Introduction / Context:
This linear arrangement question asks whether a third statement about relative positions must be true given two constraints. We place each vehicle on a left–right line according to the premises and then test the claim about “between-ness.”
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Sedan is right of pickup and left of SUV → order: pickup < sedan < SUV.
- Minivan is left of pickup → minivan < pickup.
- All vehicles are in distinct positions along one row.
Concept / Approach:
- “Between the pickup and the sedan” means its position must be strictly greater than pickup and strictly less than sedan.
- But the minivan is stated to be left of the pickup, so it cannot be between pickup and sedan.
Step-by-Step Solution:
From Premise 1: P < Sdn < SUV.From Premise 2: Mnv < P.To be “between P and Sdn,” a car must satisfy P < x < Sdn. But Mnv < P, which violates the left bound.Hence, the claim is necessarily false.
Verification / Alternative check:
Visual order: Mnv — P — Sdn — SUV. The minivan sits to the far left, not in the interval between pickup and sedan.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
true: Contradicted by the explicit position Mnv < P.uncertain: There is no flexibility here; the premises fix the order sufficiently.both true and false: Not coherent for a single arrangement.
Common Pitfalls:
Misreading “to the left of the pickup” as “left of the sedan,” which would change the interval check. Always translate each relation carefully.
Final Answer:
false
Discussion & Comments