Logical deduction – ordering by fiber content among cereals Given: Oat has more fiber than corn but less than bran. Corn has more fiber than rice but less than wheat. Question: Considering oat, corn, and rice, is the statement “Rice cereal has the least amount of fiber” true, false, or uncertain?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: True

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The task is to synthesize two comparative chains to determine the relative order among selected items. Although more cereals are mentioned, the conclusion focuses on three specific kinds: oat, corn, and rice.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Oat > corn and Oat < bran.
  • Corn > rice and Corn < wheat.
  • Claim to evaluate: “Among oat, corn, and rice, rice has the least fiber.”
  • We only need the order among oat, corn, rice.


Concept / Approach:
From the second premise, corn is above rice. From the first, oat is above corn. Transitivity then gives oat > corn > rice for the trio of interest, establishing rice as least.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) From “Corn > rice” we know rice is below corn.2) From “Oat > corn” we position oat above corn.3) Combine: Oat > corn > rice.4) Therefore, rice is the least among oat, corn, and rice ⇒ statement is True.


Verification / Alternative check:
Assign sample numbers: rice 2, corn 3, oat 5, wheat 6, bran 7. All premises hold and rice is indeed least among the specified three.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • False / Uncertain: The chain uniquely determines the order; there is no ambiguity.
  • Both true and false: Not applicable; a single consistent order arises.


Common Pitfalls:
Being distracted by wheat and bran. They help place corn and oat but are not needed to decide the least among oat, corn, and rice.


Final Answer:
True

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