#18 - Local, Could Be True

[Dave Killoran]

Complete Question Explanation
(The complete setup for this game can be found here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=17159)

The correct answer choice is (B)

The condition in the question stem enacts the second rule: 2S 1R 3T. This leads to the following initial setup:

D00_Game_#3_#18_diagram 1.png

However, more information can be derived. When M is selected, then from the fourth rule W is selected. When W is selected, from the third rule Z cannot be selected. And, from the third rule, when W is selected, H is not selected, and so only F or G remain for the ruby selection:

D00_Game_#3_#18_diagram 2.png

Thus, answer choice (B) could be true and is correct.

[srcline@noctrl.edu]

Hello

I am having difficulty with question 18. Here are my initial inferences:

W H
W Z
M H

So for question 18 is this the right hypothetical for the reason B is correct?

J M F X W Y (out) H Z G K

Thank you
Sarah

[Lucas Moreau]

Hello, srcline,

Your first two inferences are robust, but I think your third one could be a little more specific. It's true that M H, but it is also true that M Z for the same reason. I would style it like this instead:

W H
W Z
M W Not!H and Not!Z

As far as number 18, if J and M are the only sapphires selected, that triggers Rule 2, and exactly one ruby must be selected. Furthermore, M means we have to have W, and cannot have H or Z. That knocks out answer choices C and E immediately. Answer choice D goes out due to the fact that K cannot be picked without taking all three sapphires, and we can likewise eliminate answer choice A due to that giving us two rubies. By process of elimination, answer choice B is the only possibility.

Hope that helps,
Lucas Moreau