1

Solved Paper2007 (Leaked Paper)

Cat Solved Paper

Time : 30 min

No. of Questions : 25

- Directions : This test contains 25 questions. All questions

carry four marks each. Each wrong answer will attract a
penalty of one mark.
The price of Darjeeling tea (in rupees per kilogram) is
100 + 0.10 n, on the nth day of 2007 (n = 1, 2, . . . , 100) and
then remains constant. On the other hand, the price of Ooty
tea (in rupees per kilogram) is 89 + 0.15n, on the nth day of
2007 (n = 1, 2, . . . , 365). On which date in 2007 will the
prices of these two varieties of tea be equal ?
(a) June 30
(b) May 21
(c) April 11
(d) May 20
(e) April 10
A quadratic function f ( x ) attains a maximum of 3 at x = 1.
The value of the function at x = 0 is 1. What is the value of
f ( x ) at x = 10 ?
(a) - 105
(b) - 119
(c) - 159
(d) - 110
(e) - 180
Two circles with centres P and Q cut each other at two distinct
points A and B. The circles have the same radii and neither P
or Q falls within the intersection of the circles. What is the
smallest range that includes all possible values of the angle
AQP in degrees ?
(a) Between 0 and 45
(b) Between 0 and 90
(c) Between 0 and 30
(d) Between 0 and 60
(e) Between 0 and 75

maximum returns on her investment. She has three options,

each of which can be utilized fully or partially in conjunction
with others.
Option A : Invest in a public sector bank. It promises a
return of + 0.10%.
Option B : Invest in mutual funds of ABC Ltd. A rise in the
stock market will result in a return of +5%, while a fall will
entail a return of - 3%.
Option C : Invest in mutual funds of CBA Ltd. A rise in the
stock market will result in a return of - 2.5%, while a fall will
entail a return of + 2%.
The maximum guaranteed return to Shabnam is
(a) 0.30%
(b) 0.25%
(c) 0.10%
(d) 0.20%
(e) 0.15%
What strategy will maximize the guaranteed return to
Shabnam ?
(a) 30% in option A, 32% in option B and 38% in option C
(b) 100% in option A
(c) 36% in option B and 64% in option C
(d) 64% in option B and 36% in option C
(e) 1/3 in each of the three options.

- Directions (89) : Cities A and B are in different times zones.

A is located 3000 km east of B. The table below describes the
schedule of an airline operating non-stop flights between A
and B. All the times indicated are local and on the same day.

- Directions (45) : Let S be the set of all pairs ( i , j ), where

1 i < j n and n 4. Any two distinct members of S are
called friends if they have one constituent of the pairs in
common and enemies otherwise. For example, if n = 4, then
S = {(1, 2 ), (1, 3 ), (1, 4 ), ( 2, 3 ), ( 2, 4 ), ( 3, 4 )}. Here, (1, 2) and
(1, 3) are friends (1, 2) and (2, 3) are also friends, but (1, 4)
and (2, 3) are enemies.
For general n, how many enemies will each member of S have ?
1
(b) n - 3
(a) (n2 - 7 n + 14)
2
1
(c) (n2 - 3n - 2)
(d) 2 n - 7
2
1
(e) (n2 - 5n + 6)
2
For general n, consider any two members of S that are friends.
How many other members of S will be common friends of
both these members ?
1
1
(a) (n2 - 7 n + 16)
(b) (n2 - 5n + 8)
2
2
1
(c) 2 n - 6
(d) n (n - 3)
2
(e) n - 2

- Directions (67) : Shabnam is considering three alternatives

to invest her surplus cash for a week. She wishes to guarantee

Departure

Arrival

City

Time

City

Time

8:00 am

3:00 pm

4:00 pm

8:00 pm

Assume that planes cruise all the same speed in both

directions. However, the effective speed is influenced by a
steady wind blowing from east to west at 50 km/h.
What is the time difference between A and B ?
(a) 1 h
(b) 1 h and 30 min
(c) 2 h
(d) 2 h and 30 min
(e) Cannot be determined
What is the planes cruising speed in km per hour ?
(a) 500
(b) 700
(c) 550
(d) 600
(e) Cannot be determined
Consider four digit numbers for which the first two digits are
equal and the last two digits are also equal. How many such
numbers are perfect squares ?
(a) 1
(b) 3
(c) 2
(d) 4
(e) 0

Solved Paper2007 (Leaked Paper)

In a tournament, there are n teams T1, T2, . . . , Tn, with n > 5.
Each team consists of k players, k > 3. The following pairs of
teams have one player in common
T1 & T2, T2 & T3, . . . , Tn - 1 & Tn and Tn & T1.
No other pairs of teams has any player in common. How
many players are participating in the tournament,
considering all the n teams together ?
(a) (n - 1)(k - 1)
(b) n (k - 1)
(c) k (n - 1)
(d) n (k - 2)
(e) k (n - 2)

- Directions (1213) : Mr. David manufactures and sells a single

product at a fixed price in a niche market. The selling price of
each unit is Rs 30. On the other hand, the cost, in rupees, of
producing x units is 240 + bx + cx2 , where b and c are some
constants. Mr. David noticed that doubling the daily
production from 20 to 40 unit increases the daily production
2
cost by 66 %. However, an increase in daily production from
3
40 to 60 unit results in an increase of only 50% in the daily
production cost. Assume that demand is unlimited and that Mr.
David can sell as much as he can produce. His objective is to
maximize the profit.
How many units should Mr. David produce daily ?
(a) 150
(b) 130
(c) 100
(d) 70
(e) Cannot be determined
What is the maximum daily profit, in rupees, that Mr. David
can realize from his business ?
(a) 760
(b) 620
(c) 920
(d) 840
(e) Cannot be determined

