What Inequality Questions Test
- Direct inequality chains (A > B ≥ C)
- Coded inequalities (symbols standing for >, <, =)
- Certain vs possible conclusions
- Either-or cases on complementary conclusions
Question bank coverage by sub-pattern
How Inequality Appears in IBPS PO
Inequality is part of the Reasoning Ability section (20% of the IBPS PO syllabus). See the full IBPS PO Prelims breakdown.
Inequality Solved Examples for IBPS PO
Exam-pattern questions from the practice bank, with full solutions.
Statements: J < K ≤ L, L = M, M > N. Conclusions: I. K < M. II. J < N.
- A.Only conclusion I followsCorrect
- B.Only conclusion II follows
- C.Both I and II follow
- D.Neither I nor II follows
Solution
K ≤ L = M, so K ≤ M, which means K < M or K = M. But since the conclusion says K < M, and K ≤ L = M means K could equal M, I doesn't definitely follow. Wait — K ≤ L and L = M, so K ≤ M. K < M is not guaranteed. Let me reconsider. Actually the conclusion 'K < M' isn't necessarily true since K could equal L = M. So I doesn't follow. For II: J < K ≤ L = M > N. J and N have no definite relationship. Neither follows. Hmm, let me re-examine: I says K < M. Since K ≤ L = M means K ≤ M. This doesn't guarantee strict inequality. So neither follows. But wait, the answer must be from the options. Re-examining: K ≤ L = M means K ≤ M. In IBPS convention, K ≤ M supports 'K ≤ M' but not strictly 'K < M'. Neither I nor II follows.
Quantity I: The number of ways to arrange the letters of the word 'APPLE'. Quantity II: The number of ways to arrange the letters of the word 'BANANA'. What is the relationship between Quantity I and Quantity II?
- A.Quantity I > Quantity II
- B.Quantity I < Quantity IICorrect
- C.Quantity I = Quantity II
- D.Quantity I ≤ Quantity II
Solution
Quantity I (APPLE): Number of letters = 5, P repeats 2 times. Number of arrangements = 5! / 2! = 120 / 2 = 60. Quantity II (BANANA): Number of letters = 6, A repeats 3 times, N repeats 2 times. Number of arrangements = 6! / (3! * 2!) = 720 / (6 * 2) = 720 / 12 = 60. Comparing Quantity I and Quantity II: 60 = 60. However, there was an error in my initial assessment. The correct calculation for BANANA is 6!/(3!2!) = 720/(6*2) = 60. The correct calculation for APPLE is 5!/2! = 120/2 = 60. Therefore, the two quantities are equal. The initial statement was incorrect. Quantity I = Quantity II.
In a certain code, '$' means 'greater than', '#' means 'less than', '@' means 'equal to', '&' means 'either greater than or equal to', and '%' means 'either less than or equal to'. Given the statements: 'M $ N, N @ O, O # P', which of the following conclusions is definitely false?
- A.M $ O
- B.N @ O
- C.M $ P
- D.P $ NCorrect
Solution
From the given statements, we have M > N, N = O, and O < P. Combining these, we get M > N = O < P. Thus, M > O and N = O. Therefore, M > P. The statement P $ N means P > N. Since N = O and O < P, it means N < P. Thus, P > N. Hence, the conclusion P $ N is true. However, the question asks for which is DEFINITELY FALSE. M > O and O < P implies M > O and O < P so M > O < P. Thus M > P is possible but not definite. P $ N is P > N and N = O, so P > O. Hence, P $ N is definitely true. Therefore, M $ P is the correct answer.
Inequality — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key rule for combining inequalities?
A definite relation between two elements needs an unbroken chain of same-direction inequalities between them. If the chain changes direction (A > B < C), the relation between A and C cannot be determined.
How do coded inequalities differ?
Only in translation — first rewrite the coded symbols as standard ones, then solve normally. Writing the decoded chain down eliminates the memory errors the coding is designed to cause.
How many Inequality practice questions does Parikshala have for IBPS PO?
44 exam-pattern Inequality questions for IBPS PO Reasoning Ability, each with a step-by-step solution. Practice is free — no sign-up needed to start.