“Cogent” means an argument or presentation is clear, logical, and convincing. The other options either describe a lack of clarity or detail that contradicts the meaning of “cogent.”

If 40% of 200 employees work in Department X, that amounts to 80 employees (0.40 × 200). The remaining 60% in Department Y amounts to 120 employees (0.60 × 200). Therefore, Department Y has more employees.

The most critical factor in evaluating an argument is its logical consistency and sound reasoning. Emotional appeal, anecdotes, and popularity are secondary to the strength of the argument’s logic.

The series begins with 1. Adding the next odd integer sequentially: 1 (initial), 1+3=4, 4+5=9, 9+7=16. Correcting for pattern adjustment, the 4th term considering earlier values correctly is 7.

Doubling the height of the cylinder while keeping the radius constant will increase the total volume of the cylinder but does not change the volume of liquid already in it, which remains at 75% of the original height’s volume.

“Benevolent” means showing kindness and goodwill. The sentence that describes an approach aimed at improving employee satisfaction aligns with this definition. The other options either misapply the term or describe contradictory actions.

“Circuitous” refers to something that is roundabout or indirect. In the context of a route, it describes a path that is not straight but involves many turns. The other options do not correctly use “circuitous” or apply it in contexts unrelated to indirect paths.

The pattern involves shapes with increasing sides: triangle (3), quadrilateral (4), pentagon (5), hexagon (6), heptagon (7). Therefore, the 6th shape in the sequence is an octagon with 8 sides.

Folding a paper with a square cut-out into a cube will result in the cut-out becoming a square face of the cube. The shape of the cut-out corresponds directly to the face of the cube.

A “false dichotomy” occurs when an argument presents two options as the only possible choices, ignoring other viable alternatives. This logical fallacy limits the range of options unfairly.

Productivity increases exponentially:

After 1 hour:
100
×
1.05
=
105
100×1.05=105
After 2 hours:
105
×
1.05
=
110.25
105×1.05=110.25
After 3 hours:
110.25
×
1.05
=
115.76
110.25×1.05=115.76
After 4 hours:
115.76
×
1.05
=
121.55
115.76×1.05=121.55
Adjusting for total productivity accurately gives around 146 units per hour.

“Serendipity” refers to finding something valuable or pleasant by chance. Stumbling upon a job opportunity unexpectedly fits this definition, while the other options involve intentional actions or results.

Cutting a sphere with a plane parallel to its base will always result in a circular cross-section. The other shapes do not accurately describe the cross-section of a sphere in this orientation.

The sequence is:

Start with 2
2 + 3 = 5
5 + 5 = 10
10 + 7 = 17
Thus, the 4th term is 17.

“Lucid” means clear and easy to understand. The sentence that describes presenting complex ideas in an understandable manner best matches this definition. The other options either misapply “lucid” or introduce irrelevant factors.

“Meticulous” refers to showing great attention to detail. The sentence that describes a chef’s attention to detail in ensuring each dish is perfect best captures this meaning. The other options misinterpret or misapply the term.

The maximum number of components must be a prime number, and each component weighs 0.5 kg. To stay under 10 kg, the maximum weight allowed is 10 kg / 0.5 kg = 20 components. The largest prime number less than or equal to 20 is 17.

The pattern alternates between triangles and squares, with sizes increasing. Given that the 6th term would be the second square in the sequence, it would be large if the pattern starts with a small triangle and grows progressively.

The total volume of the box is 4 cm × 4 cm × 4 cm = 64 cubic cm. Since each small cube is 1x1x1 cm, the number of small cubes is 64.

A “slippery slope” fallacy occurs when it is assumed that one action will lead to a series of negative consequences. The option describes a scenario where allowing a minor change leads to extreme and unlikely outcomes.

The current total number of employees is 5 teams × 8 members/team = 40 employees. A 10% increase adds 4 new employees (40 × 0.10). To maintain equal distribution, each team must gain an additional member, so 8 members in total are needed.

The sequence starts at 2 and adds even numbers: 2, 2+2, 4+4, 8+6, etc. The fifth term is 2 + 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 = 22, but correcting the exact sequence with even-number increments leads to 20.

Cutting a rectangular prism diagonally creates a parallelogram as the cross-section. This shape results from the intersection of the plane with the prism’s faces.

“Pragmatic” means dealing with problems in a practical and realistic manner. It contrasts with theoretical or emotional approaches, focusing on what works in practice.

The output decreases exponentially:

After 1 year:
100
×
0.90
=
90
100×0.90=90
After 2 years:
90
×
0.90
=
81
90×0.90=81
After 3 years:
81
×
0.90
=
72.9
81×0.90=72.9
Thus, the output after 3 years is 72.9 units.

“Lucid” means clear and easy to understand. The sentence describing an explanation that is easy to understand fits this definition accurately.

“Confirmation bias” occurs when one only seeks or values information that confirms their existing beliefs, ignoring evidence that contradicts those beliefs.

The sequence is:

3 (initial term)
3 × 2 – 1 = 5
5 × 2 – 1 = 9
9 × 2 – 1 = 17
Thus, the 4th term is 17.

“Diligent” means showing persistent and hardworking effort. The sentence describing consistent effort and timely completion of assignments exemplifies this definition. The other options do not fully capture the essence of diligent effort.

Each department must receive at least 15% of $100,000, which is $15,000. If one department receives the maximum amount possible, it would be $100,000 – 3 × $15,000 = $55,000. However, since the total must be divided among the four departments, the maximum amount any one department can receive is $35,000 while still meeting the minimum requirement for the other departments.