- Directions (1415) : Let a1 = p and b1 = q , where p and q

are positive quantities. Define
an = pbn - 1 , bn = qbn - 1 , for even n > 1
and
an = pan - 1 , bn = qan - 1 , for odd n > 1
Which of the following best describes an + bn for even n ?
1

(a) q ( pq)2

n-1

(c)

1
n-1
qp 2 ( p

(e)

1
n
q2 ( p

( p + q)2

+ q)

(b) q ( pq)2
(d)

1
n
q2 ( p

n-1

( p + q)

+ q)

1
n
q)2

1
2
and q = , then what is the smallest odd n such that
3
3
an + bn < 0.01 ?
(a) 15
(b) 7
(c) 13
(d) 11
(e) 9
If p =

- Directions (1619) : Each questions is followed by two

statements A and B. Indicate your responses based on the
following directives
Mark (a) : If the questions can be answered using A alone but
not using B alone.
Mark (b) : If the questions can be answered using B alone but

not using A alone.

Mark (c) : If the questions can be answered using A and B
together but not using either A or B alone.
Mark (d) : If the questions cannot be answered even using A
and B together.
The average weight of a class of 100 students is 45 kg. The
class consists of two sections, I and II, each with 50 students.
The average weight, WI , of Section I is smaller than the
average weight, WII , of Section II. If the heaviest student, say
Deepak, of Section II is moved to Section I and the lightest
student, say Poonam, of Section I is moved to Section II, then
the average weights of the two sections are switched, ie, the
average weight of Section I becomes WII and that of Section II
becomes WI . What is the weight of Poonam ?
(A) WII - WI = 1.0
(B) Moving Deepak from Section II to I (without any move
from I to II) makes the average weights of the two
sections equal.
Consider integers x, y and z. What is the minimum possible
value of x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ?
(A) x + y + z = 89
(B) Among x, y, z two are equal.
Rahim plans to draw a square JKLM with a point O on the side
JK but is not successful. Why is Rahim unable to draw the
square ?
(A) The length of OM is twice that of OL.
(B) The length of OM is 4 cm.
ABC corporation is required to maintain at least 400 kl of
water at all times in its factory, in order to meet safety and
regulatory requirements. ABC is considering the suitability of
a spherical tank with uniform wall thickness for the purpose.
The outer diameter of the tank is 10 m. Is the tank capacity
adequate to meet ABCs requirements ?
(A) The inner diameter of the tank is at least 8 m.
(B) The tank wieghts 30,000 kg when empty and is made of a
material with density of 34 g/cc.
Suppose you have a currency, named Miso, in three
denominations : 1 Miso, 10 Miso and 50 Miso. In how many
ways can you pay a bill of 107 Miso ?
(a) 19
(b) 17
(c) 16
(d) 18
(e) 15
How many pairs of positive integers m, n satisfy
1
4 1
+ =
,
m n 12
where n is an odd integer less than 60 ?
(a) 3
(b) 6
(c) 4
(d) 7
(e) 5
A confused bank teller transposed the rupees and paise when
he cashed a cheque for Shailaja, giving her rupees instead of
paise and paise instead of rupees. After buying a toffee for
50 paise, Shailaja noticed that she was left with exactly three
times as much as the amount on the cheque. Which of the
following is a valid statement about the cheque amount ?
(a) Over Rs 4 but less than Rs 5

Solved Paper2007 (Leaked Paper)

(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

Over Rs 13 but less than Rs 14

Over Rs 7 but less than Rs 8
Over Rs 22 but less than Rs 23
Over Rs 18 but less than Rs 19

member died at the age of 60 yr and a child was born during

the same year. After another three years, one more member
died, again at 60 and a child was born during the same year.
The current average age of this eight member joint family is
nearest to
(a) 24 yr
(b) 23 yr
(c) 22 yr
(d) 21 yr
(e) 25 yr

Consider the set S = {2, 3, 4, . . . , 2 n + 1}, where n is a

positive integer larger than 2007. Define X as the average of
the odd integers in S and Y as the average of the even integers
in S. What is the value of X - Y ?
(a) 2008
(b) 0
1
(c) 1
(d) n
2
n+1
(e)
2n

A
function
satisfies
and
f (x)
f (1) = 3600
f (1) + f (2) + . . . + f (n) = n2 f (n), for all positive integers
n > 1. What is the value of f (9)?
(a) 120
(b) 80
(c) 240
(d) 200
(e) 100

Ten years ago, the ages of the members of a joint family of

eight people added up to 231 yr. Three years later, one

Answers
1 (d)

2. (c)

3. (d)

4. (e)

5. (e)

6. (d)

7. (c)

8. (a)

9. (c)

10. (a)

11. (b)

12. (c)

13. (a)

14. (b)

15. (e)

16. (c)

17. (a)

18. (a)

19. (b)

20. (d)

21. (a)

22. (e)

23. (c)

24. (a)

25. (b)

Hints & Solutions

- Directions : By now you have gone throrugh the whole set of problems and if you have tried to crack these problems, then probably you
have noticed that there were three types of problems
Type 1 : Problems seeking exactly common sense ie, no hard core maths concepts or theorems are required, so can be done without
minimal application of Math.
Type 2 : Problems seeking a fair understanding and application of the mathematical formulae concepts and theorems.
Type 3 : Problems seeking critical thinking and considerable ingenuity in interpreting and applying the sophisticated knowledge of math.
Following table depicts the categorization of the problems of CAT-2007.
Type 1

