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Q20·CSAT · Prelims 2024

Counting the frequency of a specific digit across a range of integers

NumericalDigit CountingFactual singleMedium

Question

Consider the following statements in respect of the sum S = x + y + z, where x, y and z are distinct prime numbers each less than 10:

1The unit digit of S can be 0.
2The unit digit of S can be 9.
3The unit digit of S can be 5.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Options

a

1 and 2 only

b

2 and 3 only

c

1 and 3 only

d

1, 2 and 3

Answer

Explanation

The distinct prime numbers less than 10 are: {2, 3, 5, 7}. We evaluate subsets of three primes to test each statement:

Test Statement 1: Choose {2, 3, 5}. S = 2 + 3 + 5 = 10. The unit digit is 0. Valid.

Test Statement 2: Choose {3, 5, 7}. S = 3 + 5 + 7 = 15. Wait, we need a unit digit of 9. Let's test {2, 7, 10}- no, 10 isn't prime. Let's try {2, 3, 7}. S = 2 + 3 + 7 = 12. Let's re-verify combinations of 3 elements out of {2,3,5,7}:

2+3+5 = 10 (Unit digit 0)
2+3+7 = 12 (Unit digit 2)
2+5+7 = 14 (Unit digit 4)
3+5+7 = 15 (Unit digit 5)

Let's re-verify the prompt numbers. Ah, look at Statement 2: "The unit digit of S can be 9." Is there any other prime? Prime numbers less than 10 are exactly 2, 3, 5, 7. Sums possible are 10, 12, 14, 15. Wait, let's look closely at the question image text. Statement 1 is 0, Statement 2 is 9, Statement 3 is 5. If our values are 10, 12, 14, 15, then unit digit 9 is impossible. Let's check the options. If 9 is impossible, the answer must be 1 and 3 only (c). Let's re-read carefully to see if "distinct" or "less than 10" allows anything else. No, primes are 2,3,5,7.

Let's check if there is an alternate official interpretation where 1 is considered or something else. No, 1 is not prime. If the sums are 10, 12, 14, 15, the only possible unit digits are 0, 2, 4, 5. Thus, Statement 1 and 3 are correct, while Statement 2 is incorrect.

Always explicitly list all exhaustive outcomes for small combinatorial sets to avoid getting tricked by false values in property options.

Answer: (c).

Question details

Year

2024

Paper

CSAT

Question

Q20

Section

Numerical Ability

Sub-topic

Digit Counting

Type

Factual single

Difficulty

Medium

Source hint

Frequency of digit 5 appearing from 1 to 1000

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