Data Sufficiency — Bus Timetable Question: It is 8:00 p.m. in Dhanpur. When can Hemant get the next bus for Ramnagar? Statements: I. Buses for Ramnagar leave after every 30 minutes, till 10:00 p.m. II. Fifteen minutes ago, one bus left for Ramnagar.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: II alone is sufficient while I alone is not sufficient

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This Data Sufficiency item checks understanding of periodic events and whether knowing the phase (i.e., the last departure time) is necessary to determine the next departure time.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Current time = 8:00 p.m.
  • Departures occur every 30 minutes (from Statement I).
  • A bus left 15 minutes ago (from Statement II), i.e., at 7:45 p.m.


Concept / Approach:
For periodic schedules, frequency alone is not enough unless the timing offset (a recent or reference departure) is known. A known last-departure time lets us add the period to get the next departure.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Using I only: Frequency = every 30 minutes till 10:00 p.m. However, without knowing whether buses leave at :00/:30 or at :15/:45, the exact next time from 8:00 p.m. cannot be pinned down. Thus, I alone is not sufficient. Using II only: One bus left 15 minutes ago at 7:45 p.m. With 30-minute periodicity implied by the context of bus operations, the next is at 7:45 p.m. + 30 minutes = 8:15 p.m. Therefore, II alone is sufficient to answer “When is the next bus?”


Verification / Alternative check:
Whether or not the service runs until 10:00 p.m. does not affect the immediate next departure at 8:15 p.m., since 8:15 p.m. is before 10:00 p.m.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • I alone sufficient: No, phase unknown.
  • Either alone sufficient: No, only II works.
  • Neither sufficient: Incorrect because II works.
  • Both required: Unnecessary; II already suffices.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming default departure times (e.g., exactly on the hour/half-hour) without evidence; overlooking that a single recent departure time fixes the phase immediately.


Final Answer:
II alone is sufficient while I alone is not sufficient.

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