Type 2

10 11

14 15

20 21

12 13
6

Type 3

17 18

16

23 24
22

25

19

Again below the table represents the actual relation between the percentile, percentage marks and corresponding no. of problems
required to be done as per the original data gathered about CAT2007 for the quants section. This has been possible for select number of
percentiles as following
Percentile

100

99.99

99.94

99.77

97.50

95.02

93.17

85.27

44

40

Percentage marks

78

75

62

54

37

31

28

20

20

19

16

14

10

No. of Problems

Again the following table reveals the data about min. cutoffs of each of the older IIMs for the quants section in CAT-2007.
IIM-A

IIM-B

IIM-C

IIM-L

IIM-I

IIM-K

Percentile

95.6

85.00

95.02

85.00

80.00

92.00

% marks

32

20

31

20

16

27

No. of Questions

Solved Paper2007 (Leaked Paper)

but AQP (or APQ) will be maximum. Thus, the
maximum value of AQP = 60.

Now its time to move along with me and see how you would be
cracking quant with a great ease, where you would enjoy to
play with simple logic, basic calculation and just counting of
the numbers. Here me aim is to eradicate your fear of doing
math through Type-1 problems.

Lets start with the questions number 1. Upon reading the

question we will observe that
l The price of Darjeeling tea on 10th April (ie, 100th day and
beyond) = 100 + (0.10 100) = 110
l Now getting the equivalent values of dates (given in the
choices) in terms of number of days, which gives us
(a) June 30 181 days,
(b) May 21 140 days,
(c) April 11 101 days,
(d) May 20 140 days,
(e) April 10 100 days.
l Did you notice that none of the choices (or values of n for
Ooty tea) fall below April 10 (or 100 days). So, we can be
sure of that the price of Ooty tea on any day will have to be
equal to 110.
l Now, what we have to find is that the value of n for which
the price of Ooty tea becomes equal to 110. So, running
across the options, when we put n = 140 in the relation
89 + 0.15 n, we get the price of Ooty tea equal to 110.
However, none other options give the desired result.
Hence, choice (d) is correct.
Cheerup! How readily you have scored 4
marks. Did you use any theorem or formula ? Simply
assigning the values and putting some logic you made a
fabulous beginning.

B
(C)

Here you do not have to paint your imagination but ofcourse

you have to sketch your imagination. Geometry is the subject
which is as primitive as the life of this universe. Nothing is
untouched by it. So, mind me your imaginations always
surpasses those intricate theorems and their corollaries,
which are supposed to be the building blocks of this artistic
science.
l Now look at the problem and run across the choices, you
will come to the conclusion that you have to find only
upper limit of AQP, since lower limit in each of the
choices is same.
l Again,
since circles have the equal radii, therefore
PA = QA = PB = QB = r (say).
l When, neither of the centres fall within the intersection
(or common region) of the two equal circles, then the
minimum distance between P and will be equal to the
radius of each circle, which is r here.

(A)
l

(D)

- Solutions for Questions (45) : Well the appearance of the

directions for this set of questions might be scary when you
glance the statements. The apparent reason is that perhaps
you are not comfortable with algebraic statements which seem
to include several variables, inequalities and sets. However, if
you try to be cool & look over patiently you will observe the
most obvious points.
l

S is a set containing 6 pairs

(1, 2) (1, 3) (1, 4)

(2, 3) (2, 4)
(3, 4)

And each pair is made up of two distinct digits out of 1, 2, 3

and 4, where each of 1, 2, 3, 4 are either equal to or greater
than 1 but less than or equal to 4 ( ie, n ).
Any two pairs are said to be friend if any one digit is
common both of the pairs as (1, 2) and (1, 3) because 1 is
common in both of them.
Any two pairs are said to be enemy if none of the digits is
common to both of them as (1, 2) and (3, 4) because not even
a single digit is common.
Now I remind you that whenever a question asks about the
general value of n, we always assume a random numerical
value in place of n and then verify the validity of the option
under the given conditions.
Now as per the directions if we substitute n = 4 in the given
options all of them give same result so we can not conclude
which are is correct. Similarly, if we do the same with n =5,
we get stuck into the same situation.
So, we move ahead and consider n = 6, then we get a set of
15 pairs.
S

(1, 2) (1, 3) (1, 4) (1, 5) (1, 6)

(2, 3) (2, 4) (2, 5) (2, 6)
(3, 4) (3, 5) (3, 6)

(B)

Now, when PQ be minimum, PAQ will also be minimum,

(Q AP = AQ = PQ = r \ PAQ = AQP = APQ = 60)

Basically two logics have been applied here.
(1) When the triangle is uniform, then the angles will
naturally be uniform ie, equal to each other. Its a very
fundamental characteristic of a triangular shape.
(2) In any triangle, the angle opposite to the larger side is
larger and the angle opposite to the smaller side is
smaller.
Well, beyond your imagination your score is now 8 marks.

Year 2007 (as in question) is a non-leap year. Thus February has

28 days.

