Question 1

Find the youngest given mixed comparisons: Sita is older than Kanika. Ila is older than Kanika but younger than Sita. Shempa is younger than both Manas and Kanika, and Kanika is older than Manas. Who is the youngest?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: We are given two partial chains anchored on Kanika. The question asks for the youngest person, which will be the one forced below two others by direct statements. Given Data / Assumptions: Sita > Ila > Kanika (since Ila is older than Kanika but younger than Sita). Kanika > Manas. Shempa is younger than both Manas and Kanika ⇒ Shempa < Manas and Shempa < Kanika. Concept / Approach: Stack the constraints with Kanika as the pivot. Individuals strictly younger than two others become strong candidates for the youngest. Step-by-Step Solution: Top chain: Sita > Ila > Kanika.Lower placements: Kanika > Manas and Kanika > Shempa; also Manas > Shempa.Thus overall: Sita > Ila > Kanika > Manas > Shempa. Verification / Alternative check: Any numeric assignment respecting these inequalities retains Shempa at the very bottom; no statement allows anyone to be younger than Shempa. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Manas: Older than Shempa. Ila/Kanika/Sita: Each is in the upper portion of the chain. Common Pitfalls: Misreading “younger than both” as “younger than either,” which would not force Shempa below Manas. Final Answer: Shempa

Question 2

Find the tallest using chained height comparisons: Umesh is taller than Satish. Suresh is shorter than Neeraj but taller than Umesh. Who is the tallest among Umesh, Satish, Suresh, and Neeraj?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: A short chain of inequalities can still identify an extreme (tallest). Here, we link the given comparisons and see who must be at the top. Given Data / Assumptions: Umesh > Satish. Suresh > Umesh. Neeraj > Suresh. All heights are distinct. Concept / Approach: Transitivity of “taller than” gives a strict chain ending with Neeraj above Suresh, who is above Umesh, who is above Satish. Step-by-Step Solution: From Suresh > Umesh and Umesh > Satish ⇒ Suresh > Umesh > Satish.From Neeraj > Suresh ⇒ Neeraj > Suresh > Umesh > Satish.Therefore the tallest is Neeraj. Verification / Alternative check: Assign example heights (e.g., Neeraj 185, Suresh 180, Umesh 175, Satish 170). All constraints hold and Neeraj is tallest. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Suresh/Umesh/Satish are each below someone else in the chain. Common Pitfalls: Reversing any “shorter than” statement or overlooking the strictness of comparisons. Final Answer: Neeraj

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