Data sufficiency — How is A related to B? Three statements are given: A. P, the only son of A, has two sisters. B. A's son is the brother of the only sister of B. C. B and P are children of A. Determine which statements are sufficient to conclude A's relation to B.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Only C is sufficient

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This data-sufficiency item asks us to determine A’s relation to B. We only need to know which statements are sufficient; we do not need the full family tree if sufficiency can be established directly.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • A: A has a son P, and P has two sisters (so A has at least three children).
  • B: A’s son is brother of B’s only sister (can be read as making A’s son a sibling of B, but this can be ambiguous regarding whether B is part of A’s family).
  • C: B and P are children of A (explicitly puts B under A).


Concept / Approach:
We check each statement or combination to see whether A’s relationship to B (i.e., parent of B) is unequivocally determined.



Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Statement C alone: It directly states B and P are children of A. Hence A is the parent of B. Sufficiency achieved.2) Statement A alone: Tells us about A’s children but does not mention B. Insufficient.3) Statement B alone: “A’s son is the brother of the only sister of B.” This can still be compatible with cases where B is not A’s child (e.g., blended families). Hence, B alone is not airtight.4) A + C: Redundant, since C alone already suffices.


Verification / Alternative check:
Try building scenarios where B is not A’s child under A or B alone; these are possible. With C, however, B is explicitly A’s child, fixing the relationship.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Only A: No link to B.
  • Either A or B: Neither alone ensures the link.
  • Both A and C: Overkill; C alone suffices.
  • A and B together: Still potentially ambiguous without C.


Common Pitfalls:
Over-interpreting B as proving full siblinghood within A’s family; ignoring that “brother of the only sister of B” can be some other boy, not necessarily sharing both parents.



Final Answer:
Only C is sufficient.

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