Institute of Actuaries of India

ACET March 2021 Solutions

Mathematics

1. C. It is seen that 𝑓(1) = 𝑓(2) = 2; 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ 2 for any 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅\{1,2} since a quadratic
equation cannot have more than two solutions.
Hence the pre-image of {2} is {1,2}.

2. D. Given that 𝑓(𝑛) − 𝑓(𝑛 − 1) = . Summing both sides of these equations from 𝑛 =
2 to 51, we have 𝑓(51) − 𝑓(1) = = 25. Since 𝑓(1) = 2, we can conclude
𝑓(51) = 25 + 2 = 27.
(Alternatively, the sequence 𝑓(𝑛) can also be seen as an AP with common
difference and first term 2. The 51st term turns out to be 27.)

3. C. cos + 2 sin = +2 = .

4. B. Given that 4𝑥 + 𝑥 − 3 > 0, we have 4𝑥(𝑥 + 1) − 3(𝑥 + 1) > 0. Therefore,

(𝑥 + 1)(4𝑥 − 3) > 0 ⇒ (𝑥 + 1) and (4𝑥 − 3) > 0 𝑜𝑟 (𝑥 + 1) and (4𝑥 − 3) < 0
3 3 3
⇒ 𝑥 > −1 and 𝑥 > or 𝑥 < −1 and x < ⇒ 𝑥 > or 𝑥 < −1.
4 4 4

5. B. log 81 = log 3 = 4 log 3 = 4 log = 4(log 15 − log 5) = 4(1 − 𝑎).

6. D. After resolving the summand into partial fractions, the limit simplifies as follows.
1 1 1
lim = lim −
→ 𝑘(𝑘 + 2) → 2𝑘 2(𝑘 + 2)
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= lim + + + ⋯+ − + +⋯+ +
→ 2 4 6 2𝑛 6 8 2((𝑛 − 1) + 2) 2(𝑛 + 2)
1 1 1 1 3
= lim + − + = .
→ 2 4 2((𝑛 − 1) + 2) 2(𝑛 + 2) 4

7. A. Given that 𝛼 and 𝛽 are the roots of the equation 3𝑥 − 6𝑥 + 1 = 0,

( )
𝛼 + 𝛽 = 2 ; 𝛼𝛽 = . Now + = = = = × 9 = 30,
( )

and × = = = 9. The required equation is: 𝑥 −

( )
(sum of the roots)𝑥 + product of the roots = 0, i.e., 𝑥 − 30𝑥 + 9 = 0.

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 8. C. General term: 𝑇 = 𝑥 ; 𝑟 = 0,1,2, … , 𝑛.
Fifth term: 𝑇 = 𝑥 ; Fourth term: 𝑇 = 𝑥 ; Third term: 𝑇 = 𝑥 .
The condition 𝑇 = 4𝑇 implies 𝑥 =4 𝑥
and 𝑇 = 6𝑇 implies 𝑥 =6 𝑥 .
Thus, we have = ⇒ = ⇒ 9𝑛 − 27 = 8𝑛 − 16 ⇒ 𝑛 = 11.

x f(x) First order Second order Third order

9. A.
56 − 4 131 − 26 23 − 15
2 4 = 26 = 15 =1
4−2 9−2 10 − 2

711 − 56 269 − 131

4 56 = 131 = 23
9−4 10 − 4

980 − 711
9 711 = 269
10 − 9

10 980

10. D. Given that: 𝑓(𝑥) = ;ℎ= .

x 0 1/2 1
f(x) 1 2/3 1/2
The value of the integral using Simpson’s one-third rule:
ℎ 1 1 1 2 25
𝐼 = 𝑓(0) + 𝑓(1) + 4𝑓 = 1+ +4 = .
3 2 6 2 3 36

11. C. The maximum value of sin 𝑥 is 1 and hence the maximum value of 𝑓(𝑥) =
4 sin 𝑥 + 3 cos 𝑥 = 5 sin(𝑥 + 𝜃), where 𝜃 = cos , is 5.

