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UPSC Prelims 2025CSATGeneral Mental AbilityQuantitative Aptitude - Time & Work

Q69. 69. X can complete one-third of a certain work in 6 days, Y can complete one-third of the same work in 8 days and Z can complete three-fourth of the same work in 12 days. All of them work together for n days and then X and Z quit and Y alone finishes the remaining work in 8 4/3 days. What is n equal to?

A. 3
B. 4✓ Correct
C. 5
D. 6

Detailed Solution

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Let's find the time each person takes to complete the full work: * X completes 1/3 work in 6 days => X completes full work in 6 × 3 = 18 days. * Y completes 1/3 work in 8 days => Y completes full work in 8 × 3 = 24 days.

* Z completes 3/4 work in 12 days => Z completes full work in 12 × (4/3) = 16 days. Now, let's find their individual work rates (efficiency). Assume the total work is the LCM of 18, 24, and 16.

LCM(18, 24, 16) = 144 units. * X's efficiency = 144 units / 18 days = 8 units/day. * Y's efficiency = 144 units / 24 days = 6 units/day. * Z's efficiency = 144 units / 16 days = 9 units/day.

Combined efficiency of X, Y, Z = 8 + 6 + 9 = 23 units/day. They work together for 'n' days. Work done in 'n' days = 23n units. Remaining work = 144 - 23n units. Y alone finishes the remaining work in 8 4/3 days.

Assuming 8 4/3 days is a typo and means 8 and 2/3 days (as 4/3 is improper, and the solution uses 26/3), then time = (8 × 3 + 2)/3 = 26/3 days. Work done by Y in 26/3 days = Y's efficiency × time = 6 units/day × (26/3) days = 2 × 26 = 52 units.

So, the remaining work (144 - 23n) must be equal to 52 units. 144 - 23n = 52 23n = 144 - 52 23n = 92 n = 92 / 23 n = 4 Therefore, n is equal to 4. This question tests the application of time and work concepts, including calculating efficiencies and combining work rates.

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