#14 - Local, Could Be True

[Dave Killoran]

Complete Question Explanation
(The complete setup for this game can be found here: lsat/viewtopic.php?f=362&t=3362)

The correct answer choice is (E)

If F is assigned to boat 2, then from the second rule G must be assigned to boat 2, and from the first rule H must be assigned to boat 1:

G3-Q14-d1.png

This information eliminates answer choice (B).

The remaining unassigned people are V, W, and Y. Because of the limited number of remaining spaces in boat 2, V and W can never both be in boat 2, and from the third rule, when one of them is assigned to boat 1, the other is assigned to boat 2. Thus, V and W effectively form a rotating dual-option in boats 1 and 2, and the only remaining space for Y is in boat 1:

G3-Q14-d2.png

Thus, answer choice (E) is correct.

[ellenb]

Dear Powerscore,

In question 14, they seem to split, V/W, I was just curious as to why? And can we apply it as a general rule just like X/Z so we can have V/W split dual option?

Thanks!

[Adam Tyson]

Good question, Ellen.

The language of the rules regarding the V/W relationship and the X/Z relationship are such that you cannot treat them in same way, generally. Instead, the V/W split in this case comes from the operation of the facts of this particular question coupled with several rules.

Start with the idea of the V/W relationship - if V is in 1, W is in 2, and the contrapositive, if W is in 1, V is in 2. so, they can be in different boats, but that rule also leaves open the possibility that both V and W are in boat 2, right? If neither sufficient condition occurs (neither of them is in boat 1), we have no worries or rule violations.

But now the facts of question 14 come into play. F is in boat 2, so then according to the second rule that means G is there too. Then the first rule kicks in - you must have at least one adult (FGH) in each boat, so that forces H into boat 1.

Boat 2 now has 2 of its 4 seats occupied by F and G. The 4th rule dictates that we have to keep X and Z apart, so the third seat in that boat is occupied by one of them, with the other going to boat 1.

Now we have one seat left in boat 2, right? That means that my original suggestion, that V and W could both be in boat 2, won't work here - there aren't enough seats! That means one of them has to go to boat 1, and the other is forced to take the last seat in boat 2. Boat 2 now has F, G, X/Z and V/W. Boat 1 has H, Y, Z/X and W/V. Which answer choice is a pair that could be together? Y and Z could be in boat 1 together, and thus answer choice (E) is correct. The rest are all forbidden by this scenario.

[ellenb]

Thanks, did you mean Y ans Z for the correct answer instead of W and Z perhaps?

Thanks a lot for the clarification

Ellen

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Ellen,

He did, and so I corrected his post above to reflect that fact. In a few days, after I know you've seen this, I'll delete this post and your last post in order to avoid confusion for readers in the future.

Thanks, and good catch on that!