12. D. The curve 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑 has an inflexion point at 𝑥 = 1 implies

= 0 at 𝑥 = 1.

= 3𝑎 𝑥 + 2𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 and = 6𝑎𝑥 + 2𝑏 = 0 𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 1 implies 3𝑎 + 𝑏 = 0.

13. A. Let 𝑦 = log(𝑥 + sin 𝑥 ) and 𝑡 = 𝑥 + cos 𝑥 . Then,

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 = (1 + cos 𝑥) and 1 = − sin 𝑥 .
Hence, = . = × .
( ) ( )

14. B. 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
𝑥 log 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = log 2𝑥 𝑑 = log 2𝑥 − 𝑑(log 2𝑥)
2 2 2
𝑥 𝑥 2 𝑥 𝑥
= log 2𝑥 − 𝑑𝑥 = log 2𝑥 − + constant.
2 2 2𝑥 2 4

15. A. Let 𝑓(𝑥) = log . Then 𝑓(−𝑥) = log = log(5 + 𝑥) − log(5 − 𝑥) =

−[log(5 − 𝑥) − log(5 + 𝑥)] = − log = −𝑓(𝑥).
The integrand is an odd function. The value of the integral is 0.

16. C.
Put tan 𝑥=𝑡⇒ 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑑𝑡. When 𝑥 = 0, 𝑡 = 0 and 𝑥 = 1, 𝑡 = . Hence,
/
/
∫ 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ 𝑡𝑑𝑡 = = .

17. D. In order that 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗ are perpendicular to each other, 𝑎⃗ ° 𝑏⃗ = 0.

That is, 2𝚤⃗ + 3𝚥⃗ + 4𝑘⃗ ° 3𝚤⃗ + 2𝚥⃗ − 𝜇𝑘⃗ = 0
⇒ (2 × 3) + (3 × 2) + 4 × (−𝜇) = 0 ⇒ 4𝜇 = 12 ⇒ 𝜇 = 3.

18. D. If the three vectors are coplanar, then there must be a nontrivial vector that is
perpendicular to all three of them. Let such a vector be 𝛼𝚤⃗ + 𝛽𝚥⃗ + 𝛾𝑘⃗ . The given
condition implies 𝑎𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝛾 = 𝛼 + 𝑏𝛽 + 𝛾 = 𝛼 + 𝛽 + 𝑐𝛾 = 0. By subtracting the
first expression from the second, we have (1 − 𝑎)𝛼 + (𝑏 − 1)𝛽 = 0, i.e., (1 −
𝑎)𝛼 = (1 − 𝑏)𝛽. Likewise, from another pair of expressions we obtain the
condition (1 − 𝑎)𝛼 = (1 − 𝑏)𝛽 = (1 − 𝑐)𝛾. Thus, 𝛼, 𝛽 and 𝛾 must be in
proportion with , and , respectively.

19. A. 𝑎 0 0
Given that the matrix 𝐴 = 0 𝑏 0 ( 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 ≠ 0).
0 0 𝑐
Now, det 𝐴 = 𝑎𝑏𝑐 . The cofactors: 𝐴 = 𝑏𝑐 𝐴 = 0 𝐴 = 0
𝐴 = 0 𝐴 = 𝑎𝑐 𝐴 = 0
𝐴 = 0 𝐴 = 0 𝐴 = 𝑎𝑏.
𝑏𝑐 0 0
𝐴𝑑𝑗 𝐴 = 0 𝑎𝑐 0 .
0 0 𝑎𝑏

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 𝑏𝑐 0 0 𝑎 0 0
Hence, 𝐴 = 0 𝑎𝑐 0 = 0 𝑏 0 .
0 0 𝑎𝑏 0 0 𝑐

1 2 3
20. B. Given matrix is 𝐴 = 1 4 2 ; det 𝐴 = 0.
2 6 5
But every minor of order 2 is not zero. Hence, the rank of 𝐴 is 2.

