UPSC CSE 2025 · PYQ · Data Sufficiency / Number Properties · medium
A question is given followed by two Statements I and II. Consider the Question and the Statements and mark the correct option.
Question: What is the smallest 1-digit number having exactly 4 distinct factors?
Statement I: 2 is one of the factors.
Statement II: 3 is one of the factors.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Question and the Statements?
A.The Question can be answered by using one of the Statements alone, but cannot be answered using the other statement alone.
B.The Question can be answered by using either Statement alone.
C.The Question can be answered by using both the Statements together, but cannot be answered using either Statement alone.
D.The Question can be answered even without using any of the Statements.✓ Correct
Explanation
Single-digit numbers (1-9) with exactly 4 distinct factors: 6 has factors {1,2,3,6} = 4 factors. 8 has factors {1,2,4,8} = 4 factors. The smallest is 6. This can be determined directly without either statement. So option (d) is correct — the question can be answered without using any statement.
💡 Practice unlimited UPSC CSE PYQs + AI-tracked progress on each topic. Sign up free →
More Data Sufficiency / Number Properties questions