Let p, q, r and s be natural numbers such that p - 2016 = q + 2017 = r - 2018 = s + 2019 Which one of the following is the largest natural number?
- (a) p
- (b) q
- (c) r ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) s
Why the answer is (c)
• Let the common value be k.
• Then p = k + 2016, q = k − 2017, r = k + 2018 and s = k − 2019.
• The largest amount added to k is 2018, so r is the largest.
• Hence option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) p
- p is equal to k + 2016, which is less than r (k + 2018).
- (b) q
- q is equal to k - 2017, which is significantly smaller than r.
- (d) s
- s is equal to k - 2019, which is the smallest of the four numbers.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.