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 Statistics

21. A. Five digit numbers can be formed using digits 0, 2, 3, 4, 6 or by using digits 0, 3, 4,
6, 8 since sum of digits in these cases is divisible by 3.
Number of 5 digit numbers that can be formed using 0, 2, 3, 4, 6 = 4 × 4! = 96.
Number of 5 digit numbers that can be formed using 0, 3, 4, 6, 8 = 4 × 4! = 96.
Total number of numbers = 96+96 = 192.

22. C. If she answer 3 questions of the first 4 questions, then she can choose these 3
questions in = 4 ways and she can choose other 3 questions from the remaining
4 questions in 4 ways. So she can choose the 6 questions in 4 × 4 = 16 ways.
If she answers all the first 4 questions, then she can choose the other 2 question
from the last 4 questions in = 6 ways.
So she has a total of 16+6 = 22 ways.

( ∩ )
23. D. 𝑃(𝐴 |𝐵 ) = . 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 ) = 𝑃((𝐴 ∪ 𝐵) ) = 1 − 𝑃(𝐴 ∪ 𝐵).
( )
𝑃(𝐴 ∪ 𝐵) = 𝑃(𝐴) + 𝑃(𝐵) − 𝑃(𝐴 ∪ 𝐵) = + − = .
𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 ) = 1 − = , 𝑃(𝐵 ) = 1 − = . 𝑃(𝐴 |𝐵 ) = × = .

24. B. Let 𝐴 be the event that a new worker will meet the production quota, and B be the
event that a new worker has attended the training programme.
Given that 𝑃(𝐴|𝐵) = 0.8, 𝑃(𝐴|𝐵 ) = 0.5, 𝑃(𝐵) = 2/3,
𝑃(𝐴) = 𝑃(𝐴|𝐵)𝑃(𝐵) + 𝑃(𝐴|𝐵 )𝑃(𝐵 ) = 0.8 × + 0.5 × = 0.7.

25. B. Let the two numbers be 𝑎 and 𝑏 (> 𝑎).

( )
Mean = . Second central moment = 𝑎− + 𝑏− = .
So = 8 and = 2. This implies 𝑎 = 6 and 𝑏 = 10.

26. D. A. Coefficient of variation (CV) = 100 × . 𝐶𝑉 = 100 × and 𝐶𝑉 = 100 × .

̅ ̅ ̅
Given that 𝑥̅ < 𝑥̅ . So 𝐶𝑉 > 𝐶𝑉
B. 𝑄 = 130 and 𝑄 = 112. Since the distribution is symmetric, Median =
So 𝑄 = 2 × 112 − 130 = 94. Interquartile range = 𝑄 − 𝑄 = 130 − 94 = 36.
C. If 𝑦 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑥, then 𝑠𝑑(𝑦) = |𝑏|. 𝑠𝑑(𝑥)
D. The highest value 68.2 is changed to 168.2
̅ × ( . . )
𝑥̅ = = 𝑥̅ + , Mean increases by 2.

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27. B. Mean = (0 × 1 + 1 × +2× +⋯+𝑛 × )/𝑁.
𝑁 = 1+ + + ⋯+ =2 .
1× +2× + ⋯+ 𝑛 × = 𝑛2 .
Mean = = .

28. A. ( )( )

Mean of the numbers = = .

Mean deviation about mean = 𝑎− + 𝑏− + (𝑛 − 2) − =
| |
.

29. D. 𝑃(𝐻) = 2𝑃(𝑇). 𝑃(𝐻) + 𝑃(𝑇) = 1 implies 𝑃(𝐻) = 2/3 and 𝑃(𝑇) = 1/3.
𝑋 ∼ 𝐵𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑎𝑙 3, .

