Among five friends J, K, L, M, N, each of different height, who is the second tallest? I. N is taller than M and K; K is shorter than M. II. L is taller than M and N; J is not the tallest.
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AStatement II alone is sufficient; Statement I alone is not
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BNeither statement alone nor both together are sufficient
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CStatement I alone is sufficient; Statement II alone is not
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DBoth statements together are necessary
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: Neither statement alone nor both together are sufficient
Explanation
Introduction / Context:We must uniquely identify the second tallest using partial order information.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- I: N > M > K; no info on L, J.
- II: L > M and L > N; J is not tallest.
Concept / Approach:Combine inequalities and see whether a unique second tallest emerges.
Step-by-Step Reasoning:From I: N > M > K; positions of L and J unknown.From II: L is taller than both M and N; J is not tallest, but J’s relation to L and N is unknown.Together: L > N > M > K; J is somewhere below L but could be above or below N. If J is between L and N, second tallest is J; if J is below N, second tallest is N. Non-unique.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:Neither I nor II alone suffices, and even together ambiguity remains.
Final Answer:Neither statement alone nor both together are sufficient.