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Past Questions
What is the purpose of a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) in a computer?
A)
To store data
B)
To process data
C)
To display images
D)
To provide power to the computer
A Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) is a hardware component that converts the alternating current (AC) from a wall outlet into the regulated low-voltage direct current (DC) required by the computer's internal components (such as the motherboard, CPU, and hard drives).
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because data storage is the function of devices like HDDs, SSDs, or RAM.
- Option (b) is incorrect because data processing is the function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
- Option (c) is incorrect because displaying images is the function of the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and the monitor.
- Option (d) is correct as the primary and sole purpose of the SMPS is to manage and provide electrical power to the system.
What does the ‘Freeze Panes’ feature do in Excel?
A)
Securing data
B)
Hiding data
C)
Locking rows/columns
D)
Splitting window
The 'Freeze Panes' feature in Microsoft Excel is used to keep specific rows or columns visible while scrolling through the rest of the worksheet. This is particularly useful for large datasets where the header row or the first few identifying columns need to remain in view to provide context for the data being analyzed.
- Option (a) 'Securing data' refers to protecting sheets or workbooks with passwords, not freezing panes.
- Option (b) 'Hiding data' refers to the 'Hide' feature used to remove rows or columns from view entirely.
- Option (d) 'Splitting window' refers to the 'Split' feature, which divides the window into separate scrollable areas, whereas Freeze Panes locks a specific section in place.
In MS-Word, AutoCorrect is a feature that automatically correct as you type.
A)
Incorrect sentence
B)
Short, Repetitive
C)
Spelling mistake
D)
Sentences
The AutoCorrect feature in Microsoft Word is designed to automatically detect and correct common typing errors, specifically spelling mistakes and capitalization errors, in real-time as the user types. For example, if a user types 'teh', AutoCorrect automatically changes it to 'the'.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 'Incorrect sentence': AutoCorrect does not typically rewrite entire sentences for grammatical correctness; that is the role of the Grammar Checker.
- Option (b) 'Short, Repetitive': While AutoCorrect can be used to create shortcuts for repetitive text (AutoText), the primary definition of the feature as described in the prompt ('automatically correct as you type') refers to fixing errors.
- Option (c) 'Spelling mistake': This is the primary function of AutoCorrect—fixing common misspellings instantly.
- Option (d) 'Sentences': AutoCorrect does not 'correct sentences' as a whole, but rather individual words or characters within them.
Which feature allows you to combine two or more table cells located in the same row or column into a single cell?
A)
AutoFit
B)
Merge Cells
C)
Table Style
D)
Split Cells
In MS Word, the 'Merge Cells' feature is specifically designed to combine two or more selected cells into one larger cell. This is commonly used for creating headers that span multiple columns or rows.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- a. AutoFit: This feature automatically adjusts the width of columns or the height of rows to fit the content or the window size.
- c. Table Style: This refers to predefined formatting (colors, borders, and shading) applied to a table to improve its visual appearance.
- d. Split Cells: This is the exact opposite of merging; it divides a single cell into multiple smaller cells.
The process of applying visual styles and layout elements to text and other elements within a document to enhance its appearance and readability in MS word.
A)
Proofing
B)
Editing
C)
Formatting
D)
Styling
The question describes the process of changing the appearance and layout of a document. In MS Word, 'Formatting' refers to the application of visual styles (such as font size, color, bold/italic) and layout elements (such as margins, alignment, and spacing) to make the document more readable and professional.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Proofing: This refers to the process of checking for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors (e.g., using the Spell Check tool).
- b. Editing: This involves changing the actual content of the document, such as rewriting sentences, deleting paragraphs, or rearranging text.
- d. Styling: While 'Styles' are a feature used for formatting, 'Styling' is a subset of the broader process of 'Formatting'. Formatting encompasses all visual adjustments, including those not tied to a predefined style set.
A template that controls the overall appearance and formatting of all slides in a presentation
A)
Title
B)
Slide master
C)
Header
D)
Footer
The Slide Master is the top slide in a hierarchy of slides that stores information about the theme and slide layouts of a presentation, including the background, color, fonts, effects, placeholder sizes, and positioning. When you make a change to the Slide Master, it automatically applies that change to every slide in the presentation that is based on that master.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Title: This refers to a specific slide type or a text placeholder used to name the presentation or a section; it does not control the formatting of all slides.
- c. Header: This is a section at the top of a page (more common in Word) or a specific area for notes/handouts in PowerPoint, but it does not control the overall appearance of the slides.
