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SSC Stenographer 2024 PYQ — Question 55

SSC Stenographer - 11/12/2024 (12:30 PM to 2:30 PM) • English • Q55

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In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Centuries ago, Aryabhata, one of the most famous Indian mathematicians and astronomers (1)__________ the concept of zero, the base of the present (2)_______ system. With time, zero became a stepping stone to (3)_______ simplified computations, (4)______ the ways for development of algebra, algorithms and calculus, three pillars of modern mathematics, while eventually laying the (5)______ for computers.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank 2.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. numeral.

The phrase here is 'the base of the present _____ system'. The correct term is 'numeral system', which refers to a writing system for expressing numbers (like the decimal system).

Numeral (noun/adjective) means a symbol or system used for numbers, which fits perfectly with the context of zero as part of the number system.

Why not the others?

numerically – Adverb; doesn’t make sense before “system.”

numerology – A belief system linking numbers to mystical meanings; unrelated to mathematics here.

numerological – Adjective related to numerology (mystical), not the actual mathematical system.