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GATE CSE 2026 Session 1 Q6: Inference from a passage on combinatorics in physical models

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?

Try it: multiple choice: exactly one correct option

Select one option
Wrong answer costs 2/3 mark in GATE.
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Answer: B (official GATE 2026 final answer key)

Concept used: Reading comprehension: watch quantifiers like "sometimes" versus "always".

First step: The passage says counting is "sometimes" used, which contradicts "always" in P.

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Source: official GATE 2026 Session 1 CS question paper and final answer key, organised by IIT Guwahati. Question paper · Answer key