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 among M, N, O, P and Q is the oldest?
I. M is older than O, but not as old as N.
II. P is older than N, but not as old as Q.
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:
N > M > O
P and Q are not placed, so either of them could be older than N: not sufficient
Statement II alone:
Q > P > N
M and O are not placed, so either of them could be older than Q: not sufficient
Both together:
Q > P > N (II) and N > M > O (I), so Q > P > N > M > O
Q is the oldest: sufficient