CAT 1995 — DILR Question 35
Direction: Answer the questions based on the following table.
Machine M1 as well as machine M2 can independently produce either product P or product Q. The time taken by machines M1 and M2 (in minutes) to produce one unit of product P and product Q are given in the table below: (Each machine works 8 hour per day).
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If equal quantities of both are to be produced, then out of the four choices given below, the least efficient way would be
Answer & solution
- A
48 of each with 3 min idle
- B
64 of each with 12 min idle
53 of each with 10 min idle
- D
71 of each with 9 min idle
The least efficient way is the option that gives least production with highest idle time. So we can compare
the options in the following two ways. Assume that production is constant (viz. LCM of 48, 64, 53 and 71) in all 4 options and compare the corresponding idle time. Or we can assume the idle time to be constant (viz. LCM of 3, 12, 10 and 9) in all 4 options and compare the corresponding production. The latter method is more preferable as finding LCM of idle time is easier. So LCM of 3, 12, 10, 9 = 180. If we assume that the idle time has to be 180 min, then as per option (a) we would get production = 2,880 units, as per option (b), we would get production = 960 units, as per option (c), production = = 954 units and as per option (d), production = = 1,420 units. Since option (c) gives the least production, it is the least efficient way.