TSA Past Paper
Worked Solutions
TSA SECTION 1 2023
TSA Section 1 - 2023
1) The correct answer is A
This is the main conclusion. The argument emphasizes that society could be much smarter in addressing conspiracy
theories through better communication and information delivery, rather than directly challenging beliefs.
2) The correct answer is D
To find the total number of drinks sold, we need to calculate the number of hot and cold drinks sold during the day and
night.
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Cold drinks: 18 per hour during the day for 15 hours, and 12 per hour during the night for 9 hours.
Day: 18×15=27018×15=270
Night: 12×9=10812×9=108
Total cold drinks = 270 + 108 = 378
Hot drinks: One-third fewer hot drinks were sold per hour than cold drinks, so they sold two-thirds as many hot
drinks as cold drinks.
Day: 18×23=1218×32=12 per hour for 15 hours, giving 12×15=18012×15=180
Night: 12×23=812×32=8 per hour for 9 hours, giving 8×9=728×9=72
Total hot drinks = 180 + 72 = 252
The total number of drinks sold is 378+252=630378+252=630.
3) The correct answer is E
This option best illustrates the principle of acting for the right reason. Returning lost property without expecting
compensation aligns with the argument that one should do the right thing because it is right, not for a reward.
4) The correct answer is E
The assumption here is that the benefits of the new backpack design, such as ease of carrying and the ability to generate
electricity, will be seen as valuable enough to justify a higher price. Without this assumption, the conclusion that the
backpack will become popular wouldn't hold.
5) The correct answer is D
This option weakens the argument by pointing out that careers now require a broader range of skills, not just academic
achievements. This contradicts the idea that traditional teaching methods, focused on academic outcomes, are the best
way forward.
6) The correct answer is D
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First digit must be 7 (option D)
The complete PIN would be 7429
TSA SECTION 1 2023
This solution satisfies all conditions:
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7+4=11 (first two digits)
2+9=11 (last two digits)
7 is odd (first digit requirement)
2 is the smallest digit (last digit requirement)
All digits (7,4,2,9) are different
No digits are consecutive
7) The correct answer is C
Jarold’s exercise regime includes:
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10 minutes of fast walking. The rate for fast walking is 120 calories per 30 minutes, so for 10 minutes: (120 / 30)
x 10 = 40 calories.
20 minutes of slow cycling. The rate for slow cycling is 180 calories per 30 minutes, so for 20 minutes: (180 /
30) x 20 = 120 calories.
20 minutes of slow swimming. The rate for slow swimming is 210 calories per 30 minutes, so for 20 minutes:
(210 / 30) x 20 = 140 calories.
Total calories burned = 40 + 120 + 140 = 300 calories.
8) The correct answer is C
Two elements are permanently on and one is permanently off - top left, middle.
9) The correct answer is E
The flaw in the argument is that even though Japanese people sleep fewer hours than others, it does not mean their life
expectancy would not be longer if they slept more. Option E highlights this flaw by stating that "the life expectancy of
Japanese people might be even longer if they slept for longer."
10) The correct answer is C
The reasoning in this question is similar to the scenario of Cara and her family: when it did not rain, they had ice cream at
the café. This parallels the argument where, since Amy did not finish in the top ten, she must have received a
participation medal.
11) The correct answer is D
The passage explains the difficulties in proving the role of the stars in ancient stone circle designs. The correct
conclusion is that "it is unclear whether the stars were important in the layout of stone circles."
TSA SECTION 1 2023
12) The correct answer is E
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Initial conditions:
Path length = 10 km
David starts at 09:00, walking uphill at 3 km/h
Andrew starts at 10:00 (1 hour later) from the top, walking downhill at 4 km/h
Find when they meet:
At 10:00 (when Andrew starts):
○ David has walked 3 km uphill (3 km/h × 1 hour)
○ David has 7 km left to reach the top
○ Andrew is starting at the top
3. They are now walking towards each other:
● Combined speed = 7 km/h (3 km/h + 4 km/h)
● Distance between them = 7 km
● Time to meet = 7 km ÷ 7 km/h = 1 hour
● They meet at 11:00
4. One hour after meeting (at 12:00):
● David continues uphill at 3 km/h for another hour
● Andrew continues downhill at 4 km/h for another hour
● Distance between them = 3 km + 4 km = 7 km
Therefore, E (7 km) is the correct answer - they will be 7 km apart one hour after passing each other.