- d. Footer: This is a small area at the bottom of a slide used for page numbers, dates, or copyright info; while it can be managed via the Slide Master, it is a component, not the controlling template itself.
The following pie-chart shows the percentages distribution of the expenditure incurred in constructing a building. What is the central angle of the sector corresponding to the expenditure incurred on cement?
A)
60°
B)
62°
C)
70°
D)
72°
In a pie chart, the full circle represents 360°. So the central angle for any sector is:
Central angle = (Percentage share / 100) × 360°
From the pie-chart, cement accounts for 20% of the total expenditure. Therefore:
Central angle = (20/100) × 360° = 72°
So the correct option is (d) 72°.
Why the others are incorrect:
- (a) 60° would correspond to 16.67% of the total.
- (b) 62° would correspond to about 17.22%.
- (c) 70° would correspond to 19.44%.
Only 72° matches a 20% share exactly.
By how much is 60% of 90 greater than 5% of 20?
A)
12
B)
23
C)
30
D)
53
To find by how much one value is greater than another, we must calculate both values separately and then find the difference.
Step 1: Calculate 60% of 90.
60% of 90 = (60/100) * 90 = 0.6 * 90 = 54.
Step 2: Calculate 5% of 20.
5% of 20 = (5/100) * 20 = 0.05 * 20 = 1.
Step 3: Find the difference between the two results.
Difference = 54 - 1 = 53.
Therefore, 60% of 90 is greater than 5% of 20 by 53.
Comparing this to the options:
- Option a (12) is incorrect.
- Option b (23) is incorrect.
- Option c (30) is incorrect.
- Option d (53) matches our calculation.
Multitasking in operating systems allows for
A)
Multiple users to share a single device
B)
Devices to run without an OS
C)
A single user to perform multiple tasks at one time
D)
Devices to perform calculation
Multitasking is a logical extension of multiprogramming. It allows a single user to run multiple applications (tasks) seemingly simultaneously on a single computer system. The operating system achieves this by rapidly switching the CPU's attention between different tasks (context switching), giving the illusion that all programs are running at the same time.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) refers to 'Multi-user' systems or 'Time-sharing' systems, where multiple users access a central server.
- Option (b) is incorrect because multitasking is a feature provided by the Operating System; a device cannot perform OS-level multitasking without an OS.
- Option (d) is a general function of a CPU/Computer, not a specific definition of multitasking.
What type of cable is used for most modern Ethernet networks?
A)
Coaxial cable
B)
Fiber optic cable
C)
Twisted pair cable
D)
Shielded cable
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Ethernet networks have evolved through various physical media. Early Ethernet (10Base2, 10Base5) used coaxial cables, but these are now obsolete for general LAN use. 2. Modern Ethernet standards (such as 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) primarily utilize Twisted Pair cables, specifically Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) categories like Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a. 3. Twisted pair is preferred for most modern local area networks (LANs) because it is cost-effective, flexible, and easy to install. 4. While Fiber optic cable (Option b) is used for high-speed backbones and long distances, it is not the 'most common' cable for general end-user device connectivity in modern Ethernet networks. 5. Shielded cable (Option d) is a specific subtype of twisted pair (STP) used in high-interference environments, but the general category is 'Twisted pair'. Therefore, Option c is the most accurate and comprehensive answer.
What is the default file extension used by Excel 2016 and later versions?
A)
xls
B)
.xlsx
C)
xlsm
D)
.xlsb
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Identification of Default Extension**: Starting from Microsoft Excel 2007 and continuing through Excel 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Office 365, Microsoft transitioned to the Office Open XML format. The default file extension for a standard workbook is '.xlsx'.
2. **Analysis of Options**:
- **a. .xls**: This was the default extension for Excel 97 through Excel 2003. It is a binary format and is not the default for version 2016.
- **b. .xlsx**: This is the correct default extension for Excel 2007 and all subsequent versions, including 2016. The 'x' at the end stands for XML.
- **c. .xlsm**: This extension is used specifically for Excel workbooks that contain Macros. While supported in 2016, it is not the 'default' for a standard blank workbook.
- **d. .xlsb**: This is the Excel Binary Workbook format. It is used for very large spreadsheets to improve performance and reduce file size, but it is not the default extension.
What does an operating system primarily do?
A)
To perform calculations
B)
To manage computer hardware and software resources
C)
To display graphics
D)
To store data
An Operating System (OS) acts as an intermediary between the computer user and the computer hardware. Its primary purpose is to provide an environment in which a user can execute programs in a convenient and efficient manner.
