Title: CAT 2017 VARC Slot 2: Game-Based Reasoning Solution
Content: English Explanation for Indian Exam aspirants
Question Overview
Type: Logical Arrangement (Game Schedule Problem)
Context: Five games (A, B, C, D, E) must be scheduled over five consecutive days (Day 1 to Day 5). The following conditions apply:
Game A must be on a day before Game B.
Game C cannot be on Day 3.
Game D must be scheduled after Game E.
Game B cannot be on Day 5.
Game E must be on an odd-numbered day.
Task: Determine the correct order of games from Day 1 to Day 5.
Step-by-Step Solution
Analyze Constraints:
Game E is restricted to odd days (1, 3, 5).
Game D must come after E, so D cannot be on Day 1.
Game B cannot be on Day 5.
Game A must precede B.
Game C cannot be on Day 3.
Assign Possible Days for E and D:
E can be on Day 1, 3, or 5.
D must be after E, so:
If E is Day 1 → D can be Days 2–5.
If E is Day 3 → D can be Days 4–5.
If E is Day 5 → D cannot exist (invalid, as no days after 5).
Eliminate E on Day 5 (no room for D).
Test Scenarios:
Case 1: E on Day 1
D must be Days 2–5.
B cannot be on Day 5.
A must be before B.
C ≠ Day 3.
Try permutations:
Example: E (1), D (2), A (3), C (4), B (5). Invalid (B on Day 5).
Adjust: E (1), D (2), A (4), C (5), B (3). Invalid (C on Day 5, but B must be after A).
No valid arrangement.
Case 2: E on Day 3
D must be on Day 4 or 5.
B cannot be on Day 5.
A must precede B.
C ≠ Day 3 (already occupied by E).
Try permutations:
E (3), D (4), A (1), B (2), C (5). Valid (all conditions met).
Verify:
A (1) < B (2): ✅
C ≠ Day 3: ✅
D (4) > E (3): ✅
B ≠ Day 5: ✅
E on odd day: ✅
Case 3: E on Day 5 → Invalid (no room for D).
Final Arrangement:
Day 1: A
Day 2: B
Day 3: E
Day 4: D
Day 5: C
Answer Key
A, B, E, D, C
(Day 1: A; Day 2: B; Day 3: E; Day 4: D; Day 5: C)
Explanation: This sequence satisfies all constraints and is the only valid permutation.
Note: For Indian aspirants, practice similar logical reasoning questions from past CAT papers to master time-bound problem-solving strategies.
|
