Preparing for the Data Interpretation for CAT 2023 is an important part of overall CAT preparation. It commands 16% weightage in overall CAT exam and 50% weightage in DILR section. Scoring high in Data Interpretation can take you through the IIMs admission process. Read below all about the DI for CAT-What it is, its importance, composition, type of questions, how to prepare and others
Table of Contents
- What is DI in CAT Exam?
- How Important is CAT DILR Preparation Vs Other Two Sections?
- Data Interpretation For CAT: Number & Type of Questions and Answers
- How to Prepare Data Interpretation for CAT
- CAT Toppers Data Interpretation Preparation Strategy
- CAT Data Interpretation Tricks & Tips
- Changes in CAT Data Interpretation section
- Data Interpretation Questions and Answers for CAT
1. What is DI in CAT? Sub Section of DILR Section in the Exam
The Data Interpretation Questions for CAT appear in the second section of IIM CAT exam now. However, the DI 2023 questions are to remain on the same pattern as were asked last year in CAT exam. CAT experts and toppers while sharing the CAT Data Interpretation Tricks & Tips to attempt the test paper, are of the view that DI 2023 in CAT is as important as the other 2 sections as sectional cut offs announced by IIMs for DILR section are the same as applicable for Quant and VARC sections.
The composition of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Section for the CAT 2023 is also expected to remain on the following pattern:
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Data Interpretation for CAT 2023 in DILR Section
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DI 2023 Composition
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Section Name
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Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
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Total DILR Questions
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20-22
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Number of problems in Data Interpretation for CAT
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3-4
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Type of DI Questions for CAT
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Questions are in sets of 3-4 based on DI problems
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Total questions Based on Data Interpretation for CAT
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10-12
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Bifurcation of DI Based Questions
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8-10 MCQs
3-4 Non-MCQs |
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Questions in Data Interpretation Based On Time And Distance
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Nil as the DI part is taken out of QA section
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Total time to attempt DILR Section
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40 minutes
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Marks for Each Correct Answer
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+3
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Negative Marks for Each Wrong Answer
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-1
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Difficulty Level of DI Questions
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Moderate to High
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Number of Data Interpretation questions with No-Negative Marking
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3-4 Non-MCQs
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Best Data Interpretation for CAT Books
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1. How to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
2. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
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Data Interpretation For CAT Tutorial
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CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri
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Data Interpretation For CAT Syllabus
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How to Know basics of Data Interpretation for CAT
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2. How Important is CAT DILR Preparation Vs Other Two Sections?
Many candidates who scored 99 percentile in CAT could not get a call from any IIM only because of the reason that their score in DILR was below the IIMs cut off. The CAT Data Interpretation proved to be the most difficult and time consuming section resulting in a low score for them.
This is not the story only of a few but of many CAT takers who scored high percentile. Candidates can hardly solve only a few DILR questions in CAT exam. Now, with creation of new section comprising only DILR questions, there are 3 sections in CAT. Since 2015 CAT exam has been totally revamped. There are 20-22 questions in newly changed DILR section out of total 66 questions in CAT exam.
With the restructuring of CAT exam pattern in 2020 due to Covid pandemic, Data Interpretation Questions are now reduced to 10-12 from earlier 16. Accordingly, CAT DILR preparation is very important due to sectional cut offs announced by IIMs for shortlisting the candidates. Data Interpretation in CAT constitutes both MCQ and Non MCQ type questions.
3. Data Interpretation For CAT: Number & Type of Questions and Answers
The structure and content of Data Interpretation section in CAT exam is shared below. With the twisted pattern of Data Interpretation problems and increased number of Data Interpretation questions for CAT in DILR section, you should first know the number of Data Interpretation questions for CAT, type of expected DI 2023 questions in the changed CAT exam pattern to take the right path before moving on your CAT preparation journey:
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Data Interpretation for CAT
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Number of questions
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Type of Questions
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Problem Set-1: Tables & Charts
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3-4
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Comparison of Data of various years, ages etc.
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Problem Set-2: Graph, Bar diagram
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3-4
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Data Analysis, comparison of various years, classes, groups etc.
