QUESTION

CSAT

Hard

Maths

Prelims 2025

In a T20 cricket match, three players X, Y and Z scored a total of 37 runs. The ratio of runs scored by X to runs scored by Y equals the ratio of runs scored by Y to runs scored by Z.

Value-I = Runs scored by X Value-II = Runs scored by Y Value-III = Runs scored by Z

Which one of the following is correct?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Given: X+Y+Z=37X + Y + Z = 37 and X/Y=Y/ZY2=XZX/Y = Y/Z \Rightarrow Y^2 = XZ.

Because 37 is odd, Y must be odd (since XZ has same parity as Y²). Many integer triples satisfy Y2=XZY^2 = XZ with X+Y+Z=37X + Y + Z = 37. For example:

  • Let Y=12Y = 12 (not allowed as Y must be odd) — adjust to an odd Y: Take Y=11Y2=121Y = 11 \Rightarrow Y^2 = 121. Choose (X,Z)=(11,11)(X, Z) = (11, 11): sums to 33 (too small). Choose (X,Z)=(9,121/9)(X, Z) = (9, 121/9) not integer.

A concrete working pair with the same ordering issue can be built by scaling a geometric progression: Let X=aX = a, Y=arY = ar, Z=ar2Z = ar^2 with r=Y/X=Z/Yr = Y/X = Z/Y and integers summing to 37.

Example 1: (X,Y,Z)=(9,12,16)(X, Y, Z) = (9, 12, 16) gives Y2=144=9×16Y^2 = 144 = 9 \times 16 and sum 37. Ordering: X<Y<ZX < Y < Z.

Example 2: Swap X and Z: (X,Y,Z)=(16,12,9)(X, Y, Z) = (16, 12, 9) also satisfies Y2=144=16×9Y^2 = 144 = 16 \times 9 and sum 37. Ordering: Z<Y<XZ < Y < X.

Since both orderings are possible with the same constraints, the relative order of Value-I, Value-II, and Value-III cannot be uniquely determined.

Therefore, option D is correct.

Trusted by 2L aspirants

Practice UPSC Prelims PYQs Smarter

Practice Now
  • Track accuracy & weak areas
  • See past trends & repeated themes
Start Practicing Now

Crack UPSC with your
Personal AI Mentor

An AI-powered ecosystem to learn, practice, and evaluate with discipline

SuperKalam is your personal mentor for UPSC preparation, guiding you at every step of the exam journey.

Download the App

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store
Follow us

ⓒ Snapstack Technologies Private Limited