Veda Skills Logical Reasoning Unit 10: Inequalities

Inequalities is Unit 10 of Veda Skills Logical Reasoning. This page has the complete chapter notes across 2 topics, 130 practice MCQs with answers and explanations, 9 important short and long questions and 27 flashcards, written for SSC, Bank, Railway and placement exams and free to read.
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Direct Inequalities

Read a chain of signs such as P ≥ Q > R = S ≤ T, join statements through a common letter, decide which conclusions are definitely true, spot the either-or pair, and solve the reverse "which sign fits" questions.

What you will be able to do

  • I can read the five signs >, ≥, =, ≤ and < and list the cases each one allows.
  • I can join two letters through a chain and get their definite relation, or see that there is none.
  • I can decide when two conclusions form an either-or pair.
  • I can solve reverse questions: which sign fits a blank, or which expression makes a conclusion true.

Key points

  • A ≥ B allows two cases, A > B or A = B. A ≤ B allows A < B or A = B.

  • Two letters can be compared only through the letters that link them in the statement.

  • If every sign on the path points the same way, the letters are related; one strict sign makes the result strict.

  • An = sign never changes the direction; it just passes the other sign along.

  • If two signs on the path face each other (> then <, or ≥ then ≤), no definite relation exists.

  • Either I or II is true only when both are about the same pair, neither is definite alone, and together they cover every case.

  • Typical either-or pairs: (>, =) when the path gives ≥, and (≥, <) or (≤, >) when there is no relation.

  • With separate statements, first join them into one chain through the common letters.

Full explanation

Who scored more?

A row of balance scales of different sizes on a long table, some tipped left and some tipped right, a student comparing them.

After a class test, Meera hears three facts: Aarav scored more than Bhavna, Bhavna scored at least as much as Chirag, and Chirag scored the same as Deepa. Her friend asks: "So did Aarav beat Deepa? And did Bhavna beat Deepa?"

One answer is a sure yes and the other is "we cannot be sure". By the end of this topic you will see which is which in five seconds.

The five signs

A see-saw with a big child on one side and a small child on the other.

Every inequality question uses only five signs. The two "or equal" signs are the ones that set traps, because each of them allows two cases.

Table of the five signs: A > B, A ≥ B meaning A > B or A = B, A = B, A ≤ B meaning A < B or A = B, and A < B.

Joining signs through a common letter

Two letters can be compared only through the letters between them. Walk from one to the other and look at the signs:

  • All signs point the same way: the letters are related.
  • Any strict sign (> or <) on the path makes the result strict.
  • All signs are ≥ (or =): the result is only ≥.
  • = passes the other sign along.
  • Two signs face each other: no definite relation.

Table: > with > gives >, > with ≥ gives >, ≥ with ≥ gives ≥, = with any sign keeps that sign, > with < and ≥ with ≤ give no relation.

Worked example: a definite relation

Statement: P ≥ Q > R = S ≤ T.

Is P > S true? The path P ≥ Q > R = S points one way and has a strict sign, so P > S is definitely true.

Is T > R true? The path from R is R = S ≤ T, which gives only T ≥ R. T may equal R, so T > R is not definite.

The chain P ≥ Q > R = S ≤ T with a bracket under P to S labelled P > S, and a note that R and T give only T ≥ R.

When the chain breaks

In K > L < M ≥ N, K and M are both greater than L, but nothing says which of them is bigger. Signs facing each other at L break the path. Any conclusion about K and M, such as K > M or K < M, is not definite.

The chain K > L < M ≥ N with a bracket from K to M saying the signs face each other, so K and M are unknown.

The either-or pair

Sometimes neither conclusion is definite, yet one of them must hold. Tick either I or II only when all three are true:

  1. Both conclusions are about the same two letters.
  2. Neither is definite on its own.
  3. Together they cover every case for that pair.

From A ≥ B, the pair I. A > B, II. A = B is either-or. With no relation at all, the pair I. A ≥ B, II. A < B is also either-or, because every pair of numbers is either ≥ or <.

Three boxes: A > B allowed as conclusion I, A = B allowed as conclusion II, A < B crossed out by A ≥ B.

A trap that looks like either-or

Statement: A > B < C. Conclusions: I. A > C, II. A = C.

Same pair, and neither is definite. But A < C is also possible, so the two do not cover every case. The answer is neither, not either-or.

Several statements

Bank papers often give separate statements such as M > N, P ≥ N, P < Q. Join them through the common letters into one chain: M > N ≤ P < Q. Then solve exactly as before.

Three statements M > N, P ≥ N and P < Q drawn as three rows, with a note that they join into M > N ≤ P < Q.

Reverse questions: which sign fits?

"Which sign in A ≥ B ? C = D makes A > D definitely true?" Put each sign in the blank and test. With ≥ or = the path gives only A ≥ D; with < or ≤ it breaks. Only > works.

Topper's habit: test the options, never guess from the look of the expression.

Exam shortcuts

  • Find the path between the two letters first; ignore the rest of the chain.
  • Opposite signs anywhere on the path: stop, no relation.
  • One strict sign on a one-way path: strict result.
  • Before ticking "neither", check the either-or conditions.
  • Read B < A as A > B before comparing.

Back to Meera

Write the facts with first letters: A > B ≥ C = D.

  • Aarav and Deepa: A > B ≥ C = D, one way with a strict sign, so Aarav surely scored more.
  • Bhavna and Deepa: B ≥ C = D gives only B ≥ D. Bhavna may have tied with Deepa, so we cannot be sure she scored more.

Mind map of direct inequalities: five signs, join through a common letter, direction, strict wins, either-or, reverse questions.

Concepts and terms

Definite relation

A relation that holds in every order of the letters allowed by the statement. Only these count as true.

Path through a common letter

To compare A and D in A > B ≥ C = D, follow A to B to C to D and combine the signs on the way.

Break in the chain

Signs facing each other, as in A > B < C, mean A and C can stand in any order.

Either-or pair

Two conclusions about the same pair, neither definite, that between them cover every possible case.

Did you know

Bank exams (IBPS, SBI) usually ask 5 inequality questions in the prelims reasoning section, and they are among the fastest marks.

Mathematicians call the ≥ relation a "weak order"; the same idea sorts cricket scores, exam ranks and prices.

Memory tricks

Combining signs — Same way, strict wins — If all signs point one way, the result follows them; one > (or <) on the path makes it strict.

Either-or test — Same pair, none sure, all covered — Check the three conditions in this order before you tick either-or.

Practice MCQs with answers (72)

Q1 A statement is followed by two conclusions. Decide which of them is/are definitely true. Statement: X ≤ V ≤ H = T Conclusions: I. V ≤ H II. T > V beginner
  • A Only I is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

I (V ≤ H): V ≤ H is given directly, so I is true. II (T > V): T = H ≥ V gives only T ≥ V, which does not make T > V certain (T may also be equal to V); II is not true. So only I is true.

Q2 Assume the statement is true. Which of the conclusions must then be true? Statement: L ≤ X = N < V Conclusions: I. V < X II. V > L beginner
  • A Only I is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Only II is true
Why:

I (V < X): V > N = X gives V > X, so V < X is false; I is not true. II (V > L): V > N = X ≥ L gives V > L, so II is true. So only II is true.

Q3 Study the statement and find which conclusion(s) definitely follow. Statement: H < S = G ≤ P Conclusions: I. H < P II. G = S beginner
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Both I and II are true
Why:

I (H < P): H < S = G ≤ P gives H < P, so I is true. II (G = S): G = S is given directly, so II is true. So both are true.

Q4 A statement is followed by two conclusions. Decide which of them is/are definitely true. Statement: D > W > C ≥ F Conclusions: I. F > D II. W ≥ D beginner
  • A Either I or II is true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

I (F > D): F ≤ C < W < D gives F < D, so F > D is false; I is not true. II (W ≥ D): W < D is given directly, so W ≥ D is false; II is not true. So neither is true.

Q5 Assume the statement is true. Which of the conclusions must then be true? Statement: K > P ≥ G ≥ H Conclusions: I. K > G II. G > H beginner
  • A Only I is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

I (K > G): K > P ≥ G gives K > G, so I is true. II (G > H): only G ≥ H is given, which does not make G > H certain (G may also be equal to H); II is not true. So only I is true.

Q6 Study the statement and find which conclusion(s) definitely follow. Statement: P ≤ A < L < X Conclusions: I. X ≤ A II. P < L beginner
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Only II is true
Why:

I (X ≤ A): X > L > A gives X > A, so X ≤ A is false; I is not true. II (P < L): P ≤ A < L gives P < L, so II is true. So only II is true.

Q7 A statement is followed by two conclusions. Decide which of them is/are definitely true. Statement: X < E ≥ W ≤ C Conclusions: I. E = C II. W ≥ X beginner
  • A Either I or II is true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

I (E = C): in E ≥ W ≤ C the signs point both ways, so E and C have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (W ≥ X): in W ≤ E > X the signs point both ways, so W and X have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So neither is true.

Q8 Assume the statement is true. Which of the conclusions must then be true? Statement: F > R > U < C Conclusions: I. U < C II. F > U beginner
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Both I and II are true
Why:

I (U < C): U < C is given directly, so I is true. II (F > U): F > R > U gives F > U, so II is true. So both are true.

Q9 Study the statement and find which conclusion(s) definitely follow. Statement: R ≥ G < D ≤ P Conclusions: I. P > G II. R < D beginner
  • A Only I is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

I (P > G): P ≥ D > G gives P > G, so I is true. II (R < D): in R ≥ G < D the signs point both ways, so R and D have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So only I is true.