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Problem Set-3: Tables, Pie chart
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2-3
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Decoding and finding out the data of missing period, taking clues, interpreting the missing links
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Problem Set-4: Graphs, Charts
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3-4
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Making analysis of data and coming to conclusion, making future projections
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Total questions
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10-12
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8-10 MCQs; 3-4 Non-MCQs
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4. How to Prepare Data Interpretation for CAT
Unlike other sections like Quant and Verbal, which have more formula based preparation, DI preparation for CAT requires different preparation strategy. So, to check what is Data Interpretation for CAT, What will be the shape of DI 2023 questions and your answer approach? What are the topics covered in the CAT Data Interpretation Syllabus? How to get Data Interpretation Tricks Pdf to approach the questions? Where do I get DILR practice questions for CAT? Which is the best Data Interpretation book with DI Questions for CAT with Solutions? These are some of the queries related to Data Interpretation for CAT questions and answers..
Responding to the needs of CAT aspirants, seeking the answers and guidance how to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT 2023, Experts and toppers suggest that Data Interpretation questions for CAT test your analytical skills of interpreting the Data given to you in the form of Table, Chart, Graph or in other form. Accordingly, DI preparation for CAT requires you to first get as many as DILR practice questions for CAT. To move in direct DI preparation direction with Data Interpretation tricks, it will be better to refer to DI questions for CAT with solutions. Following are the most important CAT 2023 Data Interpretation Tips and Tricks on how to prepare Data Interpretation for CAT Exam:
- Prepare as per latest trends on Data Interpretation questions in CAT
- Read the Best Data Interpretation Book
- Read and practice various types of Data Interpretation Questions and Answers
- One of the key CAT Data Interpretation tricks by experts is to go from LOD=1 to LOD=3. The problem with DI questions is that they all need data comparison, data analysis and if you are correct in your analysis, you will hit the entire set of questions correct otherwise, you may lose your marks for entire set of 4 questions. If one goes wrong, all may go wrong.
- Try to solve as many DI questions on all difficulty levels, as possible. Never be shy of practice on DI. Once it is done, you will develop the methodology and will come to know beforehand whether you will be able to solve a particular DI question, when it appears in the examination or should leave that and move ahead.
- Get Updated CAT Data Interpretation Preparation Material of Best Coaching Institutes
- Read CAT toppers’ Data Interpretation Preparation Strategy
- Take CAT Data Interpretation Mocks and Analyse Each One
Let us understand in detail the strategy how to prepare for Data Interpretation:.
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4.1 DI Preparation for CAT as per Syllabus
The Data Interpretation Syllabus for CAT is little more defined than other CAT sections. CAT Data Interpretation syllabus covers almost all types of data comparison and data analysis questions that could be formed on data table; bar diagrams; graphs; pie charts among other data representative modules. With a regular practice and improving the skills on Data analysis and data comparison, the DI questions in CAT could be answered by applying these improved skills in shorter time.
The 12 questions in MCQ and Non-MCQ format in DI 2023 in CAT are expected on following topics:
- Data Tables;
- Data charts
- Bar diagrams
- Pie charts
- Graphs
- Data analysis and comparison
- DI questions are also based on Caselet Data Interpretation type of problems
- Questions on interpretation and analysis of data based on text, tables, graphs (line, area), charts (column, bar, pie), venn diagram, are asked.
- DI questions are formed to test how candidates can interpret the given data and answer questions based on it.
- Free download for DILR Practice questions for CAT with solutions are available online and should be practiced well.
Read More on Data Interpretation Syllabus for CAT
4.2 Best Data Interpretation Books for CAT
Self-preparation with Data Interpretation for CAT books is the best way to begin with. If you are doing DI Preparation for CAT on your own and trying to develop some CAT Data Interpretation tricks to quickly solve the Data Interpretation Questions for CAT, you cannot deny the importance of choosing the best Data Interpretation Book for CAT. Most of the CAT toppers who were weak in DILR, opted for self –preparation after making thorough search on best Data Interpretation for CAT books.
Among the best Data Interpretation for CAT books are included the Data Interpretation Book by Arun Sharma; Data Interpretation Book By Arihant Publication and other books with Data Interpretation questions and Answers with CAT 2022 Data Interpretation tips by experts.
In view of the CAT toppers the best book for CAT Data Interpretation should be the one carrying all the features on DI 2023 tips & tricks; Data Interpretation questions with solutions in detail of varying types and difficulty level, strategy on how to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT 2023. In addition to this, the best Data Interpretation Book for CAT should be of latest edition with latest type of Data Interpretation exercises with answers as per the revised CAT exam pattern.
So, the question is- which is the best book for Data Interpretation for CAT. Out of 20 odd CAT preparation books on Data Interpretation, in opinion of the CAT toppers and experts are Data Interpretation Book by Arun Sharma; Data Interpretation Book By Arihant Publication among others.
