LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Analytical ReasoningEasy
Six students—K, L, M, N, O, P—are to be divided into two groups of three, Group 1 and Group 2. Each student must be in exactly one group. The following conditions apply: 1. K must be in the same group as N. 2. L cannot be in the same group as P. 3. M must be in Group 1. 4. If O is in Group 1, then P must be in Group 2. Which of the following is a complete and accurate list of the students who CANNOT be in Group 2?
- AM, P
- BK, N, M
- CM only
- DM, O
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. M only
Rule 3 explicitly states that M must be in Group 1. Therefore, M cannot be in Group 2.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. P could be in Group 2. For example, if L is in Group 1, P can be in Group 2. So this is incorrect.
- B. K and N could be in Group 2. M cannot. So this is incorrect.
- D. O could be in Group 2. If O is in Group 2, then rule 4 doesn't apply. So O could be in Group 2. This is incorrect.
Direct Exclusion
A rule that explicitly forbids an element from being in a certain group or position.
- Simplest form of constraint.
- Requires no inference or combination of rules.
- Immediately eliminates options.
Memory trick: Read Rules, Find Direct Blocks.