The question below is followed by two statements numbered I and II. Choose the option that describes whether the statements are sufficient to answer the question.
Who is the tallest among Shashi, Ramu, Govind, Naveen and Ashok?
I. Naveen is taller than Shashi and Ramu but shorter than Govind.
II. Ashok is taller than Ramu but shorter than Naveen.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → The question can be answered by using both statements together, but not by using either statement alone.
In data sufficiency, a statement is sufficient only if it leads to one definite answer; each statement is first tried alone, then the two together.
Statement I alone:
Govind > Naveen > Shashi, Ramu
Ashok is not placed, so Ashok or Govind could be the tallest: not sufficient
Statement II alone:
Naveen > Ashok > Ramu
Govind and Shashi are not placed: not sufficient
Both together:
Govind > Naveen (I), and Naveen is taller than Shashi and Ramu (I) and Ashok (II)
So Govind is taller than all the other four: Govind is the tallest