Which of the following statements about the ordering of three digit numbers is true? I. 235 < 325 < 543 II. 325 < 233 < 745

Introduction / Context:
This question checks basic understanding of inequalities involving three digit numbers. You are given two compound inequalities and asked which one or ones are true. Such questions appear in reasoning sections to confirm that candidates can read inequality chains correctly and compare whole numbers accurately without overthinking.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Statement I claims: 235 < 325 < 543.
• Statement II claims: 325 < 233 < 745.
• Each statement uses standard ordering on the number line.
• We must identify whether I is true, II is true, both are true, or neither is true.

Concept / Approach:
To compare three digit numbers, we first compare hundreds digits. If the hundreds digits differ, the number with the larger hundreds digit is larger. Only when hundreds are equal do we move on to tens and then units. A chain like A < B < C means both A < B and B < C must be true. One false part makes the whole chain false. We will check each inequality piece by piece using place value logic.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Examine statement I: 235 < 325 < 543. Compare 235 and 325. The hundreds digits are 2 and 3. Since 2 < 3, we have 235 < 325, so the first part is true. Compare 325 and 543. The hundreds digits are 3 and 5. Since 3 < 5, we have 325 < 543, so the second part is also true. Therefore, both parts in statement I are correct, and the chain 235 < 325 < 543 holds true. Now examine statement II: 325 < 233 < 745. Compare 325 and 233. The hundreds digits are 3 and 2. Since 3 > 2, in reality 325 > 233, not 325 < 233. The very first part of the chain is false. Because 325 < 233 is false, the whole chain in statement II is false, even though 233 < 745 by itself is true.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick way to check is to place the numbers in ascending order. The set {235, 325, 543} naturally orders as 235, 325, 543, which matches statement I exactly. For the set {325, 233, 745}, ordering them from smallest to largest gives 233, 325, 745. This clearly shows that the correct chain would be 233 < 325 < 745, not 325 < 233 < 745. Since statement II conflicts with this ordering, it must be false. Thus only statement I is true.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, which claims only II is true, is wrong because we have shown statement II fails at its first comparison. Option C, which claims both statements are true, is wrong because a false statement cannot be labelled true. Option D, which claims neither is true, is wrong because statement I is clearly correct. Only option A accurately reflects that I is true and II is false.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to rush through and not carefully check each inequality in the chain, sometimes assuming that the examiner will make both look symmetrical. Another pitfall is to focus only on tens or units digits and forget that the hundreds digit dominates in three digit comparisons. Always compare from left to right and remember that even one wrong comparison in an inequality chain makes the whole statement false.

Final Answer:
Only the first inequality chain is correct, so the right choice is Only I, which is option A.