Introduction / Context:
This ranking puzzle asks you to identify the gymnast with the highest achievement and the greatest experience. “Biggest prize” refers to medal hierarchy (gold > silver > bronze). “Most experience” refers to the largest number of prior competitions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Roberta: bronze; 7 competitions.
- Jamie: silver; fewer competitions than Roberta (< 7).
- Beth: higher medal than Jamie (thus gold) and more competitions than Roberta (> 7).
- Michele: bronze; 3 competitions.
Concept / Approach:
Apply a two-criteria filter: first check medal ranking, then break ties by experience or confirm the leader on both counts. The problem states the coaches will move the gymnast who satisfies both: biggest prize and most experience simultaneously.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Medal comparison: Beth = gold; Jamie = silver; Roberta = bronze; Michele = bronze. Beth leads on medal.Experience comparison: Beth has competed more times than Roberta’s 7, so Beth > 7; Jamie has fewer than 7; Michele = 3.Beth dominates both criteria: top medal and highest experience.Therefore, Beth moves to Level 1.
Verification / Alternative check:
No other gymnast beats Beth on either metric simultaneously—she is uniquely best on both measures.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Roberta: respectable experience but lower medal (bronze).Jamie: better than bronze but fewer competitions than Roberta and less than Beth on medal.Michele: lowest experience and bronze medal.“None” contradicts the given data that Beth outranks all others on both axes.
Common Pitfalls:
Treating the criteria as either/or when the instruction requires the best on both simultaneously.
Final Answer:
Beth
Discussion & Comments