AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
(B) u = –15 cm, measured to the left of the pole.
According to New Cartesian Sign Convention, distances measured to the left of the pole are negative; since the object is placed in front of (to the left of) the mirror, u = –15 cm.
The key rule: all distances are measured from the pole, and leftward distances are negative. The object is always placed to the left of the mirror, so object distance u is always negative. Options A, C, and D are incorrect — distances are not measured from the focus, and leftward is negative (not positive). The correct MCQ answer is (B); the correct option statement is (C) — "Distances measured to the left of the pole are negative."
Source: Chapter 9, Section 9.2.3 Sign Convention for Reflection by Spherical Mirrors