If 6 3 = 54 and 8 2 = 48, what is 5 4?

General Intelligence & Reasoning ·Previously asked in SSC CGL 2025

View the full solved paper: SSC CGL 2025 Tier I — 17 Sep 2025 (Shift 1)

Question

If 6 3 = 54 and 8 2 = 48, what is 5 4?

  1. A. 40
  2. B. 44
  3. C. 45
  4. D. 60 (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — 60

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 60.

Key Points

  • Find the hidden rule from the given pairs: 6 * 3 → 6 × 3 = 18, and 18 × 3 = 54 ✓.
  • Check it on the second pair: 8 × 2 = 16, and 16 × 3 = 48 ✓. The rule is (a × b) × 3.
  • Apply it: 5 * 4 → 5 × 4 = 20 → 20 × 3 = 60.
  • Always confirm a candidate rule on the second example before applying it — a rule that fits only one pair is a coincidence, and these questions are built around that trap.

Topics covered: SSC CGL reasoning Reasoning SSC CGL 17 Sep 2025 Q20