In a group of four children, Som is younger to Riaz. Shiv is elder to Ansu. Ansu is youngest in the group. Which of the following statements is/are required to find the eldest child in the group?
Statements:
1. Shiv is younger to Riaz.
2. Shiv is elder to Som.
A. Statement 1 by itself determines the eldest child.
B. Statement 2 by itself determines the eldest child.
C. Statements 1 and 2 are both required to determine the eldest child.
D. Statements 1 and 2 are not sufficient to determine the eldest child.
GATE 2014 · General Aptitude · Statements Follow · medium
Answer: Statement 1 alone uniquely determines Riaz as the eldest child. The correct option is A.
List what is known from the given base facts: Known: (i) Riaz > Som, (ii) Shiv > Ansu, (iii) Ansu is youngest (Ansu < Som, Riaz, Shiv). Partial order so far: Riaz > Som > Ansu, Shiv > Ansu. The position of Riaz relative to Shiv is unknown — so either Riaz or Shiv could be eldest.
Apply Statement 1: Shiv is younger to Riaz: Statement 1 gives Riaz > Shiv. Combined with existing facts: Riaz > Shiv > Ansu and Riaz > Som > Ansu. Therefore Riaz is above all three others. Riaz is the eldest. Statement 1 alone is sufficient.
Check Statement 2 alone: Shiv is elder to Som: Statement 2 gives Shiv > Som. Combined with base facts: Shiv > Som > Ansu, Shiv > Ansu, and Riaz > Som. But now we need to compare Riaz and Shiv. Statement 2 gives no information about Riaz vs Shiv, so either could be eldest. Statement 2 alone is NOT sufficient.