Q10 A statement is followed by two conclusions. Decide which of them is/are definitely true. Statement: Q = Y < J ≥ T ≤ D Conclusions: I. J > Q II. Q = D intermediate
  • A Only II is true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

I (J > Q): J > Y = Q gives J > Q, so I is true. II (Q = D): in Q = Y < J ≥ T ≤ D the signs point both ways, so Q and D have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So only I is true.

Q11 Assume the statement is true. Which of the conclusions must then be true? Statement: W = V ≥ T > X ≤ A Conclusions: I. A > V II. V > X intermediate
  • A Only I is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Only II is true
Why:

I (A > V): in A ≥ X < T ≤ V the signs point both ways, so A and V have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (V > X): V ≥ T > X gives V > X, so II is true. So only II is true.

Q12 Study the statement and find which conclusion(s) definitely follow. Statement: Z = T ≥ V ≥ F < B Conclusions: I. F ≤ T II. Z ≥ F intermediate
  • A Only I is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Both I and II are true
Why:

I (F ≤ T): F ≤ V ≤ T gives F ≤ T, so I is true. II (Z ≥ F): Z = T ≥ V ≥ F gives Z ≥ F, so II is true. So both are true.

Q13 A statement is followed by two conclusions. Decide which of them is/are definitely true. Statement: X > T = V < D ≥ P Conclusions: I. P > T II. X = V intermediate
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Either I or II is true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

I (P > T): in P ≤ D > V = T the signs point both ways, so P and T have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (X = V): X > T = V gives X > V, so X = V is false; II is not true. So neither is true.

Q14 Assume the statement is true. Which of the conclusions must then be true? Statement: W ≤ E < S ≥ N ≥ R Conclusions: I. N ≤ E II. N > E intermediate
  • A Only I is true
  • B Either I or II is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

I (N ≤ E): in N ≤ S > E the signs point both ways, so N and E have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (N > E): in N ≤ S > E the signs point both ways, so N and E have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q15 Study the statement and find which conclusion(s) definitely follow. Statement: K > D ≤ Y = E ≥ V Conclusions: I. V > D II. V ≤ Y intermediate
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Only II is true
Why:

I (V > D): in V ≤ E = Y ≥ D the signs point both ways, so V and D have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (V ≤ Y): V ≤ E = Y gives V ≤ Y, so II is true. So only II is true.

Q16 A statement is followed by two conclusions. Decide which of them is/are definitely true. Statement: Y > J ≤ U = R ≥ L Conclusions: I. L ≤ U II. Y ≥ L intermediate
  • A Both I and II are true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

I (L ≤ U): L ≤ R = U gives L ≤ U, so I is true. II (Y ≥ L): in Y > J ≤ U = R ≥ L the signs point both ways, so Y and L have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So only I is true.

Q17 Assume the statement is true. Which of the conclusions must then be true? Statement: M < R > N ≥ E = D Conclusions: I. M > E II. M ≤ E intermediate
  • A Either I or II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

I (M > E): in M < R > N ≥ E the signs point both ways, so M and E have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (M ≤ E): in M < R > N ≥ E the signs point both ways, so M and E have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q18 Study the statement and find which conclusion(s) definitely follow. Statement: S ≥ E ≥ P ≤ Q ≤ C Conclusions: I. S ≥ Q II. Q ≥ E intermediate
  • A Either I or II is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

I (S ≥ Q): in S ≥ E ≥ P ≤ Q the signs point both ways, so S and Q have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (Q ≥ E): in Q ≥ P ≤ E the signs point both ways, so Q and E have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So neither is true.

Q19 A statement is followed by two conclusions. Decide which of them is/are definitely true. Statement: S = C > E < Y < V Conclusions: I. V > E II. S > E intermediate
  • A Only II is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Both I and II are true
Why:

I (V > E): V > Y > E gives V > E, so I is true. II (S > E): S = C > E gives S > E, so II is true. So both are true.

Q20 Assume the statement is true. Which of the conclusions must then be true? Statement: D ≥ Z = G ≤ V ≤ R < P Conclusions: I. V < D II. V ≥ D advanced
  • A Only I is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Either I or II is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

I (V < D): in V ≥ G = Z ≤ D the signs point both ways, so V and D have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (V ≥ D): in V ≥ G = Z ≤ D the signs point both ways, so V and D have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q21 Study the statement and find which conclusion(s) definitely follow. Statement: H ≥ F > Z ≥ A ≤ G = W Conclusions: I. Z = H II. G ≤ H advanced
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Either I or II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

I (Z = H): Z < F ≤ H gives Z < H, so Z = H is false; I is not true. II (G ≤ H): in G ≥ A ≤ Z < F ≤ H the signs point both ways, so G and H have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So neither is true.

Q22 A statement is followed by two conclusions. Decide which of them is/are definitely true. Statement: U < V > C < E ≤ K < N Conclusions: I. N > C II. U > C advanced
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

I (N > C): N > K ≥ E > C gives N > C, so I is true. II (U > C): in U < V > C the signs point both ways, so U and C have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So only I is true.

Q23 Assume the statement is true. Which of the conclusions must then be true? Statement: E = S > T ≤ A ≥ Z ≥ C Conclusions: I. C > T II. T < E advanced
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Only II is true
Why:

I (C > T): in C ≤ Z ≤ A ≥ T the signs point both ways, so C and T have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (T < E): T < S = E gives T < E, so II is true. So only II is true.

Q24 Study the statement and find which conclusion(s) definitely follow. Statement: X > Z ≤ C > R ≤ U > N Conclusions: I. N ≤ C II. N > C advanced
  • A Both I and II are true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Either I or II is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

I (N ≤ C): in N < U ≥ R < C the signs point both ways, so N and C have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (N > C): in N < U ≥ R < C the signs point both ways, so N and C have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q25 A statement is followed by two conclusions. Decide which of them is/are definitely true. Statement: T ≤ A < W ≥ E = M ≤ L Conclusions: I. T < W II. M ≤ W advanced
  • A Both I and II are true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Both I and II are true
Why:

I (T < W): T ≤ A < W gives T < W, so I is true. II (M ≤ W): M = E ≤ W gives M ≤ W, so II is true. So both are true.

Q26 Assume the statement is true. Which of the conclusions must then be true? Statement: H ≤ D < J ≥ B = M ≥ U Conclusions: I. M ≥ H II. U > H advanced
  • A Either I or II is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

I (M ≥ H): in M = B ≤ J > D ≥ H the signs point both ways, so M and H have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (U > H): in U ≤ M = B ≤ J > D ≥ H the signs point both ways, so U and H have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So neither is true.

Q27 Study the statement and find which conclusion(s) definitely follow. Statement: F = N < H > V > R ≤ Q Conclusions: I. R < N II. R ≥ N advanced
  • A Both I and II are true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Either I or II is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

I (R < N): in R < V < H > N the signs point both ways, so R and N have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (R ≥ N): in R < V < H > N the signs point both ways, so R and N have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q28 A statement is followed by two conclusions. Decide which of them is/are definitely true. Statement: B ≥ U > D < X < C Conclusions: I. U > C II. U = C advanced
  • A Either I or II is true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

I (U > C): in U > D < X < C the signs point both ways, so U and C have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (U = C): in U > D < X < C the signs point both ways, so U and C have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So neither is true.

Q29 Assume the statement is true. Which of the conclusions must then be true? Statement: F = X ≤ B > J > Z Conclusions: I. F < Z II. F = Z advanced
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Either I or II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

I (F < Z): in F = X ≤ B > J > Z the signs point both ways, so F and Z have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (F = Z): in F = X ≤ B > J > Z the signs point both ways, so F and Z have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So neither is true.

Q30 Study the statement and find which conclusion(s) definitely follow. Statements: P < T, P > D, T < K, D > C Conclusions: I. C < P II. D > T intermediate
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

I (C < P): C < D < P gives C < P, so I is true. II (D > T): D < P < T gives D < T, so D > T is false; II is not true. So only I is true.

Q31 A statement is followed by two conclusions. Decide which of them is/are definitely true. Statements: V < F, F ≤ L, V ≥ P, L ≤ K Conclusions: I. P < K II. V < K intermediate
  • A Only I is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Both I and II are true
Why:

I (P < K): P ≤ V < F ≤ L ≤ K gives P < K, so I is true. II (V < K): V < F ≤ L ≤ K gives V < K, so II is true. So both are true.

Q32 Assume the statement is true. Which of the conclusions must then be true? Statements: F > Q, Q ≥ E, L > E, S < L Conclusions: I. E ≥ S II. E < S intermediate
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Either I or II is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

I (E ≥ S): in E < L > S the signs point both ways, so E and S have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (E < S): in E < L > S the signs point both ways, so E and S have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q33 Study the statement and find which conclusion(s) definitely follow. Statements: V < D, V < F, G ≥ F, G ≤ Z Conclusions: I. D < G II. D > F intermediate
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Either I or II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

I (D < G): in D > V < F ≤ G the signs point both ways, so D and G have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (D > F): in D > V < F the signs point both ways, so D and F have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So neither is true.

Q34 A statement is followed by two conclusions. Decide which of them is/are definitely true. Statements: B = D, D ≥ X, X ≥ L, K > L, K ≤ Q Conclusions: I. D < L II. X ≤ B advanced
  • A Only I is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Only II is true
Why:

I (D < L): D ≥ X ≥ L gives D ≥ L, so D < L is false; I is not true. II (X ≤ B): X ≤ D = B gives X ≤ B, so II is true. So only II is true.

