Input-Output: Meaning, Reasoning Questions with Answers, Tricks, Examples

Input-Output Reasoning: Meaning, Questions, Tricks, Examples & Types (Complete Guide for Competitive Exams)

Input-output reasoning is one of the most important topics in logical reasoning for exams like SSC, Banking, and RRB. In these questions, a machine or system follows a specific pattern to transform the given input into output step by step. By practicing input-output reasoning questions with answers and learning the right input-output tricks, you can easily decode patterns and solve questions quickly.

What is Input-Output in Reasoning? Definition and Basic Concept

Input-output in reasoning refers to a process where a sequence of numbers, words, or symbols (input) is rearranged or modified according to a hidden rule to produce an output.

Understanding Input-Output with Easy Explanation

In input-output questions, you are given an initial input and one or more steps showing how it changes. Your task is to identify the pattern and predict the next step or final output. These are commonly known as machine input-output reasoning questions.

Key Features of Input-Output Reasoning Questions

• Based on step-by-step transformation of input

• Involves patterns like sorting, shifting, or coding

• Includes number-based, word-based, and mixed input-output questions

• Frequently asked in SSC CGL, IBPS, SBI, and other exams

Importance of Input-Output Reasoning for SSC, Banking & Competitive Exams

Input-output is a high-weightage topic in the reasoning section of competitive exams.

Why Input-Output Questions are Important for Exams

• Regularly asked in SSC, Banking, and RRB exams

• Tests logical thinking and pattern recognition skills

• Helps improve speed and accuracy in reasoning section

Why Input-Output is a Scoring Topic

• Follows a fixed pattern once understood

• Multiple questions can be solved from one set

• Easy to attempt with proper input-output tricks and practice

Basic Concept of Machine Input-Output Reasoning (Step-by-Step Logic)

Machine-based problems are the most common type of input-output reasoning questions.

Understanding Input, Output, and Steps in Reasoning

To solve input-output questions, you must clearly understand three components:

Input (Initial Data)

The starting sequence of numbers, words, or symbols given in the question.

Output (Final Result)

The result after applying the machine’s logic step by step.

Steps (Intermediate Stages)

Each step shows how the input is gradually transformed. These steps help you identify the pattern in input-output reasoning questions.

How Patterns Work in Input-Output Questions (Logic Building)

Recognizing patterns is the key to solving input-output reasoning questions with answers.

Common Patterns in Input-Output Questions

• Sorting (ascending/descending order)

• Shifting positions of elements

• Replacing or modifying numbers/letters

• Grouping vowels, consonants, or digits

How to Identify Patterns Quickly

• Compare input with each step carefully

• Focus on one element at a time

• Look for repetition or sequence changes

• Apply known input-output tricks

Types of Questions Based on Input-Output Reasoning

Following are the types of questions asked from the input-output concept-

1. Shifting-Based Machine Input

2. Single Shifting-Based Machine Input

3. Double Shifting Based Machine Input

4. Operation-Based Machine Input

5. Box-Based Machine Input

Now let’s understand all of the types of input-output questions in detail -

1) Shifting-Based Machine Input

In this type of input-output-based question, shifting of numbers, words or letters takes place.
This is further classified into two types-

a) Single Shifting-Based Machine Input

In this type of input-output-based question, shifting of numbers, words or letters takes place from only one end, i.e., either from the left end or from the right end.

Example: Study the information given below and answer the following question:

Input: Treat Mouse Mobile Games Bag Box

Step I: Bag Treat Mouse Mobile Games Box

Step II: Bag Box Treat Mouse Mobile Games

Step III: Bag Box Games Treat Mouse Mobile

Step IV: Bag Box Games Mobile Treat Mouse

Step V: Bag Box Games Mobile Mouse Treat

And Step V is the final step.

Based on the pattern followed above, find the output for the given input:
Input: House Colony Yellow Bear Red White

1. Colony Yellow Bear Red White House

2. Red White House Colony Yellow Bear

3. Red White Yellow Bear House Colony

4. Bear Colony House Red White Yellow

5. House Red White Yellow Bear Colony

Solution:
Here, the words given in the input are arranged alphabetically in the given steps from left to right. One word at a time is rearranged in the given steps.

