Title: 2020 Slot 3 DILR: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Solutions & Strategies
Introduction
The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section in the CAT exam tests analytical and problem-solving skills. Below is a structured guide to solving DILR questions from 2020 Slot 3, including common question types, strategies, and sample solutions.
1. Data Interpretation (DI)
Key Topics:
Bar Graphs & Line Graphs: Interpret trends over time.
Tables: Analyze categorical data (e.g., sales, population).
Caselet Analysis: Extract information from a narrative.
Sample Question 1
Data Set: A table shows the number of students (in hundreds) enrolling in engineering (E), medical (M), and arts (A) courses from 2016–2020.
Year
E
M
A
2016
25
30
20
2017
28
28
22
2018
30
25
24
2019
32
27
26
2020
35
30
28
Question:
In which year did the ratio of engineering to medical students increase the most compared to the previous year?
Solution:
Calculate the ratio for each consecutive year:
2016→2017: 25/30 → 28/28 = 0.83 → 1.0 (increase of 0.17).
2017→2018: 28/28 → 30/25 = 1.2 (increase of 0.2).
2018→2019: 30/25 → 32/27 ≈ 1.185 (increase of ~0.185).
2019→2020: 32/27 → 35/30 ≈ 1.111 (increase of ~0.026).
Answer: 2017→2018 (increase of 0.2).
2. Logical Reasoning
Key Topics:
Puzzles: Seating arrangements, blood relations.
Coding-Decoding: Letter/number substitutions.
Syllogisms: Valid logical deductions.
Sample Question 2
Puzzle: Six friends (A, B, C, D, E, F) are sitting in a circle. Each person likes a different genre:
Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Horror.
Clues:
A is opposite to someone who likes Thriller.
B is adjacent to Romance and Horror.
C is not adjacent to Sci-Fi.
Solution:
Draw a circle and place A. Thriller is opposite A.
B must be next to Romance and Horror. Place B between Romance and Horror.
C cannot be next to Sci-Fi. Assign remaining genres (Mystery, Sci-Fi, Comedy).
Answer: A (Mystery), B (Comedy), C (Thriller), D (Sci-Fi), E (Romance), F (Horror).
3. Algebra & Equations
Sample Question 3
A and B can complete a project in 12 days, while B and C can do it in 15 days. A, B, and C together finish in 10 days. How long would A alone take?
Solution:
Let work rates be ( A = a ), ( B = b ), ( C = c ).
Equations:
( a + b = \frac{1}{12} )
( b + c = \frac{1}{15} )
( a + b + c = \frac{1}{10} )
Solve: ( a = \frac{1}{10} - \frac{1}{15} = \frac{1}{30} ).
Answer: A alone takes 30 days.
4. Time & Work
Sample Question 4
A machine produces 200 units in 5 hours. If efficiency increases by 20%, how many units in 4 hours?
Solution:
Original rate: ( \frac{200}{5} = 40 ) units/hour.
New rate: ( 40 \times 1.2 = 48 ) units/hour.
Units in 4 hours: ( 48 \times 4 = 192 ).
Answer: 192 units.
5. Tips for CAT DILR
Practice Timed Mocks: DILR has 40 questions in 40 minutes.
Skip & Return: Tackle easier questions first (e.g., data tables).
Verify Solutions: Cross-check ratios, equations, and logic.
Conclusion
Mastering DILR requires strategic time allocation and practice with varied question types. For 2020 Slot 3, focus on interpreting trends accurately and applying logical frameworks systematically.
Final Answer Key
Q1: 2017→2018
Q2: A (Mystery), B (Comedy), C (Thriller), D (Sci-Fi), E (Romance), F (Horror)
Q3: 30 days
Q4: 192 units
Note: Specific 2020 Slot 3 questions may vary. Use this guide to build foundational strategies.
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