Q35 Assume the statement is true. Which of the conclusions must then be true? Statements: T < E, E > M, M > C, B > M, C ≥ P Conclusions: I. T > B II. T ≤ B advanced
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Either I or II is true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

I (T > B): in T < E > M < B the signs point both ways, so T and B have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (T ≤ B): in T < E > M < B the signs point both ways, so T and B have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q36 Study the statement and find which conclusion(s) definitely follow. Statements: F < J, K = F, B > F, B > C, B < R Conclusions: I. K < C II. R < C advanced
  • A Only I is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Either I or II is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

I (K < C): in K = F < B > C the signs point both ways, so K and C have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (R < C): R > B > C gives R > C, so R < C is false; II is not true. So neither is true.

Q37 A statement is followed by two conclusions. Decide which of them is/are definitely true. Statements: P ≥ Q, P ≤ H, M ≤ P, M < U, J > U Conclusions: I. Q ≤ H II. Q > U advanced
  • A Only I is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

I (Q ≤ H): Q ≤ P ≤ H gives Q ≤ H, so I is true. II (Q > U): in Q ≤ P ≥ M < U the signs point both ways, so Q and U have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So only I is true.

Q38 Statement: R ≤ L ≥ D = X ≥ H Which of the following is definitely true? beginner
  • A L < H
  • B X ≤ L
  • C D > L
  • D X < H
Show answer
Answer: X ≤ L
Why:

X = D ≤ L gives X ≤ L, so X ≤ L is definitely true. X < H: the path gives X ≥ H, so it is not definite. L < H: the path gives L ≥ H, so it is not definite. D > L: the path gives D ≤ L, so it is not definite.

Q39 Statement: V ≤ N > J > K ≤ R Which of the following is definitely true? intermediate
  • A V < J
  • B K > V
  • C K < N
  • D J > R
Show answer
Answer: K < N
Why:

K < J < N gives K < N, so K < N is definitely true. J > R: J > K ≤ R has facing signs, so it is not definite. V < J: V ≤ N > J has facing signs, so it is not definite. K > V: K < J < N ≥ V has facing signs, so it is not definite.

Q40 Statement: J > G < Q > H ≤ F < U Which of the following is definitely true? intermediate
  • A F > Q
  • B U < J
  • C H < G
  • D H < U
Show answer
Answer: H < U
Why:

H ≤ F < U gives H < U, so H < U is definitely true. U < J: U > F ≥ H < Q > G < J has facing signs, so it is not definite. H < G: H < Q > G has facing signs, so it is not definite. F > Q: F ≥ H < Q has facing signs, so it is not definite.

Q41 Statement: M = V ≤ A ≤ G ≥ J > C Which of the following is definitely true? advanced
  • A C < G
  • B J < A
  • C A > C
  • D V < M
Show answer
Answer: C < G
Why:

C < J ≤ G gives C < G, so C < G is definitely true. J < A: J ≤ G ≥ A has facing signs, so it is not definite. A > C: A ≤ G ≥ J > C has facing signs, so it is not definite. V < M: the path gives V = M, so it is not definite.

Q42 Statement: H ≥ W ≤ M = S > P Which of the following can NEVER be true? intermediate
  • A W < M
  • B W > S
  • C P > W
  • D W < H
Show answer
Answer: W > S
Why:

W ≤ M = S gives W ≤ S, so W > S is impossible. Each of the other three is possible for some order of the letters.

Q43 Statement: R ≥ C ≥ B > P ≤ F ≤ E Which of the following can NEVER be true? advanced
  • A C > F
  • B R < F
  • C P ≥ R
  • D C > E
Show answer
Answer: P ≥ R
Why:

P < B ≤ C ≤ R gives P < R, so P ≥ R is impossible. Each of the other three is possible for some order of the letters.

Q44 Which sign should replace ? in the expression E ? U ≥ A ≥ S so that E > A is definitely true? beginner
  • A ≥
  • B <
  • C ≤
  • D >
Show answer
Answer: >
Why:

With >: E > U ≥ A gives E > A. ≤ gives no definite relation; ≥ gives only E ≥ A; < gives no definite relation.

Q45 Which sign should replace ? in the expression U < S ≤ N = Z ? C so that S < C is definitely true? intermediate
  • A <
  • B =
  • C ≤
  • D >
Show answer
Answer: <
Why:

With <: S ≤ N = Z < C gives S < C. = gives only S ≤ C; ≤ gives only S ≤ C; > gives no definite relation.

Q46 Which sign should replace ? in the expression V ? P ≤ K ≤ J > Y so that P > V is definitely true? intermediate
  • A ≤
  • B <
  • C >
  • D =
Show answer
Answer: <
Why:

With < the blank itself reads P > V. ≤ gives only P ≥ V; > gives only P < V; = gives only P = V.

Q47 Which sign should replace ? in the expression R ? Z ≤ G > K ≤ U < E so that Z < R is definitely true? advanced
  • A ≤
  • B <
  • C >
  • D =
Show answer
Answer: >
Why:

With > the blank itself reads Z < R. < gives only Z > R; = gives only Z = R; ≤ gives only Z ≥ R.

Q48 Which sign should replace ? in the expression T ≤ J ≤ R ≤ A ? F so that F > R is definitely true? advanced
  • A ≥
  • B =
  • C ≤
  • D <
Show answer
Answer: <
Why:

With <: F > A ≥ R gives F > R. = gives only F ≥ R; ≤ gives only F ≥ R; ≥ gives no definite relation.

Q49 In which of the following expressions are A > J and J < M both definitely true? intermediate
  • A V ≥ J < N < A < M
  • B V ≥ J ≥ N > A < M
  • C V ≥ J > N < A < M
  • D V ≥ J < N < A ≥ M
Show answer
Answer: V ≥ J < N < A < M
Why:

In V ≥ J < N < A < M: A > N > J and J < N < A < M give both relations. V ≥ J > N < A < M fails A > J (no definite relation); V ≥ J < N < A ≥ M fails J < M (no definite relation); V ≥ J ≥ N > A < M fails A > J (it gives A < J).

Q50 In which of the following expressions are L ≥ E and K < U both definitely true? advanced
  • A M ≤ L = U ≥ E < K < W
  • B M ≤ L = U ≥ E > K < W
  • C M ≤ L = U ≥ E ≤ K > W
  • D M ≤ L < U ≥ E > K < W
Show answer
Answer: M ≤ L = U ≥ E > K < W
Why:

In M ≤ L = U ≥ E > K < W: L = U ≥ E and K < E ≤ U give both relations. M ≤ L < U ≥ E > K < W fails L ≥ E (no definite relation); M ≤ L = U ≥ E < K < W fails K < U (no definite relation); M ≤ L = U ≥ E ≤ K > W fails K < U (no definite relation).

Q51 In which of the following expressions are S < G and B < G both definitely true? advanced
  • A B ≤ P = G > Q ≥ S
  • B B ≥ P > G > Q ≥ S
  • C B ≤ P < G > Q ≥ S
  • D B ≥ P < G > Q ≥ S
Show answer
Answer: B ≤ P < G > Q ≥ S
Why:

In B ≤ P < G > Q ≥ S: S ≤ Q < G and B ≤ P < G give both relations. B ≤ P = G > Q ≥ S fails B < G (it gives B ≤ G); B ≥ P > G > Q ≥ S fails B < G (it gives B > G); B ≥ P < G > Q ≥ S fails B < G (no definite relation).

Q52 Statement: T < D ≥ L ≥ S = B For which pair of letters can NO definite relation be found? beginner
  • A D and S
  • B D and B
  • C L and B
  • D T and L
Show answer
Answer: T and L
Why:

Between T and L the path T < D ≥ L has signs facing both ways, so no relation is fixed. L and B: L ≥ S = B gives L ≥ B; D and S: D ≥ L ≥ S gives D ≥ S; D and B: D ≥ L ≥ S = B gives D ≥ B.

Q53 Statement: H ≤ Q ≥ A < W < G = B For which pair of letters can NO definite relation be found? intermediate
  • A Q and B
  • B A and B
  • C W and B
  • D A and G
Show answer
Answer: Q and B
Why:

Between Q and B the path Q ≥ A < W < G = B has signs facing both ways, so no relation is fixed. W and B: W < G = B gives W < B; A and G: A < W < G gives A < G; A and B: A < W < G = B gives A < B.

Q54 Statement: V < R = N ≥ H > K For which pair of letters can NO definite relation be found? intermediate
  • A R and K
  • B V and H
  • C N and K
  • D V and N
Show answer
Answer: V and H
Why:

Between V and H the path V < R = N ≥ H has signs facing both ways, so no relation is fixed. N and K: N ≥ H > K gives N > K; V and N: V < R = N gives V < N; R and K: R = N ≥ H > K gives R > K.

Q55 In a test, Tarun did not score more than Esha. Tarun scored at least as much as Pallavi. Tarun scored more than Chirag. Manav scored more than Chirag. Conclusions: I. Chirag scored less than Esha. II. Esha scored the same as Pallavi. Which conclusion is definitely true? beginner
  • A Only II is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

Write each sentence with the first letters: T ≤ E, T ≥ P, T > C, M > C. I (C < E): C < T ≤ E gives C < E, so I is true. II (E = P): E ≥ T ≥ P gives only E ≥ P, which does not make E = P certain (E may also be different from P); II is not true. So only I is true.

