Five boys A, B, C, D and E are standing in a line according to their heights. A is taller than E but shorter than D. B is shorter than E, and C is the tallest among all five boys. Who occupies the middle position when they are arranged from tallest to shortest?

Introduction / Context:

This question belongs to the category of ranking and ordering based on height. We are given pairwise comparisons among five boys and must construct a full height order. Once the order is known, identifying the middle position becomes straightforward. Such problems strengthen logical deduction skills.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Five boys: A, B, C, D and E.
• A is taller than E but shorter than D, so D > A > E.
• B is shorter than E, so E > B.
• C is the tallest of all the boys.
• We want the boy in the central position when the boys are ordered from tallest to shortest.

Concept / Approach:

We interpret each comparison as an inequality and combine them to build a single chain from tallest to shortest. Knowing that C is tallest immediately fixes the top position. Then we insert D, A, E and B into the chain in a way that satisfies all inequalities. The boy who ends up with exactly two boys taller and two boys shorter is in the middle.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

We can quickly check each relation in the final order. A is indeed shorter than D and taller than E. B is at the bottom and therefore shorter than E. C is at the top and therefore taller than all others. Since all conditions are satisfied, the order is consistent.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

C is the tallest and therefore at the first position, not in the middle.

D is second from the top because he is shorter than C but taller than A.

E is fourth in the order, since both C and D and A are taller than E, and E is taller than only B.

Common Pitfalls:

Candidates may misread “shorter than” and reverse inequalities or forget to include B's relation. Drawing the order as a vertical list from tallest to shortest or vice versa greatly reduces confusion.

Final Answer:

The boy standing in the middle position is A.