QUESTION

CSAT

Hard

Maths

Prelims 2025

Let PQR be a 3-digit number, PPT be a 3-digit number and PS be a 2-digit number, where P, Q, R, S, T are distinct non-zero digits. Further, PQRPS=PPTPQR - PS = PPT. If Q=3Q = 3 and T<6T < 6, then what is the number of possible values of (R,S)(R, S)?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Given:

  • PQR − PS = PPT
  • Q = 3; digits P, Q, R, S, T are distinct and non-zero; T < 6.

Translate to digits: PQR = 100P+30+R100P + 30 + R PS = 10P+S10P + S PPT = 110P+T110P + T

Equation: (100P+30+R)(10P+S)=110P+T(100P + 30 + R) − (10P + S) = 110P + T 90P+30+RS=110P+T⇒ 90P + 30 + R − S = 110P + T RS=20P+T30⇒ R − S = 20P + T − 30 (★)

Range bound: Since R, S ∈ {1,…,9} and R ≠ S, we must have R − S ∈ {−8, −7, …, −1, 1, …, 8}.

Also T < 6 and T ≠ 3 (distinct from Q), and T ≠ P (distinctness).

Check P values:

  • If P ≥ 2, RHS = 20P+T3040+130=11>820P + T − 30 ≥ 40 + 1 − 30 = 11 > 8 ⇒ impossible.
  • Hence P = 1.

Then (★) becomes: R − S = (201+T30)=T10(20 \cdot 1 + T − 30) = T − 10. With T < 6 and T ≠ 1 (distinct from P) and T ≠ 3, possible T ∈ {2, 4, 5}.

For each T, solve R − S = T − 10 with digit/distinctness constraints (R,S ≠ 1,3,T; R,S ∈ {1…9}, R ≠ S):

  1. T = 2 ⇒ R − S = −8 ⇒ R = S − 8. Possible S is 9 ⇒ R = 1, but R = 1 is disallowed (P = 1). ⇒ No solution.

  2. T = 4 ⇒ R − S = −6 ⇒ R = S − 6. S ∈ {7,8,9}:

    • S=7 → R=1 (disallowed)
    • S=8 → R=2 (allowed) → (R,S) = (2,8)
    • S=9 → R=3 (disallowed, Q=3)
  3. T = 5 ⇒ R − S = −5 ⇒ R = S − 5. S ∈ {6,7,8,9}:

    • S=6 → R=1 (disallowed)
    • S=7 → R=2 (allowed) → (2,7)
    • S=8 → R=3 (disallowed)
    • S=9 → R=4 (allowed) → (4,9)

Valid (R,S): (2,8), (2,7), (4,9) → 3 pairs.

Therefore, the number of possible values of (R, S) is 3.

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