Q56 In a test, Rohit scored more than Hina. Hina scored the same as Gopal. Hina scored less than Om. Wasim scored more than Gopal. Conclusions: I. Gopal scored more than Om. II. Wasim did not score more than Rohit. Which conclusion is definitely true? intermediate
  • A Only II is true
  • B Either I or II is true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

Write each sentence with the first letters: R > H, H = G, H < O, W > G. I (G > O): G = H < O gives G < O, so G > O is false; I is not true. II (W ≤ R): in W > G = H < R the signs point both ways, so W and R have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So neither is true.

Q57 In a test, Tarun scored more than Om. Gopal did not score more than Tarun. Kunal scored the same as Gopal. Gopal scored less than Lata. Conclusions: I. Kunal did not score more than Tarun. II. Lata scored more than Kunal. Which conclusion is definitely true? intermediate
  • A Both I and II are true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Both I and II are true
Why:

Write each sentence with the first letters: T > O, G ≤ T, K = G, G < L. I (K ≤ T): K = G ≤ T gives K ≤ T, so I is true. II (L > K): L > G = K gives L > K, so II is true. So both are true.

Q58 In a test, Wasim scored less than Hina. Wasim scored at least as much as Tarun. Deepa scored less than Hina. Tarun scored the same as Sana. Conclusions: I. Tarun scored at least as much as Deepa. II. Tarun scored less than Deepa. Which conclusion is definitely true? advanced
  • A Only I is true
  • B Either I or II is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

Write each sentence with the first letters: W < H, W ≥ T, D < H, T = S. I (T ≥ D): in T ≤ W < H > D the signs point both ways, so T and D have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (T < D): in T ≤ W < H > D the signs point both ways, so T and D have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q59 Assume the statement is true. Which of the conclusions must then be true? The figure shows the statement. Conclusions: I. Z > C II. J ≤ N ![A chain of letter discs with signs between them reading J ≥ C ≤ N < Z.](/syllabus/veda-skills-0-logical-reasoning-en/ch10/q-chain-59.svg) beginner
  • A Only II is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

I (Z > C): Z > N ≥ C gives Z > C, so I is true. II (J ≤ N): in J ≥ C ≤ N the signs point both ways, so J and N have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So only I is true.

Q60 Study the statement and find which conclusion(s) definitely follow. The figure shows the statement. Conclusions: I. Z < B II. Z ≥ B ![A chain of letter discs with signs between them reading Z ≥ W ≤ M < H = B.](/syllabus/veda-skills-0-logical-reasoning-en/ch10/q-chain-60.svg) intermediate
  • A Only I is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Either I or II is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

I (Z < B): in Z ≥ W ≤ M < H = B the signs point both ways, so Z and B have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (Z ≥ B): in Z ≥ W ≤ M < H = B the signs point both ways, so Z and B have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q61 A statement is followed by two conclusions. Decide which of them is/are definitely true. The figure shows the statement. Conclusions: I. N > G II. K > N ![A chain of letter discs with signs between them reading G ≤ N ≤ M > K > U.](/syllabus/veda-skills-0-logical-reasoning-en/ch10/q-chain-61.svg) intermediate
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Either I or II is true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

I (N > G): only N ≥ G is given, which does not make N > G certain (N may also be equal to G); I is not true. II (K > N): in K < M ≥ N the signs point both ways, so K and N have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So neither is true.

Q62 Assume the statement is true. Which of the conclusions must then be true? The figure shows the statement. Conclusions: I. B < A II. X > M ![A chain of letter discs with signs between them reading W < K < B ≤ X > M < A.](/syllabus/veda-skills-0-logical-reasoning-en/ch10/q-chain-62.svg) advanced
  • A Both I and II are true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only II is true
Why:

I (B < A): in B ≤ X > M < A the signs point both ways, so B and A have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (X > M): X > M is given directly, so II is true. So only II is true.

Q63 Read the three facts in the figure (all four are boys). Conclusions: I. Kabir is taller than Sohan. II. Ravi is taller than Mohan. Which conclusion is definitely true? ![Three cards: Ravi is taller than Sohan; Mohan is not shorter than Sohan; Mohan is shorter than Kabir.](/syllabus/veda-skills-0-logical-reasoning-en/ch10/q-heights.svg) intermediate
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

Write R > S, M ≥ S, M < K, which join as R > S ≤ M < K. I: S ≤ M < K gives K > S, true. II: R > S ≤ M has facing signs, so R and M are unknown. Only I is true.

Q64 A ≥ B and B ≥ A are both true. What can you say? intermediate
  • A A < B
  • B No relation
  • C A > B
  • D A = B
Show answer
Answer: A = B
Why:

A ≥ B rules out A < B, and B ≥ A rules out A > B. Only A = B is left.

Q65 Which sign allows exactly one case for A and B? beginner
  • A >
  • B ≥ and ≤ both
  • C ≥
  • D ≤
Show answer
Answer: >
Why:

allows only A > B. ≥ and ≤ each allow two cases.

Q66 In a chain, which pair of neighbouring signs breaks the path between the outer letters? beginner
  • A > then ≥
  • B ≥ then ≤
  • C = then <
  • D ≤ then <
Show answer
Answer: ≥ then ≤
Why:

A ≥ B ≤ C: the signs face each other at B. The others point one way.

Q67 Statement: A > B. Which conclusion pair is an either-or pair? advanced
  • A I. B > A, II. B = A
  • B I. A > B, II. A = B
  • C None of these pairs
  • D I. B ≥ A, II. B < A
Show answer
Answer: None of these pairs
Why:

A > B is definite. In the first pair I is true by itself, in the second II (B < A) is true by itself, and in the third both are false. Either-or needs neither to be definite.

Q68 B < A is the same as beginner
  • A A ≤ B
  • B B > A
  • C A < B
  • D A > B
Show answer
Answer: A > B
Why:

Flip both the letters and the sign: B < A becomes A > B.

Q69 Assertion (A): From P ≥ Q > R, P > R is definitely true. Reason (R): On a one-way path, a single strict sign makes the result strict. beginner
  • A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
  • C A is true but R is false
  • D A is false but R is true
Show answer
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
Why:

P ≥ Q > R points one way and contains >, so P > R. R is exactly the rule used.

Q70 Assertion (A): From A ≥ B ≤ C, A ≥ C is definitely true. Reason (R): Signs facing each other on a path give no definite relation. intermediate
  • A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
  • C A is true but R is false
  • D A is false but R is true
Show answer
Answer: A is false but R is true
Why:

At B the signs face each other, so A and C can be in any order. A is false; R is true.

Q71 Statement: M > N = O ≥ P. Which of these are definitely true? 1. M > P 2. N ≥ P beginner
  • A 1 only
  • B 2 only
  • C Both 1 and 2
  • D Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: Both 1 and 2
Why:

M > N = O ≥ P has a > on a one-way path, so M > P. N = O ≥ P gives N ≥ P. Both are true.

Q72 Statement: W < X ≥ Y > Z. Which of these are definitely true? 1. W < Y 2. X > Z intermediate
  • A 1 only
  • B 2 only
  • C Both 1 and 2
  • D Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: 2 only
Why:

W < X ≥ Y: signs face each other at X, so W and Y are unknown. X ≥ Y > Z gives X > Z. Only 2 is true.

Important short questions (4)

From A > B ≥ C = D, write the definite relation between A and D, and between B and D.

A > B ≥ C = D is one way with a strict sign, so A > D. B ≥ C = D has no strict sign, so only B ≥ D.

Why is I. P > Q, II. P = Q "neither" and not "either-or" for the statement P > R < Q?

P and Q meet at R with signs facing each other, so P < Q is also possible. The two conclusions do not cover every case.

Join the statements K ≤ L, M > L, M = N into one chain.

K ≤ L < M = N. (M > L is written as L < M so that L sits between K and M.)

Which sign in X ? Y > Z makes X > Z definitely true, and why do the others fail?

, ≥ and = all work, because Y > Z is already strict. < and ≤ make the signs face each other at Y.

Long answer questions (1)

Statement: P ≥ Q > R = S ≤ T. For the pairs (P, S), (Q, T) and (R, T), give the definite relation or say there is none. Then decide the answer for I. T > R, II. T = R.

(P, S): P ≥ Q > R = S, one way with >, so P > S.

(Q, T): Q > R = S ≤ T, signs face each other at S, so no relation.

(R, T): R = S ≤ T gives T ≥ R.

For I and II: same pair, neither definite, and T ≥ R leaves exactly the cases T > R and T = R. So either I or II is true.

Flashcards (14)

A ≥ B allows which cases?
A > B or A = B
A ≤ B allows which cases?
A < B or A = B
A > B ≥ C gives A ? C
A > C
A ≥ B ≥ C gives A ? C
A ≥ C only
A > B < C gives A ? C
No definite relation
A = B > C gives A ? C
A > C
Three conditions for either-or?
Same pair, neither definite, together cover all cases.
From A ≥ B: I. A > B, II. A = B?
Either I or II
No relation between A and B: I. A ≥ B, II. A < B?
Either I or II
No relation between A and B: I. A > B, II. A = B?
Neither
Is D < A the same as A > D?
Yes
How do you join P > Q and R ≥ Q?
P > Q ≤ R
What breaks a chain?
Two signs on the path facing opposite ways
Can = ever break a chain?
No, it fits either direction.

Play this topic

  • Definite or not?

