Blood relations — How is P related to J? Statements: I. M is the brother of P; T is the sister of P. II. P's mother is married to J's husband, who has one son and two daughters.

Difficulty: Hard

Correct Answer: Both Statements I and II together are not sufficient.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
We must find P's relation to J from partial family information that allows multiple consistent family trees.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • I: Sibling facts about P (one brother, one sister mentioned), but nothing about J.
  • II: 'P's mother is married to J's husband' implies J's husband is P's father; however, it does not tell whether J is the same person as P's mother (monogamy) or a different spouse (making J a stepmother). Children counts do not disambiguate identities.


Concept / Approach:
Enumerate models consistent with both statements and observe whether P→J is unique (mother vs stepmother vs other).


Step-by-Step Solution:

Model A: J = P's mother (monogamous couple). Then P is J's child.Model B: J ≠ P's mother (another spouse of P's father). Then J is P's stepmother.Both models satisfy the statements and are non-contradictory.


Verification / Alternative check:
Sibling info (I) is compatible with either model; the 'one son and two daughters' clause does not resolve J's identity.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • A/B/C/E: No single statement or their combination pins a unique relationship.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming spouses are unique without explicit mention; ignoring step-relations.


Final Answer:
D — Together not sufficient.

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