Similarly, the step-by-step arrangement of the given input is as follows-

Step I: Bear House Colony Yellow Red White

Step II: Bear Colony House Yellow Red White

Step III: Bear Colony House Red Yellow White

Step IV: Bear Colony House Red White Yellow

So, the output for the given input is Bear Colony House Red White Yellow. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

b) Double Shifting Based Machine Input

In this type of input-output-based question, shifting of numbers, words or letters takes place from both ends.

Example: Study the information given below and answer the following questions:

Input: 32 pigeon 46 89 sparrow peacock hen 80 92 22 parrot crow

Step I: crow 32 pigeon 46 89 sparrow peacock hen 80 92 parrot 22

Step II: crow hen pigeon 46 89 sparrow peacock 80 92 parrot 22 32

Step III: crow hen parrot pigeon 89 sparrow peacock 80 92 22 32 46

Step IV: crow hen parrot peacock pigeon 89 sparrow 92 22 32 46 80

Step V: crow hen parrot peacock pigeon sparrow 92 22 32 46 80 89

Step VI: crow hen parrot peacock pigeon sparrow 22 32 46 80 89 92

And Step VI is the final step.

Based on the pattern followed above, find the output for the given input:
Input: pasta 98 plate 89 spoon 10 15 fork knife 36 49 glass

1. plate 89 spoon 10 15 fork knife 36 49 glass pasta 98

2. 36 49 glass pasta 98 plate 89 spoon 10 15 fork knife

3. spoon 10 15 pasta 98 plate 89 fork knife 36 49 glass

4. fork glass knife pasta plate spoon 10 15 36 49 89 98

5. 10 15 fork knife 36 49 glass pasta 98 plate 89 spoon

Solution:
Here, the words given in the input are arranged in alphabetical order in the given steps from the left end and the numbers are arranged in ascending order from the right end. Two rearrangements are taking place in the given steps.

Similarly, the step-by-step arrangement of the given input is as follows-

Step I: fork pasta 98 plate 89 spoon 15 knife 36 49 glass 10

Step II: fork glass pasta 98 plate 89 spoon knife 36 49 10 15

Step III: fork glass knife pasta 98 plate 89 spoon 49 10 15 36

Step IV: fork glass knife pasta plate 98 89 spoon 10 15 36 49

Step V: fork glass knife pasta plate 98 spoon 10 15 36 49 89

Step VI: fork glass knife pasta plate spoon 10 15 36 49 89 98

So, the output for the given input is fork glass knife pasta plate spoon 10 15 36 49 89 98. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

2) Operation- Based Machine Input

In this type of input-output-based question, certain operations are performed on the numbers given in the input and the resultant are rearranged following a certain pattern.

Example: A number arrangement machine when given an input line of numbers rearranges them following a particular rule in each step. The following is an illustration of input and rearrangement.

Input: 734269 825497 647538 219354 961357 321658

Step I: 962437 794528 835746 453912 753169 856123

Step II: 453912 753169 794528 835746 856123 962437

Step III: 135924 135796 579248 357468 135268 379246

Step IV: 24 31 35 33 25 31

Step V: 24 25 31 31 33 35

Step V is the last step of the above arrangement as the intended arrangement is obtained.

As per the rules followed in the given steps find out the appropriate steps for the given input:
Input: 856347 745982 329584 512379 954267 463512

Q1. What will be step IV of the given input?

1. 21 35 31 33 33 27

2. 34 35 31 33 33 27

3. 27 35 69 33 33 27

4. 27 53 31 48 33 27

Solution: The pattern is as follows-

In step I, the digits of the numbers given in the input are reversed.

In step II, the numbers are arranged in ascending order.

In step III, first, the odd digits are arranged in ascending order followed by the even digits in ascending order of each number.

In step IV, the sum of the digits of the numbers is present.

In step V, the numbers are arranged in ascending order.

Following the above pattern, step IV of the given input will be 21 35 31 33 33 27. Hence, the first option is correct.

3) Box-Based Machine Input

In this type of input-output-based question, the numbers would be given in boxes and certain mathematical operations are performed on the set of the numbers given in the boxes.

Example: Study the given information carefully and answer the given questions.

An input-output is given in different steps. Some mathematical operations are done in each step.

As per the rules followed in the steps given above, find out the appropriate steps for the given input.

Q1. What will be the sum of the digits of the number of step IV?

A) 3 B) 9 C) 5 D) 2

Solution:

The pattern is as follows-

In step I, the digits of the numbers given in the input are divided by 2.

In step II, the digits of the first number and the digits of the second number of step I are added and combined. Similarly, the digits of the third and fourth numbers and the fifth and sixth numbers of step I are added and combined.