Coded Inequalities

Turn symbols such as @, #, % and © back into the five signs, read verbal meanings like "neither greater than nor equal to", solve the decoded chain, and handle questions where the signs themselves are interchanged.

What you will be able to do

  • I can turn a verbal meaning such as "not smaller than" into the right sign.
  • I can decode a coded statement and its conclusions in one pass.
  • I can solve questions where the five signs are interchanged.
  • I can write a plain chain back in code.

Key points

  • Any two numbers stand in exactly one of three cases: greater, equal or smaller.

  • "Not X" removes one case and leaves two: not smaller means ≥, not greater means ≤.

  • "Neither X nor Y" removes two cases and leaves one: a strict sign or =.

  • Decode the statement and both conclusions before you compare anything.

  • Write the key "symbol = sign" once in the margin and use it for all five questions of a set.

  • The order matters: P @ Q compares P with Q, so Q @ P is a different fact.

  • In interchanged-sign questions, change every sign in the statement and the conclusions, then solve.

  • After decoding, every rule of direct inequalities applies, including either-or.

Full explanation

A note in code

A set of three balance scales chained together in a line.

Kabir and Sana share notes before a test, written in their own code: "Raju @ Om # Pia". Kabir knows "@" means "is not smaller than" and "#" means "is neither smaller than nor equal to". Sana asks: "So is Raju ahead of Pia?"

Codes look scary, but each symbol is just one of the five signs in disguise.

The rule of three cases

For any two numbers P and Q exactly one of three things is true: P > Q, P = Q, or P < Q. Every verbal code names some of these cases. Cross out what the words forbid; what is left is the sign.

Cards: any two numbers are greater, equal or smaller; "not X" leaves two cases; "neither X nor Y" leaves one case.

From words to signs

  • "not smaller than" → ≥
  • "not greater than" → ≤
  • "neither smaller than nor equal to" → >
  • "neither greater than nor equal to" → <
  • "neither smaller than nor greater than" → =

Five cards: not smaller than is ≥, not greater than is ≤, neither smaller nor equal is >, neither greater nor equal is <, neither smaller nor greater is =.

Three steps for every coded question

  1. Key: write "symbol = sign" for all symbols once.
  2. Rewrite: the statement and both conclusions in plain signs.
  3. Solve: exactly as a direct inequality, including the either-or check.

Worked example

Code: @ = not smaller than, # = neither smaller than nor equal to, % = neither greater than nor equal to, & = not greater than, © = neither smaller than nor greater than.

Statement: D @ E # F © G % H. Conclusions: I. D # G, II. E & H.

Key: @ is ≥, # is >, © is =, % is <, & is ≤. Rewrite: D ≥ E > F = G < H; I is D > G, II is E ≤ H.

I: D ≥ E > F = G, one way with >, so true. II: E > F = G < H, signs face each other at G, so not definite. Only I is true.

Step 1 table: @ not smaller than is ≥, # neither smaller nor equal is >, % neither greater nor equal is <, & not greater than is ≤, © neither smaller nor greater is =. Step 2: coded D @ E # F © G % H and decoded D ≥ E > F = G < H.

Plain codes

Easier papers define symbols directly, such as "P @ Q means P > Q". The method is the same: key, rewrite, solve. Speed comes from writing the key once for the whole set of five questions.

Interchanged signs

SSC papers sometimes say: "> means ≤, < means =, = means ≥ …". Make a two-column key (written → real), then rewrite every sign, in the statement and in the conclusions. A single sign left unchanged spoils the answer.

Writing in code

Some questions run the other way: "Which coded expression means A > B ≥ C?" Turn each sign into its symbol using the same key, and check the options one sign at a time. Usually three options differ from the key in exactly one symbol.

Exam shortcuts

  • "Not" = two cases (≥ or ≤). "Neither … nor" = one case (>, < or =).
  • Write the key in the margin before reading the statements.
  • Decode the conclusions too.
  • After decoding, use the path rule and the either-or check from Topic 1.

Back to Kabir and Sana

"Raju @ Om # Pia" decodes to R ≥ O > P. One way, with a strict sign, so Raju is surely ahead of Pia. The code changed nothing about the logic; it only hid the signs.

Mind map of coded inequalities: decode once, not leaves two cases, neither-nor leaves one, rewrite, solve, swapped signs.

Concepts and terms

Three cases

For any P and Q exactly one of P > Q, P = Q, P < Q holds. Every verbal meaning names some of these cases.

Verbal code

A symbol defined in words, such as "P # Q means P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q", which is P > Q.

Interchanged signs

The question says "> means ≤" and so on. Replace each written sign by its meaning before reading the chain.

Did you know

Coded inequalities were the standard bank pattern for years; the direct form took over around 2016, but SBI and IBPS mains still use codes.

Computer languages write ≥ as >= and ≤ as <=, which is the same idea as a code for a sign.

Memory tricks

Verbal meanings — Not leaves two, neither-nor leaves one — Cross out the cases the words forbid; what is left is the sign.

Solving order — Key, rewrite, solve — Make the key once, rewrite the statement and conclusions, then solve as a direct chain.

Practice MCQs with answers (58)

Q1 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P © Q' means 'P is greater than or equal to Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is greater than Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is equal to Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is smaller than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is smaller than or equal to Q'. Statement: W @ J @ N # K Conclusions: I. N % W II. N @ J Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? beginner
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

Decode first (© → ≥, @ → >, & → =, % → <, # → ≤): W > J > N ≤ K; I is N < W, II is N > J. I (N < W): N < J < W gives N < W, so I is true. II (N > J): N < J is given directly, so N > J is false; II is not true. So only I is true.

Q2 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P & Q' means 'P is equal to Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is smaller than or equal to Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is greater than or equal to Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is smaller than Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is greater than Q'. Statement: U & Q δ F % J Conclusions: I. J # Q II. Q δ F Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? beginner
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only II is true
Why:

Decode first (& → =, % → ≤, © → ≥, # → <, δ → >): U = Q > F ≤ J; I is J < Q, II is Q > F. I (J < Q): in J ≥ F < Q the signs point both ways, so J and Q have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (Q > F): Q > F is given directly, so II is true. So only II is true.

Q3 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P # Q' means 'P is greater than or equal to Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is greater than Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is smaller than Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is equal to Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is smaller than or equal to Q'. Statement: W © J © R ★ D Conclusions: I. W © J II. R # W Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? beginner
  • A Both I and II are true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Both I and II are true
Why:

Decode first (# → ≥, ★ → >, & → <, δ → =, © → ≤): W ≤ J ≤ R > D; I is W ≤ J, II is R ≥ W. I (W ≤ J): W ≤ J is given directly, so I is true. II (R ≥ W): R ≥ J ≥ W gives R ≥ W, so II is true. So both are true.

Q4 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P # Q' means 'P is equal to Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is smaller than or equal to Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is greater than or equal to Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is smaller than Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is greater than Q'. Statement: S @ F © Z ★ L Conclusions: I. F ★ L II. S % Z Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? beginner
  • A Only I is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Either I or II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

Decode first (# → =, % → ≤, © → ≥, ★ → <, @ → >): S > F ≥ Z < L; I is F < L, II is S ≤ Z. I (F < L): in F ≥ Z < L the signs point both ways, so F and L have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (S ≤ Z): S > F ≥ Z gives S > Z, so S ≤ Z is false; II is not true. So neither is true.

Q5 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P © Q' means 'P is greater than Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is greater than or equal to Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is smaller than Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is equal to Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is smaller than or equal to Q'. Statement: L # W & D ★ E Conclusions: I. L # W II. L © D Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? beginner
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

Decode first (© → >, ★ → ≥, # → <, % → =, & → ≤): L < W ≤ D ≥ E; I is L < W, II is L > D. I (L < W): L < W is given directly, so I is true. II (L > D): L < W ≤ D gives L < D, so L > D is false; II is not true. So only I is true.

Q6 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P & Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. Statement: L & J % Y # V & X Conclusions: I. L & J II. L & V Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

Decode first (& → >, ★ → <, δ → =, % → ≤, # → ≥): L > J ≤ Y ≥ V > X; I is L > J, II is L > V. I (L > J): L > J is given directly, so I is true. II (L > V): in L > J ≤ Y ≥ V the signs point both ways, so L and V have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So only I is true.

Q7 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P & Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. Statement: J © Y @ G ★ U & E Conclusions: I. U & J II. U & E Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Only II is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Only II is true
Why:

Decode first (& → <, # → >, ★ → ≤, © → ≥, @ → =): J ≥ Y = G ≤ U < E; I is U < J, II is U < E. I (U < J): in U ≥ G = Y ≤ J the signs point both ways, so U and J have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (U < E): U < E is given directly, so II is true. So only II is true.

Q8 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P % Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. Statement: V # B ★ M # K © A Conclusions: I. K © M II. M © V Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Only II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Both I and II are true
Why:

Decode first (% → =, ★ → ≤, & → ≥, © → >, # → <): V < B ≤ M < K > A; I is K > M, II is M > V. I (K > M): K > M is given directly, so I is true. II (M > V): M ≥ B > V gives M > V, so II is true. So both are true.

Q9 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P δ Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. Statement: G ★ B @ F © R % S Conclusions: I. G @ F II. R @ S Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Only II is true
  • B Either I or II is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

Decode first (δ → <, ★ → ≥, @ → =, © → >, % → ≤): G ≥ B = F > R ≤ S; I is G = F, II is R = S. I (G = F): G ≥ B = F gives only G ≥ F, which does not make G = F certain (G may also be different from F); I is not true. II (R = S): only R ≤ S is given, which does not make R = S certain (R may also be different from S); II is not true. So neither is true.