The best books for Data Interpretation for CAT are:
- How to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
- CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri
Read more about the Best CAT Preparation Books
4.3 Read Study Material from Best CAT Coaching Institutes for DI 2023
In case you are preparing Data Interpretation for the CAT with the help of coaching centres, or wish to go for a mix of coaching supported preparation and self preparation to get the best of both in Data Interpretation Preparation, alongwith the best book for Data Interpretation for CAT you will be getting the best study material with more Data Interpretation exercises for CAT.
The Preparation Material, practice questions of Best Coaching Institutes like TIME, CL, IMS could be very helpful to prepare Data Interpretation for CAT. The reason is that the study material on Data Interpretation of top coaching centresis updated as per the latest and expected changes in CAT exam pattern.
4.5 Attempt More Mocks for CAT
Taking Mocks and sample tests is very important to crack Data Interpretationm section. This fact has been tested by the CAT toppers over a period of time. Taking more mocks on Data Interpretation will expose you to a vast variety of DI based questions and difficulty level. More the number of Mocks, the more you will be skilful in approaching the Data Interpretation Question sets.
Mocks, according to the toppers are the best source of preparation for CAT. But the most important is the post Mock analysis. You must analyse each mock attempted by you to check for your mistakes and understand them well. Ensure that the mistakes are not repeated. This will further strengthen your DI preparation. Take CAT Mocks to improve your score
5. CAT Toppers Data Interpretation Preparation Strategy
Many CAT toppers with 99 and 100 percentile have shared that they found Data Interpretation was their weak area while preparing for CAT. But they improved a lot in it with consistent preparation. How could these CAT toppers improve so much and how they could score so high in Data Interpretation in CAT? Sharing with MBAUniverse.com, CAT toppers spoke about their preparation strategy for Data Interpretation and also shared advice to CAT aspirants:
CAT Topper Rachit Saran, MDI Gurgaon (99.04 % in CAT 2017) on how he cracked Data Interpretation section
In an interview with MBAUniverse.com, CAT Topper Rachit Saran explained how he cracked Data Interpretation. He said “I believe that the difficulty level of this section is usually overrated. I would start with the set that I’m most comfortable with and I would just read carefully and follow the instructions word-by-word. Next, I would try to follow my instincts, use hit and trail, make cases, and eliminate the erroneous ones. Again, practice is what did wonders here. Also, do not be scared of using that on-screen calculator, just make it a friend.”
CAT Topper Rohan Joshi (99.63 % in CAT 2017) on how he cracked Data Interpretation section
Sharing with MBAUniverse.com, CAT Topper Rohan Joshi (99.63 % in CAT 2017) explained how he cracked DILR section, “CAT is known to ask trickiest questions in this section. I regularly solved different puzzles and Sudoku’s to enhance my logical thinking ability. Gave many sectionals to test my preparation.”
CAT Topper Abhishek Kumar Pandey (99.63% in CAT 2017) on how he cracked Data Interpretation section
Speaking to MBAUniverse.com, CAT Topper Abhishek Kumar Pandey (99.63 % in CAT 2017) explained how he cracked DILR section, “I was weak at the LRDI section. I tried to improve by solving as many varieties of LRs and DIs as possible and identify the kind of sets at which I was good. This strategy helped in improving my mock scores.”
CAT Topper Rachit Gupta, IIM Lucknow (99.83% in CAT 2016) on how he cracked DILR section
CAT topper with 99.83 percentile, Rachit Gupta and IIM Lucknow pass out of 2017-19 batch shared with MBAUniverse.com, “For LR/DI, I again practiced questions of each type and emphasized more on wherever I was not so confident.”
6. CAT Data Interpretation Tricks & Tips
- Practice is the key. The need for Practice in DI questions is very much required. Remember that even Tendulkar used to go for a net practice before every match. It’s not that he was not aware of a batting type, but practice keeps you alert.
- Keep on attempting and searching for the Quality Questions which are NON-REPETITIVE in nature
- Solve 4–5 sets Everyday (i.e. 20 questions) from the DI Book or Coaching study material. Find how to approach a question in DI.
- Questions at Foundation, Moderate and Advanced levels with solutions and explanations in the books on DI and LR are available. After attempting the exercises, analyse your mistakes and make sure you do not repeat them.
- If you find yourself average in an area it means that you have not solved similar questions earlier. It is your time - to go through the concepts and solve the questions - that will take you to higher levels of intelligence.