13) The correct answer is E
Juan wants to buy two different boxes with a total capacity of at least 1000 cubic centimeters, and no side can be longer
than 25 centimeters. The cheapest combination that meets the requirements is:
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Plastic box (20 by 6 by 4, 450 cubic centimeters) for $13
Wooden box (20 by 10 by 4, 600 cubic centimeters) for $22 Total = 13 + 22 = $35.
14) The correct answer is D
Store 2 offers buy one, get one at half price, which means the cost for 2 kilograms is 1.5 times the price of one kilogram.
Store 4 offers one-third extra free, meaning you get 1.33 kilograms for the price of one kilogram. Both stores offer the
same effective price per kilogram, so the correct answer is 2 and 4.
15) The correct answer is C
The main conclusion of the passage is that surgical cataract treatment offers great value for the immense benefits it
brings, not just to individuals but also to society as a whole.
TSA SECTION 1 2023
16) The correct answer is B
The presence of tourists seems to benefit some species, like the murres, by keeping predators away. Therefore, the
conclusion drawn from the passage is that "the presence of people has a beneficial effect on wildlife species' populations
in some cases."
17) The correct answer is E
The flaw in the argument is that just because one tribunal dismissed a case does not mean that all future cases will be
dismissed. Therefore, the correct answer is "the fact that one case has been dismissed does not mean that all future cases
will be dismissed."
18) The correct answer is A
The difference between the highest and lowest scores in the word game cannot be 1, because the minimum difference
based on the points accumulated from using the letters in the final round is larger. Therefore, option A is the correct
answer.
19) The correct answer is D
To ensure enough fruit for the week, the best option is to buy 2 bags of oranges for 218 pence and 1 bag of apples for 99
pence. The total cost is 317 pence, or £3.17.
20) The correct answer is B
Based on the number of blocks of each size in the paved area, chart B is the correct representation of the relative
proportions of block sizes.
21) The correct answer is C
The correct answer is C "Some photographers of the past chose to use black and white film instead of color."
Let's analyze why this most strengthens the argument:
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The main argument states that:
Colorization of historical photographs has become widespread
This practice treats photos as simple "windows" to the past that can be "improved"
This ignores the photographs as physical artifacts with unique histories
Colorization blocks out deeper historical meaning
The fact that "some photographers of the past chose to use black and white film instead of color" strengthens this
argument because:
It shows that black and white photography was often a deliberate artistic and technical choice
TSA SECTION 1 2023
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Even when color photography was available, some photographers specifically chose black and white
This demonstrates that the monochrome nature of these photographs was part of their intended meaning and
historical context
Colorizing such photos would override the photographer's intentional artistic decisions
It supports the argument's point about photographs having "complicated histories" and meaning beyond just their
visual content
22) The correct answer is C
The principle illustrated here is that "a patient who has been prescribed a medication that has unpleasant side effects is
entitled to complain if they were not warned of this possibility." This mirrors the reasoning that students have a right to
complain if they were not informed about automated marking.
23) The correct answer is C
23. The correct answer is C "If they want to take a holiday that is affordable and unique, the friends can volunteer on
a farm or at a nature reserve. The farm only hosts volunteers for the weekend, so they probably won't go there."
