Calendar reasoning – If the day before yesterday was Friday, what will be the third day after the day after tomorrow?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Friday

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Day-of-week problems require translating verbal offsets into movements on a 7-day cycle. Here, we are told “day before yesterday was Friday,” and we are asked for the day that is “the third day after the day after tomorrow.” We will anchor “today” as an unknown T, convert each phrase into an offset from T, and then evaluate.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Day before yesterday = T − 2.
  • Given: T − 2 = Friday.
  • Day after tomorrow = T + 2.
  • Third day after that = (T + 2) + 3 = T + 5.
  • Week repeats every 7 days (mod 7 arithmetic).


Concept / Approach:
First find T by moving forward two days from Friday; then compute T + 5 and reduce modulo 7 if needed. Working symbolically clarifies the offsets and avoids counting mistakes.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) T − 2 = Friday ⇒ T = Friday + 2 = Sunday.2) Day after tomorrow = T + 2 = Sunday + 2 = Tuesday.3) Third day after that = (T + 2) + 3 = T + 5 = Sunday + 5.4) Count 5 days forward from Sunday: Monday (1), Tuesday (2), Wednesday (3), Thursday (4), Friday (5).5) Therefore, the required day is Friday.


Verification / Alternative check:
Directly compute T + 5 = Sunday + 5 = Friday. Also, mod 7: +5 ≡ −2; since T is Sunday, Sunday − 2 = Friday—consistent.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Thursday/Saturday/Sunday: Each is off by one or more steps when the offsets are applied correctly.
  • None of these: There is an exact match (Friday).


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “day before yesterday” with “yesterday before yesterday,” or miscounting the “third day after.” Always express phrases as precise offsets (e.g., T − 2, T + 5) before evaluating.


Final Answer:
Friday

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