Six boys A, B, C, D, E and F play a game of cards. Each has a pack of 10 cards. F borrows 2 cards from A and gives away 5 to C who in turn gives 3 to B while B gives 6 to D who passes on 1 to E. Then the number of cards possessed by D and E is equal to the number of cards possessed by
- (a) A, B and C
- (b) B, C and F ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) A, B and F
- (d) A, C and F
Why the answer is (b)
• Everyone starts with 10 cards.
• F borrows 2 from A: A 8, F 12. F gives 5 to C: F 7, C 15. C gives 3 to B: C 12, B 13. B gives 6 to D: B 7, D 16. D gives 1 to E: D 15, E 11.
• D + E = 15 + 11 = 26.
• B + C + F = 7 + 12 + 7 = 26, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) A, B and C
- The sum of cards for A, B, and C is 8 + 7 + 12 = 27, which is not equal to 26.
- (c) A, B and F
- The sum of cards for A, B, and F is 8 + 7 + 7 = 22, which is not equal to 26.
- (d) A, C and F
- The sum of cards for A, C, and F is 8 + 12 + 7 = 27, which is not equal to 26.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.