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GATE DA 2026 Q9: Digit puzzle: squares of consecutive two-digit numbers

Question

P,Q,R,S,XP, Q, R, S, X, and YY are distinct single-digit whole numbers taking values from 0 to 9.

PQPQ is a two-digit number with QQ being in the units place and PP in the tens place. Similarly, RSRS is a two-digit number.

It is known that PQPQ and RSRS are consecutive numbers and (PQ)2+(RS)2=XYP(PQ)^2 + (RS)^2 = XYP, with XYPXYP being a three-digit number.

The value of YY is __________

Try it: multiple choice: exactly one correct option

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

Concept used: Bounded search: the sum of two squares must stay below 1000.

First step: Both numbers lie between 10 and 22, and P≠RP \ne R means they straddle a multiple of 10; try 192+202=76119^2 + 20^2 = 761.

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