𝑃(1 < 𝑋 ≤ 3) = 𝑃(𝑋 = 2) + 𝑃(𝑋 = 3) = × × + × = .

30. B. 𝑃(𝑋 = −1) + 𝑃(𝑋 = 0) + 𝑃(𝑋 = 1) = 1

⇒ 𝑃(𝑋 = −1) + 𝑃(𝑋 = 1) = 1 − 𝑃(𝑋 = 0) = 1 − = .
𝐸(𝑋) = −1 × 𝑃(𝑋 = 0) + 0 × 𝑃(𝑋 = 0) + 1 × 𝑃(𝑋 = 1) = − 𝑃(𝑋 = −1) +
𝑃(𝑋 = 1) = .
Solving we get, 𝑃(𝑋 = −1) = and 𝑃(𝑋 = 1) = .
𝐸(𝑋 ) = (−1) × + 0 × + 1 × = + = .
Var(𝑋) = 𝐸(𝑋 ) − 𝐸(𝑋) = − = .

31. D. Let 𝑋 denote the number of defects in a 10-square-foot sheet of the metal.
𝑋 ∼ Poisson(𝜆 ), where 𝜆 = × 10 = 4. Find 𝑃(𝑋 ≤ 2).
𝑃(𝑋 ≤ 2) = 𝑃(𝑋 = 0) + 𝑃(𝑋 = 1) + 𝑃(𝑋 = 2) = 𝑒 + 4. 𝑒 + 𝑒 =
!
13𝑒 .

32. D. A. 𝑃(𝑋 = 𝑥) = , for 𝑥 = 1, 2, … ,6.

𝐸(𝑋) = (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6) = = 3.5.
B. 𝐸 𝑋 − 𝐸(𝑋) ≥ 0. 𝐸 𝑋 − 𝐸(𝑋) = 𝐸(𝑋 ) − 𝐸(𝑋) .
So 𝐸(𝑋 ) ≥ 𝐸(𝑋) .
C. 𝐸(𝑋 − 𝑎) = 𝐸(𝑋 ) − 2𝑎𝐸(𝑋) + 𝑎 . Therefore, 𝐸(𝑋 − 𝑎) = −2𝐸(𝑋) +
2𝑎 = 0 ⇒ 𝑎 = 𝐸(𝑋). But this is a minima, since the second derivative is 2 (>0).

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 D. 𝑃(𝑋 = 𝑥) = , 𝑥 = 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10. 𝑃(|𝑋 − 8| < 4) = 𝑃(−4 < 𝑋 − 8 < 4) =
𝑃(4 < 𝑋 < 12) = 𝑃(𝑋 = 5) + 𝑃(𝑋 = 7) + 𝑃(𝑋 = 9) + 𝑃(𝑋 = 10) = = .

33. B. Cumulative distribution function 𝐹(𝑥) = 1 − 𝑒 − 𝑥𝑒 .

Probability density function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥𝑒 .
𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑒 − 𝑥𝑒 , 𝑓 (𝑥) = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 = 1.
𝑓 (𝑥) = −2𝑒 + 𝑥𝑒 𝑓 (1) = −𝑒 < 0. Mode is 1.

34. C. 𝑋 ∼ 𝑁(𝜇, 𝜎 ).
( )
𝑃(𝜇 − 2𝜎 < 𝑋 < 𝜇 + 2 𝜎) = 𝑃 < < = 𝑃(−2 < 𝑍 < 2),
𝑍 ∼ 𝑁(0, 1). So 𝑃(𝜇 − 2𝜎 < 𝑋 < 𝜇 + 2 𝜎) does not depend on the values of 𝜇
and 𝜎.
𝑃(𝜇 < 𝑋 < 𝜇 + 2𝜎) = 𝑃(0 < 𝑍 < 2) – does not depend on the values of 𝜇 and 𝜎.

