The weight of X, in kg, is denoted by X. The weights of A, B, C, D, P, Q, R and S are measured. Given: A + B + C + D = 17 A + C = 6 P + Q + S + D = 15 P + Q + R + B = 17 P = R and Q = S Which one of the following statements is correct? (a) B and D together weigh less than the total weight of P and Q. (b) P and Q together weigh more than the total weight of A and C. (c) P weighs more than Q. (d) Q weighs more than P.

UPSC Prelims 2026 · CSAT Paper 2 · Set DMathematicsQ 68 / 80

UPSC Prelims 2026 CSAT Paper 2 — Question 68

Question

The weight of X, in kg, is denoted by X. The weights of A, B, C, D, P, Q, R and S are measured. Given: A + B + C + D = 17 A + C = 6 P + Q + S + D = 15 P + Q + R + B = 17 P = R and Q = S Which one of the following statements is correct?

(a)B and D together weigh less than the total weight of P and Q.
(b)P and Q together weigh more than the total weight of A and C.
(c)P weighs more than Q.
(d)Q weighs more than P.

UnlockIAS answer: (b)P and Q together weigh more than the total weight of A and C.

Solution

From the equations, B + D = 11 and A + C = 6. Subtracting the P-equations (using P = R, Q = S) gives P + Q = 9. Since 9 > 6, P and Q together weigh more than A and C — statement (b).

UnlockIAS expert key, prepared 24 May 2026 and cross-verified by re-deriving the answer — this is our key, not the official UPSC provisional key (awaited).

Section

Mathematics

Topic Reference

Numeracy — Linear equations

Official UPSC key still awaited

UPSC has announced (PIB Release 2262441, 18 May 2026) that the provisional answer key for CSE Prelims 2026 will be released “soon after Exam”. Until then, use the CSAT score calculator for your qualifying-status estimate, and join the per-question discussion below.

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Official Notification

PIB Release 2262441

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