TheCATExam
Sign in

CAT 2000 — QA Question 43

MiscellaneousEasy

There is a vertical stack of books marked 1, 2, and 3 on Table-A, with 1 at the bottom and 3 on top. These are to be placed vertically on Table-B with 1 at the bottom and 2 on the top, by making a series of moves from one table to the other. During a move, the topmost book, or the topmost two books, or all the three, can be moved from one of the tables to the other. If there are any books on the other table, the stack being transferred should be placed on top of the existing books, without changing the order of books in the stack that is being moved in that move. If there are no books on the other table, the stack is simply placed on the other table without disturbing the order of books in it. What is the minimum number of moves in which the above task can be accomplished?

Answer & solution

Correct answer: Four

  • A

    One

  • B

    Two

  • C

    Three

  • Four

Solution

In four moves the task can be accomplished.
One of the ways is given below.

Initial state: Table A: 3(on top) 2(in middle) 1(bottom)

Step 1: Move book 3 from table A to table B

Step 2: Move book 2 from table A to table B

Step 3: Move books 2(on top) and 3(below book 2) from table B to table A on book 1(bottommost)

Step 4: Move books 2, 3 and 1 from table A to table B.

Hence, option (d)

Related Miscellaneous questions

See all Miscellaneous questions →
CAT 2000 QA Q43: There is a vertical stack of books marked 1, 2, and 3 on Table-A, with 1 at the bottom and 3 on top. These are — Solution | TheCATExam