SSC CHSL 2017 PYQs

Question 1

Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.The twenty-four tributesP-that could hold anything from aQ-will be imprisoned in a vast outdoor arenaR-burning desert to a frozen wastelan

Accepted Answer

The sentence starts with 'The twenty-four tributes'. 'Q' logically follows as it describes their fate: 'will be imprisoned in a vast outdoor arena'. 'P' then describes the arena: 'that could hold anything from a', and 'R' completes the description: 'burning desert to a frozen wasteland'.

Question 2

If 2x + 5 > 2 + 3x and 2x-3 ≤ 4x-5, then x can take which of the following values?

Accepted Answer

Solve the first inequality: 2x + 5 > 2 + 3x => 3 > x. Solve the second: 2x - 3 ≤ 4x - 5 => 2 ≤ 2x => 1 ≤ x. Combining, 1 ≤ x < 3. The only option in this range is 2.

Question 3

The mean of marks secured by 55 students in division-A of class X is 55, 45 students of division-B is 51 and that of 40 students of division-C is 49. What is the  mean of marks of the students of three divisions of class X?

Accepted Answer

Calculate the total marks for each division (students × mean). Sum these totals and divide by the total number of students (55+45+40 = 140) to find the combined mean.

Question 4

1/(secA + tanA) is equal to

Accepted Answer

Multiply the numerator and denominator by the conjugate (secA - tanA). Using the identity sec²A - tan²A = 1, the expression simplifies to secA - tanA.

Question 5

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence.The unfortunate old man was knocked (away by) the  rash driver.

Accepted Answer

The phrasal verb 'knocked out' means to make someone unconscious, which fits the context of an accident. 'Knocked away' is not a standard phrasal verb for this meaning.

Question 6

Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.In that case,P-put together the best gender-justQ-practices from all Personal LawsR-a Uniform Civil Code would simply

Accepted Answer

The sentence starts with 'In that case, a Uniform Civil Code would simply' (R). It then logically follows with 'put together the best gender-just' (P), and concludes with 'practices from all Personal Laws' (Q). Thus, RPQ forms a coherent sentence.

Question 7

If the radius of a circle is increased by 14% its area  increases by

Accepted Answer

Let the original radius be R. New radius is 1.14R. Original area is πR². New area is π(1.14R)² = π(1.2996R²). Percentage increase = (1.2996 - 1) * 100 = 29.96%.

Question 8

What is the value ofcos2(A∕2)?

Accepted Answer

Recall the half-angle identity for cosine: cos²(x) = (1 + cos(2x))/2. Substituting x = A/2 gives cos²(A/2) = (1 + cosA)/2.

Question 9

tan(A/2) is equal to

Accepted Answer

We know that tan(A/2) = (1 - cosA) / sinA. Splitting this gives 1/sinA - cosA/sinA, which simplifies to cosecA - cotA.

Question 10

Select the antonym of outlandish

Accepted Answer

Outlandish means bizarre or unfamiliar. Therefore, 'common' which means ordinary or usual, is its direct antonym.

Question 11

Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.The white American underclass is in thrallP-and used heroin needlesQ-to a vicious, selfish cultureR-whose main products are miser

Accepted Answer

The idiom 'in thrall' is always followed by the preposition 'to'. Part Q begins with 'to', making it the logical successor. Part R, starting with 'whose', describes the 'culture' from Q. Part P continues the list of products. Thus, the correct sequence is QRP.

Question 12

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence.Look at this video clip in which (I, my friend and you) are enjoying a boat ride.

Accepted Answer

When multiple pronouns are used, the correct order is 2nd person, 3rd person, then 1st person (231 rule). Thus, 'you, my friend and I' is correct.

Question 13

What is the value of  tan 150°?

Accepted Answer

Use the identity tan(180° - θ) = -tan(θ). So, tan(150°) = tan(180° - 30°) = -tan(30°). Since tan(30°) = 1/√3, tan(150°) = -1/√3.

Question 14

One diagonal of a rhombus is half the other. If the length of the side of the rhombus is 10 cm, what is the area of the rhombus?

Accepted Answer

Let diagonals be d1 and d2. Given d1 = d2/2. For a rhombus, (d1/2)^2 + (d2/2)^2 = side^2. Substitute and solve for d1, d2. Area = (1/2)d1d2.

Question 15

If12x=192−112, what is the value of x?

Accepted Answer

Use the difference of squares formula, a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b). So, 19² - 11² = (19 - 11)(19 + 11) = 8 × 30 = 240. Then, 12x = 240, which means x = 240 / 12 = 20.

Question 16

Rearrange the parts of the sentence in correct order.Only a country not yet ridP-of its colonial hangoverQ-and controls, labels dissent as seditiousR-of a government that commands

Accepted Answer

The sentence starts with 'Only a country not yet rid'. 'P' ('of its colonial hangover') logically follows 'rid'. Then 'R' ('of a government that commands') describes the country, and 'Q' ('and controls, labels dissent as seditious') completes the thought.

Question 17

When 0.151515.....is converted into a fraction, then the result is

Accepted Answer

Let x = 0.151515... Multiply by 100: 100x = 15.151515... Subtract x from 100x: 99x = 15. So, x = 15/99, which simplifies to 5/33.

Question 18

P and Q can finish a work in 24 and 12 days respectively.  how many days can they complete 50% of the work if they work together?

Accepted Answer

P's 1-day work = 1/24, Q's 1-day work = 1/12. Together, (1/24 + 1/12) = 3/24 = 1/8 work per day. So, they complete 50% (1/2) of the work in (1/2) / (1/8) = 4 days.

Question 19

What is the value of sec -2π/3 ?

Accepted Answer

Use the identity sec(-θ) = sec(θ). So, sec(-2π/3) = sec(2π/3). Since 2π/3 = 120°, which is in the second quadrant, sec(120°) = -sec(60°) = -2.

Question 20

Improve the bracketed part of the sentence. One should get (trained) to prepare one's own breakfast.

Accepted Answer

The phrase 'get used to' means to become accustomed to something. 'Trained' implies formal instruction, which is not suitable here for preparing breakfast.