In Step III, the first and the second numbers are added, and the second and third numbers given in Step II are added.

In step IV, the number is the difference between the first and second numbers of step III.

Following the above pattern, the sum of the digits of the number of step IV of the given input will be 2 + 1 = 3. Hence, the first option is correct.

Best Approach to Solve Input-Output Reasoning Questions (Step-by-Step Strategy for Exams)

A clear strategy is essential to solve input-output reasoning questions quickly and accurately. By following a structured method and applying the right input-output tricks, you can easily decode patterns in machine input-output questions for SSC, Banking, and RRB exams.

Step-by-Step Method to Solve Input-Output Questions in Reasoning

Step 1: Read Input and Steps Carefully

The first step is to carefully read the given input and all the steps. Understanding how the sequence changes at each stage is crucial in solving input-output questions with answers.

Step 2: Analyze the Pattern of Shifting or Arrangement

Observe each step and identify how numbers or words are moving or changing. Focus on patterns like sorting, shifting, or grouping, which are common in input-output reasoning questions.

Step 3: Use Rough Work for Better Visualization

Always solve input-output reasoning questions on a rough sheet. Writing each step helps in avoiding confusion and makes it easier to track changes in machine input-output problems.

Step 4: Do Not Skip Any Step in the Process

Every step given in the question is important. Skipping a step may lead to incorrect pattern identification and wrong answers in input-output questions.

Step 5: Apply the Identified Pattern to Solve the Final Output

Once you understand the pattern, apply it to the required input and find the final answer. This is the most important step in solving input-output reasoning questions with answers.

Input-Output Reasoning Question Weightage in SSC, Banking & Competitive Exams

Understanding the question weightage of input-output reasoning helps you prioritize this topic and focus on high-scoring areas in the reasoning section of competitive exams. The number of questions based on input-output varies from exam to exam -

1) In various Banking exams, such as SBI PO Mains and IBPS PO Mains 5-10 questions on this topic are asked.

2) In other competitive exams such as LIC, RRB, UPSC, State PCS exams, and CAT, 4-5 questions are asked from this topic.

The input-output reasoning questions with answers and input-output reasoning questions for bank PO are given below for the reference of candidates.

Practice Questions For Single Shifting-Based Machine Input

Directions (Q1- Q5): Study the information given below and answer the following questions:

Input: Mouse Biscuit Candle Computer Table Clock

Step I: Biscuit Mouse Candle Computer Table Clock

Step II: Biscuit Candle Mouse Computer Table Clock

Step III: Biscuit Candle Clock Mouse Computer Table

Step IV: Biscuit Candle Clock Computer Mouse Table

And Step IV is the final step.

Based on the pattern followed above, rearrange the given input:
Input: Orange Mango Apple Guava Cherry Strawberry

Q1. How many steps are required to complete the arrangements?

1. Four (Correct)

2. Six

3. Five

4. Nine

5. None of these

Solution:
Here, the words given in the input are arranged alphabetically in the given steps from left to right. One word at a time is rearranged in the given steps.

Similarly, the step-by-step arrangement of the given input is as follows-

Step I: Apple Orange Mango Guava Cherry Strawberry

Step II: Apple Cherry Orange Mango Guava Strawberry

Step III: Apple Cherry Guava Orange Mango Strawberry

Step IV: Apple Cherry Guava Mango Orange Strawberry

So, a total of four steps are required to complete the arrangements. Hence, the first option is correct.

Q2. What will be the Step III of the given input?

1. Apple Guava Orange Mango Cherry Strawberry

2. Cherry Strawberry Orange Mango Apple Guava

3. Strawberry Orange Mango Apple Guava Cherry

4. Mango Orange Apple Guava Cherry Strawberry

5. Apple Cherry Guava Orange Mango Strawberry (Correct)

Solution:
Here, the words given in the input are arranged alphabetically in the given steps from left to right. One word at a time is rearranged in the given steps.

Similarly, the step-by-step arrangement of the given input is as follows-

Step I: Apple Orange Mango Guava Cherry Strawberry

Step II: Apple Cherry Orange Mango Guava Strawberry

Step III: Apple Cherry Guava Orange Mango Strawberry

Step IV: Apple Cherry Guava Mango Orange Strawberry

So, step III will be Apple Cherry Guava Orange Mango Strawberry. Hence, the fifth option is correct.

