LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Analytical ReasoningEasy
A company is designing a new product line with exactly five distinct components: F, G, H, I, J. The components must be assembled in a specific order, one after another, according to the following conditions: F must be assembled before I. G must be assembled immediately before H. J cannot be the first or the last component assembled. If H is assembled third, then F must be assembled first. Which of the following could be the order of assembly from first to last?
- AG, H, F, J, I
- BF, J, I, G, H
- CI, F, G, H, J
- DF, G, H, I, J
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. G, H, F, J, I
Let's check each option against the rules. A: F, G, H, I, J. Violates 'J cannot be the last component'. B: G, H, F, J, I. F is before I (F=3, I=5). G is immediately before H (G=1, H=2). J is not first or last (J=4). H is not third, so the conditional 'If H is third, F is first' is not triggered. This order is valid. C: I, F, G, H, J. Violates 'F must be assembled before I'. D: F, J, I, G, H. Violates 'G must be assembled immediately before H'.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Violates the rule that G must be assembled immediately before H.
- C. Violates the rule that F must be assembled before I.
- D. Violates the rule that J cannot be the last component.
Direct Rule Application
Systematically check each given option against all established rules to identify the one that satisfies every condition.
- Every rule must be satisfied.
- One violation invalidates an option.
- Process of elimination is effective.
Memory trick: Review the checklist, one item at a time, to confirm it's all good.