Inequality Parameter Deduction

Inequality Parameter Deduction problems combine weight comparisons with numerical weight values (e.g., weights from a given set). You must deduce exact weights of boxes using inequalities and the stacking rule (heavier below lighter).

10Worksheets
200+Practice Questions
AdvancedDifficulty
3-4 hoursHours to Master

Introduction to Inequality Parameter Deduction

Inequality Parameter Deduction problems combine weight comparisons with numerical weight values (e.g., weights from a given set). You must deduce exact weights of boxes using inequalities and the stacking rule (heavier below lighter).

Prerequisites

Weight comparison basics Inequality chains Numerical reasoning Process of elimination with numbers Range constraints
Why This Matters: Inequality Parameter problems appear in 1-2 questions in advanced exams like CAT and GMAT. They test integration of inequalities with numerical reasoning.

How to Solve Inequality Parameter Deduction Problems

1

Step 1: List all boxes and possible weights (given set)

2

Step 2: Build inequality chain from weight comparisons

3

Step 3: Apply stacking rule: heavier at bottom, lighter at top

4

Step 4: Use numerical constraints (e.g., 'weight less than 50kg')

5

Step 5: Match weights to boxes using elimination

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Step 6: Answer the specific question (weight of a box)

Pro Strategy: Sort possible weights. Use inequalities to order boxes by weight. Match the order to stack positions (heaviest to lightest = bottom to top). Use numerical constraints to resolve ambiguities.

Example Problem

Example: Boxes K-O stacked (positions 1-5). Weights from {15,25,35,45,55}kg. Heavier below lighter. O at bottom, K at top. N > M but N < 50kg. Box above M has weight <30kg. L=25kg. Find N's weight. Solution: Step 1: O heaviest (55), K lightest (15) Step 2: L=25 → L at position 4 (second lightest) Step 3: Remaining weights: 35,45 for M,N Step 4: N > M → N=45, M=35 Step 5: Check: N<50 (45<50 ✓), above M (position 3) is L(25)<30 ✓ Step 6: N=45kg Answer: 45kg

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Sort the weight set in ascending order
  • Heaviest weight = bottom position
  • Lightest weight = top position
  • Use inequalities to determine relative positions in weight order
  • Numerical constraints (e.g., <50) eliminate heavier weights
  • If a weight is given (e.g., L=25), that box is fixed to that weight

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

Weight order (heaviest to lightest) = stack order (bottom to top)
If weights are consecutive numbers, the order determines exact values
A constraint like 'X < 50' eliminates all weights ≥ 50

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reversing weight order (heaviest at top)
Not using all given numerical constraints
Assuming weights are unique (they usually are)
Forgetting to verify all inequalities after assignment

Exam Importance

Inequality Parameter Deduction is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

SSC CGL
0-1 questions
BANKING PO
1-2 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
0-1 questions
CAT
1-2 questions
INSURANCE
0-1 questions

Ready to Master Inequality Parameter Deduction?

Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes:

20 practice questions
Detailed solutions
Step-by-step explanations
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