Q3. What will be the Step II of the given input?

1. Apple Cherry Orange Mango Guava Strawberry (Correct)

2. Cherry Strawberry Orange Mango Apple Guava

3. Strawberry Orange Mango Apple Guava Cherry

4. Mango Orange Apple Guava Cherry Strawberry

5. Orange Mango Apple Guava Cherry Strawberry

Solution:
Here, the words given in the input are arranged alphabetically in the given steps from left to right. One word at a time is rearranged in the given steps.

Similarly, the step-by-step arrangement of the given input is as follows-

Step I: Apple Orange Mango Guava Cherry Strawberry

Step II: Apple Cherry Orange Mango Guava Strawberry

Step III: Apple Cherry Guava Orange Mango Strawberry

Step IV: Apple Cherry Guava Mango Orange Strawberry

So, step II will be Apple Cherry Orange Mango Guava Strawberry. Hence, the first option is correct.

Q4. What is the position of ‘Guava’ from the right end in Step III?

1. Second

2. Third

3. Fourth (Correct)

4. Fifth

5. There is no such step

Solution:
Here, the words given in the input are arranged alphabetically in the given steps from left to right. One word at a time is rearranged in the given steps.

Similarly, the step-by-step arrangement of the given input is as follows-

Step I: Apple Orange Mango Guava Cherry Strawberry

Step II: Apple Cherry Orange Mango Guava Strawberry

Step III: Apple Cherry Guava Orange Mango Strawberry

Step IV: Apple Cherry Guava Mango Orange Strawberry

So, Guava is fourth from the right end. Hence, the third option is correct.

Q5. ‘Apple Cherry Guava Mango Orange Strawberry’ represents which step of the given input?

1. Step IV (Correct)

2. Step III

3. Step II

4. Step V

5. None of these

Solution:
Here, the words given in the input are arranged alphabetically in the given steps from left to right. One word at a time is rearranged in the given steps.

Similarly, the step-by-step arrangement of the given input is as follows-

Step I: Apple Orange Mango Guava Cherry Strawberry

Step II: Apple Cherry Orange Mango Guava Strawberry

Step III: Apple Cherry Guava Orange Mango Strawberry

Step IV: Apple Cherry Guava Mango Orange Strawberry

So, Apple Cherry Guava Mango Orange Strawberry represents Step IV of the given input. Hence, the first option is correct.

Practice Questions For Double Shifting-Based Machine Input

Direction: Study the information given below and answer the following questions:

Input: 23 bold 64 98 call flat goal 80 29 22 worm gone

Step I: bold 23 64 98 call flat goal 80 29 worm gone 22

Step II: bold call 64 98 flat goal 80 29 worm gone 22 23

Step III: bold call flat 64 98 goal 80 worm gone 22 23 29

Step IV: bold call flat goal 98 80 worm gone 22 23 29 64

Step V: bold call flat goal gone 98 worm 22 23 29 64 80

Step VI: bold call flat goal gone worm 22 23 29 64 80 98

And Step VI is the final step.

Based on the pattern followed above, rearrange the given input:
Input: faster 54 dance 48 trade 72 91 drive classic 65 88 beast

Q1. What is the sum of all the numbers in step V?

1. 400

2. 500

3. 418 (Correct)

4. 572

5. 454

Solution:
Here, the words given in the input are arranged in alphabetical order in the given steps from the left end and the numbers are arranged in ascending order from the right end. Two rearrangements are taking place in the given steps.

Similarly, the step-by-step arrangement of the given input is as follows-

Step I: beast faster 54 dance trade 72 91 drive classic 65 88 48

Step II: beast classic faster dance trade 72 91 drive 65 88 48 54

Step III: beast classic dance faster trade 72 91 drive 88 48 54 65

Step IV: beast classic dance drive faster trade 91 88 48 54 65 72

Step V: beast classic dance drive faster trade 91 48 54 65 72 88

Step VI: beast classic dance drive faster trade 48 54 65 72 88 91

So, the sum of all the numbers in step V is 418. Hence, the third option is correct.

Q2. Which is the last number in step V?

1. 65

2. 72

3. 88 (Correct)

4. 54

5. None of the above

Solution:
Here, the words given in the input are arranged in alphabetical order in the given steps from the left end and the numbers are arranged in ascending order from the right end. Two rearrangements are taking place in the given steps.

