Consider the following:
- I.A + B means A is neither smaller nor equal to B.
- II.A − B means A is not greater than B.
- III.A × B means A is not smaller than B.
- IV.A ÷ B means A is neither greater nor equal to B.
- V.A ± B means A is neither smaller nor greater than B.
Statement: P × Q, P − T, T ÷ R, R ± S
Conclusion-1: Q ± T
Conclusion-2: S + Q
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Statement and the Conclusions?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (b) Only Conclusion-2 follows from the Statement.
Decode the symbols: + is >, − is ≤, × is ≥, ÷ is < and ± is =. The Statement gives Q ≤ P ≤ T < R = S, so S > Q follows, but Q = T does not, since Q may be smaller than T.
- Meanings: A + B → A > B; A − B → A ≤ B; A × B → A ≥ B; A ÷ B → A < B; A ± B → A = B.
- Statement: P × Q → P ≥ Q; P − T → P ≤ T; T ÷ R → T < R; R ± S → R = S.
- Chain: Q ≤ P ≤ T < R = S.
- Conclusion-1 (Q ± T, i.e. Q = T): we only know Q ≤ T — does not follow.
- Conclusion-2 (S + Q, i.e. S > Q): S = R > T ≥ P ≥ Q — follows.
Remember · Translate coded symbols into >, ≥, <, ≤, = first, build one chain, then test each conclusion against it.
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2023, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·