Let's analyze why this most closely parallels the reasoning in the original argument:
Original argument:
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Premise 1: The chef will not go ahead with her cooking class tomorrow unless at least 15 people sign up by 5pm
today
Premise 2: It is now 4pm and twenty people have already registered
Conclusion: So she will be teaching the class tomorrow
Looking at Option C:
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Premise 1: To take a holiday that is affordable and unique, they need to volunteer on either a farm or nature
reserve
Premise 2: The farm only hosts volunteers for the weekend
Conclusion: So they probably won't go there
The parallel reasoning structure is:
1. Two alternatives are presented (meet minimum signup OR class won't happen; farm OR nature reserve)
2. One alternative is eliminated by a condition
3. This leads to the conclusion about the remaining option
This is a case of logical elimination - when one option is ruled out, we can draw a conclusion about the other option. The
reasoning pattern matches the original argument where we have a condition that, when met, leads to a definite outcome.
The other options don't follow this same pattern of:
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Having two clear alternatives
TSA SECTION 1 2023
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Having one alternative eliminated by a condition
Leading to a conclusion about the remaining option
Therefore, C is the correct answer as it most closely mirrors the logical structure of the original argument.
24) The correct answer is E
Key Information:
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Open 12th December to 9th January inclusive
Open 2pm-5pm daily (3 hours)
Extra session Saturdays 10am-1pm (3 additional hours)
Closed Sundays and Christmas Day
£2 per hour
Jimmy skates for 2 hours every session
12th December was a Monday
Count the days:
December: 12th to 31st = 20 days
January: 1st to 9th = 9 days
Total = 29 days
Count Sundays to exclude:
December: 18th, 25th (Christmas Day already excluded)
January: 1st, 8th
Total = 4 Sundays
Count Saturdays for extra sessions:
December: 17th, 24th, 31st
January: 7th
Total = 4 Saturdays
Calculate sessions:
Regular days: 29 - 4 (Sundays) - 1 (Christmas) = 24 regular days
Extra Saturday sessions = 4
Calculate cost:
Regular sessions: 24 days × 2 hours × £2 = £96
Saturday extra sessions: 4 days × 2 hours × £2 = £16
Total = £96 + £16 = £116
25) The correct answer is B
For 23 gift bags, you need:
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6 packs of sweets, which cost $3.05
2 packs of balloons, which cost $1.70
23 toys, which cost $74.00
TSA SECTION 1 2023
The total cost is 3.05 + 1.70 + 74.00 = $78.50.
26) The correct answer is E
This question asks us to identify which diagram does NOT correspond to one of the four houses' broken tile patterns.
Let's analyze each house's broken tile positions from the table:
House W:
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Tiles at: (2,2), (4,5), (6,2), (8,5), (10,2)
House X:
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Tiles at: (2,3), (5,4), (6,3), (8,5), (9,2)
House Y:
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Tiles at: (2,5), (3,1), (4,3), (7,5), (10,1)
House Z:
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Tiles at: (1,2), (3,5), (4,2), (6,4), (8,5)
Looking at the diagrams:
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Each diagram shows a grid with X's marking broken tiles
We need to check which diagram matches none of these patterns
Remember: coordinates start from bottom left
Each diagram should have exactly 5 X's
Looking at diagram E:
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This pattern appears to show 5 X's in a pattern that doesn't match any of the houses
The positions don't align with any of the four given houses' coordinates
When plotting the points from each house, none result in the pattern shown in diagram E
Therefore, E is the correct answer as it's the diagram that does not correspond to any of the four houses' broken tile
patterns.
27) The correct answer is B
The flaw in the argument is that "good performance, although not guaranteed by previous experience, may be impossible
without it." This shows the argument dismisses the potential importance of experience, which might still be a key factor
for performance.
28) The correct answer is C
TSA SECTION 1 2023
The main conclusion is that "a little reflection tells us that it is not so strange to allow a cow to choose where to build a
city." The argument defends the seemingly odd practice by highlighting the natural resources that such a location could
provide.
29) The correct answer is E
The passage concludes that "if we did not fear being wrong, disagreements would be less likely to get heated." The fear
of reputational damage causes disagreements to become heated, as explained in the passage.
