In this blog, we will explore some valuable reasoning tricks and strategies for solving Logical Reasoning questions in the CAT (Common Admission Test) exam. We will use a specific question from CAT 2017 to illustrate how these tricks can be applied. 

What are the three essential rules to keep in mind for improving in DLR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)?

The three essential rules for improving in DLR are:

Make use of the given constraints: Whenever you encounter a constraint in a question, it is crucial to understand its significance. Constraints are given for a reason and play a vital role in solving the question.

Identify clues provided by the question paper setter: Even in difficult questions, the paper setter provides hints or clues that can help you solve the question within a reasonable time frame. Your objective is to find and utilize these clues effectively.

Visualize constraints and possibilities: Often, the complexity of a question arises from the inability to visualize all the possibilities. The key is to train your mind to picture all the constraints and potential scenarios to arrive at the correct answer.

How do we apply these rules to a specific CAT 2017 question about arranging friends in a flight?

Let’s apply these rules to the CAT 2017 question, where eight friends are flying from Kolkata to Delhi in a flight operated by “Cheap Here.”

What are the constraints given in the CAT 2017 question about the friends in the flight?

The constraints given in the question are as follows:

1. The eight friends are seated in six different rows.
2. They occupy three window seats, four aisle seats, and one middle seat.
3. Seven of them paid extra amounts totaling to Rs. 4600 for their choice of seats.
4. One of them did not pay any additional amount for their choice of seat.
5. Janta, Ajith, and Bhumkesh are sitting in seats marked by the same letter in consecutive rows (increasing order of row numbers).
6. Pradosh and Tapesh are sitting in seats marked by the same letter (window or aisle) in consecutive rows (increasing order of row numbers).
7. All the friends paid different amounts for their choice of seats.

How can we use the clue about the total extra amount paid by seven friends to simplify the question?

To simplify the question, we can divide the total extra amount paid (Rs. 4600) by the number of friends (7). By doing this, we can deduce that at least three friends must have paid Rs. 1000 each for their seats, as the average payment per person exceeds Rs. 600.

How can we use the clues to determine the type of seats occupied by the friends and their respective rows?

We can use the information that three friends paid Rs. 1000 each to deduce that they must have occupied window seats. This conclusion leads us to determine other friends’ seating arrangements and the rows they are seated in.

How can we use the constraints about consecutive seating to further narrow down the possibilities?

By using the consecutive seating constraints, we can determine the seating arrangements of some friends. For example, we can conclude that Manik (M) is sitting next to Janta (J) or Jab (J, A, B) since Janta and Bhumkesh (B) are sitting in consecutive rows and at seats with the same letter.

How can we utilize the constraints to determine the rows and types of seats occupied by the friends?

By considering all the constraints and deductions made so far, we can determine the rows and types of seats occupied by the friends. This step helps us understand the different possibilities for the remaining friends’ seating arrangements.

Conclusion:

Solving Logical Reasoning questions in the CAT exam requires a keen eye for clues, understanding of constraints, and the ability to visualize different possibilities. By applying these reasoning tricks, you can enhance your problem-solving skills and perform better in the DLR section of the CAT exam. Remember to carefully analyze the information given in the question and decode the clues provided by the paper setter to arrive at the correct answers. Happy reasoning and good luck with your CAT preparation!