Similarly, the step-by-step arrangement of the given input is as follows-

Step I: beast faster 54 dance trade 72 91 drive classic 65 88 48

Step II: beast classic faster dance trade 72 91 drive 65 88 48 54

Step III: beast classic dance faster trade 72 91 drive 88 48 54 65

Step IV: beast classic dance drive faster trade 91 88 48 54 65 72

Step V: beast classic dance drive faster trade 91 48 54 65 72 88

Step VI: beast classic dance drive faster trade 48 54 65 72 88 91

So, the last number in step V is 88. Hence, the third option is correct.

Q3. Which of the following is step III?

1. beast classic dance faster trade 72 91 drive 88 48 54 65 (Correct)

2. beast faster 54 dance trade 72 91 drive classic 65 88 48

3. beast classic dance drive faster trade 48 54 65 72 88 91

4. beast classic dance drive faster trade 91 48 54 65 72 88

5. beast classic faster dance trade 72 91 drive 65 88 48 54

Solution:
Here, the words given in the input are arranged in alphabetical order in the given steps from the left end and the numbers are arranged in ascending order from the right end. Two rearrangements are taking place in the given steps.

Similarly, the step-by-step arrangement of the given input is as follows-

Step I: beast faster 54 dance trade 72 91 drive classic 65 88 48

Step II: beast classic faster dance trade 72 91 drive 65 88 48 54

Step III: beast classic dance faster trade 72 91 drive 88 48 54 65

Step IV: beast classic dance drive faster trade 91 88 48 54 65 72

Step V: beast classic dance drive faster trade 91 48 54 65 72 88

Step VI: beast classic dance drive faster trade 48 54 65 72 88 91

So, step III is beast classic dance faster trade 72 91 drive 88 48 54 65. Hence, the first option is correct.

Q4. Which element is the third element from the right end in step IV?

1. 54 (Correct)

2. faster

3. 88

4. trade

5. drive

Solution:
Here, the words given in the input are arranged in alphabetical order in the given steps from the left end and the numbers are arranged in ascending order from the right end. Two rearrangements are taking place in the given steps.

Similarly, the step-by-step arrangement of the given input is as follows-

Step I: beast faster 54 dance trade 72 91 drive classic 65 88 48

Step II: beast classic faster dance trade 72 91 drive 65 88 48 54

Step III: beast classic dance faster trade 72 91 drive 88 48 54 65

Step IV: beast classic dance drive faster trade 91 88 48 54 65 72

Step V: beast classic dance drive faster trade 91 48 54 65 72 88

Step VI: beast classic dance drive faster trade 48 54 65 72 88 91

So, the third element from the right end in step IV is 54. Hence, the first option is correct.

Q5. What is the sum of all the even numbers in the penultimate step?

1. 168

2. 262 (Correct)

3. 287

4. 292

5. 312

Solution:
Here, the words given in the input are arranged in alphabetical order in the given steps from the left end and the numbers are arranged in ascending order from the right end. Two rearrangements are taking place in the given steps.

Similarly, the step-by-step arrangement of the given input is as follows-

Step I: beast faster 54 dance trade 72 91 drive classic 65 88 48

Step II: beast classic faster dance trade 72 91 drive 65 88 48 54

Step III: beast classic dance faster trade 72 91 drive 88 48 54 65

Step IV: beast classic dance drive faster trade 91 88 48 54 65 72

Step V: beast classic dance drive faster trade 91 48 54 65 72 88

Step VI: beast classic dance drive faster trade 48 54 65 72 88 91

So, the sum of all the even numbers in the penultimate step is 262. Hence, the second option is correct.

Practice Questions For Operation-Based Machine Input

1. Directions (1-5): Study the following information carefully to answer the given questions. Number arrangement machine when given an input line of numbers rearranges them following a particular rule in each step. The following is an illustration of input and rearrangement.

Input: 91 53 72 14 39 24 85 76 61 67

Step I: 15 91 53 72 39 85 76 61 67 25

Step II: 40 15 91 72 85 76 61 67 25 54

Step III: 62 40 15 91 72 85 76 25 54 68

Step IV: 73 62 40 15 91 85 25 54 68 77

Step V: 86 73 62 40 15 25 54 68 77 92

Step V is the last step

Input:- 58 40 99 28 63 84 16 34 71 87

Q1. How many numbers are there between 59 and the one which is 3rd to the left of 86 in step V?

