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Without further ado, today’s sample problem comes from our friends at PowerScore LSAT Preparation:
Linear Setup Challenge
The following item represents a scenario and corresponding rules similar to those found in an actual Logic Game. To complete this challenge, diagram the setup and include a representation of all sequences, blocks, etc. Then, answer the corresponding question.
Problem
A College dormitory manager must assign five students—P, Q, R, S, and T—to five different floors of the dormitory—floors 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. The assignments must comply with the following restrictions:
P must be assigned to the floor directly above Q.
R must be assigned to floor 6.
1. Which one of the following must be true?
(A) P must be assigned to floor 3.
(B) S must be assigned to floor 5.
(C) T must be assigned to floor 5.
(D) S cannot be assigned to floor 1.
(E) T cannot be assigned to floor 2.
Solution:
Linear Setup Challenge Explanation
Of the two variable sets in this challenge drill, the floors should be chosen as the base, and even though the listed floors do not include floor 4, the fourth floor should be shown anyway. The value of this decision will prove itself in a moment. The variable sets are in a one-to-one relationship (1-1-1-1-1), and in this case the best representation is vertical since that is the way the floors of buildings exist in the real world. Here is the best diagram for the game scenario:
By showing floor 4, it becomes apparent that neither P nor Q can be assigned to floor 5 because there is not enough room for the PQ block. In addition, Q cannot be assigned to floor 3 because P can never be on the floor 4, and “P must be assigned to the floor directly above Q.” Because the PQ block cannot be placed above floor 4, we can deduce that the PQ block must be on either floors 3-2 or floors 2-1. Thus, either P or Q must be assigned to floor 2 and S and T cannot be assigned there.
We can also infer that S or T must be assigned to floor 5 because we already know that three of the five students—R, P, and Q—cannot be assigned to floor 5, and that leaves S and T as the only two students eligible to be assigned there.
Question #1. The correct answer is (E). As explained above, the PQ block must be assigned to floors 3-2 or floors 2-1. Consequently, either P or Q must be assigned to floor 2, and no other student, including T, can be assigned to floor 2.
This drill is taken directly from The PowerScore LSAT Logic Games Bible, the ultimate guide for attacking the analytical reasoning section of the LSAT. It features a detailed methodology for attacking the games section, extensive drills, and 21 real LSAT logic games with detailed analyses. The Logic Games Bible is also supplemented by a unique website that provides additional material for the book and answers frequently asked student questions. Available at www.powerscore.com.