1. Why Option (b) is correct: The OS is responsible for resource management, which includes Process Management (CPU scheduling), Memory Management (RAM allocation), Storage Management (File systems), and Device Management (I/O controllers). It ensures that different programs and users share the hardware resources without conflict.
2. Why Option (a) is incorrect: Performing calculations is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), specifically the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), not the OS itself.
3. Why Option (c) is incorrect: Displaying graphics is the primary role of the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and the display drivers. While the OS provides the API to render graphics, the 'primary' purpose of the OS is broader management.
4. Why Option (d) is incorrect: Storing data is the function of storage hardware (such as HDDs, SSDs, or NVMe drives). The OS manages how that data is stored (via the file system), but the act of storage is a hardware capability.
What is the main function of the HTTPS protocol?
A)
To increase website speed
B)
To compress web pages
C)
To improve SEO
D)
To secure data transfer between a user and a website
HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It is the secure version of HTTP. The main function of HTTPS is to encrypt the data transmitted between a web browser (the user) and the web server (the website) using TLS (Transport Layer Security) or its predecessor, SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). This prevents attackers from eavesdropping on or tampering with sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a): HTTPS actually introduces a slight overhead due to the encryption/decryption process (the 'handshake'), so it does not inherently increase website speed.
- Option (b): Compression is handled by other mechanisms (like Gzip or Brotli) and is not the primary purpose of the 'S' (Secure) in HTTPS.
- Option (c): While Google and other search engines use HTTPS as a ranking signal (which can indirectly improve SEO), this is a secondary benefit/consequence, not the primary technical function of the protocol itself.
What is the shortcut to duplicate a slide in PowerPoint?
A)
Ctrl+C
B)
Ctrl+X
C)
Ctrl+V
D)
Ctrl+D
In Microsoft PowerPoint, the shortcut Ctrl+D is specifically designed to 'Duplicate' the selected object or slide. When a slide is selected in the Slide Navigation pane, pressing Ctrl+D immediately creates an exact copy of that slide and places it directly after the original.
Analysis of other options:
- Ctrl+C: This is the 'Copy' command. While it can be used to copy a slide, it requires a subsequent 'Paste' action to create the duplicate.
- Ctrl+X: This is the 'Cut' command, which removes the selected slide from its current position and places it on the clipboard.
- Ctrl+V: This is the 'Paste' command, which inserts the content currently held on the clipboard into the presentation.
In HTTP, what status code indicates that the server cannot find the requested resource?
A)
200 OK
B)
404 Not Found
C)
301 Moved Permanently
D)
500 Internal Server Error
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) status codes are divided into five classes based on the first digit.
1. **Option b (404 Not Found)** is correct because the 4xx class of status codes indicates 'Client Errors'. Specifically, the 404 code is returned when the server cannot find the requested resource (URL), meaning the server is reachable but the specific page or file does not exist.
2. **Option a (200 OK)** is incorrect because the 2xx class indicates 'Success'. A 200 code means the request was successful and the resource is being delivered.
3. **Option c (301 Moved Permanently)** is incorrect because the 3xx class indicates 'Redirection'. A 301 code tells the client that the resource has been permanently moved to a new URL.
4. **Option d (500 Internal Server Error)** is incorrect because the 5xx class indicates 'Server Errors'. A 500 code means the server encountered an unexpected condition that prevented it from fulfilling the request, regardless of whether the resource exists or not.
Which function can be used to conditionally sum values in a range based on a criterion?
A)
SUMIF()
B)
SUM()
C)
IFSUM()
D)
TOTALIF()
The SUMIF() function in MS Excel is specifically designed to add the cells specified by a given number criterion or condition. Its syntax is =SUMIF(range, criteria, [sum_range]), where it evaluates the 'range' against the 'criteria' and sums the corresponding values in the 'sum_range'.
Analysis of other options:
- b. SUM(): This function adds all numbers in a range regardless of any condition.
- c. IFSUM(): This is not a valid built-in function in MS Excel.
- d. TOTALIF(): This is not a valid built-in function in MS Excel.
A sum of money on compound interest amounts to ₹ 29040 in 3 years and ₹ 19360 in 2 years. The rate of interest per annum is :
A)
50%
B)
10%
C)
20%
D)
5%
Option A is correct: 50%.
A bag contains 50 P, 25 P and 10 P coins in the ratio 5: 9: 4, amounting to Rs. 206. Find the number of coins of each type respectively.
