Which of the following is a leap year?

Appeared in: HPSSC - 2015

Explanation

A year is considered a leap year if it is divisible by 4.
An exception to this rule applies to century years (those ending in '00').
A century year is only a leap year if it is also divisible by 400.
The year 2000 is divisible by 4 and also by 400, which makes it a leap year.
The other options (1900, 2100, 1800) are century years but are not divisible by 400, so they are not leap years.

Option A: Although 1900 is divisible by 4, it is a century year and is not divisible by 400. Therefore, it does not qualify as a leap year.
Option C: Although 2100 is divisible by 4, it is a century year and is not divisible by 400. Therefore, it is not a leap year.
Option D: Although 1800 is divisible by 4, it is a century year and is not divisible by 400. Therefore, it is not a leap year.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Rules for determining a leap year, including the century year exception as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a direct clinical skill, general knowledge questions are a component of many nursing entrance and recruitment exams to assess a candidate's overall aptitude and reasoning skills.
The logical process of applying a set of rules with exceptions is a transferable skill, similar to following complex medical protocols or calculating medication dosages with specific patient-related adjustments.
What if the question asked which year was NOT a leap year? In that case, 1900, 2100, and 1800 would all be correct answers, emphasizing the need to read the question stem carefully.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify that the question is a factual recall question about the definition of a leap year.
Recall the two primary rules for determining a leap year: the general rule of divisibility by 4 and the special rule for century years.
Systematically apply these rules to each of the given options.
Test each option for divisibility by 4. All options (1900, 2000, 2100, 1800) are divisible by 4.
Recognize that all options are century years (ending in '00'), so the special rule must be applied.
Test each option for divisibility by 400. Only 2000 is evenly divisible by 400.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Rules for determining a leap year, including the century year exception.
Stem keywords: leap year
Lead-in keywords: Which

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Practise the full HPSSC - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.