Consider the following statements:
1. A is older than B.
2. C and D are of the same age.
3. E is the youngest.

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. A is older than B.
2. C and D are of the same age.
3. E is the youngest.
4. F is younger than D.
5. F is older than A.
How many statements given above are required to determine the oldest person/persons?

Accepted Answer

To determine the oldest person, we must analyze the relationships provided in the statements:

1. Statement 1 tells us A is older than B.
2. Statement 2 tells us C and D are the same age.
3. Statement 3 tells us E is the youngest, so E cannot be the oldest.
4. Statement 4 tells us D is older than F.
5. Statement 5 tells us F is older than A.

By combining these, we establish a hierarchy: C and D are equal and older than F. F is older than A. A is older than B. E is the youngest.

This creates the sequence: (C = D) > F > A > B > E.

To reach this conclusion, we need every piece of information:
- We need 4 and 5 to know D is older than A.
- We need 1 to know A is older than B.
- We need 2 to include C in the top position with D.
- We need 3 to ensure E is not the oldest.

Without any one of these statements, we cannot definitively rank all individuals to confirm that C and D are the oldest. Therefore, all five statements are required.

Answer

Only two

Answer

Only three

Answer

Only four

Answer

All five

Consider the following statements: 1. A is older than B. 2. C and D are of the same age. 3. E is the youngest. 4. F is younger than D. 5. F is older than A. How many statements given above are required to determine the oldest person/persons?

Explanation

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