NOTE

Type-1

(4, 5) (4, 6)
(5, 6)

Solved Paper2007 (Leaked Paper)

Considering any random pair say (1, 2) it has 6 enemies as
(3, 4) (3, 5) (3, 6) (4, 5) (4, 6) and (5, 6), since these pairs do
not have either of 1 or 2.
Now, going through the options we find that only choice (e)
which gives the matching answer, hence correct. As
1 2
( 6, hence incorrect)
(n - 7 n + 14) = 4
2
( 6, hence incorrect)
(n - 3) = 3
1 2
( 6, hence incorrect)
(n - 3n - 2) = 8
2
( 6, hence it is also incorrect)
(2 n - 7 ) = 5
1 2
(n - 5n + 6) = 6
2
(matches to the answer, hence correct)
Once again we consider n = 6 and get back to the same set of
pairs as shown above.
Now, consider any two friends say (1, 2) and (1, 3). The
common friends of (1, 2) and (1, 3) are those which contains
either 1 or both 2 and 3. That means the common friends are
(1, 4), (1, 5), (1, 6) and (2, 3).
Thus, there are four common friends.
Now, put n = 6 in the given options, we find that only choice
(e) gives the matching answer. So, it is the correct one. As we
can see
1 2
(n - 7 n + 16) = 5
2
(does not match, hence incorrect)
1 2
(n - 5n + 8) = 7
2
(does not match, hence incorrect)
2 n - 6 = 6 (does not match, hence incorrect)
1
n (n - 3) = 9
2
(does not match, cannot be the answer)
(n - 2) = 6
(matches the result, could be the answer)
Did it require any formula, theorem or
complex algebraic solution ? No, it does require only a good
understanding and a simple logic to relate the things/figures.
Till now you have scored 16 marks. Now you are approaching
towards cutoff. Wow !

- Solutions for questions (89) : A simple observation into the

data gives the following details
l The flight does a round trip from B to A and then back to B in
the same day.
l It takes total 12 h from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, including the 1 h
half at A. So, the flying time = 11 h only.
l Due to wind, which is moving from A to B, the planes
effective speed reduces by 50 when cruising from B to A
while its effective speed is increases by 50 km/h in the
course of A to B. Let the planes normal speed be x km/h then
its speed from B to A is ( x - 50 ) km/h and its speed from A to
B is ( x + 50 ) km/h.
Now, what we need to do is to apply a very fundamental
relation between time, speed and distance.
distance
Which is time =
speed

So, the total flying time

= flying time ( B A ) + flying time ( A B )
3000
3000
(i)
+
11 =
\
( x - 50 ) ( x + 50 )
Now, going through the options of questions 9 we find that the
only correct value of x is 500 ie, choice (c) since rest of the
values do not get fits in the Eq. (i).
The noticeable point is that always prefer those choice which
is easy to solve or in other words which gives integral values
as when x is taken 550, it gives ( x - 50 ) = 500 and
( x + 50 ) = 600. Here, 500 and 600 both are the factors of 3000.
Now, moving on to the question 8 which asks the time
difference between A and B, which is obviously due to zonal
difference. Since, we know that the plane takes 6 h from.
In the first instance this questions seems very difficult as most
of you think that there would be huge number of numbers to
look for, but I assure you that being a logical pays you higher
returns. Though number system based problem appear alien
but these are observed as mostly logical hence simple to
solve.
l Upon reading the data we can easily understand that the
required number is of the form aabb.
l Any number of the form aabb is necessarily divisible by 11,
which is obvious from its structure (or consider any
number of this form and check out for the same).
l If aabb is divisible by 11 so it has to be divisible by 11 11
ie, 121 because aabb is a perfect square number which must
contains any prime factor even number of times.
l Therefore, the possible numbers can be
(11)2 (1)2 = 121 3 digit number

(11)2 (2)2 = 484 hence incorrect

(11)2 (3)2 = 1089

(11)2 (4)2 = 1936

(11)2 (5)2 = 3025

do not match to the given
(11)2 (6)2 = 4356 form aabb hence

(11)2 (7 )2 = 5929
incorrect
(11)2 (8)2 = 7744 matches to the form of aabb, hence
correct
2

(11) (9) = 9801 do not match

(11)2 (10)2 = 12100 hence incorrect

Thus, there is only one number of aabb type.
Hence, choice (a) is correct.
aabb 11 a 0 b read as

or

aabb 11 11 cd here cd is a two digit perfect square

number.
Now,
cd
11
cd
cd
a0 b
Hence,
d=b
c + d = 10, (since b 0, so d 0 and so c 0)
and
a=c+1

Solved Paper2007 (Leaked Paper)

As we have seen that c + d = 10, therefore cd should be
perfect square two digit number where c + d = 10. But since
there is only one such number which is 64. Hence, the desired
number of the form aabb is 7744 (= 11 11 64).
One can easily infer that this problem requires
nothing but the simple multiplication, division and bit of logic
as well. However, your score is now 28.
Are you still scared of the algebra ? Hopefully your answer
would be no. However, some of you still perceive this
question a mind boggling one. Never mind this is really one of
the easiest problem of CAT-2007. You may ask why ! So, I
have a logical backing to demonstrate the simplicity of this
questions.
Now, look at the following figure.
A

Suppose, ABCD is a square shaped fort which is being

protected by some soldiers. Along the each edge, there are 3
soldiers standing equidistant from each other. Now, if you do
not see the above diagram you might count that there will be
3 4 = 12 soldiers in total, but then you are wrong. The
reason is obvious that one soldier is common between any
two adjacent sides. As between AB and BC , BC and CD, CD
and AD, AD and AB, thats why there are total 12 - 4 = 8
soldiers.
Similarly, look at the next figure.
A

In the above diagram, there is a 6 sided figures and each side

is connected with 4 poles, where one pole is common
between every two adjacent sides as AB and BC, BC and CD
and so on. So, there are total (6 4) - 6 = 18 poles.
So, can we replicate the same logic to our problem ? Yes of
course. Just assume that each side of the hexagon is a team
and the four poles of each side are the four players of each
team. Thus we get the total no. of players = 18. Now going
through option, we will find that only choice (b) gives the
matching result ie, on substituting n = 6 and k = 4 in n (k - 1),
we get 18. Hence, choice (b) is correct.
Let us consider n = 6 and k = 4, since n > 5
and k > 3.
Thus, maximum number of distinct players in 6 teams be
6 4 = 24.
However, there is only player common between every two
teams (T1 & T2 ), (T2 & T3 ), (T3 & T4 ), (T4 & T5 ), (T5 & T6 ),
(T6 & T1 ). Thus, there are only 24 - 6 = 18 players.