1. One

2. More than three

3. Three

4. None

5. Two (Correct)

Solution: Following the above pattern the steps of the required input are as follows-

Step I: 17 58 40 99 63 84 34 71 87 29

Step II: 35 17 58 99 63 84 71 87 29 41

Step III: 59 35 17 99 84 71 87 29 41 64

Step IV: 72 59 35 17 99 87 29 41 64 86

Step V: 88 72 59 35 17 29 41 64 86 100

So, there are two numbers between 59 and the one which is 3rd to the left of 86 in step V. Hence, the fifth option is correct.

Q2. How many numbers are there between the one which is 2nd from the left end and 99 in step II?

1. One (Correct)

2. More than three

3. Three

4. None

5. Two

Solution: Following the above pattern the steps of the required input are as follows-

Step I: 17 58 40 99 63 84 34 71 87 29

Step II: 35 17 58 99 63 84 71 87 29 41

Step III: 59 35 17 99 84 71 87 29 41 64

Step IV: 72 59 35 17 99 87 29 41 64 86

Step V: 88 72 59 35 17 29 41 64 86 100

So, there is only one number between the one which is 2nd from the left end and 99 in step II. Hence, the first option is correct.

Q3. What is the position of 35 from the left end in the second last step?

1. First

2. Fifth

3. Second

4. Third (Correct)

5. Sixth

Solution: Following the above pattern the steps of the required input are as follows-

Step I: 17 58 40 99 63 84 34 71 87 29

Step II: 35 17 58 99 63 84 71 87 29 41

Step III: 59 35 17 99 84 71 87 29 41 64

Step IV: 72 59 35 17 99 87 29 41 64 86

Step V: 88 72 59 35 17 29 41 64 86 100

So, the position of 35 is third from the left end in the second last step. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

Q4. Which of the following numbers is 6th to the left of 29 in the III step?

1. 35 (Correct)

2. 59

3. 17

4. 99

5. None of these

Solution: Following the above pattern the steps of the required input are as follows-

Step I: 17 58 40 99 63 84 34 71 87 29

Step II: 35 17 58 99 63 84 71 87 29 41

Step III: 59 35 17 99 84 71 87 29 41 64

Step IV: 72 59 35 17 99 87 29 41 64 86

Step V: 88 72 59 35 17 29 41 64 86 100

So, 35 is the 6th to the left of 29 in the III step. Hence, the first option is correct.

Q5. Which of the following numbers is 5th from the right end in step V?

1. 35

2. 59

3. 17

4. 29 (Correct)

5. None of these

Solution: Following the above pattern the steps of the required input are as follows-

Step I: 17 58 40 99 63 84 34 71 87 29

Step II: 35 17 58 99 63 84 71 87 29 41

Step III: 59 35 17 99 84 71 87 29 41 64

Step IV: 72 59 35 17 99 87 29 41 64 86

Step V: 88 72 59 35 17 29 41 64 86 100

So, 29 is the 5th from the right end in step V. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

The candidates who are preparing for the upcoming entrance and Government exams can also refer to the links given below and master the reasoning ability section:

Practice Questions For Box-Based Machine Input

Directions: 1. Study the given information carefully and answer the given questions.

An input-output is given in different steps. Some mathematical operations are done in each step.

As per the rules followed in the steps given above, find out the appropriate steps for the given input:

Q1. What is the difference between the highest and lowest number in Step II?

1. 33

2. 9

3. 48 (Correct)

4. 24

5. None of these

Solution:

Following the above pattern the steps of the required input are as follows-

So, the difference between the highest and lowest number in Step II is 48. Hence, the third option is correct.

Q2. Which of the following will be the output in Step IV?

1. 12 (Correct)

2. 23

3. 21

4. 19

5. None of these

Solution:

Following the above pattern the steps of the required input are as follows-

So, the output in Step IV will be 12. Hence, the first option is correct.

Q3. What will be the result when the highest number is divided by the lowest number in Step III?

1. 24

2. 28 (Correct)

3. 32

4. 18

5. None of these

Solution:

Following the above pattern the steps of the required input are as follows-

So, the result when the highest number is divided by the lowest number in Step III will be 28. Hence, the second option is correct.

Q4. What is the remainder when the highest number in Step I is divided by the lowest number in Step II?

1. 9

2. 3

3. 13

4. 15

5. None of these (Correct)

Solution:

Following the above pattern the steps of the required input are as follows-

So, the remainder when the highest number in Step I is divided by the lowest number in Step II will be 10. Hence, the fifth option is correct.

