Assume the following inequality chain is true: C < T < L = P > Q and N > C > Y. Consider these two conclusions: A. P > Y. B. Y < P. Which option correctly describes which conclusions are definitely true?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Both conclusions A and B are true

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question involves chained inequalities among several variables. Two conclusions are stated, but a close look shows that they express the same relationship in slightly different forms. Our task is to verify whether this relationship follows from the given chains and then to choose the option that best summarises the truth of the conclusions.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • First chain: C < T < L = P > Q.
  • Second chain: N > C > Y.
  • Conclusion A: P > Y.
  • Conclusion B: Y < P.
  • We are working with standard greater than and less than relations that are transitive and consistent.


Concept / Approach:
Chained inequalities can be combined using transitivity: if A < B and B < C, then A < C. Also, if L = P, we can replace L with P in comparisons. Note that P > Y and Y < P are logically equivalent ways of expressing the same inequality. The question is whether the given chains imply that the variable P is greater than the variable Y in every possible case.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: From C < T < L = P, we know that L and P represent the same value, and that both of them are greater than T, which is greater than C.Step 2: From N > C > Y, we know that C is greater than Y, so Y is the smallest among N, C and Y.Step 3: Combining C < T and T < L, we have C < L. Since L = P, we can write C < P.Step 4: From C > Y and C < P, we deduce Y < C < P, which immediately implies Y < P.Step 5: The conclusion Y < P is exactly conclusion B.Step 6: If Y < P, then reversing the inequality gives P > Y, which is conclusion A.Step 7: So both conclusions A and B express the same true inequality, and therefore both are definitively true.


Verification / Alternative check:
Assign sample numerical values consistent with the chains. For example, take Y = 1, C = 2, T = 3, L = P = 5, and N = 6.Check: C < T (2 < 3), T < L (3 < 5), L = P (5 = 5), and P > Q can be satisfied by taking Q = 0.Also, N > C (6 > 2) and C > Y (2 > 1) hold. In this assignment, P = 5 and Y = 1, so P > Y and Y < P are clearly true.Any other assignment that respects the chains will keep P greater than C and C greater than Y, so P remains greater than Y.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a and option b claim that only one of the conclusions is true, but both conclusions state the same inequality in opposite directions.Option d is wrong because it claims that neither conclusion is true, contradicting the clear chain Y < C < P.Option e suggests exactly one conclusion is true but uncertain which, which cannot be correct for two logically equivalent statements.


Common Pitfalls:
Failing to recognise that P > Y and Y < P are logically identical and must share the same truth value.Not combining the chains correctly to see that Y is less than C and that C is less than P.Overthinking the problem and imagining complex cases, when the straightforward combination of inequalities already settles it.


Final Answer:
Since P is always greater than Y according to the given inequalities, Both conclusions A and B are true.

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