One of the several possible scenario is given below :

T1 = P1, P2, P3, P4
T2 = P4, P5, P6, P7
T3 = P7 , P8, P9, P10
T4 = P10, P11, P12, P13
T5 = T13, T14, T15, T16
T6 = T16, T17 , T18, T1
Now, substituting n = 6 and k = 4 in the given choices we
observe that
(n - 1)(k - 1) = 15 ( 18, hence incorrect)
n (k - 1) = 18 (matches, hence could be correct)
k (n - 1) = 20 ( 18, hence cannot be correct)
n (k - 2) = 12 ( 18, hence cannot be a correct)
k (n - 2) = 16 ( 18, hence incorrect)
As only choice (b) matches, hence it is the correct choice.
Need not to mention that it is a purely logical
problem. If you can visualize the situation, so can do easily. I
think there is no algebra or any sort of math. At this moment
your score is 32 and you have cleared the sectional cutoff of
each of the 7 IIMs. What else without math ?

- Solutions for questions (1415) : Hey are you puzzled again

to see algebraic set of problems. Do not bother about that
because as I have I already provided you the right tool to crack
similar problems. What is that ? Its simple, just put the
arbitrary numerical value in place of n and cross check the
given options.
l Now, what the directions imply ?
and
b1 = q
a1 = p
a2 = p ( b1 )
b2 = q ( b1 )
b3 = q ( a2 )
a3 = p ( a2 )
a4 = p ( b3 )
b4 = q ( b3 )
a5 = p ( a4 )
b5 = q ( a4 )
M M M
M M M
Let us find (a2 + b2 ), since n should be even, then
a2 = pb1 = p (q)
and
b2 = qb1 = q (q)
\
a2 + b2 = p (q) + q (q) = q ( p + q)
Now, putting n = 2, across the given choices, we come to
realize that all the choices give out the same result, hence we
cannot eliminate any of the given choices to get a unique
answer.
So, we put n = 4 and find (a4 + b4 ).
Then,
a4 = p (b3 ) = p (qa2 ) = p2q2
and
\

b4 = q (b3 ) = q (qa2 ) = pq3

(a4 + b4 ) = p2q2 + pq3 = pq2 ( p + q)

Now, putting n = 4 in the given choices, we get as following

1

q ( pq)2

n -1

( p + q)2 = pq2 ( p + q)2,

hence incorrect
1

q ( pq)2

n-1

( p + q) = pq2 ( p + q),

hence could be the answer

1

qp 2

n-1

( p + q) = pq ( p + q),

does not match, hence incorrect

Solved Paper2007 (Leaked Paper)

1
n
q2 ( p

and
a13 + b13 = p (a12 + b12 ) and so on.
Again, (a6 + b6 ) or (a8 + b8 ) or (a10 + b10 ). . . etc can be
obtained from the previous questions. As we already know
that for even value of n, the second option (in question 14)
gives (an + bn).

+ q) = q2( p + q),

does not match, hence incorrect

:
1

q 2 ( p + q)2 = q2 ( p + q)2,

n-1

a7 + b7 = p (a6 + b6 ) = p [ q( pq)2
( p + q)]
8
1
>
, hence incorrect
a7 + b7 =
729 100
16
1
Then, a9 + b9 = p (a8 + b8 ) =
<
, hence correct
6561 100
Thus, choice (e) is the correct answer.
Did you notice that there were only two things
to do. First was to use the relations given in the directions and
second one was to put the values of n, p and q which were
given in the problem itself. So, by applying a simple logic to
the problem we can do away with tedious algebra. By the way
your score is now amazingly 40 even within first 22 - 25 min.
Now,

does not match, hence incorrect

How simple is it ? Nothing about any formula or
theorem. Just multiplication and addition. In this type of
questions you just need to obey the basic instruction as here
you have to solve the an + bn for any even number only. Now,
the score is 36.
Here, we have to find the smallest odd value of n such that
1
. As I have reiterated oftenly
an + bn < 0.01 or an + bn <
100
that whenever the value of n is given in the choices then n can
be substituted from the given choices under the given
1
conditions. So, first we check whether a7 + b7 <
.
100
1
.
If it does not satisfy then we check a9 + b9 <
100
1
Again, if it does not satisfy then we check a11 + b11 <
.
100
In this way we check for the higher values of n in increasing
order till we get the matching result.
Now, a7 + b7 = a6 ( p + q)
(Q a 7 = pa6 and b 7 = qa6 )

a7 + b7 = pb5 ( p + q)
(Q a6 = pb5 )

a7 + b7 = p (a6 + b6 )
[Q a6 + b6 = pb5 + qb5 = b5 ( p + q)]
Similarly,
a9 + b9 = p (a8 + b8 )
and
a11 + b11 = p (a10 + b10 )

A very interesting problem. Perhaps any literate human being

can solve it without any hitch. Just see what is in the basket
for you. Its a very simple logic that if you decrease the higher
denomination coins you have to increase lower denomination
coins to keep the amount constant. Its day-to-day activity
which takes place at any shop, bank counter, or any sort of
cash transactions or exchange of money.
Here, you have three kind of coins which amount to 107
Miso. So, first of all we can clearly understand that there can
be three situations (or cases) for 50 Miso denomination.
When there are 2 coins of 50 Miso each.
When there is only 1 coin of 50 Miso.
When there is no any coin of 50 Miso.
The following table depicts clearly the number of coins
against each denominations.