Q10 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P % Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. Statement: W @ F @ Z % Q & J Conclusions: I. F % Q II. F δ Q Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Either I or II is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

Decode first (% → =, @ → ≥, & → <, δ → >, # → ≤): W ≥ F ≥ Z = Q < J; I is F = Q, II is F > Q. I (F = Q): F ≥ Z = Q gives only F ≥ Q, which does not make F = Q certain (F may also be different from Q); I is not true. II (F > Q): F ≥ Z = Q gives only F ≥ Q, which does not make F > Q certain (F may also be equal to Q); II is not true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q11 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P # Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. Statement: N © S @ R @ T % W Conclusions: I. S @ W II. W © T Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Only I is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

Decode first (# → ≤, © → <, @ → ≥, % → =, & → >): N < S ≥ R ≥ T = W; I is S ≥ W, II is W < T. I (S ≥ W): S ≥ R ≥ T = W gives S ≥ W, so I is true. II (W < T): W = T is given directly, so W < T is false; II is not true. So only I is true.

Q12 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P & Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. Statement: B # Z & N & F ★ U Conclusions: I. B ★ U II. B # U Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Either I or II is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

Decode first (& → >, ★ → <, @ → ≤, % → =, # → ≥): B ≥ Z > N > F < U; I is B < U, II is B ≥ U. I (B < U): in B ≥ Z > N > F < U the signs point both ways, so B and U have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (B ≥ U): in B ≥ Z > N > F < U the signs point both ways, so B and U have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q13 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P ★ Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. Statement: L # E ★ C @ P @ J Conclusions: I. J # L II. E δ J Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Either I or II is true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

Decode first (★ → ≤, & → =, # → <, δ → ≥, @ → >): L < E ≤ C > P > J; I is J < L, II is E ≥ J. I (J < L): in J < P < C ≥ E > L the signs point both ways, so J and L have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (E ≥ J): in E ≤ C > P > J the signs point both ways, so E and J have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So neither is true.

Q14 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P ★ Q' means 'P is smaller than Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is greater than or equal to Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is greater than Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is equal to Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is smaller than or equal to Q'. Statement: Y % S % D & W ★ H Conclusions: I. Y δ H II. H # W Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only II is true
Why:

Decode first (★ → <, % → ≥, # → >, δ → =, & → ≤): Y ≥ S ≥ D ≤ W < H; I is Y = H, II is H > W. I (Y = H): in Y ≥ S ≥ D ≤ W < H the signs point both ways, so Y and H have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (H > W): H > W is given directly, so II is true. So only II is true.

Q15 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P # Q' means 'P is greater than Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is equal to Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is smaller than Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is smaller than or equal to Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is greater than or equal to Q'. Statement: T @ E % Y & F # Q Conclusions: I. Q & E II. Q % E Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Either I or II is true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

Decode first (# → >, © → =, % → <, @ → ≤, & → ≥): T ≤ E < Y ≥ F > Q; I is Q ≥ E, II is Q < E. I (Q ≥ E): in Q < F ≤ Y > E the signs point both ways, so Q and E have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (Q < E): in Q < F ≤ Y > E the signs point both ways, so Q and E have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q16 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P # Q' means 'P is greater than Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is smaller than or equal to Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is smaller than Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is equal to Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is greater than or equal to Q'. Statement: D @ W % R δ V @ P Conclusions: I. D @ W II. V # W Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Only II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Both I and II are true
Why:

Decode first (# → >, & → ≤, δ → <, % → =, @ → ≥): D ≥ W = R < V ≥ P; I is D ≥ W, II is V > W. I (D ≥ W): D ≥ W is given directly, so I is true. II (V > W): V > R = W gives V > W, so II is true. So both are true.

Q17 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P @ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. Statement: F ★ E # N # T ★ X @ W Conclusions: I. E @ T II. E & T Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? advanced
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Either I or II is true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

Decode first (@ → =, ★ → ≥, & → <, % → >, # → ≤): F ≥ E ≤ N ≤ T ≥ X = W; I is E = T, II is E < T. I (E = T): E ≤ N ≤ T gives only E ≤ T, which does not make E = T certain (E may also be different from T); I is not true. II (E < T): E ≤ N ≤ T gives only E ≤ T, which does not make E < T certain (E may also be equal to T); II is not true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q18 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P % Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. Statement: N @ X # H δ S ★ Q δ A Conclusions: I. X ★ A II. Q δ H Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? advanced
  • A Only I is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Either I or II is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

Decode first (% → ≥, δ → <, # → ≤, ★ → >, @ → =): N = X ≤ H < S > Q < A; I is X > A, II is Q < H. I (X > A): in X ≤ H < S > Q < A the signs point both ways, so X and A have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (Q < H): in Q < S > H the signs point both ways, so Q and H have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So neither is true.

Q19 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P δ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. Statement: M # D ★ P δ B @ Q @ X Conclusions: I. B @ P II. D δ Q Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? advanced
  • A Only I is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

Decode first (δ → >, ★ → ≤, # → =, © → ≥, @ → <): M = D ≤ P > B < Q < X; I is B < P, II is D > Q. I (B < P): B < P is given directly, so I is true. II (D > Q): in D ≤ P > B < Q the signs point both ways, so D and Q have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So only I is true.

Q20 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P % Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. Statement: A & S ★ D © L # T & N Conclusions: I. D ★ A II. N © T Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? advanced
  • A Only I is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Only II is true
Why:

Decode first (% → =, ★ → <, & → ≥, © → ≤, # → >): A ≥ S < D ≤ L > T ≥ N; I is D < A, II is N ≤ T. I (D < A): in D > S ≤ A the signs point both ways, so D and A have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (N ≤ T): N ≤ T is given directly, so II is true. So only II is true.

Q21 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P % Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. Statement: Y @ E % M δ L # H # J Conclusions: I. L # J II. H δ L Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? advanced
  • A Only I is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Both I and II are true
Why:

Decode first (% → <, δ → ≥, # → ≤, @ → =, © → >): Y = E < M ≥ L ≤ H ≤ J; I is L ≤ J, II is H ≥ L. I (L ≤ J): L ≤ H ≤ J gives L ≤ J, so I is true. II (H ≥ L): H ≥ L is given directly, so II is true. So both are true.

Q22 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P ★ Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. Statement: L © Q # H % U ★ D % M Conclusions: I. D © L II. D & L Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? advanced
  • A Both I and II are true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Either I or II is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

Decode first (★ → ≥, # → =, & → >, % → <, © → ≤): L ≤ Q = H < U ≥ D < M; I is D ≤ L, II is D > L. I (D ≤ L): in D ≤ U > H = Q ≥ L the signs point both ways, so D and L have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (D > L): in D ≤ U > H = Q ≥ L the signs point both ways, so D and L have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q23 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P ★ Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. Statements: D # S, T © S, G # T, X ★ G Conclusions: I. D # T II. X © D Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Only I is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

Decode first (★ → ≥, © → >, @ → ≤, # → <, & → =): D < S, T > S, G < T, X ≥ G; I is D < T, II is X > D. I (D < T): D < S < T gives D < T, so I is true. II (X > D): in X ≥ G < T > S > D the signs point both ways, so X and D have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So only I is true.

Q24 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P # Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. Statements: W & Z, Z © N, R ★ Z, H © R Conclusions: I. Z © H II. R & N Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Only I is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Either I or II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

Decode first (# → ≤, % → ≥, © → <, ★ → =, & → >): W > Z, Z < N, R = Z, H < R; I is Z < H, II is R > N. I (Z < H): Z = R > H gives Z > H, so Z < H is false; I is not true. II (R > N): R = Z < N gives R < N, so R > N is false; II is not true. So neither is true.

Q25 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P ★ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. Statements: Y % Z, Y ★ G, G δ X, C © G Conclusions: I. Y © X II. Y ★ X Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Either I or II is true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

Decode first (★ → =, % → <, © → >, δ → ≥, @ → ≤): Y < Z, Y = G, G ≥ X, C > G; I is Y > X, II is Y = X. I (Y > X): Y = G ≥ X gives only Y ≥ X, which does not make Y > X certain (Y may also be equal to X); I is not true. II (Y = X): Y = G ≥ X gives only Y ≥ X, which does not make Y = X certain (Y may also be different from X); II is not true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q26 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P © Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. Statements: K % Q, K # X, F © Q, F @ U, U % W Conclusions: I. W @ Q II. U © Q Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? advanced
  • A Only I is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only II is true
Why:

Decode first (© → <, @ → =, ★ → >, % → ≤, # → ≥): K ≤ Q, K ≥ X, F < Q, F = U, U ≤ W; I is W = Q, II is U < Q. I (W = Q): in W ≥ U = F < Q the signs point both ways, so W and Q have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (U < Q): U = F < Q gives U < Q, so II is true. So only II is true.

Q27 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P © Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. Statements: L & R, R © X, L © Q, Q % Z, Z © D Conclusions: I. X & D II. X % D Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? advanced
  • A Either I or II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

Decode first (© → <, & → >, δ → ≥, % → ≤, # → =): L > R, R < X, L < Q, Q ≤ Z, Z < D; I is X > D, II is X ≤ D. I (X > D): in X > R < L < Q ≤ Z < D the signs point both ways, so X and D have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (X ≤ D): in X > R < L < Q ≤ Z < D the signs point both ways, so X and D have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q28 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P & Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. Statements: F & K, L % K, H @ L, U % H, A @ H Conclusions: I. H δ F II. K @ A Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? advanced
  • A Either I or II is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

Decode first (& → >, ★ → ≥, @ → <, δ → =, % → ≤): F > K, L ≤ K, H < L, U ≤ H, A < H; I is H = F, II is K < A. I (H = F): H < L ≤ K < F gives H < F, so H = F is false; I is not true. II (K < A): K ≥ L > H > A gives K > A, so K < A is false; II is not true. So neither is true.