A)
360, 160, 200
B)
160, 360, 200
C)
200, 360, 160
D)
200, 160, 300
Step-by-step solution:
1. **Identify the given data**:
- Ratio of coins (50P : 25P : 10P) = 5 : 9 : 4
- Total amount = Rs. 206
2. **Set up the variables**:
Let the number of coins be 5x, 9x, and 4x respectively.
3. **Convert the value of coins into a common unit (Rupees)**:
- Value of 50P coins = 5x * 0.50 = 2.5x
- Value of 25P coins = 9x * 0.25 = 2.25x
- Value of 10P coins = 4x * 0.10 = 0.4x
4. **Formulate the equation based on the total amount**:
2.5x + 2.25x + 0.4x = 206
5.15x = 206
5. **Solve for x**:
x = 206 / 5.15
x = 40
6. **Calculate the number of coins for each type**:
- 50P coins = 5 * 40 = 200
- 25P coins = 9 * 40 = 360
- 10P coins = 4 * 40 = 160
7. **Verification**:
(200 * 0.50) + (360 * 0.25) + (160 * 0.10) = 100 + 90 + 16 = Rs. 206. The calculation is correct.
Comparing this result to the options:
Option (a) 360, 160, 200 is incorrect.
Option (b) 160, 360, 200 is incorrect.
Option (c) 200, 360, 160 matches our result.
Option (d) 200, 160, 300 is incorrect.
The percentage increase in the area of a rectangle, if each of its sides is increased by 20%
A)
22%
B)
33%
C)
44%
D)
55%
Step-by-step solution:
1. Let the original length of the rectangle be 'L' and the original width be 'W'.
2. The original area (A1) = L × W.
3. Each side is increased by 20%. Therefore, the new length (L') = L + 0.20L = 1.2L, and the new width (W') = W + 0.20W = 1.2W.
4. The new area (A2) = L' × W' = (1.2L) × (1.2W) = 1.44 × (L × W) = 1.44A1.
5. The increase in area = A2 - A1 = 1.44A1 - A1 = 0.44A1.
6. The percentage increase = (Increase / Original Area) × 100 = (0.44A1 / A1) × 100 = 44%.
Alternative Method (Successive Percentage Formula):
When two dimensions of a product are increased by x% and y%, the net percentage increase is given by: x + y + (xy/100).
Here, x = 20 and y = 20.
Net increase = 20 + 20 + (20 × 20 / 100) = 40 + (400 / 100) = 40 + 4 = 44%.
The ratio of a boys’s and a girl’s present age is 9 : 10. After 4 years, the ratio of their ages become 11 : 12. What is the girl’s present age?
A)
18 years
B)
19 years
C)
20 years
D)
21 years
Step-by-step solution:
1. **Define the present ages**: Let the present age of the boy be $9x$ and the present age of the girl be $10x$, based on the given ratio 9:10.
2. **Set up the equation for the future ages**: After 4 years, the boy's age will be $9x + 4$ and the girl's age will be $10x + 4$. According to the problem, this new ratio is 11:12.
$$\frac{9x + 4}{10x + 4} = \frac{11}{12}$$
3. **Solve for x**: Cross-multiply the equation:
$12(9x + 4) = 11(10x + 4)$
$108x + 48 = 110x + 44$
$48 - 44 = 110x - 108x$
$4 = 2x$
$x = 2$
4. **Calculate the girl's present age**: The girl's present age is $10x$.
$10 \times 2 = 20$ years.
Verification:
- Boy's present age: $9 \times 2 = 18$
- Girl's present age: $10 \times 2 = 20$
- After 4 years: Boy is 22, Girl is 24.
- Ratio after 4 years: $22:24 = 11:12$. This matches the given condition.
Therefore, option (c) is correct. Options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect as they do not satisfy the ratio conditions.
A man travelled a distance of 61 km in 9 hours. He travelled partly on foot at 4 km/hr and partly on bicycle at 9 km/hr. The distance travelled on bicycle is :
A)
40km
B)
36km
C)
30km
D)
45km
Let the time travelled on the bicycle be 't' hours. Since the total time of travel is 9 hours, the time travelled on foot must be (9 - t) hours.
We know that Distance = Speed × Time.
1. Distance travelled on bicycle = 9 km/hr × t = 9t km
2. Distance travelled on foot = 4 km/hr × (9 - t) = (36 - 4t) km
The total distance travelled is given as 61 km. Therefore:
9t + (36 - 4t) = 61
5t + 36 = 61
5t = 61 - 36
5t = 25
t = 5 hours
Now, we calculate the distance travelled on the bicycle:
Distance = Speed × Time = 9 km/hr × 5 hours = 45 km.