30) The correct answer is B
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Block dimensions: 12 × 10 × 5 cm Each cube is 1 cm³, so we're dealing with a grid of:
Length: 12 cubes
Width: 10 cubes
Height: 5 cubes
To have rind on two or more faces, a cube must be:
On an edge (meeting point of two faces)
Or on a corner (meeting point of three faces)
Let's count: a) Corner cubes (3 faces of rind):
○ Top: 4 corners
○ Bottom: 4 corners
○ Total corners: 8 cubes
b) Edge cubes (2 faces of rind) excluding corners:
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Vertical edges: 4 × (5-2) = 12 cubes
Top edges: (12-2) × 2 + (10-2) × 2 = 36 cubes
Bottom edges: (12-2) × 2 + (10-2) × 2 = 36 cubes
Total edges: 84 cubes
Total cubes with rind on two or more faces:
○ 8 (corners) + 84 (edges) = 92 cubes
Therefore B (92) is the correct answer.
31) The correct answer is B
Let's solve step by step to find the least amount Imani needs to pay for her four-night stay:
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Requirements:
Four-night stay in May
Must include a Sunday
Looking for cheapest option
Special Offers:
Book Sat & Sun, get Friday free
Book Sun & Mon, get Tuesday free
TSA SECTION 1 2023
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Only one offer can be used per booking
Looking at the May calendar, we have these Sundays:
7th (£40)
14th (£40)
21st (£40)
28th (£30)
For each Sunday, we need to check the surrounding days and both special offers to find the cheapest
combination:
For Sunday 7th: Using Sun & Mon offer:
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Sun 7th (£40)
Mon 8th (£30)
Tue 9th (free with offer)
Wed 10th (£50) Total: £120
For Sunday 14th: Similar calculations...
For Sunday 21st: Similar calculations...
For Sunday 28th: Using Sun & Mon offer:
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Sun 28th (£30)
Mon 29th (£40)
Tue 30th (free with offer)
Wed 31st (£40) Total: £110
This £110 option is the cheapest valid combination.
32) The correct answer is A
The coding system for the word "EAR" follows the pattern provided in the question. The correct answer is: "plus plus o
plus o o" which corresponds to option A.
33) The correct answer is B
The argument is strengthened by the fact that "the award programs provide a way for companies to learn about
environmental management advancements within their own industries." This supports the claim that the awards serve a
purpose beyond just recognition, providing valuable insights.
34) The correct answer is D
The underlying assumption is that "an offender's wealth does not affect the amount they are fined." The argument
suggests that fines are unfair because they have a disproportionate impact on poorer individuals, assuming that the fine
amount remains the same for everyone regardless of wealth.
TSA SECTION 1 2023
35) The correct answer is D
The flaw in the argument is that "just because lower-quality sperm production is associated with more time in a job does
not mean it is caused by that job." The argument makes the common mistake of assuming causation from correlation.
36) The correct answer is B
Becky works from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, which is 9 hours or 540 minutes. Each toy takes 16 minutes to make, with a
5-minute break between toys. Each toy cycle (16 minutes + 5 minutes break) takes 21 minutes.
Work time = 540 minutes - 40 minutes for lunch = 500 minutes.
Number of toys completed = 500 divided by 21 = 23.8, so she completes 24 toys.
37) The correct answer is A
Let's solve step by step to find the percentage of all competitors who took more than four hours (240 minutes):
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For men (who make up 2/3 of competitors):
301-420 minutes: 16%
421 or more: 0% Total over 4 hours for men = 16%
For women (who make up 1/3 of competitors):
301-420 minutes: 12%
421 or more: 6% Total over 4 hours for women = 18%
Calculate weighted average:
Men (2/3 weight): 16% × (2/3) = 10.67%
Women (1/3 weight): 18% × (1/3) = 6%
Total = 16.67%
Final percentage:
Men make up twice as many competitors as women
So from total competitors:
○ Men contribute: 16% × (2/3) = 32%
○ Women contribute: 18% × (1/3) = 14%
○ Total = 46%
Therefore A (46%) is the correct answer.
