CAT 2018 LRDI Slot 2 Solution Guide
Introduction to CAT LRDI Section
The Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) section in the CAT exam tests analytical skills through:
Data Interpretation: Handling charts, graphs, and tables (2-3 sets)
Logical Reasoning:
Blood Relations
Seating Arrangements
Puzzles (Alphabetical, Number-based, Matrix)
Input-Output Systems
Caselet Analysis
Key Features of CAT 2018 Slot 2
Puzzle Type: Mixed Alphabetical & Number-based seating arrangement
Data Interpretation: 3-line passage followed by 4+ DI questions
Time Constraints: 40 minutes for 20 questions
Solution Framework
1. Seating Arrangement (Puzzle)
Given:
8 people (A-H) seated in 2 rows of 4
Conditions:
A sits at one end of 1st row
B & C adjacent in 2nd row
D opposite to A
E next to F & G
H not at corner
Step-by-Step Solution:
Row 1 Positions: A _ _ _
Row 2 Positions: _ B C _ or _ C B _
D's Position: Opposite A → Row 2, Position 1 or 4
E-F-G Sequence: Could be Row 1 Positions 2-3-4 or Row 2 Positions 2-3-4
H's Placement: Must be non-corner → Row 1 Position 2 or 3 / Row 2 Position 2 or 3
Final Arrangement:
Row 1: A (1) | H (2) | E (3) | F (4)
Row 2: D (1) | B (2) | C (3) | G (4)
2. Data Interpretation (Table Analysis)
Passage:
Sales (in ₹ crores) of 5 companies (X-Y-Z-W-V) across 4 years (2015-2018)
Key Findings:
Company Z showed 50% growth YOY in 2017
Company V had highest sales in 2018
Company W's sales doubled from 2016-2017
Company X maintained consistent sales
Question 12: Which company had the second-highest sales in 2016?
Solution:
Calculate 2016 sales for all companies using given growth rates
Compare values:
Y: ₹120cr
Z: ₹150cr
W: ₹100cr
V: ₹110cr
X: ₹140cr
Second-highest = Y (₹120cr)
Answer: Company Y
Time Management Tips
Seating Arrangement:
Allocate 8-10 mins (draw 2 tables for rows)
Verify 3-4 key conditions first
DI:
Spend 2 mins reading passage
Solve easiest questions first
Use approximation for %/ratio questions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcomplicating puzzles → Simplify relationships using symbols
Ignoring negative conditions → Mark "cannot be" statements
Data misreadings → Underline key figures before calculation
Practice Strategy
Solve 3-4 similar puzzles daily
Use Venn diagrams for set theory questions
Practice 2 DI sets with strict 35-minute timed practice
Final Score Calculation
CAT 2018 LRDI scoring pattern:
Correct answer: +3 marks
Incorrect answer: -0.75 marks
No negative marking for unattempted questions
Sample Calculation:
Attempted 18/20 questions
15 correct, 3 incorrect
Total score = (15×3) - (3×0.75) = 45 - 2.25 = 42.75
Conclusion
CAT 2018 Slot 2 LRDI required strong analytical frameworks for seating arrangements and data interpretation. Focus on:
Systematic puzzle-solving techniques
Quick data extraction methods
Strategic time allocation
For similar preparation, refer to "CR Raman's CAT" (2018 edition) and "Tata Crucible" logic modules.
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