Question: Let a, b, c and d be positive integers. Which one of a, b, c, d is closest to the product abcd?<br>Statement-I: a \gt b \gt c<br>Statement-II: c is <strong>NOT</strong> the smallest.

Consider the following for the next ten (10) items that follow : Each item contains a Question followed by two Statements. Answer each item using the following instructions : Choose option (a) If the Question can be answered by one of the Statements alone, but not by the other. (b) If the Question can be answered by either Statement alone. (c) If the Question can be answered by using both the Statements together, but cannot be answered by using either Statement alone. (d) If the Question cannot be answered even by using both Statements together.

  1. A. If the Question can be answered by one of the Statements alone, but not by the other.
  2. B. If the Question can be answered by either Statement alone.
  3. C. If the Question can be answered by using both the Statements together, but cannot be answered by using either Statement alone. ✓
  4. D. If the Question cannot be answered even by using both Statements together.

Correct Answer: C. If the Question can be answered by using both the Statements together, but cannot be answered by using either Statement alone.

Explanation

Statement-I gives the inequality sequence a \gt b \gt c, but provides no information regarding where d falls. Statement-II clarifies that c is not the smallest number, which forces d to be the smallest, establishing the full order a \gt b \gt c \gt d. Since all are distinct positive integers, a is the largest integer. Because a \geq 4 and the product of positive integers grows rapidly, the largest integer a will naturally be the closest in absolute value to the product abcd. Therefore, both statements must be used together to answer the question securely.

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