Setup and Rule Diagrams

[Dave Killoran]

Setup and Rule Diagram Explanation

This is an Advanced Linear Game: Unbalanced: Underfunded.

Oct 96_game #1_M12_L4_explanations_game#4_setup_diagram_1.png

This game is Underfunded because there are only seven variables for nine spaces. Since each traveler can be assigned to only one seat, it follows that two seats will be empty. In order to more gracefully handle this empty space, you should create an “E” or “X” variable to indicate the empty space (in this case we chose X). This maneuver transforms the game from Unbalanced: Underfunded to Balanced. X is then treated like any other variable.

Note carefully that the third rule states that R’s seat is the row behind the row in which N’s seat is located. The rule does not say that R’s seat is the seat behind N’s seat. This rule is often misinterpreted by test takers. Remember, always read closely!

Because the RPX block must be in the row behind N, and O is already in the last row, we can infer that the RPX will be in the middle row. Consequently, N must be in the front row.

At this point, from an abstract standpoint, the first three rules are well under control, or dead. The only active rule is the last rule, and you should be expect to be tested on the application of this rule. This last rule produces several Not Laws and inferences:

• Because N must be assigned to the front row, at least one of S and U must be assigned to the last row, and neither S nor U can be assigned seat 2.
  
  If N is assigned seat 2, then both S and U must be assigned to the last row.
  
  If S and U is assigned seat 1 or 3, then N must be assigned to the seat at the other end of the row.

The final controlling piece of information is to consider the variables unassigned as of yet: S, T, U, and the other X. These four variables fill the remaining two seats in the front and last rows. Thus, two of these four variables will be assigned to the front row, and the other two will be assigned to the last row.

[destaat]

This is my diagram

F /N T/E N/

M E/R P R/E

L ____ ____ ____


I don't understand how any of the answer choices could work let alone answer choice (a) P HAS to be in 5 right? Otherwise how does it sit immediately beside two seats?!


Please Help!


A.T.

[Dave Killoran]

Hi A.T.,

There's a problem in your diagram above, which is likely causing most of your problems.

Let's go back to the third rule. The third rule is worded in such a way that some students misinterpret the meaning of the rule. Note carefully that the third rule states that R’s seat is the row behind the row in which N’s seat is located. The rule does not say that R’s seat is the seat behind N’s seat. Thus, when you have N limited to seat 1 or 3, that's incorrect; N can sit in any seat in the front row, regardless of which seat R is in.

You are right about P--it is in seat 5, and your middle row diagram is correct.

With question #1, this problem can be solved by looking solely at seat 2 (where neither S nor U, nor O, can sit):

Answer choice (B) is incorrect because O’s seat is in the last row.

Answer choice (C) is incorrect because P’s seat is seat 5.

Answer choice (D) is incorrect because R’s seat cannot be in the first row (R must sit in seat 4 or 6).

Answer choice (E) is incorrect because U cannot be assigned to seat 2.

Accordingly, answer choice (A) is proven correct by process of elimination.


Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!

[destaat]

Thank you for the timely response Dave. I can't believe I misread that rule. It definitely makes sense now.

[Dave Killoran]

Glad I could help!

You're definitely not the first person to misread that, but it highlights the fact that you always have to be careful when reading their rules--they can be tricky!

[agroves]

Hi,

This question is regarding the set-up of an advanced linear game given within the lesson portion of Lesson 4. It is listed as Game #4 on page 4-9 of my Power Score book and includes questions 1-5 on the October 1996 LSAT.

Rule 3 of this game (Rosen's seat is in the front row immediately behind the row in which Norris' seat is located) tripped me up a bit. I represented it as the book explanation suggested - with a vertical box around NR. However, this seems to be a misrepresentation because R can be in ANY seat in the ROW behind N, not necessarily the SEAT directly N. Is there another way to more precisely represent this rule without using the vertical box?

Thank you!

[Dave Killoran]

Hi A,

Thanks for the question. Yes, that's an interesting rule, and you probably noted that the explanation to that game specifically discusses that block representation and the fact that it reflects a "row" relationship, just because it is so tricky. Regardless, let's discuss other ways to represent that rule.

We know that we have N and R in a vertical formation due to the diagram presented by the test makers. That clearly leads to something that needs to reflect this type of block:


N
R


When that has a block around it (which I do not have the ability to draw here, unfortunately), we think of them as perfectly consecutive, so to show that it is just a row relationship, we can add a "row" subscript:


N
R Row


If we wanted to convey the idea of N and R within the three spaces of each row, then it gets harder. A representation such as:


__ N __
__ R __


Gives us a sense of the row configurations, but still makes it look like N and R are in seats directly behind each other, and worse, suggests they are both in the center seat (and note that I'm only discussing this rule in isolation; I'm not considering any of the other rules). Thus, you couldn't show it in this fashion, and you'd have to remove N and R from any physical placement, a la this representation:


N __ __ __
R __ __ __


But that seems cumbersome, and it more or less returns us to our starting point of the NR block. Thus, I feel like that is the best representation, and it simply becomes part of the test taker's job to remember the row aspect is in play.

Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!

[agroves]

Hi Dave,

Thank you so much! Yes, this helps. This is a rule that I would just need to be more careful about, or use the subscript notation if I come across it again.

Thanks again,

Angela

[Dave Killoran]

Great, glad I could help! Please let me know if you come across any other questions.

Thanks!

[jessamynlockard]

Why can neither S nor U be assigned seat 2?