LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Analytical ReasoningMedium
A gardener is planting five different types of flowers—Roses (R), Sunflowers (S), Tulips (T), Violets (V), and Zinnias (Z)—in a single row of five plots, numbered 1 to 5 from left to right. The following rules apply: 1. Roses must be planted next to Zinnias. 2. Sunflowers cannot be planted in plot 1 or plot 5. 3. Tulips must be planted in a plot with an odd number. 4. Violets must be planted immediately to the right of Sunflowers. If Zinnias are planted in plot 4, which of the following must be true?
- ARoses are planted in plot 3.
- BTulips are planted in plot 1.
- CViolets are planted in plot 3.
- DSunflowers are planted in plot 2.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Roses are planted in plot 3.
If Zinnias are in plot 4, then by Rule 1, Roses must be in plot 3 (since plot 5 is not available for Zinnias to be next to Roses). This placement forces other deductions.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Tulips could be in plot 1 or 5, but not necessarily plot 1. For example, if S is in 2, V in 3, R in 3, Z in 4, T in 1 or 5, R needs to be next to Z.
- C. Violets cannot be in plot 3 if S is in plot 2, because R must be in plot 3 (next to Z in 4). This creates a conflict.
- D. Sunflowers cannot be in plot 2 if Violets are immediately to their right, and Z is in plot 4. If S is in 2, V must be in 3. But R must be in 3 (next to Z in 4). This creates a conflict, so S cannot be in plot 2.
Forced Placement Deduction
A deduction where the placement of one item, combined with specific rules, leaves only one possible position for another item.
- Often triggered by 'next to' or 'immediately' rules.
- Limits the choices for other elements.
- Can initiate a chain of further deductions.
Memory trick: Roses and Zinnias are a pair, Sunflowers avoid ends, Tulips like odd, Violets follow Sunflowers.