Height ordering with partial comparisons: Mukesh is taller than Suresh but shorter than Rakesh. Rakesh is taller than Harish but shorter than Amar. Who is the shortest?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Cannot be determined

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Height-ranking questions require building partial order chains. Sometimes the data are sufficient to determine extremes; other times, uncertainty remains. Recognizing insufficiency is a key reasoning skill.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Mukesh > Suresh.
  • Mukesh < Rakesh.
  • Rakesh > Harish.
  • Rakesh < Amar.
  • No direct comparison between Suresh and Harish, or between Amar and others except via Rakesh.




Concept / Approach:
Construct a chain that is consistent: Amar > Rakesh > Mukesh > Suresh and Rakesh > Harish. The unknown link is between Suresh and Harish; either could be shorter.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: From “Rakesh is taller than Harish but shorter than Amar,” build Amar > Rakesh > Harish.Step 2: From “Mukesh taller than Suresh but shorter than Rakesh,” insert ⇒ Rakesh > Mukesh > Suresh.Step 3: Combine chains: Amar > Rakesh > (Mukesh, Harish in some order) > Suresh OR Amar > Rakesh > Mukesh > Suresh and also Rakesh > Harish; relative order of Harish vs. Suresh unresolved.




Verification / Alternative check:
Try two consistent placements: (a) Harish taller than Suresh ⇒ Suresh shortest; (b) Suresh taller than Harish ⇒ Harish shortest. Both satisfy the given constraints, proving non-uniqueness.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Picking Mukesh/Harish/Suresh outright assumes an ordering not supported by data.




Common Pitfalls:
Forcing a total order when only partial comparisons are given. Always check if multiple arrangements fit.



Final Answer:
Cannot be determined

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