Heights — Among A, B, C, D, E (all different heights), who is the third tallest? Statements: I. E is shorter than only B. II. C is taller than only A.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Both Statements I and II together are necessary to answer the question.

Explanation:

Introduction / Context:We need the 3rd tallest given two partial order constraints among five distinct heights.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • I: E is below only B ⇒ B is tallest (1st), E is 2nd.
  • II: C is above only A ⇒ A is 5th (shortest), C is 4th.

Concept / Approach:Merge the two chains to place the remaining person (D).

Step-by-Step Solution:

From I alone: 1st=B, 2nd=E; 3rd could be C or D or A (insufficient).From II alone: 4th=C, 5th=A; 1st–3rd unresolved (insufficient).Combining: B (1st), E (2nd), C (4th), A (5th). The only remaining slot (3rd) must be D ⇒ unique.

Verification / Alternative check:Distinctness is respected; no conflicts arise.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • A/B/C: Either statement alone does not fix the 3rd position.
  • E: Although the combination is sufficient, the wording 'necessary' highlights that neither alone suffices; the classification corresponds to needing both.

Common Pitfalls:Misplacing C above E; ignoring that II fixes bottom two strictly.

Final Answer:D — Both statements together are necessary (3rd tallest is D).

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