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.

Difficulty: Medium

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.

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