35. A. The area of the rectangle = 𝑋(1 − 𝑋).

Expected area of the triangle = 𝐸 𝑋(1 − 𝑋) = 𝐸(𝑋) − 𝐸(𝑋 ).
𝐸(𝑋) = ∫ 𝑥. 3𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = =0.75 and 𝐸(𝑋 ) = ∫ 𝑥 . 3𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = = 0.6.
So expected area of the rectangle = 0.75-0.6 = 0.15.

36. C. 𝑓(𝑥) = exp − 𝑥 , 𝑥 > 0.

,
𝑃 𝑋≥ 𝑋≥2 = [ ]
= = exp − × / exp − × 2 =
[ ]

exp − −2 = exp − .

( )
37. A. 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟 (𝑋, 𝑌) = 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟(𝑋, 𝑋 ) = .
( ). ( )
𝑋 ∼ 𝑁(0, 1), 𝐸(𝑋) = 0, 𝐸(𝑋 ) = 1, 𝐸(𝑋 ) = 0.
So 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟(𝑋, 𝑌) = 0.

38. A. ∑ ∑ 𝑘𝑥𝑦 = 1. Therefore 𝑘 + 2𝑘 + 3𝑘 + 2𝑘 + 4𝑘 + 6𝑘 + 3𝑘 + 6𝑘 + 9𝑘 =

1, i.e., 𝑘 = .

39. D. A. Corr(𝑋, 𝑌) = Cov(𝑋, 𝑌)/ Var(𝑋)Var(𝑌). Corr(−𝑋, −𝑌) = ( , )

=
( ) ( )
( , )
= Corr(𝑋, 𝑌) > 0.
( ) ( )
B. Var(𝑋 − 𝑌) = Var(𝑋) − 2Cov(𝑋, 𝑌) + Var(𝑌). As 𝑋 and 𝑌 are independent,
Cov(𝑋, 𝑌) = 0. So Var(𝑋 − 𝑌) = Var(𝑋) + Var(𝑌).
C. Corr(𝑋, 𝑋 − 𝑌) = Cov(𝑋, 𝑋 − 𝑌)/ Var(𝑋)Var(𝑋 − 𝑌). Cov(𝑋, 𝑌) = 0 as 𝑋

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 and 𝑌 are uncorrelated. Cov(𝑋, 𝑋 − 𝑌) = 𝑉𝑎𝑟(𝑋) − 𝐶𝑜𝑣(𝑋, 𝑌) = 𝑉𝑎𝑟(𝑋) = 𝜎 .
Var(𝑋 − 𝑌) = Var(𝑋) + Var(𝑌) = 𝜎 + 𝜎 (Since 𝑋 and 𝑌 are uncorrelated).
Corr(𝑋, 𝑋 − 𝑌) = =𝜎 / 𝜎 +𝜎 .
( )

D. Corr(𝑋 + 𝑌, 𝑋 − 𝑌) = Cov(𝑋 + 𝑌, 𝑋 − 𝑌)/ Var(𝑋 + 𝑌)Var(𝑋 − 𝑌). Cov(𝑋 +

𝑌, 𝑋 − 𝑌) = 𝑉𝑎𝑟(𝑋) − 𝐶𝑜𝑣(𝑋, 𝑌) + 𝐶𝑜𝑣(𝑋, 𝑌) − 𝑉𝑎𝑟(𝑌). If Var(𝑋) =Var(𝑌),
Cov(𝑋 + 𝑌, 𝑋 − 𝑌) = 0. Then 𝑋 + 𝑌 and 𝑋 − 𝑌 are uncorrelated.

40. C. The regression lines intersect at (𝑥̅ , 𝑦). By solving lines 𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 3 = 0 and 4𝑥 +
9𝑦 + 5 = 0, we get 𝑥̅ = 1 and 𝑦 = −1.

