Direction sense — What is the direction of tower P with respect to tower Q? Statements: I. P is to the west of H, and H is to the south of Q. II. F is to the west of Q and to the north of P.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Both Statements I and II together are not sufficient.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
We must determine the direction of P with respect to Q using two spatial statements. Direction-sense DS questions test whether a unique conclusion is implied without assuming distances or collinearity.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • I: P is west of H; H is south of Q.
  • II: F is west of Q and north of P.
  • Standard compass directions; distances are unspecified.


Concept / Approach:
Translate each statement to relative quadrants. With no distances, multiple placements can satisfy the constraints. We need uniqueness for a sufficient conclusion.


Step-by-Step Solution:

From I: Place Q at origin. H must be somewhere directly south of Q. P lies somewhere west of H. Hence, P is south-west of Q or at least west and south relative to Q, but the exact bearing (W, SW, SSW, etc.) depends on distances. Direction from P to Q is therefore ambiguous using I alone.From II: F is west of Q and north of P. This places P south of F, but P's position relative to Q can vary widely; P could be anywhere south of F while F remains west of Q.Combining I and II still allows multiple valid layouts. Example A: Let Q=(0,0), H=(0,-1), P=(-1,-1). Choose F=(-1,0). Example B: Q=(0,0), H=(0,-3), P=(-4,-3), F=(-4,-2). In A, Q is NE of P; in B, Q is ENE of P—different specific directions.


Verification / Alternative check:
Try to force a single compass word (e.g., 'north-east'). Distances remain free variables, so uniqueness fails.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • I alone: does not fix distances; multiple directions possible.
  • II alone: gives only relative info via F; P vs Q undetermined.
  • Either alone sufficient: false for the reasons above.
  • Both together sufficient: still multiple arrangements exist.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming equal distances or grid alignment that is not stated; reading 'west of' as a fixed offset; forcing diagonals without necessity.


Final Answer:
Both Statements I and II together are not sufficient.

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