Consider the following statements: Either A and B are of the same age or A is older than B Either C and D are of the same age or D is older than C B is older than C Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?

Reasoning : Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability

Q 196 / 325

UPSC CSE Prelims 2016

Consider the following statements:

Either A and B are of the same age or A is older than B
Either C and D are of the same age or D is older than C
B is older than C

Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (D)

From the given statements:

Statement 1 establishes that A is either older than B or of the same age as B (A ≥ B).
Statement 3 explicitly states that B is older than C (B > C).

By combining these two relationships, if A is at least as old as B (A ≥ B) and B is strictly older than C (B > C), it logically follows that A must be strictly older than C (A > C). This conclusion holds true irrespective of whether A is older than B or of the same age as B.

Incorrect Options:

Option A: A is older than B

Statement 1 indicates that either A = B or A > B. The information provided is insufficient to definitively conclude that A is strictly older than B, as A could be of the same age as B.

Option B: B and D are of the same age

Statement 2 indicates D ≥ C, and Statement 3 states B > C. The given statements do not provide any direct or indirect information to establish a specific relationship between B and D, thus it is not possible to conclude that they are of the same age.

Option C: D is older than C

Statement 2 indicates that either C = D or D > C. The information provided is insufficient to definitively conclude that D is strictly older than C, as D could be of the same age as C.