Each of the questions given below consists of a statement and/or a question…
2024
Each of the questions given below consists of a statement and/or a question and two statements numbered I and II given below it. You have to decide whether the data provided in the statement(s) is/are sufficient to answer the given question.
Read both the statements and Give answer
Who is the tallest among the brothers A, B, C, D?
I: C is shorter than only B
II: D is taller than only A
- A.
if the data in Statement I alone is sufficient to answer the question, while the data in Statement II alone is not sufficient to answer the question.
- B.
if the data in Statement II alone is sufficient to answer the question, while the data in Statement I alone is not sufficient to answer the question.
- C.
if the data in each Statement I and Statement II alone is sufficient to answer the question.
- D.
if the data even in both Statements I and II together are not sufficient to answer the question.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
In a Data Sufficiency question, a statement is sufficient on its own only when it lets you pin down one single, unique answer to the question asked, without any help from the other statement. Each statement must be tested independently first; the statements are combined only if neither one works alone.
Statement I: 'C is shorter than only B' means exactly one person (B) ranks above C, so C is second overall and both A and D rank below C. This fixes B as the tallest brother, so Statement I alone gives a complete, unique answer.
Statement II: 'D is taller than only A' means exactly one person (A) ranks below D, so both B and C rank above D. This does not resolve which of B or C ranks higher, so Statement II alone cannot identify the tallest brother.
Cross-check: the order from Statement I (B above C, with A and D below C) is consistent with Statement II (B and C both above D, with D above A only) -- both place B and C above D and A, so there is no contradiction; Statement I alone already answers the question, so combining the statements adds nothing new.
Therefore, the data in Statement I alone is sufficient to answer the question, while the data in Statement II alone is not sufficient.