Q29 In the question below, the symbols have these meanings: 'P & Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. Statements: T δ F, T % H, T & M, H © G, V & G Conclusions: I. H & F II. T % V Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? advanced
  • A Only I is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Both I and II are true
Why:

Decode first (& → <, © → ≥, δ → ≤, # → =, % → >): T ≤ F, T > H, T < M, H ≥ G, V < G; I is H < F, II is T > V. I (H < F): H < T ≤ F gives H < F, so I is true. II (T > V): T > H ≥ G > V gives T > V, so II is true. So both are true.

Q30 The symbols have these meanings: 'P δ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. What does Z ★ A δ N ★ Y mean? beginner
  • A Z > A < N > Y
  • B Z < A ≥ N < Y
  • C Z ≤ A > N < Y
  • D Z < A > N < Y
Show answer
Answer: Z < A > N < Y
Why:

Replace each symbol by its sign (δ → >, © → ≥, ★ → <, @ → =, # → ≤): Z ★ A δ N ★ Y becomes Z < A > N < Y.

Q31 The symbols have these meanings: 'P © Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. What does Z ★ A ★ R & K © W mean? beginner
  • A Z > A > R = K < W
  • B Z ≥ A > R = K < W
  • C Z < A < R = K > W
  • D Z > A ≥ R = K < W
Show answer
Answer: Z > A > R = K < W
Why:

Replace each symbol by its sign (© → <, @ → ≥, # → ≤, & → =, ★ → >): Z ★ A ★ R & K © W becomes Z > A > R = K < W.

Q32 The symbols have these meanings: 'P ★ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. What does P © C δ J ★ K δ Z mean? intermediate
  • A P ≤ C ≤ J > K ≤ Z
  • B P < C ≤ J > K ≤ Z
  • C P > C ≥ J < K ≥ Z
  • D P < C < J > K ≤ Z
Show answer
Answer: P < C ≤ J > K ≤ Z
Why:

Replace each symbol by its sign (★ → >, δ → ≤, & → ≥, @ → =, © → <): P © C δ J ★ K δ Z becomes P < C ≤ J > K ≤ Z.

Q33 The symbols have these meanings: 'P # Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. What does N & E @ R δ S @ C @ A mean? intermediate
  • A N = E ≤ R > S ≤ C ≤ A
  • B N = E < R ≥ S ≤ C ≤ A
  • C N = E ≤ R ≥ S ≤ C ≤ A
  • D N = E ≥ R ≤ S ≥ C ≥ A
Show answer
Answer: N = E ≤ R ≥ S ≤ C ≤ A
Why:

Replace each symbol by its sign (# → >, % → <, @ → ≤, & → =, δ → ≥): N & E @ R δ S @ C @ A becomes N = E ≤ R ≥ S ≤ C ≤ A.

Q34 The symbols have these meanings: 'P & Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. What does N @ P % F % V © L & T mean? advanced
  • A N ≤ P < F < V ≥ L = T
  • B N ≥ P ≥ F > V ≤ L = T
  • C N > P > F > V ≤ L = T
  • D N ≥ P > F > V ≤ L = T
Show answer
Answer: N ≥ P > F > V ≤ L = T
Why:

Replace each symbol by its sign (& → =, % → >, @ → ≥, δ → <, © → ≤): N @ P % F % V © L & T becomes N ≥ P > F > V ≤ L = T.

Q35 The symbols have these meanings: 'P @ Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. Which coded expression means R ≤ Q ≥ N = V? beginner
  • A R % Q & N # V
  • B R % Q % N # V
  • C R @ Q & N # V
  • D R # Q & N # V
Show answer
Answer: R % Q & N # V
Why:

Write each sign as its symbol (< → @, ≥ → &, > → ©, ≤ → %, = → #): R ≤ Q ≥ N = V becomes R % Q & N # V. Each other option has one wrong symbol.

Q36 The symbols have these meanings: 'P @ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P ★ Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P & Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. Which coded expression means U < P < T > Y ≤ C? intermediate
  • A U # P # T ★ Y @ C
  • B U # P # T ★ Y δ C
  • C U # P @ T ★ Y δ C
  • D U # P # T ★ Y & C
Show answer
Answer: U # P # T ★ Y δ C
Why:

Write each sign as its symbol (= → @, > → ★, < → #, ≥ → &, ≤ → δ): U < P < T > Y ≤ C becomes U # P # T ★ Y δ C. Each other option has one wrong symbol.

Q37 The symbols have these meanings: 'P & Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P δ Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. Which coded expression means D = M < H ≥ N ≥ K ≤ X? advanced
  • A D # M # H © N © K δ X
  • B D % M # H © N # K δ X
  • C D % M # H © N © K δ X
  • D D © M # H © N © K δ X
Show answer
Answer: D % M # H © N © K δ X
Why:

Write each sign as its symbol (> → &, ≥ → ©, = → %, ≤ → δ, < → #): D = M < H ≥ N ≥ K ≤ X becomes D % M # H © N © K δ X. Each other option has one wrong symbol.

Q38 The symbols have these meanings: 'P & Q' means 'P is not smaller than Q'. 'P @ Q' means 'P is not greater than Q'. 'P % Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q'. 'P © Q' means 'P is neither greater than nor equal to Q'. 'P # Q' means 'P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q'. Which coded expression means B < M < P ≤ F > Z? intermediate
  • A B © M % P @ F # Z
  • B B © M & P @ F # Z
  • C B % M © P @ F # Z
  • D B © M © P @ F # Z
Show answer
Answer: B © M © P @ F # Z
Why:

Write each sign as its symbol (≥ → &, ≤ → @, = → %, < → ©, > → #): B < M < P ≤ F > Z becomes B © M © P @ F # Z. Each other option has one wrong symbol.

Q39 In a certain code, '>' means '<', '<' means '=', '=' means '≥', '≥' means '≤', '≤' means '>'. Statement: Y ≥ H ≤ J ≤ V Conclusions: I. V > H II. Y ≤ V Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Only I is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Neither I nor II is true
  • D Both I and II are true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

Change every sign to its real meaning: Y ≤ H > J > V; I is V < H, II is Y > V. I (V < H): V < J < H gives V < H, so I is true. II (Y > V): in Y ≤ H > J > V the signs point both ways, so Y and V have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So only I is true.

Q40 In a certain code, '>' means '<', '<' means '≥', '=' means '≤', '≥' means '=', '≤' means '>'. Statement: R = S = Q > M < N Conclusions: I. R ≥ M II. R > S Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Either I or II is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

Change every sign to its real meaning: R ≤ S ≤ Q < M ≥ N; I is R = M, II is R < S. I (R = M): R ≤ S ≤ Q < M gives R < M, so R = M is false; I is not true. II (R < S): only R ≤ S is given, which does not make R < S certain (R may also be equal to S); II is not true. So neither is true.

Q41 In a certain code, '>' means '<', '<' means '>', '=' means '≤', '≥' means '=', '≤' means '≥'. Statement: X ≤ L ≤ F = E < J Conclusions: I. L < E II. E ≤ F Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? intermediate
  • A Both I and II are true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only II is true
Why:

Change every sign to its real meaning: X ≥ L ≥ F ≤ E > J; I is L > E, II is E ≥ F. I (L > E): in L ≥ F ≤ E the signs point both ways, so L and E have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (E ≥ F): E ≥ F is given directly, so II is true. So only II is true.

Q42 In a certain code, '>' means '=', '<' means '>', '=' means '<', '≥' means '≤', '≤' means '≥'. Statement: Y ≥ G ≤ W < V ≤ X Conclusions: I. Y = W II. Y ≤ W Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? advanced
  • A Only I is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Either I or II is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

Change every sign to its real meaning: Y ≤ G ≥ W > V ≥ X; I is Y < W, II is Y ≥ W. I (Y < W): in Y ≤ G ≥ W the signs point both ways, so Y and W have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (Y ≥ W): in Y ≤ G ≥ W the signs point both ways, so Y and W have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q43 In a certain code, '>' means '=', '<' means '≥', '=' means '>', '≥' means '≤', '≤' means '<'. Statement: T > D = R = N ≥ J ≤ Q Conclusions: I. R = N II. T = R Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? advanced
  • A Both I and II are true
  • B Only I is true
  • C Only II is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Both I and II are true
Why:

Change every sign to its real meaning: T = D > R > N ≤ J < Q; I is R > N, II is T > R. I (R > N): R > N is given directly, so I is true. II (T > R): T = D > R gives T > R, so II is true. So both are true.

Q44 In a certain code, '>' means '<', '<' means '≥', '=' means '>', '≥' means '≤', '≤' means '='. Statement: V > Q = X ≥ T < W Conclusions: I. Q < T II. T < V Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? advanced
  • A Either I or II is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

Change every sign to its real meaning: V < Q > X ≤ T ≥ W; I is Q ≥ T, II is T ≥ V. I (Q ≥ T): in Q > X ≤ T the signs point both ways, so Q and T have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (T ≥ V): in T ≥ X < Q > V the signs point both ways, so T and V have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So neither is true.

