Ranks — What is Suneeta's rank from the top in a class of students? Statements: I. In a class of 42 students, Suneeta is 29th from the bottom. II. Suneeta is ten ranks below Samir.
Verbal Reasoning
Data Sufficiency
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: Statement I alone is sufficient; Statement II alone is not sufficient.
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This is a rank-conversion problem: converting 'from bottom' to 'from top' when class size is known.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Total students = 42 (from I).
- Suneeta is 29th from bottom (from I).
- From II: Suneeta is ten ranks below Samir, but Samir’s rank is unknown.
Concept / Approach:Use the identity: rank_from_top = N − rank_from_bottom + 1.
Step-by-Step Solution:
From I: rank_from_top = 42 − 29 + 1 = 14. Unique.From II alone: relative to Samir only; cannot compute an absolute rank.Verification / Alternative check:Plugging back: 14th from top implies 29th from bottom in a class of 42, which matches I.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- B: II lacks absolute anchor.
- C: Neither statement alone other than I suffices.
- D/E: Unnecessary; I already gives a unique answer.
Common Pitfalls:Forgetting the +1 while converting between top/bottom ranks.
Final Answer:A — Statement I alone suffices (rank = 14th from the top).