Setup and Rule Diagrams

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Complete Setup and Rule Diagram Explanation

This is a Pure Sequencing Game.

This may be the most difficult game of the section even though it is a Pure Sequencing game. Although sequencing games have traditionally been relatively easy, the rules in this game form an ungainly diagram that requires some skill to create and interpret.

The game scenario establishes that a courier delivers eight packages—G, H, J, K, L, M, N, and O—and no two packages are delivered simultaneously:

G H J K L M N O8

Dec 06_M12 game #4_cr_game#4_setup_diagram_1.png

The rules then establish a pure sequence that controls the placement of every variable. Let’s first examine each rule separately, and then link them together afterward:

Rule #1. This rule can be diagrammed as:

H L

Rule #2. This rule can be diagrammed as:

K O

Rule #3. This rule can be diagrammed as:

H M

Rule #4. This rule can be diagrammed as:

G O

Rule #5. This rule can be diagrammed as:

M G

Rule #6. This rule can be diagrammed as:

Dec 06_M12 game #4_cr_game#4_setup_diagram_2.png

ndividually, none of the rules is daunting. Linking them together into a workable diagram, however, is not easy.

To create a super-sequence, first start with the last three rules, which connect together easily:

Dec 06_M12 game #4_cr_game#4_setup_diagram_3.png

Next, add in the second and third rules, using arrows:

Dec 06_M12 game #4_cr_game#4_setup_diagram_4.png

Finally, add in the first rule:

Dec 06_M12 game #4_cr_game#4_setup_diagram_5.png

Note that the method of constructing this diagram worked backwards through the rules, which is another reminder that you must read all of the rules before beginning your diagram. (Note that this is not the only possible way to construct this diagram, and at the conclusion of question #22 we present two alternative diagrams that capture the same relationship in different ways).

Now that the main diagram is complete, take a moment to analyze the relationships.

• Which packages can be delivered first? Only H, J, K, and N. Note how easy it is to miss K.
  
  Which packages can be delivered last? Only L and O.
  
  What is the earliest L can be delivered? Second, right after H.
  
  What is the latest H can be delivered? Fourth—H can be delivered after J, K, and N.
  
  What is the latest N can be delivered? Fifth—N can be delivered after H, J, L, and K. The same holds true for J, which can also be delivered fifth, after H, L, N, and K.
  
  What is the earliest M can be delivered? Fourth, after H, J, and N have been delivered.
  
  What is the latest M can be delivered? Sixth, just before G and O are delivered.

Whenever you create a complex diagram (sequencing or otherwise), always take a moment to evaluate the relationships contained within because the test makers will surely question you on any confusing relationship.

Using the setup above and keeping the relationships firmly in mind, move ahead and attack the questions.