50 Miso

10 Miso

10

1 Miso

7
7
17
27
37
47
57
7
17
27
37
47
57
67
77
87
97
107
1231444444442444444443144444444444444424444444444444443
1 case

6 cases

Thus, there are total 18 cases. Hence, choice (d) is correct.

A problem that requires no pen or paper to
solve. Even it hardly takes 40 s. Well anyhow you are scoring
now a whopping 44 marks just a step away from the top
bracket students of this country.
Once again a number crunching problem. Lets see how a
seemingly difficult problem turns out to be a magic box. Just
two steps and handy 20 s.
1
4 1
1 n - 48
+ =

=
m n 12
m
12 n

m=

12 n
n - 48

Since, m, n are positive integers, hence n must be greater than

48. Also, as stated, n should be less than 60. Now substituting
odd values of n (= 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59). We get only 3
values of n (= 49, 51, 57 ) which give integral values of m.
Hence, choice (a) is correct.

11 cases

A 30 s problem like oyster bringing your score

as high as 48.
Once again an odd looking algebraic problem, but not to
mention logically mind engrossing. Perhaps you have missed
the trap while reading through it. Please not that the
statement where n is a positive integer larger than 2007 is
nothing but the attent to be wider those who dont pay the
need to the logic instead take the statements as it is. So, here
it is not necessary that n be greater than 2007.
Now, let us consider n = 4,
S {2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}
3+ 5 + 7 + 9
X =
=6
\
4
2+ 4 + 6 + 8
and
Y=
=5
4
Thus,
(X - Y) = 1
Again, consider n = 5,
S {2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11}

Solved Paper2007 (Leaked Paper)

3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11
\
X =
=7
5
2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 10
and
Y=
=6
5
Thus, X - Y = 1
Hence, we can conclude that for any value of n, X - Y is
always 1.
Let us consider n = 4000 as n > 2007
\
S {2, 3, 4, 5, . . . , 8000, 8001}
3 + 5 + . . . + 8001
X =
\
2000
2 + 4 + 6 + . . . . 8000
and
Y=
2000
8004
8002
and Y =
X =
2
2
X = 4002 and Y = 4001

(X - Y) = 1

NOTE The values of X ie, ( 3, 5, 7, ..., 8001) are in arithmetic progression.

Furthermore the average of an arithmetic progression is always

equal to the average of first and last term. So, it is the case withY
too.

By now your score is 52 which in turn raising

your percentile score above 99.5.
This is the last problem of type-1. No matter it seems a
verbose one, still its pretty easy.
l Suppose nothing happens as such in the family then the
present total of this family be 311. Since, every next year
the total age of 8 member family increases by 8 yr or in
other words 10 yr later each family member gets older
by 10 yr so total increament in age of this family is
8 10 = 80 yr.
l Now, since whenever a person of 60 yr age dies a new baby
get born, so throughout the last 10 yr, the number of family
members remains constant at 8. Therefore, the only change
happens to this family is the reduction of total age by
60 + 60 = 120 yr.
Hence, the net total age at present = 311 - 120
= 191
191
Thus,
the average at present =
8
24 yr
Is not it a problem of common sense ? Whatever
by now you have won the battle. Its not a simple victory. At
this point your score is 56 which is greater than 99.80
percentile.
Well, how has been this journey of mind blowing techniques,
tricks and logics ? Most probably the answer is emphatically
yes ! So only a little innovation can create bundles of magic in
your life. Hopefully you have gone under a sea change in your
attitude towards problem solving approach as for as the math
phobia is concerned.

Type-2
The general quadratic function is defined as
f ( x ) = ax 2 + bx + c
Now, utilising the given information, we can get

f (1) = a(1)2 + b(1) + c

and

3= a+ b+ c
f (0) = a (0)2 + b (0) + c

1=c
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
a+ b=2
Therefore, f (10) = a (10)2 + b (10) + c

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

or
f (10) = 100a + 10b + c
or
f (10) = 90a + 10a + 10b + c
or
f (10) = 90a + 10 (a + b) + c
or
f (10) = 90a + 21
(Q a + b = 2 and c = 1)
Now, since the given function exhibits the maxima, it means
the coefficient of x 2 ie, a must be negative or you can see the
choices following the question. These choices manifest that
a will be negative only and most likely it may be an integer
too.
Thus, by hit and trial, we observe that
if a = - 1, f (10) = - 69 does not match
if a = - 2, f (10) = - 159 matches hence could be the answer
if a = - 3, f (10) = - 249 does not match
if a = - 4, f (10) = - 339 does not match
if a = - 5, f (10) = - 429 does not match
Let f ( x ) = ax 2 + bx + c
\
and

f (1) = 3 a + b + c = 3
f (0) = 1 c = 1

As we know that f ( x ) attains maximum when x = -b

b = - 2a
2a
Solving Eqs. (i), (ii) and (iii), we get
a = - 2, b = 4 and c = 1
Thus,
f ( x ) = - 2x 2 + 4 x + 1
therefore