38) The correct answer is E
Let's analyze each map using the principle that:
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Adjacent regions must have different colors
We want to use the minimum number of colors possible
We're looking for the map that requires exactly 4 colors
TSA SECTION 1 2023
Looking at Map E:
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It contains a complex arrangement with multiple regions sharing borders
The key feature is that it has several regions that create a "cycle" where:
Region A borders B, C, and D
Region B borders A, C, and D
Region C borders A, B, and D
Region D borders A, B, and C
This creates what's known as a "complete graph" between these regions
Each region must be a different color from all others it touches
With this arrangement, all four regions must have different colors because each one touches all others
No arrangement with 3 colors is possible because each region needs to be different from three others
This is the only map among the options that creates this situation requiring exactly 4 colors
Therefore, E is the correct answer, as it's the only map that mathematically requires exactly 4 colors to ensure no adjacent
regions share the same colour.
39) The correct answer is E
Let's analyze why this most closely parallels the reasoning in the original argument:
Original argument:
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Premise 1: For an earthquake to take place, there needs to be pressure generated between the Earth's tectonic
plates
Premise 2: The pressure has increased along this fault line
Conclusion: So we can expect an earthquake soon
Looking at Option E:
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Premise 1: A ship cannot be steered without a rudder
Premise 2: This vessel is equipped with one
Conclusion: So we should be able to change course
The parallel reasoning structure is:
1. Both present a necessary condition for something to happen:
○ Pressure is needed for earthquakes
○ A rudder is needed for steering
2. Both identify that the condition is met:
○ Pressure has increased
○ The ship has a rudder
3. Both conclude that because the necessary condition is met, the outcome is possible:
○ An earthquake can be expected
○ The ship should be able to change course
TSA SECTION 1 2023
40) The correct answer is C
The principle used is that "those who are rude to their friends should not complain if their friends are rude in return." This
mirrors the idea in the argument, which states that the political party raising concerns about free speech should not
criticize others for the same behavior they exhibit.
41) The correct answer is E
The passage argues that "the average 16-year-old is just as qualified to vote as many older adults." The reasoning is based
on the fact that voting requires deliberation and reasoning, which many 16-year-olds can handle just as well as older
adults.
42) The correct answer is D
Let's solve step by step to find the minimum range in which Isaac's true weight must lie:
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Three scale readings:
Scale 1: 95 kg
Scale 2: 93 kg
Scale 3: 96 kg
Each scale is accurate to within 2 kg above or below the displayed value:
Scale 1 (95 kg): true weight is between 93-97 kg
Scale 2 (93 kg): true weight is between 91-95 kg
Scale 3 (96 kg): true weight is between 94-98 kg
For the true weight to be possible, it must fall within ALL three ranges:
Must be ≥ 94 kg (from Scale 3's minimum)
Must be ≤ 95 kg (from Scale 2's maximum)
Therefore, the minimum range in which Isaac's true weight must lie is 94-95 kg.
This is different from my previous answer because we need to find the intersection of all three possible ranges, taking
into account that:
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The true weight must be possible according to all three scales
We want the smallest possible range that satisfies all conditions
The maximum of the lowest possible readings and the minimum of the highest possible readings give us our
range
Therefore D (94-95 kg) is the correct answer.
43) The correct answer is E
Let's solve step by step:
1. Initial conditions:
TSA SECTION 1 2023
Equal numbers of red, white and blue socks
Let's call this initial number 'x' So at start:
Red socks = x
White socks = x
Blue socks = x
Changes made:
Red socks doubled: now 2x
24 white socks removed: now (x - 24)
24 blue socks added: now (x + 24)
After changes:
Red socks = 2x
White socks = (x - 24)
Blue socks = (x + 24)
We're told there are now four times as many blue socks as white socks: (x + 24) = 4(x - 24) x + 24 = 4x - 96 24 +
96 = 4x - x 120 = 3x x = 40
5. Therefore:
● Original number of each color (x) = 40
● Number of red socks after doubling = 2x = 80
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44) The correct answer is A
Let's solve step by step:
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First, we need to find how 3, 4 and 18 combine to give 10:
Let's try different operations until we find the combination
18 ÷ 3 = 6
6 + 4 = 10 So: (18 ÷ 3) + 4 = 10
Now we can apply the same sequence of operations to each option to see which one gives the stated result:
For option A (2, 5 and 12):
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12 ÷ 2 = 6
6 + 5 = 11 This matches the given answer of 11
This is the same pattern as the original:
Take the largest number (18 or 12)
Divide by the smallest number (3 or 2)
Add the middle number (4 or 5)
Testing the other options with this same sequence of operations won't give their stated results.
