Maths : Basic Numeracy

Q 234 / 370

UPSC CSE Prelims 2019

Sunita cuts a sheet of paper into three pieces. Length of first piece is equal to the average of the three single digit odd prime numbers. Length of the second piece is equal to that of the first plus one-third the length of the third. The third piece is as long as the other two pieces together. The length of the original sheet of paper is

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (D)

The problem requires determining the total length of an original sheet of paper, which is divided into three pieces. The lengths of these pieces are defined as follows:

  • The single-digit odd prime numbers are 3, 5, and 7.
  • Length of the first piece = Average of (3, 5, 7) = 3+5+73=153=5 units.

Let the length of the second piece be L2 and the length of the third piece be L3.

  • According to the problem statement, L2=5+13L3.
  • Also, L3=5+L2.

Substitute the expression for L3 into the equation for L2:

L2=5+13(5+L2)

L2=5+53+13L2

L2−13L2=5+53

2L23=15+53

2L23=203

2L2=20

L2=10 units.

Now, calculate the length of the third piece:

  • L3=5+L2=5+10=15 units.

The total length of the original sheet of paper is the sum of the lengths of the three pieces:

  • Total length = Length of Piece 1 + Length of Piece 2 + Length of Piece 3
  • Total length = 5 + 10 + 15 = 30 units.

Therefore, the correct option is D.

Incorrect Options:

Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not represent the sum of the calculated lengths of the three pieces of paper. The individual lengths are 5 units, 10 units, and 15 units, respectively. Any sum other than 30 units would be erroneous based on the problem's conditions and mathematical derivation.

  • Option A (13 units): This value is incorrect as the sum of the calculated lengths is 30 units.
  • Option B (15 units): This value is incorrect. It corresponds to the length of the third piece only, not the total length of the original sheet.
  • Option C (16 units): This value is incorrect as the sum of the calculated lengths is 30 units.