Here’s a structured analysis of CAT 2021 Slot 3 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) with examples of common question patterns and solutions, tailored to Indian exam preparation:
1. Game Strategy & Player Selection
Sample Question Type:
In a gaming tournament, players are divided into two teams. Each team plays 5 matches. The team that wins 3 matches first claims victory. Given the outcomes of partial matches, determine the minimum number of remaining matches needed to finalize the winner.
Solution Approach:
Track current wins: Team A has 2 wins, Team B has 1 win.
Calculate remaining required wins: Team A needs 1 more win; Team B needs 2.
Minimum matches: Team A can win the next match (total 3 wins).
Answer: 1 match required.
Key Insight: Use the "win-lose threshold" to minimize remaining matches.
2. Probability & Game Outcomes
Sample Question Type:
A card game involves drawing 2 cards from a deck of 52. What is the probability that both cards are face cards (Jack, Queen, King) if the first card drawn is not replaced?
Solution:
Total face cards = 12 (4 suits × 3 ranks).
Probability = (12/52) × (11/51) = 11/221 ≈ 0.0497.
Common Pitfall: Forgetting that the first card isn’t replaced, altering the denominator.
3. Seating Arrangement (Game-based Context)
Sample Question Type:
8 players (P1–P8) play a game in a circle. P1 sits between P5 and P3. P2 is opposite P7. Who is adjacent to P4?
Solution:
Draw a circle and place P1.
P5 and P3 are adjacent to P1.
P2 and P7 are opposite each other.
Using symmetry, P4’s neighbors are P6 and P8.
Tip: Visualize with diagrams; use "opposite" and "adjacent" keywords.
4. Data Interpretation (Bar Graph/Line Chart)
Sample Question Type:
The graph shows monthly sales of two games (X and Y) from Jan–Dec 2020. In which month did Game X’s sales exceed Game Y’s by the highest absolute difference?
Solution:
Calculate the difference (X – Y) for each month.
Identify the maximum value (e.g., Nov: X=5000, Y=2000 → Difference=3000).
Answer: November.
Key Skill: Focus on absolute differences, not percentage growth.
5. Logical Puzzles (Game Rules & Constraints)
Sample Question Type:
In a game, players earn 10 points for a win, lose 5 points for a loss, and gain 2 points for a draw. If a player has 35 points after 10 matches, how many wins, losses, and draws did they have?
Solution:
Let ( W = ) wins, ( L = ) losses, ( D = ) draws.
( W + L + D = 10 )
( 10W - 5L + 2D = 35 )
Solve simultaneously:
( W = 4 ), ( L = 2 ), ( D = 4 ).
Strategy: Use substitution and elimination for linear equations.
6. Time Management Tips for DILR
Skim all questions first to identify quick-answer problems (e.g., data comparison).
Tackle puzzles early (e.g., seating arrangements) as they often have fixed patterns.
Avoid overcomplicating logic grids; use shorthand symbols (e.g., ✔️ for yes, ❌ for no).
Check constraints (e.g., "no two players from the same college can be adjacent").
CAT 2021 DILR Slot 3 Key Takeaways:
Focus on game strategy, probability, and data comparisons.
Practice puzzles involving constraints and symmetry.
Use visual tools (charts, circles) to translate text-based scenarios.
Let me know if you need specific question solutions or further clarification! 🎯
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