LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Analytical ReasoningHard
A team of five researchers—P, Q, R, S, T—are to be assigned to five distinct projects, Project 1 through Project 5, with each researcher assigned to exactly one project. The assignments must satisfy the following conditions: 1. P must be assigned to an earlier-numbered project than T. 2. R cannot be assigned to Project 3. 3. If Q is assigned to Project 2, then S must be assigned to Project 4. 4. T cannot be assigned to Project 1. Which of the following researchers CANNOT be assigned to Project 5?
- AQ
- BR
- CP
- DS
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. P
If P is assigned to Project 5, then there is no project with an earlier number available for T, violating condition 1 (P must be assigned to an earlier-numbered project than T). Therefore, P cannot be assigned to Project 5.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Q can be assigned to Project 5. For example: P1, Q5, R2, S4, T3.
- B. R can be assigned to Project 5. For example: P1, Q2, R5, S4, T3.
- D. S can be assigned to Project 5. For example: P1, Q3, R2, S5, T4.
Positional Precedence Violation
A rule stating one element must precede another element in an ordered sequence. Placing the first element at the end of the sequence violates this rule.
- Establishes a 'before' relationship.
- The 'earlier' element cannot be in the last position.
- The 'later' element cannot be in the first position.
Memory trick: First must always come before next.