Q5. What is the cube value of the final step?

1. 2197

2. 1331

3. 9261

4. 1728 (Correct)

5. None of these

Solution:

Following the above pattern the steps of the required input are as follows-

So, the cube of the final step will be 1728. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

Input Output Questions for CAT

Directions: (Q 1-4): A word and number arrangement machine when given an input line of words and numbers rearrange them following a particular rule in each step. The following is an illustration of input and rearrangement.

Input: chammy wonky 26 33 58 hardstem Bataan 65.

Step 1 : 65 C W 26 33 58 H B

Step 2 : 65 B C W 26 33 58 H

Step 3 : 65 B 58 C W 26 33 H

Step 4 : 65 B 58 C 33 W 26 H

Step 5 : 65 B 58 C 33 H 26 W

Step 6 : 65 B 58 C 33 H 26 W

As per the rule followed in the following questions the appropriate step for the given input:
Input : Determined Railway 16 38 47 Eenadu Apsrtc 55

Q-1) How many steps will be required to complete the rearrangement?

1) Three

2) Seven

3) Five

4) Six

5) Four

Solution

Write the first letters of the given problem.

Step 1 : 55 D R 16 38 47 E A

Step 2 : 55 A D R 16 38 47 E

Step 3 : 55 A 47 D R 16 38 E

Step 4 : 55 A 47 D 38 R 16 E

Step 5 : 55 A 47 D 38 E 16 R

Step 6 : 55 A 47 D 38 E 16 R

Therefore, six steps are required to complete the rearrangement. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

Q-2) Input : facebook snapdeal twitter 19 29 33 ezone 48 amazon 78

How many steps will be required to complete the re-arrangement?

1) Three

2) Four

3) Two

4) Six

5) Seven

Solution

Input : facebook snapdeal twitter 19 29 33 ezone 48 amazon 78

Write the first letters of the given problem.

Step 1 : 78 F S T 19 29 33 E 48 A

Step 2 : 78 A F S T 19 29 33 E 48

Step 3 : 78 A 48 F S T 19 29 33 E

Step 4 : 78 A 48 E F S T 19 29 33

Step 5 : 78 A 48 E 33 F S T 19 29

Step 6 : 78 A 48 E 33 F 29 S T 19

Step 7 : 78 A 48 E 33 F 29 S 19 T

So, seven steps are required to complete the rearrangement. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

Q-3) Input : whistle yahoo 21 speeder 32 17 48 torsion

Which of the following steps will be the last but one?

1) II

2) V

3) VI

4) VII

5) IV

Solution

Input : W Y 21 S 32 17 48 T

Step I : 48 W Y 21 S 32 17 T

Step II : 48 S W Y 21 32 17 T

Step III : 48 S 32 W Y 21 17 T

Step IV : 48 S 32 T W Y 21 17

Step V : 48 S 32 T 21 W Y 17

Step VI : 48 S 32 T 21 W 17 Y

Hence, the second option is correct.

Q-4) Step 4 of an input is : 77 addable 67 Cadiz 17 34 horni Denver

Which of the following is definitely the input?

1) addable Cadiz 17 77 67 34 horni Denver

2) 77 Cadiz addable 17 67 horni 34 Denver

3) Cadiz 77 addable 67 17 34 Denver horni

4) Cannot be Determined

5) addable Cadiz 77 67 17 34 horni Denver

Solution

Step I : addable Cadiz 77 67 17 34 horni Denver

Step II : 77 Cadiz addable 17 67 horni 34 Denver

Step III : Cadiz 77 addable 67 17 34 Denver horni

Step IV : Cannot be Determined

Hence, the fourth option is correct.

Input Output Questions for SBI PO/ IBPS PO/ IBPS RRB PO exams

Directions: Q (1-2): A word and number arrangement machine when given an input line of words and numbers rearrange them following a particular rule in each step. The following is an illustration of input and rearrangement.

Input: sequential 25 indigo at 83 whatsapp 52 tuner

Step 1: 25 sequential indigo at 83 whatsapp 52 tuner

Step 2: 25 whatsapp sequential indigo at 83 52 tuner

Step 3: 25 whatsapp 52 sequential indigo at 83 tuner

Step 4: 25 whatsapp 52 tuner sequential indigo at 83

Step 5: 25 whatsapp 52 tuner 83 sequential indigo at

As per the rule followed in the following questions the appropriate step for the given input.