- The good part is - types of questions asked in CAT are finite. A question is difficult only if you are seeing it for the first time. If you find a question difficult even if you are seeing it for the second time, ask yourself - Are you honest enough with your preparation?
7. Changes in CAT Data Interpretation section
During the last 5 years, Data Interpretation for CAT has substantially changed. Data Interpretation for CAT was a part of Quantitative Ability section prior to 2015. There used to be around 10-12 questions out of 50 based on 3-4 DI problems for CAT before 2015, and out of 30 prior to 2013.
Now the Data Interpretation for CAT is a separate section alongwith Logical Reasoning questions and has a separate sectional cut off. The number of Data Interpretation Questions for CAT which had gone up to 16 out of total 32 questions in DILR section till 2019, are now reduced to 10-12 questions from 2020 due to Covid Pandemic. Accordingly with the change in question type and numbers, Data Interpretation practice questions for CAT, Data Interpretation Tricks For CAT PDF, questions types on caselet Data Interpretation and even the tips & tricks to approach the Data Interpretation Questions and answers for DI 2023 have changed over the years.
Now the preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT should be focused on the current CAT exam trends. No longer can you skip Data Interpretation question sets. You have to prepare and practice to achieve the high standards as you do in Quant and Verbal sections. If you score a percentile of 97 in Quant; 96 in VRC but lag behind in DILR, despite scoring a high percentile of 97 or 98 in CAT, you will not get shortlisted by IIMs as they need a minimum of 70 to 85 percentile in each of the 3 sections.
The tricky, twisting and time consuming DILR Practice Questions for CAT are in sets. You need to solve them quickly since one problem is followed by many questions. Even if a few could be answered correctly, the job is considered as done.
- Total weightage in CAT exam is 16%
- Now forms a separate section in CAT
- Has 50% share in DILR Section (2nd section in CAT exam)
- Consists of 8-10 MCQs with negative Marking and 3-4 Non-MCQs without Negative Marking
- No answer option may be found for NON MCQ type of DI questions. You need to type in the answers on computer screen in the given space
- DI questions have become more time consuming
8. Data Interpretation Questions and Answers for CAT
Below are shared sample caselet problem set on Data Interpretation questions for CAT followed by DI questions for CAT with solutions and approach how to answer the DI questions.
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Direction for questions 1 – 4: Read the information given below and solve the questions based on it.
Following table gives the result of dueNorth soccer competition. Matches were played round robin (each team playing against another once) and the teams participated were Bihar, Punjab and Haryana. The table has some data missing:
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Match played
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Won
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Drawn
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Lost
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Goals for
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Goals against
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Bihar
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2
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1
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2
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4
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Punjab
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2
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|
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3
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7
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Haryana
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1
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Q1. What is the total number of matches played in the competition?
1. 3 2. 6 3. 9 4. None of these
Q2. What did the score card read in favor of Punjab in Punjab-Haryana match?
1. 2-5 2. 1-5 3. 1-4 4. 1-6
3.How many matches did Punjab lose?
1. 0 2. 1 3. 2 4. 0 or 1
4.How many goals did Haryana score?
1. 5 2. 1 3. 3 4. 7
Quick tips to Solve in CAT 2020
You may find one question set with 4-5 questions based on games. You must know the quick and accurate approach to solve these question sets.
In this set of questions, we are 1st required to calculate total number of matches. Let us understand the scheme of matches in a Round Robin League tournament.
Method 1 - In a round robin league tournament, each team plays against other team once. So if there are five teams A, B, C, D and E (let us assume), total number of matches are going to be the following:
AB, AC, AD, AE
BC, BD, BE
CD, CE,
DE
Hence total number of matches = 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 10.
In general, if there are n teams, then total number of matches = (n-1) + (n-2)+….+3 + 2 + 1 = (n(n-1))/2
Method 2 - each team plays one match with every other team. So, number of matches played by each team = 4. So total number of matches = 5 teams × 4 matches = 20 matches. But each of these matches has been counted twice – for example match AB and BA both have been counted.
So total number of unique matches = 20/2= 10 matches.
Method 3 – Using Permutation and Combination
There is a match for every set of two players. So, if there are n players, total number of matches = nC2.
In this question, there are three teams – Bihar, Punjab and Haryana.
Hence total number of matches = 2 + 1 (Using method 1)
This is also equal to (n(n-1))/2 = (3(3-1))/2 = 3 matches.