Therefore A (2, 5 and 12 to give 11) is the correct answer as it's the only option that follows the same mathematical
pattern as the original combination to produce its stated result.
45) The correct answer is A
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Online courses are less effective than in-person courses
Students multitask more in online courses
TSA SECTION 1 2023
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This leads to worse performance and higher dropout rates
Therefore, online courses are detrimental to learning
Option A weakens this by:
● Providing an alternative explanation for the poor performance and higher dropout rates
● Suggesting the difference in outcomes isn't due to the online format itself, but rather the circumstances
of the students who choose online courses
● Working students and those with childcare responsibilities:
● Have less time to focus on studies
● Are more likely to need to multitask
● May be more likely to drop out due to competing commitments
● Would likely perform differently from full-time students regardless of course format
This most weakens the argument because:
● It breaks the causal link between online format and poor outcomes
● It suggests the correlation between online courses and worse performance might be due to student
circumstances rather than course delivery method
● It implies the same students might perform even worse in traditional courses due to scheduling
conflicts
46) The correct answer is B
Let's solve step by step:
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Key information:
Grey car is 12% faster than white car
Figure-of-eight track means same distance per lap for both cars
Need to find how many laps before grey car overtakes white car
Calculate relative speeds:
If white car's speed is x
Grey car's speed is 1.12x (12% faster)
For every lap white car completes, grey car completes 1.12 laps
For the grey car to overtake:
It needs to complete exactly one more lap than white car
If white car has done y laps
Grey car has done (y + 1) laps
Can write equation: 1.12y = (y + 1)
1.12y - y = 1
0.12y = 1
y = 8.33...
Therefore:
White car will complete 8.33 laps
Grey car will complete 9.33 laps
First overtake happens at 9 laps of the grey car
Therefore B (9 laps) is the correct answer.
TSA SECTION 1 2023
47) The correct answer is E
The underlying assumption in the argument is that "the government should not offer tax breaks that benefit the richest
most and the poorest least." This assumption supports the argument that the mortgage interest deduction should be
abolished in favor of more targeted financial support for poorer Americans.
48) The correct answer is D
Mike, Helen, Amy, and Ben each want the maximum number of rides, and Pearl will have at least 2 rides. They purchase
a family ticket and buy additional tokens. The total cost is 250 dollars, and the maximum number of rides Amy can have
is 7.
49) The correct answer is B
Let's analyze why this most closely parallels the original argument:
Original argument:
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Premise 1: To win business investment, you need a good product AND a well-developed business plan
Premise 2: Your product is brilliant, but you haven't spent enough time on the plan
Conclusion: So it's unlikely you'll get funding
Looking at Option B:
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Premise 1: Disqualification requires missing a match AND failing to notify director
Premise 2: They missed the match but DID notify the director
Conclusion: So they won't be disqualified
The parallel reasoning structure matches because:
1. Both present two conditions that must BOTH be met for an outcome
2. Both show that one condition is met but the other isn't
3. Both conclude that because one condition isn't met, the outcome won't occur
This differs from my previous answer because I better recognized that:
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The logical structure hinges on two necessary conditions
When one condition is not met, the outcome cannot occur
The reasoning follows the same "if not both A and B, then not C" pattern
50) The correct answer is D A
The ratio of production to resources used increased by the greatest percentage between Thursday and Friday. This is
evident from the change in production and resource usage on those days compared to other days in the week.
TSA SECTION 1 2023