Step III of an Input: apple 25 horse speed 86 52 trainer 68

Q-1) Which of the following will be Step VI?

1) apple speed 25 86 52 trainer 68 horse

2) apple 52 horse 25 speed 86 trainer 68

3) apple 25 horse 52 speed 86 trainer 68

4) apple 25 horse 52 speed 68 86 trainer

5) apple 25 horse 52 speed 68 trainer 86

Solution

Step I: apple speed 25 86 52 trainer 68 horse

Step II: apple 25 speed 86 52 trainer 68 horse

Step III: apple 25 horse speed 86 52 trainer 68

Step IV: apple 25 horse 52 speed 86 trainer 68

Step V: apple 25 horse 52 speed 68 86 trainer

Step VI: apple 25 horse 52 speed 68 trainer 86

Hence, the fifth option is correct.

Q-2) Input: someone headquarters 38 65 all margaret 85 58

How many steps will be required to complete the re-arrangement?

1) Three

2) Four

3) Five

4) Eight

5) Six

Solution

Input: someone headquarters 38 65 all margaret 85 58

Step I: 38 someone headquarters 65 all margaret 85 58

Step II: 38 someone 58 headquarters 65 all margaret 85

Step III: 38 someone 58 margaret headquarters 65 all 85

Step IV: 38 someone 58 margaret headquarters 65 85 all

Therefore, the four steps are required to complete the re-arrangement. Hence, the second option is correct.

Directions: (Q 3-5): A word and number arrangement machine when given an input line of words and numbers rearranges them following a particular rule in each step. The following is an illustration of input and rearrangement.

Input: some found 19 other 99 27 came 45

Step 1: came some found 19 other 99 27 45

Step 2: came 99 some found 19 other 27 45

Step 3: came 99 found some 19 other 27 45

Step 4: came 99 found 45 some 19 other 27

Step 5: came 99 found 45 other some 19 27

Step 6: came 99 found 45 other 27 some 19

Step 6 is the last step of the rearrangement of the above input.

As per the rules followed in the following questions the appropriate step for the given input:

Q-3) Input: mathematics hour for 18 against 89 21 47

Which of the following will be step 2?

1) against 89 hour mathematics for 18 21 47

2) against 18 mathematics 89 hour for 47 21

3) against 89 mathematics hour for 18 21 47

4) Can not be determined

5) against 89 mathematics 18 hour for 21 47

Solution

Step 1: against mathematics hour for 18 89 21 47

Step 2: against 89 mathematics hour for 18 21 47

Hence, the third option is correct.

Q-4) Input: 72 59 37 go for picnic 24 journey

How many steps will be required to complete the rearrangement?

1) Two

2) Four

3) Five

4) Six

5) Three

Solution

Step 1: 24 72 59 37 go for picnic journey

Step 2: 24 picnic 72 59 37 go for journey

Step 3: 24 picnic 37 72 59 go for journey

Step 4: 24 picnic 37 journey 72 59 go for

Step 5: 24 picnic 37 journey 59 72 go for

Step 6: 24 picnic 37 journey 59 go 72 for

Therefore, six steps are required to complete the rearrangement. Hence, the fourth option is correct.

Q-5) Input: nick flower 37 14 cost height 42 57

Which of the following will be step 3?

1) 37 nick 14 height flower cost 42 57

2) 14 nick 37 height 42 flower cost 57

3) 14 nick 37 flower cost height 42 57

4) 14 nick flower 37 cost height 42 57

5) 14 nick 37 height flower cost 42 57

Solution

Step 1: 14 nick flower 37 cost height 42 57

Step 2: 14 nick 37 flower cost height 42 57

Step 3: 14 nick 37 height flower cost 42 57

Hence, the fifth option is correct.

Best Books for Input-Output Reasoning Questions (SSC, Banking, RRB Exams)

This section lists the most recommended books to master input-output reasoning questions, including machine-based patterns, shortcut tricks, and practice sets to improve speed and accuracy in competitive exams.

Non Verbal Reasoning Topics

For non-verbal reasoning read the topics below:

About the Faculty
Tanu Gupta, with over a decade of experience as a reasoning faculty, specializes in preparing students for various entrance examinations and career development. Her extensive work with multiple educational platforms and institutions has honed her expertise in logical and analytical thinking. Her dedication to innovative teaching methods ensures these articles provide practical insights and expert guidance.