GATE CS 2026 Set 1 — Question 6

MCQ+2 / -0.67EasyReading ComprehensionVerbal AptitudeGeneral Aptitude

General Aptitude → Verbal Aptitude → Reading Comprehension

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

Combinatorics deals with problems involving counting. For example, “How many distinct arrangements of N distinct objects in M spaces on a circle are possible?” is a typical problem in combinatorics. This kind of counting is sometimes used in the modeling of several physical phenomena. Often, in such models, the different combinatorial possibilities are assigned probability values. Assigning probabilities enables the computation of the average values of physical quantities. Consider the following statements: P: Combinatorics is always invoked in the modeling of physical phenomena. Q: Modeling some physical phenomena involves assigning probabilities to combinatorial possibilities in order to compute average values of physical quantities. Based on the passage above, what can be inferred about statements P and Q?

Correct answer (B) P is False and Q is True Solution Let's analyze the statements based on the text: Statement P: "Combinatorics is always invoked in the modeling of physical phenomena." The passage states: "This kind of counting is sometimes used in the modeling of several physical phenomena." The word "sometimes" contradicts "always". Therefore, P is False . Statement Q: "Modeling some physical phenomena involves assigning probabilities to combinatorial possibilities in order to compute average values of physical quantities." The passage states: "Often, in such models [modeling of several physical phenomena], the different combinatorial possibilities are assigned probability values. Assigning probabilities enables the computation of the average values of physical quantities." This directly supports statement Q. Therefore, Q is True . Conclusion: P is False and Q is True. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (B) P is False and Q is True Solution Let's analyze the statements based on the text: Statement P: "Combinatorics is always invoked in the modeling of physical phenomena." The passage states: "This kind of counting is sometimes used in the modeling of several physical phenomena." The word "sometimes" contradicts "always". Therefore, P is False . Statement Q: "Modeling some physical phenomena involves assigning probabilities to combinatorial possibilities in order to compute average values of physical quantities." The passage states: "Often, in such models [modeling of several physical phenomena], the different combinatorial possibilities are assigned probability values. Assigning probabilities enables the computation of the average values of physical quantities." This directly supports statement Q. Therefore, Q is True . Conclusion: P is False and Q is True.

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