1=

(i)
(ii)
b
, but
2a
(iii)

f (10) = - 2(10)2 + 4(10) + 1 = - 159

- Solutions for questions (1213) :

c1 = Cost of producing 20 unit daily
= 240 + 20b + 400c
c2 = Cost of producing 40 unit daily
= 240 + 40b + 1600 c
c3 = Cost of producing 60 unit daily
= 240 + 60b + 3600 c
2

c1 66
3 c2 = 5
Since,
c2 = c1 +
c1 3
100

240 + 40b + 1600c 5

=
\
240 + 20b + 400c 3

(iii)

(iv)

140c + b = 24
c
3
c2 50
Similarly, c3 = c2 +
3 =
c
100
2

2
240 + 80b + 3600c 3

=
240 + 40b + 1600c 2

(i)
(ii)

Solved Paper2007 (Leaked Paper)

1
10
From Eqs. (iv) and (v), we obtain, b = 10

240c = 24 c =

\ Cost of producing x unit daily = 240 + 10x +

(v)

x = 18, we get y = 56 an integral value. Therefore, the valid

amount is Rs 18.56, which lies between Rs 18 and Rs 19.
Given,

x
10

and the selling price of x unit = 30x

Let the profit on x unit be P ( x ), then
P ( x ) = Selling price Cost price
1
P ( x ) = - x2 + 2x - 240
\
10
Now, since we know that the maximum value of any quadratic
function ax2 + bx + c is attained when x = - b / 2a. Therefore
to get the maximum profit ie, maximum value of P ( x ) we have
- 20
to produce x =
= 100 unit.
2 ( - 1 / 10 )
Again, we know that the maximum value of any quadratic
function ax2 + bx + c can be obtained by substituting
x = - b / 2a , which is 100 here.
\ The maximum profit
1
P ( x ) = - (100 )2 + 20 100 - 240 = Rs 760
10
The value of x 2 + y 2 + z 2 will be
minimum when x = y = z but since x + y + z = 89 so x, y
89
and z will have to be nearest possible integral value of
.
3
Therefore,
x = 30, y = 30 and z = 29
Minimum value of x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 2641
\
Thus, statement (A) alone is sufficient to answer the question.
We can infer nothing specific about
the values of x, y and z.
We know that the length of OM is
twice that of OL which is not possible,
M
L
provided that O is somewhere on the
line segment JK.
(i)
Since,
OM 2 LK
and
OL LK
J
K

OM 2 OL
Thus, it is clear that OM can be maximum 2 times of OL. It
means OM cannot be equal to 2 times OL. Hence, Rahim
cannot draw such a square.
We cannot infer any relevant
information to decide that why Rahim cannot draw such a
square. Hence, statement (A) alone is sufficient.
Let the actual cheque amount be Rs x and y paise. Then, the
interchanged amount transposed by teller will be Rs y and x
paise.
\
3(100 x + y ) = (100 y + x ) - 50

299 x = 97 y - 50
299 x + 50 (291 x + 8 x ) + 50
y=
=

97
97
8 x + 50

y = 3x +
97
Now, with the help of given choices we can substitute
the value of x in order to get an integral value of y. Thus at

f (1) + f (2) + . . . + f (n) = n2 f (n)

f (1) + f (2) + . . . + f (n - 1)
f (n) =
(n2 - 1)

f (1) = 3600
f (1) 3600
and
f (2) =
=
= 1200
3
3
f (1) + f (2) 4800
and
f (3) =
=
= 600
8
8
f (1) + f (2) + f (3) 5400
and
f (4) =
=
= 360
15
15
f (1) + f (2) + f (3) + f (4)
and
f (5) =
= 240
24
M M M M M M M M M
1
1
This implies that f (2) = f (1) = f (1)
3
3
1
2
f (3) = f (2) = f (2)
2
4
3
3
f (4) = f (3) = f (3)
5
5
2
4
f (5) = f (4) = f (4) =
3
6
M M M M M M M M M
1 2 3 4
Thus, we can observe that f (5) = f (1)
3 4 5 6
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8
Similarly, f (9) = f (1)
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 16
1 2
1

f (9) = f (1)
= f (1)
9 10
45
1
f (9) = 3600
= 80

45
f (1)
f (2) = 2
2 -1
f (1)
f (1) + 2
f (1) + f (2)
2 -1
=
f (3) =
32 - 1
32 - 1
Therefore,

1
f (1) 1 + 2

2 - 1

=
32 - 1

22
f (3) = f (1) 2

2
2
1
3
1
(
)(
)

f (1) + f (2) + f (3)

Similarly, f (4) =
42 - 1

f (1) + f (1)
=

22
1
+ f (1) 2
2 -1
(2 - 1)(32 - 1)
42 - 1
2

1
22
f (1) 1 + 2
+ 2

2
2 - 1 (2 - 1)(3 - 1)

=
42 - 1
22

22
+ 2
f (1) 2

2
2 - 1 (2 - 1)(3 - 1)
=
42 - 1

10

Solved Paper2007 (Leaked Paper)

2

1
1 +

f (1) 2
2

3 - 1
2 - 1
=
42 - 1
2

22 32
f (1) 2

2
(2 - 1)(3 - 1)
=
42 - 1
= f (1)

