CAT 2021

Slot 1

QA

Question & Solution

We have $\mid n - 60 \mid < \mid n - 100 \mid < \mid n - 20 \mid$.

Now, the difference inside the modulus signified the distance of n from 60, 100, and 20 on the number line. This means that when the absolute difference from a number is larger, n would be further away from that number.

Example: The absolute difference of n and 60 is less than that of the absolute difference between n and 20. Hence, n cannot be $\le\ 40$, as then it would be closer to 20 than 60, and closer on the number line would indicate lesser value of absolute difference. Thus we have the condition that n>40.

The absolute difference of n and 100 is less than that of the absolute difference between n and 20. Hence, n cannot be $\le\ 60$, as then it would be closer to 20 than 100. Thus we have the condition that n>60.

The absolute difference of n and 60 is less than that of the absolute difference between n and 100. Hence, n cannot be $\ge80$, as then it would be closer to 100 than 60. Thus we have the condition that n<80.

The number which satisfies the conditions are 61, 62, 63, 64......79. Thus, a total of 19 numbers.

Alternatively

as per the given condition : $\mid n - 60 \mid < \mid n - 100 \mid < \mid n - 20 \mid$.

Dividing the range of n into 4 segments. (n < 20, 20 100 )

1) For n < 20.

|n-20| = 20-n, |n-60| = 60- n, |n-100| = 100-n 

considering the inequality part :$\left|n-100\right|<\ \left|n\ -20\right|$

100 -n < 20 -n,

No value of n satisfies this condition.

2) For 20 < n < 60.

|n-20| = n-20, |n-60| = 60- n, |n-100| = 100-n.

60- n < 100 - n and 100 - n < n - 20

For 100 -n < n - 20.

120 < 2n and n > 60. But for the considered range n is less than 60.

3) For 60 < n < 100

|n-20| = n-20, |n-60| = n-60, |n-100| = 100-n

n-60 < 100-n and 100-n < n-20.

For the first part 2n < 160 and for the second part 120 < 2n.

n takes values from 61 ................79.

A total of 19 values

4) For n > 100

|n-20| = n-20, |n-60| = n-60, |n-100| = n-100

n-60 < n - 100.

No value of n in the given range satisfies the given inequality.

Hence a total of 19 values satisfy the inequality.