Ages — Kiran is elder to Manoj; Dilip is elder to Neelam. Who is the youngest? Statements: I. Kiran is elder to Neelam. II. Manoj is younger than Dilip.
Verbal Reasoning
Data Sufficiency
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: The Statements I and II together are not sufficient to answer the question.
Explanation
Introduction / Context:We must identify the youngest using partial order relations among four people.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Base: K > M; D > N.
- I: K > N.
- II: D > M.
Concept / Approach:Combine the inequalities and see if a unique minimum (youngest) is forced.
Step-by-Step Solution:
From all: K > M and K > N; D > N and D > M. The unresolved relation is between M and N; either could be younger.Case 1: N is youngest if N < M. Case 2: M is youngest if M < N. Both cases fit the statements.Verification / Alternative check:No contradiction arises in either case; thus no unique youngest is identified.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- A/B/D/E: Neither statement alone nor their combination fixes M vs N.
Common Pitfalls:Assuming transitivity across disjoint chains (K vs D) to infer M vs N.
Final Answer:C — Together not sufficient.