Hence answer to Q1.Total number of matches played in the competition = 3 matches. Hence option (1) is the answer.
SECONDLY,
Total Goals for by all the teams = Total Goals Against all the teams
Now total goals against = 4 + 7 + 1 = 12 goals
This gives us the number of Goals for Haryana = 12 – (2+3) = 7
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Match played
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Won
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Drawn
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Lost
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Goals for
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Goals against
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Bihar
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2
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1
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2
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4
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Punjab
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2
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|
|
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3
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7
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Haryana
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2
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|
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7
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1
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Now, Bihar has drawn one of its matches, so it has either won or lost the other match.
Since it has drawn one of its two matches, possible score for Bihar is:
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Match 1 (Draw)
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Match 2 (Lost)
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Hypothesis
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Possibility 1
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0--0
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2--4
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Hypothesis 1
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Possibility 2
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1--1
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1--3
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Hypothesis 2
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Possibility 3
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2--2
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0--2
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Hypothesis 3
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2-2 = Goals for 2 and goals against 2.
It can be seen that Bihar is losing its second match.
Testing Hypothesis 1:
Hereafter, we will have to go ahead with hypothesis 1. Using the conditions given, then, we will verify if the assumptions that we have assumed are correct or not.
Assume that Bihar has its match drawn with Punjab and lost its match against Haryana.
Since Punjab and Haryana both have played one match with Bihar at this stage, total number of matches occurred so far = 2. And next match will be between Punjab and Haryana.
Using the score card of Punjab – Goals for 3 and Goals against 7.
Since one of its matches was drawn with Bihar (score 0 – 0), hence score of 2nd match against Haryana would be = 3-7
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Match 1 (Drawn with Bihar)
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Match 2 (Lost to Haryana )
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Punjab
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0--0
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3--7
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Now Finally, we will have to evaluate if the goals for / against obtained in two matches against Haryana (one against Bihar and another against Punjab) support the figure given in the original table given in the question.
Bihar’s score against Haryana = 2 – 4 Þ Score read in favour of Haryana = 4 – 2 (i.e. Haryana scored 4 goals and Bihar scored 2 goals) ---------------------(1)
Punjab’s score against Haryana = 3 – 7 Þ Score read in favour of Haryana = 7 -3 (i.e. Haryana scored 7 goals and Punjab scored 3 goals) ------------------(2)
Using the information given above in (1) and (2):
Haryana scored a total of 4 + 7 = 11 goals against these two teams. Looking at the information given in the table, Haryana has scored only 7 goals against both the teams taken together.
So, our hypothesis that Bihar drawn its match against Punjab with 0-0 is wrong.
Testing Hypothesis 2:
Similarly we will test our 2nd Hypothesis that Bihar drawn its match against Punjab with 1-1.
Testing Hypothesis 3:
Now checking the hypothesis that Bihar drawn its match against Punjab with score 2-2.
Using the score card of Punjab – Goals for 3 and Goals against 7.
Since one of its matches was drawn with Bihar (score 0 – 0), hence score of 2nd match against Haryana would be = 3-7
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Match 1 (Drawn with Bihar)
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Match 2 (Lost to Haryana )
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Punjab
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2--2
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1—5
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Bihar’s score against Haryana = 0 – 2 Þ Score read in favour of Haryana = 2 – 0 (i.e. Haryana scored 2 goals and Bihar scored 0 goal) ---------------------(1)
Punjab’s score against Haryana = 1 – 5 Þ Score read in favour of Haryana = 5 -1 (i.e. Haryana scored 5 goals and Punjab scored 1 goal) ------------------(2)
Using the information given above in (1) and (2):
Haryana scored a total of 5 + 2 = 7 goals against these two teams. Looking at the information given in the table, Haryana has scored 7 goals against both the teams taken together. At the same time, Punjab and Bihar taken together have scored 0 + 1 = 1 goal against Haryana. This also suits the tally given in the table (in original question).
So Hypothesis 3 is correct.
Hence the final table is like:
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Match played
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Won
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Drawn
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Lost
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Goals for
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Goals against
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Bihar
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2
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0
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1
|
1
|
2
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4
|
|
Punjab
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2
|
0
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1
|
1
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3
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7
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|
Haryana
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2
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2
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0
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0
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7
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1
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[New findings are in bold and italics].
Now all the questions from Q2 to Q4 can be answered.
Answer Grid:
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Q1
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Q2
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Q3
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Q4
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1
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2
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2
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4
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