Verification of truth – age vs height: "My 10-year-old niece is taller than my 12-year-old son." How often can such a situation occur?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Sometimes

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is about biological variability. Height depends on genetics, nutrition, health, and growth timing, not strictly on chronological age. The statement asks how often a younger child can be taller than an older child.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Child A: 10 years old (niece).
  • Child B: 12 years old (son).
  • We compare typical growth patterns but allow individual variation.


Concept / Approach:
Height distributions overlap across ages. Some 10-year-olds can fall in higher percentiles than some 12-year-olds, especially around growth spurts. Therefore, the scenario is possible but not guaranteed nor typical.



Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Recognize overlapping percentile curves by age.2) Consider early/late puberty effects and sex differences.3) Conclude that while older children tend to be taller on average, counterexamples occur.


Verification / Alternative check:
Population growth charts show broad ranges for each age; interquartile spans overlap across adjacent ages, supporting “sometimes.”



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Always and Generally are too strong; averages do not imply certainties. Never is false; many families observe younger-taller cases.



Common Pitfalls:
Assuming monotonic height increase with age across different individuals rather than within the same individual.



Final Answer:
Sometimes

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