 =y∗ y = 3∗ 3 = 9
(2) 58. (4)
Formula : When interest is calculated Half- Let a1 = 1
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yearly then Then a2 = (a1-1)2 = (1-1) 2 = 0
a3 = (a2-1) 2 = (0-1) 2 = 1
𝑅
( )
2 2n a4 = (a3-1) 2 = (1-1) 2 = 0
Amount A = P 1 +
100 Therefore next three terms are 0, 1, 0
In this problem 59. (3)
Maximum number of points of intersections
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P = Rs. 2000; R = 8%; n = 1
8
( )
2 2x1
of two circles which has unequal radii = 2
∴Amount A = 2000 1 + 60. (4)
100
None of the given options are correct.
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PART – IV
= 2000 1 + 4 2
100 61. (3)
7 feet = 7*12 = 84 inches
= 2000 1 + 1 2
Let the length of the longest piece be x
25
inches and shortest piece by y inches and the
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third piece be z inches.
= 2000 26 2
25 Then x+y+z = 84 inches
= 2000*(1.04)2 From (a) x = y+z
= 2000*1.0816 = 2163.2 From (b) y = 6 inches
∴Compound interest = 2163.2-2000 = Rs. ⇒ x = 6+z
55. 163.2 and x+(6+z) = 84
(4) ⇒ (6+z)+(6+z) = 84
Formula: 2z = 84-12 = 72
M1 T1 W2 = M2 T2 W1 ∴z = 72 = 36 inches
In this problem, 2

M1 = 15; T1 = 60 min, W1 = 27
 x = 6+z = 6 inches, 36 inches
and 42 inches 6x
8(10000 −x)
Therefore both statements are needed to 100 + 100 = 640
answer the question.
6x+80000-8x = 64000
62. (*)
80000 – 2x = 64000
13 – stop smoking
2x = 80000-64000 = 16000
59 – injurious habit
1 - stop/smoking ∴x = 16000 = Rs. 8000
C
2
3 - smoking/stop Therefore statement (a) alone is sufficient.
5 - injurious/habit Since the rupee – dollar value is a variable
9 - habit/injurious and the dollar value is not given, statement
A
From statement (a) (b) alone is not sufficient.
1 5 7 - stop bad habit 66. (4)
↓ ↓ ↓ Let the capacity of the fuel tank be x gallon.
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1 7 5 From statement (a)
5 – habit
Therefore 9 – injurious Fuel spent = 150 = 10 gallon
15
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Statement (a) alone is sufficient
From statement (b)
Consider statement (b)
Tank capacity at the start of the trip
8 3 9 - Smoking is injurious
= 75% of x = 75x
↓ ↓ ↓ 100
3 8 9 = 0.75x
9 – injurious At the end percent of capacity of the tan k.
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Therefore 5 - habit
Statement (b) alone is sufficient. 0.75𝑥−10
= 𝑥 ∗ 100 %
63. (4) Since the value of x is not given we cannot
From statement (a)
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derive the answer.
Radha > Lakshmi 67. (2)
From statement (b) Let the radius of the circle be 4 units
Radha > Balu Then area πr2 = A
This isnot enough to answer the question. Circumference 2πr = C
64. (1)
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A π r2 r
From statement (a) ⇒ C = 2 πr = 2
Money saved = 0.05*12 From statement (b)
= Rs.0.6 A 3
C =2
Therefore statement (a) alone is sufficient.
3 A r
65. (1) ⇒2 = C= 2
Part of amount invested in 6% interest = ⇒ r = 3 units
Rs.x Therefore (b) alone is sufficient
Then part of amount invested in 8% interest (a) alone is not sufficient.
= 10,000-x 68. (3)
From statement(a) Let the total number of fruits be T
From statement (b)
C
A
R
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R
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60
 Number of oranges = T
3 20% of 60 = 20 * 60 = 12
From statement (a) 100
From the Diagram,
Applicants passed either physical or written
Number of apples = 1 𝑇 = T or both
2 3 6
= 24+6+6 = 36
T
Number of Applicants passed neither
∴Required probability = (6 )= 1 physical nor written exam
C
T 6
∴Both statements are necessary. = 60-36 = 24
69. (2) 72. (*)
1 gallon = 3.785 litres Let the weight of each pole be x kg
A

