MAH-CET 2026 — Reasoning PYQ

Step 1: Understand the folding process

Let us track the layers of paper created during each vertical fold step:

1. Initial state: We start with a single sheet of paper, which consists of $1$ layer.

2. First vertical fold: Folding the paper vertically once over itself doubles the number of overlapping layers.

   $$\text{Layers after 1st fold}=1\times 2=2\text{ layers}$$

3. Second vertical fold: Folding the paper vertically a second time doubles the existing overlapping layers once again.

   $$\text{Layers after 2nd fold}=2\times 2=4\text{ layers}$$

At this stage, the completely folded strip of paper contains exactly $4$ layers stacked perfectly on top of one another.

Step 2: Analyze the punching process

• A single hole is punched straight through the top section of this folded paper.

• Since the punch goes completely through all overlapping sheets, it pierces through all $4$ layers simultaneously.

Step 3: Unfold the paper

When the paper is completely unfolded back to its original full size, each of the $4$ layers separates to reveal its individual portion of the sheet. Since each layer received exactly $1$ punch hole in the stack, the total number of holes visible across the full open sheet will match the number of layers:

$$\text{Total holes visible}=4\text{ layers}\times 1\text{ hole per layer}=4\text{ holes}$$

Correct Answer

The correct option is (d) 4 holes.