Ranking logic — comparative positions in a class Mohan and Suresh study in the same class. Mohan scored higher than Suresh. Suresh's rank is seventh from the top. Which statement is definitely true?
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AMohan stood first in the terminal examination.
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BThere is at least one student between Mohan and Suresh in the rank list.
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CThere are at the most five students between Mohan and Suresh in the rank list.
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DSuresh is five ranks lower than Mohan in the rank list.
Answer
Correct Answer: There are at the most five students between Mohan and Suresh in the rank list.
Explanation
Introduction / Context:“Seventh from top” fixes Suresh's position. Mohan is above Suresh (a better rank). We must find what must always hold regardless of the exact class size.
Concept / Approach:The maximum gap occurs when Mohan is 1st. Then the number of students between them equals (7 − 1) − 1 = 5. For any other Mohan rank (2nd to 6th), the gap is smaller.
Step-by-Step Solution:Suresh = 7th.Mohan ∈ {1st,2nd,3rd,4th,5th,6th}.Maximum separation when Mohan=1st ⇒ between = 5.Therefore, the number between them is ≤ 5 in all cases.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:First place is not guaranteed (a). “At least one between” fails if Mohan is exactly 6th (b). “Exactly five ranks” is not fixed (d).
Common Pitfalls:Confusing “definitely true” with a likely scenario.
Final Answer:There are at the most five students between Mohan and Suresh in the rank list.