22 32
(2 - 1)(32 - 1)(42 - 1)
2

Similarly,
f (9) = f (1)
\

f (9) =

22 32 42 . . . . 82
(22 - 1)(32 - 1)(42 - 1) . . . (92 - 1)

3600 22 32 . . . 82
= 80
(2 - 1)(32 - 1) . . . (92 - 1)
2

Type-3
- Solutions for questions (67) :
There are three options available to invest-option A, option B
and option C. Option A clearly states the minimum
guaranteed return of 0.10%, but option B and option C do not
clearly exhibit. Therefore we need to find out whether there
is any possibility of better guaranteed returns through option
B and option C than that of option A.
A closer look into the data reveals that when the stock market
rises option B gives better return but option C gives negative
returns. Again, when stock market falls, option B gives
negative returns but option C gives better returns. Hence, it is
clear that we can optimize our maximum guaranteed returns
by combining the option A and option B in a certain ratio.
Now, let us consider that were are investing the total amount
in option B and option C in the ratio of m : n.
Therefore, when the stock market rises the returns
m 5 n (- 2.5) 5m - 2.5n
=
+
=

100
100
100
and when the stock market falls the returns
m (-3) n 2
=
+
100
100
2 n - 3m
=

100
In order to get the maximum guaranteed return in two
opposite situations, we need to find a condition in which the
effect of these situations will be equal. So, we need to equate
the above results as follows
5m - 2.5m 2 n - 3m

=
100

100
m
9
=

n 16

m = 36% and n = 64%

Therefore, the maximum returns when market rises
36 5 64 (- 2.5)
=
+
= 0.20
100
100
Also, when the maximum guaranteed returns when market
falls
36 - 3 64 2
=
+
= 0.20
100
100

\Maximum guaranteed return = 0.20%. Hence, choice (d) is

correct.
Let 1 : p be the ratio in which amount is being
invested under option B and option C respectively.
Therefore, the returns achieved when stock market rises
= 5 - 2.5p
and the returns achieved when stock market falls

(i)

(ii)
= 2p - 3
Since, the first function is decreasing one and the second
function is increasing one that means both are of opposite
nature. Hence, maximum guaranteed return
= min {5 - 2.5p, 2p - 3}
\ The maximum guaranteed return will be earned when
5 - 2 p = 2p - 3
16
1 : p = 9 : 16 1 : p = 36 : 64
p=
9
Thus, the guaranteed returns can be calculated as discussed
in the previous (or main) solution.
Go through choices while considering the total amount to be
invested is Rs 100.
In the case of rise of stock market, the return
30 0.10 32 5 38 (- 2.5)
=
+
+
= 0.68
100
100
100
In the case of fall of stock market, the returns
30 0.10 32 (- 3) 38 2
+
+
= - 0.17
=
100
100
100
Since, choice (a) gives negative return, hence not be
considered.
Maximum guaranteed return = 0.10%
Maximum guaranteed return = 0.20
It gives negative returns
It also gives negative returns
Hence, choice (c) gives the best possible returns ie, maximum
guaranteed returns.

When, we exchange the equal number of people between

two groups (or sections), the number of people in each
group remains unaffected.
If by exchanging Deepak and Poonam, the average weight
of two sections get exchanged, it means the total weight of
each section also get exchanged.
If by exchanging Deepak and Poonam the total weight get
exchanged then it means the difference between total
weights is equal to the difference between total weights is
equal to the difference in weight of Deepak and Poonam.
Now, from the given information in the main statements,
we can get the following information.

50 WI + 50 WII = 100 45
WI + WII = 90

WII - WI = 1
Solving Eq. (i) and (ii), we get

(i)
(ii)

WI = 44.5 and WII = 45.5

Also,
or

D - P = (50WII ) - (50WI )
D - P = 50 (WII - WI )

(iii)
D - P = 50
So, the statement (A) alone is not sufficient to answer.
or

11

Solved Paper2007 (Leaked Paper)

WII - D
(iv)
= 45
49
WI + D
or
= 45
51
Now, solving Eqs. (i) and (iv) we are unable to find the
desired result. So, the statement (B) alone is not sufficient.
Now, if we combine the results of statement (A) and (B) both,
then we can get the desired result as following
From Eqs. (ii) and (iv),
(v)
D = 70
From Eqs. (iii) and (v),
(vi)
P = 20
50 WI + D - P
= WII
50
50 WII + P - D
and
= WI
50

50 (WII - WI ) = D - P
D - P = 50
and
WI = 44.5, WII = 45.5
But the value of P cannot be obtained.

(Q WII - WI = 1)

50 WI + D 50WII - D
=
51
49
Since, we do not know the value of WI and WII without using

the information from statement (A), we cannot find the value

of D or P. So by combining both the statements (A) and (B)
together we can obtain the value of P.
Hence, choice (c) is correct.
The outer radius = 5 m
Inner radius 4 m
Let the volume of the tank be V, then
4
4
p (43 ) < V < p (5)3
3
3
(i)

268.8 < V < 525

Thus, statement (A) does not offer any clear information.
Since, in some cases capacity is less than 400 kl and in some
cases it is greater than 400 kl. Hence, statement (A) alone is
insufficient to answer the question.
Volume of material of tank (V )
mass
=
density
30,000 kg
\
V=
= 30 m3
3 g/ cc
Again, the volume V = outer volume inner volume
4
4
30 = p (5)3 - p (r)3
3
3
4 3
3

pr (inner volume) = 495 m (approximately)

3
Thus, we can ascertain that the capacity of tank is adequate.
Hence, statement (B) alone is sufficient.