Assume the first two statements are true. Is the final statement: 1) True, 2) False, or 3) Uncertain based on the information provided? Harry is older than Shane. Shane is older than Teresa. Teresa is younger than Harry. N True
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: 1) True
Explanation:
Let’s analyze the three statements:
- Harry is older than Shane.
→ H>SH > S - Shane is older than Teresa.
→ S>TS > T
From these two statements, we can infer:
- H>S>TH > S > T, which implies Harry is older than Shane, and Shane is older than Teresa.
- Therefore, Harry is also older than Teresa.
- Teresa is younger than Harry.
→ T<HT < H
This final statement is exactly the same as the logical conclusion we just made from statements 1 and 2.
So, the third statement must be true based on the first two. It directly follows from the transitive property of inequality:
If A>BA > B and B>CB > C, then A>CA > C.
In our case:
- H>SH > S and S>TS > T, so H>TH > T or T<HT < H, which is exactly what the final statement says.
Why the Answer is True
- There is no ambiguity or missing information.
- The conclusion is a direct inference from the earlier facts.
- All individuals are being compared on a linear scale (age), which is a transitive and well-ordered property.
Common Misinterpretations (and Why They’re Wrong)
Some might mistakenly see the final statement as a new or unrelated fact, but it’s not. It’s a restatement of what logically follows. Also, the presence of multiple names might make the relationships seem more complex than they are, but clear step-by-step logic resolves it.
Summary
Since the third statement (Teresa is younger than Harry) logically follows from the first two, it is definitely true.
Answer: 1) True ✅
