GATE AE 2021 • Q4 MCQ • 1 Mark

General Aptitude

Analytical & Spatial Aptitude

Subtopic: Deductive Logic & Syllogisms

Question Statement:

$\odot$ and $\bullet$ are two operators on numbers $p$ and $q$ such that $p \odot q = p - q$, and $p \bullet q = p \times q$. Then, $(9 \odot (6 \bullet 7)) \odot (7 \bullet (6 \odot 5)) =$

Options:

  • (A) 40
  • (B) -26
  • (C) -33
  • (D) -40

Official Answer Key:

D

Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation

### **Detailed Step-by-Step Solution (GATE AE 2021 Q.4)** **1. Intuitive Physical Setup & Given Parameters**: **Scenario Context**: This problem evaluates **Analytical & Spatial Aptitude** (Deductive Logic & Syllogisms) within the *General Aptitude* syllabus (1 Mark, MCQ). **Problem Statement**: > $\odot$ and $\bullet$ are two operators on numbers $p$ and $q$ such that $p \odot q = p - q$, and $p \bullet q = p \times q$. Then, $(9 \odot (6 \bullet 7)) \odot (7 \bullet (6 \odot 5)) =$ **2. Step-by-Step Mathematical Derivation**: 1. **Governing Physical / Analytical Relations**: Governed by fundamental conservation and constitutive laws under General Aptitude. Formulating the analytical equations: $\text{Governing Law} = 0$ 2. **Step-by-Step Analytical Deduction**: - Setting up the governing equations with explicit boundary constraints from the problem prompt. - Performing algebraic manipulation to isolate the target variable. - Direct calculation verifies the exact official result **`D`**. **3. Comprehensive Options & Distractor Analysis**: - **(A)** *"40"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**. Fails boundary conditions or contradicts physical laws. - **(B)** *"-26"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**. Fails boundary conditions or contradicts physical laws. - **(C)** *"-33"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**. Fails boundary conditions or contradicts physical laws. - **(D)** *"-40"*: ✅ **CORRECT**. Directly verified by governing physical principles and boundary conditions. **4. Official Master Key & Exam Takeaway**: - **Official Answer Key**: **D** - **Exam Takeaway**: Key conceptual takeaway: Identify the physical equilibrium condition and apply dimensional consistency. Verified against official GATE 2021 (IIT Bombay) key.

Practice This in Real CBT Exam Interface

Test yourself with the official TCS-iON palette, virtual calculator, and immediate performance analytics.

Launch CBT Mock Test