The GATE Grind

GATE 2025 MT – Question 10

General Aptitude · Analytical Aptitude: Logical Reasoning and Deduction · 2 marks · Multiple choice

The diagram shows a river system with seven segments P, Q, R, S, T, U, and V, splitting the land into five zones Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, and Z5. The zones must be connected using the least number of bridges. Which option is correct? The figure is representative.

Diagram for GATE 2025 MT question 10
  1. Bridges on P, Q, and T.
  2. Bridges on P, Q, S, and T.
  3. Bridges on Q, R, T, and V.
  4. Bridges on P, Q, S, U, and V.

Practise this question in The GATE Grind →

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (C) Bridges on Q, R, T, and V.

Explanation

A connected graph on five zones needs at least four edges. Q links Z1 to Z3, R links Z2 to Z3, T links Z5 to Z3, and V links Z4 to Z3. These four bridges form a spanning tree, so **C** attains the minimum. The other four-bridge proposal leaves Z4 isolated.