Q45 The figure gives the meaning of each symbol and the coded statement. Conclusions: I. M ★ X II. M # D Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? ![A table of symbol meanings (# → ≤, % → =, @ → >, ★ → <, δ → ≥) and the coded statement D % L # X @ M.](/syllabus/veda-skills-0-logical-reasoning-en/ch10/q-code-119.svg) beginner
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Both I and II are true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Only II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only I is true
Why:

Decode first (# → ≤, % → =, @ → >, ★ → <, δ → ≥): D = L ≤ X > M; I is M < X, II is M ≤ D. I (M < X): M < X is given directly, so I is true. II (M ≤ D): in M < X ≥ L = D the signs point both ways, so M and D have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. So only I is true.

Q46 The figure gives the meaning of each symbol and the coded statement. Conclusions: I. Q ★ L II. Q # L Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? ![A table of symbol meanings (# → >, @ → =, © → ≥, ★ → ≤, δ → <) and the coded statement Q # F ★ L δ X # N.](/syllabus/veda-skills-0-logical-reasoning-en/ch10/q-code-120.svg) intermediate
  • A Only I is true
  • B Neither I nor II is true
  • C Both I and II are true
  • D Either I or II is true
Show answer
Answer: Either I or II is true
Why:

Decode first (# → >, @ → =, © → ≥, ★ → ≤, δ → <): Q > F ≤ L < X > N; I is Q ≤ L, II is Q > L. I (Q ≤ L): in Q > F ≤ L the signs point both ways, so Q and L have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (Q > L): in Q > F ≤ L the signs point both ways, so Q and L have no definite relation; II is not definitely true. Neither is definite alone, but both are about the same pair and between them they cover every case, so exactly one must hold: either I or II is true.

Q47 The figure gives the meaning of each symbol and the coded statements. Conclusions: I. G @ L II. E ★ P Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? ![A table of symbol meanings (% → >, ★ → ≤, & → ≥, @ → =, # → <) and the coded statement E ★ L, Z # E, Z % P, G # Z.](/syllabus/veda-skills-0-logical-reasoning-en/ch10/q-code-121.svg) advanced
  • A Neither I nor II is true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Either I or II is true
  • D Only I is true
Show answer
Answer: Neither I nor II is true
Why:

Decode first (% → >, ★ → ≤, & → ≥, @ → =, # → <): E ≤ L, Z < E, Z > P, G < Z; I is G = L, II is E ≤ P. I (G = L): G < Z < E ≤ L gives G < L, so G = L is false; I is not true. II (E ≤ P): E > Z > P gives E > P, so E ≤ P is false; II is not true. So neither is true.

Q48 The figure gives the meaning of each symbol and the coded statements. Conclusions: I. X % D II. H ★ X Which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true? ![A table of symbol meanings (@ → =, δ → >, # → ≥, % → ≤, ★ → <) and the coded statement N δ H, D # N, N @ R, X δ R.](/syllabus/veda-skills-0-logical-reasoning-en/ch10/q-code-122.svg) intermediate
  • A Both I and II are true
  • B Only II is true
  • C Only I is true
  • D Neither I nor II is true
Show answer
Answer: Only II is true
Why:

Decode first (@ → =, δ → >, # → ≥, % → ≤, ★ → <): N > H, D ≥ N, N = R, X > R; I is X ≤ D, II is H < X. I (X ≤ D): in X > R = N ≤ D the signs point both ways, so X and D have no definite relation; I is not definitely true. II (H < X): H < N = R < X gives H < X, so II is true. So only II is true.

Q49 "P is not smaller than Q" is written in signs as beginner
  • A P ≤ Q
  • B P < Q
  • C P ≥ Q
  • D P > Q
Show answer
Answer: P ≥ Q
Why:

Not smaller leaves greater or equal: P ≥ Q.

Q50 "P is neither greater than nor equal to Q" means beginner
  • A P ≥ Q
  • B P ≤ Q
  • C P > Q
  • D P < Q
Show answer
Answer: P < Q
Why:

Greater and equal are both ruled out, so only smaller is left: P < Q.

Q51 "P is not greater than Q" means beginner
  • A P ≤ Q
  • B P ≥ Q
  • C P = Q
  • D P < Q
Show answer
Answer: P ≤ Q
Why:

Not greater leaves smaller or equal: P ≤ Q.

Q52 "P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q" means intermediate
  • A P ≤ Q
  • B P = Q
  • C No relation
  • D P ≥ Q
Show answer
Answer: P = Q
Why:

Smaller and greater are ruled out; only equal is left.

Q53 Which verbal meaning gives the sign >? intermediate
  • A not smaller than
  • B not equal to
  • C neither smaller than nor equal to
  • D neither greater than nor equal to
Show answer
Answer: neither smaller than nor equal to
Why:

Removing smaller and equal leaves only greater. "Not smaller" still allows equal; "not equal" allows smaller too.

Q54 If "P # Q" means "P is not smaller than Q", then "Q # P" means advanced
  • A P < Q
  • B P > Q
  • C P ≥ Q
  • D P ≤ Q
Show answer
Answer: P ≤ Q
Why:

Q # P means Q ≥ P, which is the same as P ≤ Q.

Q55 Assertion (A): "P is not smaller than Q" means P ≥ Q. Reason (R): Removing one of the three cases leaves the other two. beginner
  • A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
  • C A is true but R is false
  • D A is false but R is true
Show answer
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
Why:

Removing "smaller" leaves greater and equal, which is ≥. R is exactly why.

Q56 Assertion (A): "P is neither greater than nor equal to Q" means P ≤ Q. Reason (R): "Neither … nor" removes two of the three cases. intermediate
  • A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
  • C A is true but R is false
  • D A is false but R is true
Show answer
Answer: A is false but R is true
Why:

Two cases are removed, so only P < Q is left; A is false. R is true.

Q57 'P @ Q' means P ≥ Q, 'P # Q' means P > Q and 'P © Q' means P = Q. Statement: A @ B # C © D. Which of these are definitely true? 1. A # D 2. B © D intermediate
  • A 1 only
  • B 2 only
  • C Both 1 and 2
  • D Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: 1 only
Why:

Decoded: A ≥ B > C = D. A > D is true (one way, with >). B > C = D gives B > D, so B = D is false. Only 1.

Q58 If '>' means '≤', '<' means '≥', '=' means '<', '≥' means '>' and '≤' means '=', which of these are definitely true for the statement K > L = M < N? 1. K = M 2. L = N advanced
  • A 1 only
  • B 2 only
  • C Both 1 and 2
  • D Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: 1 only
Why:

Real statement: K ≤ L < M ≥ N. Written K = M is really K < M, and K ≤ L < M gives K < M, so 1 is true. Written L = N is really L < N, but L < M ≥ N has facing signs, so 2 is not definite.

Important short questions (3)

Write the sign for each meaning: (a) not smaller than, (b) neither greater than nor equal to, (c) neither smaller than nor greater than.

(a) ≥, (b) <, (c) =.

'P @ Q' means P > Q and 'P % Q' means P ≤ Q. Decode A @ B % C and say whether A > C is definite.

A > B ≤ C. The signs face each other at B, so A > C is not definite.

Why must the conclusions also be decoded?

They are written in the same code. Comparing a decoded statement with coded conclusions mixes two languages and gives wrong answers.

Long answer questions (1)

Symbols: 'P @ Q' means P is not smaller than Q; 'P # Q' means P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q; 'P © Q' means P is neither smaller than nor greater than Q; 'P % Q' means P is neither greater than nor equal to Q. Statement: R @ S # T © U % V. Decide I. R # U, II. S # V, and III. T % V with reasons.

Key: @ is ≥, # is >, © is =, % is <. Decoded: R ≥ S > T = U < V.

I. R > U: R ≥ S > T = U is one way with >, so true.

II. S > V: S > T = U < V has facing signs at U, so not definite.

III. T < V: T = U < V gives T < V, so true.

Flashcards (13)

"not smaller than" = ?
≥
"not greater than" = ?
≤
"neither smaller than nor equal to" = ?
>
"neither greater than nor equal to" = ?
<
"neither smaller than nor greater than" = ?
=
"either greater than or equal to" = ?
≥
Three steps for a coded question?
Key, rewrite, solve.
How many cases does "not" leave?
Two
How many cases does "neither … nor" leave?
One
If @ = ≥ and # = >, what is A @ B # C?
A ≥ B > C, so A > C
Is P @ Q the same as Q @ P?
No, unless @ means =.
If > means ≤, what does A > B say?
A ≤ B
Do the conclusions use the same code?
Yes, decode them too.

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Veda Skills Logical Reasoning Unit 10 — frequently asked questions

From A > B ≥ C = D, write the definite relation between A and D, and between B and D.

A > B ≥ C = D is one way with a strict sign, so A > D. B ≥ C = D has no strict sign, so only B ≥ D.

Why is I. P > Q, II. P = Q "neither" and not "either-or" for the statement P > R < Q?

P and Q meet at R with signs facing each other, so P < Q is also possible. The two conclusions do not cover every case.

Join the statements K ≤ L, M > L, M = N into one chain.

K ≤ L < M = N. (M > L is written as L < M so that L sits between K and M.)

Write the sign for each meaning: (a) not smaller than, (b) neither greater than nor equal to, (c) neither smaller than nor greater than.

(a) ≥, (b) <, (c) =.

'P @ Q' means P > Q and 'P % Q' means P ≤ Q. Decode A @ B % C and say whether A > C is definite.

A > B ≤ C. The signs face each other at B, so A > C is not definite.

Why must the conclusions also be decoded?

They are written in the same code. Comparing a decoded statement with coded conclusions mixes two languages and gives wrong answers.

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