Comparative quality — Does the third statement follow from the first two? Premise 1: The bookstore has a better selection of postcards than the newsstand. Premise 2: The selection of postcards at the drugstore is better than at the bookstore. Claim.

Question

Solve this multiple-choice question and choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context:This question uses transitivity of “better than” across three stores. If A is better than B, and C is better than A, what can we say about C compared with both A and B? We must deduce whether the combined claim follows necessarily. Given Data / Assumptions: Bookstore > Newsstand (for postcard selection quality). Drugstore > Bookstore. “Better than” is assumed to be transitive and consistent for this attribute. Concept / Approach: From Drugstore > Bookstore and Bookstore > Newsstand, it follows that Drugstore > Newsstand. Therefore, the drugstore is better than both the bookstore and the newsstand. Step-by-Step Solution: Start with Bk > Ns.Given Dr > Bk.By transitivity: Dr > Ns.Thus Dr is better than Bk and Ns, matching the claim. Verification / Alternative check: Assign scores: Ns = 60, Bk = 75 (Bk > Ns), Dr = 85 (Dr > Bk). Then Dr > Ns holds, confirming the claim. Why Other Options Are Wrong: false: Conflicts with the transitive chain.uncertain: No ambiguity remains; the relation is fully determined.both true and false: Not applicable given consistent ordering. Common Pitfalls: Overlooking that “better than” comparisons can be chained, or misreading the second premise as “bookstore better than drugstore.” Final Answer: true

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