Maths : Basic Numeracy

Q 296 / 370

UPSC CSE Prelims 2016

How many numbers are there between 100 and 300 which, either begin with or end with 2?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (1)

The problem requires identifying the count of numbers between 100 and 300 that either begin with the digit 2 or end with the digit 2.

First, consider numbers ending with 2:

  • Numbers in the range 101-199 that end with 2 are 102, 112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162, 172, 182, 192. There are 10 such numbers.
  • Numbers in the range 200-299 that end with 2 are 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292. There are 10 such numbers.
  • The total count of numbers ending with 2 is 10 + 10 = 20.

Next, consider numbers beginning with 2:

  • Numbers between 100 and 300 that begin with 2 fall in the range 200-299.
  • The count of these numbers is 299 - 200 + 1 = 100.

To determine the total unique count, we must account for numbers that satisfy both conditions (i.e., begin with 2 AND end with 2) to avoid double-counting. These are the numbers from 200-299 that also end with 2:

  • The numbers that begin with 2 and end with 2 are 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 272, 282, 292. There are 10 such numbers.

Using the Principle of Inclusion-Exclusion:

Total = (Numbers ending with 2) + (Numbers beginning with 2) - (Numbers beginning with 2 AND ending with 2)

Total = 20 + 100 - 10 = 110.

Alternatively, by summing distinct sets:

  • Numbers ending with 2 (from both 100s and 200s ranges) = 20.
  • Numbers beginning with 2 but NOT ending with 2 = (Total numbers beginning with 2) - (Numbers beginning with 2 AND ending with 2) = 100 - 10 = 90.
  • Total numbers = (Numbers ending with 2) + (Numbers beginning with 2 but not ending with 2) = 20 + 90 = 110.

Incorrect Options:

Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect because the systematic enumeration and application of counting principles demonstrate that there are precisely 110 such numbers between 100 and 300.