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 Data Interpretation

41. A. The percentage of death is the second smallest in the year 2014.

42. A. The percentage of death less than 6% in the years 2014, 2015 and 2016.

43. B. The percentage of time intervals having more than 3 calls is × 100 =
48.

44. D. The highest frequency (55) is of 3. Therefore, the mode is 3.

Year Number of Percentage of total workers
Permanent Total No. of
workers Permanent Casual casual
workers
2008 320 80 20 400 80
2009 336 80 20 420 84
2010 351 78 22 450 99
2011 345 75 25 460 115
2012 336 70 30 480 144
2013 340 68 32 500 160
2014 338 65 35 520 182
2015 377 65 35 580 203
2016 372 62 38 600 228
To answer the questions, find total number of workers and total number of casual
workers in each year.

45. C. The percentage increase of total workers from 2008 to 2016 is

600 − 400
× 100 = 50%.
400

46. C. Calculate percentages for the years from 2009 to 2016. The maximum percentage
(25.22) occurred in 2012.

47. D. Calculate the difference between permanent and casual workers in each year. The
minimum is 144 in the year 2016.

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48. C. The percentage increase of casual workers from 2008 to 2016 is
228 − 80
× 100 = 185%.
80

In order to answer 49, 50 and 51, we have the following information from the
graph.
Tea production of C1 is just below 600 in 2010 but slightly above 600 in 2011
Tea production of C2 is slightly higher than 200 in 2010 and less than 250 in 2011
Tea production of C3 is 300 in 2010 and slightly less than 350 in 2011
Tea production of C4 is slightly more than 100 in 2010 and just more than 100 in
2011
Tea production of C5 is about 200 in 2010 and around 210 in 2011 as total is more
than 400.
Tea production of C6 is slightly more than 100 in 2010 and more than 100 in 2011.
Tea production of C7 is just below 100 in 2010 and more than 100 in 2011.

49. A. The percentage increase must be minimum for C1.

50. D. Country C7 had tea production less than 100 million kg.

51. C. The total production in 2010 must be near to (600+200+300+100+200+100+100) =

1600.

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 English

52. C.
53. C.
54. A.
55. B.
56. C.
57. A.
58. C.
59. D.
60. A.
61. B.
62. B.

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 Logical reasoning

63. B. People who have come for both = 80.

People who have only for shopping: 140-80 = 60.
People who have come only for eating = 120-80 = 40.
So people who have come for atleast one = 80+60+40 = 180.
People who have come for neither = 200-180= 20.

64. C.

65. B. 8.30 = 8 hour 30 minutes =8 ½ hour = 17/2 hour.

Angle traced by hour hand in 12 hours = 360°.
Hence angle traced by hour hand in 17/2 hour =360/12×17/2 =255°.
Angle traced by minute hand in 60 minutes = 360°.
Angle traced by minute hand in 30 minutes =360/60×30=180°.
Required angle = 255- 180= 75°.

66. A. Since no cactus is a peanut, and some cactuses are almonds, these almonds cannot
be peanuts. Thus, I is true.
If some cactuses had been cashew nuts, they would have been peanuts too,
contradicting the second statement. Thus, II is false.

67. D. Cub, Foal and Calf are young ones of lion, horse and cow. The young one of cat is
called kitten.

68. D. 2016 is a leap year. So any reusable year must be a leap year as well. So the number
of years must be divisible by 4.
A four year period has, including one leap day, 4 × 365 + 1 = 1461 days. Divide
by 7 and we get that a four year period is 208 weeks and 5 days.
After 4𝑘 years the calendar will be 5𝑘 days ahead. If 5k is a multiple of 7 (and only
if 5k is a multiple of 7) the calendar will be starting on the same day.
The smallest possible (positive) value for k to be so that 5k is divisible by 7 is if
𝑘 = 7.
So 4𝑘 = 4 × 7 = 28 is the shortest period before the calendar will be good again
for a leap year.
So the year which had the same calendar as 2016 was 28 years back i.e, 1988.

69. B.

70. D. C, M, Z and J are females.

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