Verification:
Distance on foot = 4 km/hr × (9 - 5) = 4 × 4 = 16 km.
Total distance = 45 km + 16 km = 61 km. This matches the question statement.
Comparing with options:
a. 40km (Incorrect)
b. 36km (Incorrect)
c. 30km (Incorrect)
d. 45km (Correct)
Insert the missing number. 7, 26, 63, 124, 215, 342, (....)
A)
391
B)
421
C)
481
D)
511
To solve this number series, we look for a mathematical pattern relating the numbers. By observing the numbers, we can see that each term is very close to a perfect cube (n³).
Let's analyze the sequence:
1. 2³ - 1 = 8 - 1 = 7
2. 3³ - 1 = 27 - 1 = 26
3. 4³ - 1 = 64 - 1 = 63
4. 5³ - 1 = 125 - 1 = 124
5. 6³ - 1 = 216 - 1 = 215
6. 7³ - 1 = 343 - 1 = 342
Following this pattern (n³ - 1), the next number in the sequence should be based on the next integer, which is 8:
7. 8³ - 1 = 512 - 1 = 511
Comparing this result to the options:
a. 391 (Incorrect)
b. 421 (Incorrect)
c. 481 (Incorrect)
d. 511 (Correct)
Meningitis : Brain : : Cirrhosis : ?
A)
Lungs
B)
Brain
C)
Liver
D)
Heart
This is an analogy question where the relationship between the first pair of words must be applied to the second pair.
1. Analyze the first pair: 'Meningitis : Brain'. Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord; essentially, it is a disease that primarily affects the brain/central nervous system.
2. Identify the relationship: The relationship is [Disease] : [Organ it affects].
3. Apply the relationship to the second pair: 'Cirrhosis : ?'. Cirrhosis is a late-stage scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases.
4. Evaluate the options:
- a. Lungs: Affected by diseases like Pneumonia or Emphysema.
- b. Brain: Affected by Meningitis (as seen in the first pair).
- c. Liver: The organ specifically affected by Cirrhosis.
- d. Heart: Affected by diseases like Myocardial Infarction.
Therefore, since Cirrhosis is a disease of the liver, the correct answer is Liver.
Statements: 1. X is 7 meters tall, Y is half as high and Z is 3 times the height of X. 2. P is taller than Z but shorter than A and B. Conclusions: I. B is the tallest of all. II. The average height of X, Y and Z is less than 10 meters. Find which of the given conclusions logically follows from the given statements.
A)
Only conclusion I follows
B)
Only conclusion II follows
C)
Both I and II follow
D)
Neither I nor II follows
From statement 1: X = 7 m. Y is half of X, so Y = 3.5 m. Z is 3 times X, so Z = 21 m.
From statement 2: P is taller than Z but shorter than A and B. So the order is A > P > Z and B > P > Z, which means A and B are both taller than Z. However, we cannot decide whether A is taller than B or B is taller than A, so conclusion I (“B is the tallest of all”) does not follow.
Now check conclusion II: average height of X, Y, and Z = (7 + 3.5 + 21) / 3 = 31.5 / 3 = 10.5 m. This is not less than 10 m, so conclusion II also does not follow.
Therefore, neither conclusion follows. The correct option is d.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a: Incorrect because conclusion I does not follow.
- b: Incorrect because conclusion II does not follow.
- c: Incorrect because neither conclusion follows.
- d: Correct because both conclusions fail logically.
What percent of 75 is 9?
A)
40%
B)
30%
C)
20%
D)
12%
To find what percent of 75 is 9, we use the basic percentage formula: (Part / Whole) × 100.
Step 1: Identify the 'Part' and the 'Whole'.
- Part = 9
- Whole = 75
Step 2: Set up the equation:
Percentage = (9 / 75) × 100
Step 3: Simplify the fraction 9/75.
Both 9 and 75 are divisible by 3.
9 ÷ 3 = 3
75 ÷ 3 = 25
So, 9/75 = 3/25
Step 4: Multiply by 100.
(3 / 25) × 100 = 3 × (100 / 25)
= 3 × 4
= 12%
Verification of options:
- a. 40% of 75 = 0.40 * 75 = 30 (Incorrect)
- b. 30% of 75 = 0.30 * 75 = 22.5 (Incorrect)
- c. 20% of 75 = 0.20 * 75 = 15 (Incorrect)
- d. 12% of 75 = 0.12 * 75 = 9 (Correct)