From statement (b), time taken by pipe o to From statement (a)

x
fill the pool. =5
4
⇒ x = 5*4 = 20kg
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6240 ∗3.785
= = 45.42 hrs. Total weight of 10 poles = 10x
520
= 10*20 = 200kg
Therefore statement (b) alone is sufficient. Statement (a) alone is sufficient.
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70. (4) From statement (b)

Since the values of income and costs are not 3x = 2x+20
given in statements (a) and (b), we cannot 3x-2x = 20
get the answer. ∴x = 20
71. (3) Total weight of 10 poles = 10x
= 10*20 = 200 kg
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Total applicants = 60
Statement (b) alone is sufficient.
Physical 60 73. (3)
Let length of the bridge be x meters
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36-6 12-6 From statements (a) and (b)
6
=24 =6
x
+ x + 250 = x
Wirtten 5 6

6x+5x+7500
60
From statements (a) 30 x =
applicants passed both in physical and 11x+7500 = 30x
written exam ⇒ 19x = 7500
= 10% of 60 = 10 ∴x = 7500 = 394.74 m
100 * 60 = 6 19
From statement (b) 74. (3)
Applicants passed in physical exam. From statements (a) and (b)
A C B
50% of 60 = 50
100 * 60 = 30
Applicants passed in written exam
 T S
C is closer to A and train
C
A
R
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R
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60
 S arrives C before train T From statement (b)
This implies from S is faster than train T P, Q, T
75. (3) Q is to the immediate right of P. Therefore
Let the sales in 1998 be Rs. x statement (b) alone is sufficient to answer
and the sales in 1999 be Rs. y the question.
and the sales in 1970 be Rs. z 78. (1)
From statement (a) From statement (a)
C
B>T, B>C and V>B
x+y+z Also V is not the heaviest.
2x = 3
⇒ E>V>B>C>T
⇒ 6x = x+y+z (or)
A

5x = y+z E>V>BT>C
From statement (b) Clearly B is the third from the top.
z = 3y 79. (4)
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From both statements (a) and (b) Statements (a) and (b) are not sufficient to
5x = y+z find the code language for „flower‟.
z = 3y 80. (4)
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5x = y+3y = 4y Statements (a) and (b) are not sufficient
x=4y since the partner of C is not defined.
5 PART – V
Clearly 4 y<y 81. (2)
5
I have lost my furniture. (not furnitures)
⇒x<y 82. (1)
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∴ Sales in 1998 is less than sales in 1999. Should be changed as Please excuse me for
76. (*) the trouble.
From statement (a) 83. (4)
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First Sunday = 5th March 2006 No error
Last Sunday of the month 84. (4)
= 5+7+7+7 I alone cannot manage my work.
= 26th of March 2006 85. (3)
∴ Statement (a) alone is sufficient. The passers by took her to be a mannequin.
From statement (b) (mannequin means a model of a human body
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Last day of march = 31st Friday wearing clothes that are for sale, especially
Last Sunday = 31-5 in the window of a shop)
= 26th of March 2006 86. (2)
∴Statement (a) alone is sufficient. with a note of resignation.
77. (*) 87. (4)
From statement No error
(a) R- P, Q 88. (1)
Q is to the immediate right of P. Enviromentalists worry about.
Statement (a) alone is sufficient to answer 89. (1)
the question. The voters were dissatisfied.
90. (4) mundane – FORMAL relating to the world
He has written very well. and practical matters instead of religious or
96. (2) spiritual ones. Ordinary and not interesting
Mirage --- a strange effect in a desert or at or exciting, especially because of happening
sea in which you see something that is not too regularly
really there 99. (4)
97. (2) gnome – an imaginary little man in
mentor – an experienced person who helps
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children‟s stories who wears a pointed hat
someone who has less experience, especially and can do magic.
in their job 100. (3)
98. (1) glib – a glib person speaks easily and
A
confidently.
R
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R
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