Directions — Village P is in which direction with respect to village R? Statements: I. R is to the south-east of T; T is to the north of P. II. Q is to the south of P and to the south-west of R.
Verbal Reasoning
Data Sufficiency
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: Both Statements I and II together are not sufficient.
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Determine the bearing of P relative to R using qualitative compass relations. Distances are unspecified.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- I: R is SE of T; T is north of P.
- II: Q is south of P and SW of R (so R is NE of Q).
- No distances or collinearity are given.
Concept / Approach:Place T as a reference and explore feasible coordinates; assess whether P→R is uniquely determined.
Step-by-Step Solution:
From I: With T at (0,0), P lies at (0, −a). R lies at (+b, −b). The vector from R to P is (−b, −a + b); its quadrant depends on the relative sizes of a and b, so the bearing is ambiguous.From II: R is NE of Q; P is north of Q. This still does not fix a and b; many consistent layouts exist.Combining I and II does not relate a and b numerically; P could be west, south-west, or south of R depending on magnitudes.Verification / Alternative check:Construct two coordinate examples that satisfy both statements but yield different P→R directions; ambiguity persists.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- A/B/C/E: Insufficient constraints to fix a unique bearing.
Common Pitfalls:Assuming equal distances without mention; forcing right triangles not stated.
Final Answer:D — Together not sufficient.