UPSC Civil Services 2022 Prelims General Studies Paper II

We have to find which is the smallest number among 240,321,418 and 812 .
1) 812=(23)12=236
2) 418=(22)18=236
3) 240
4) 321
So, in above expressions it is noted that (1.) and (2.) are equal and (3.) greater than (1.) and (2.).
So, the only option left which can be the smallest number is 321.