Some Tricky Questions asked in IAS interview for

Mathematics Students
analogeducation.in/blog/tricky-questions-asked-ias-interview-mathematics-students

Admin March 17, 2021

Mathematics- an important part of any curriculum. It is considered to be among the most

basic subjects that everyone should have an idea about. The practical application of
Mathematical principles and usage is required in every field of study. If you go to the field
of Commerce and Accounting and other means of Financial Analysis, you require
Mathematics. Similarly in the field of Scientific approaches like Engineering and Scientific
Research also require basic Mathematics. In the field of Administrative Service and the
subsidiary examinations, Mathematics is also very necessary. The set of questions are
different but the objective is the same- to know how much you understand about
Mathematics as a subject. Following are some tricky IAS questions asked in the field of
Mathematics-

Question 1

Tell me the difference between a real number, a natural number, and an imaginary
number.

Answer- Natural numbers are a subset of Real numbers which along with Imaginary
numbers become the Complex number set. Natural numbers do not contain numbers like
√2 and Imaginary numbers on the other hand use square roots of negative numbers.

Question 2

1/4
National mathematics day why and when celebrated. Which Prime Minister declared This
day?

Answer- National Mathematics Day is celebrated on 22nd December. It is the birth

Anniversary of S. Ramanujan. It was declared by Shri Manmohan Singh.

Question 3

State some Important works of Ramanujan.

Answer- Notes: His main areas of work are Prime numbers, Continued fractions,
Hypergeometric series, Elliptic functions, Partitions, Probabilistic number theory. His
work has been applied in Black holes, string theory, quantum gravity, etc.

Question 4

What is a Game theory?

Answer- Game theory is the study of how people, companies, nations, etc. determine
strategies in different situations. Especially when there are other players also coming up
with their strategies. It involves elements of cooperation as well as conflict. It has direct
application in science, politics, and economics.

Also read: How to Tackle Tricky Questions Asked in UPSC Exam

Question 5

How will mathematics help you in civil service?

Answer- Mathematics helps me in being objective and precise with my decisions.

In particular, methods from numerical methods can be useful in analyzing the impact of
policy decisions.

Question 6

X raised to power m =y raised to power m. What is the possible relation between x and y?

Answer- x=y ; x=-y(for m=even numbers)and if m=0 , x is not related to y.

Question 7

If 2 raised to power 0 = 3 raised to power 0.Why 2 is not equal to 3. Give me a

mathematical answer.

Answer- when x^0 = y^0, x and y need not be related. Another way to look at this is
(2/3)^0 = 1 but that does not imply 2/3 itself is 1.

Question 8

How can you differentiate between Pure math and Applied math?

2/4
Answer- Pure maths is maths done for its own sake. Applied maths is maths with
practical use.

Question 9

How’s philosophy related to pure mathematics?

Answer- Logic is a connecting link between Mathematics and Philosophy. Ancient

Indian mathematics had a strong link to philosophy including the Nyaya School of
thought. Ancient Greeks used to believe that Maths is the way to reach God.

Question 10

1.5 hens give 1.5 eggs in 1.5 days, how many hens do we need to get 12 eggs in 6 days?

Answer- By simply using equations, we can conclude that 3 hens are required.

Question 11

Tell me something about John Nash. Which disease was he suffering from?

Answer- John Nash is a mathematician famous for making groundbreaking

contributions to Game Theory. He got a Nobel Prize in Economics for applying Game
Theory to Economics. He was suffering from Schizophrenia.

Question 12

Who gave the concept of Game Theory first?

Answer- John Von Neumann.

Question 13

How many Nobel prizes have been awarded in the field of game theory?

Answer- 11

Question 14

Chairperson: You have Mathematics as your optional subject. What qualities/ values have
you learned while you were preparing for civil services and how you would use those
learned values in administration?

Answer- Mathematics taught me the values of objectivity and precision. I have to be

pinpoint accurate in my decisions. I will use values of objectivity, rationality, precision,
accuracy, and optimum utilization of resources in day-to-day governance.

Therefore if you know the answer to the aforementioned tricky questions in Mathematics,
you are sure to pass the interview round with flying colors. Have a logical mindset and an
analyzed thought process helps in IAS interviews about Mathematics.

3/4
Analog IAS Academy is starting Prelims Test Series 2021 with one-to-one mentoring from
7th March 2021. The test series will be based on 16GS + 8CSAT. The first test is open for
all. Click here to enroll for free.

Follow Analog IAS academy for daily news and analysis on Youtube
channel and Telegram. For exclusive study material and more such tips and expert
guidance, download the Analog app on your smartphone.

Also Read: Why Should you make a Timetable for IAS exam preparation?

4/4