Great question. You know that there are two scenarios for a particular game when one variable can go in multiple positions. If it can go in more than two positions, then you know there are at least 3 scenarios.
Let's take a look at this question.
The question asks, "If Freedom makes a voyage to Trinidad in week 5, which one of the following could be true?"
If T goes 5th, there can only be two options for J (2nd or 3rd) because J can't go 4th and having T in 5th prevents J from being in 6th. Thus, there are only two scenarios for this question.
If G goes 2nd, then G goes 1st, which forces M into 3rd and 6th and G into 1st. In looking at our answer choices, we don't see one that fits this scenario well, so let's move on to the other scenario.
If J is 3rd, then G goes 2nd, which forces M into 1st and either 4th or 6th, and G into the slot that M does not occupy.
(D) puts M in 4th, and since we know that this is a possibility, this is the correct answer choice.
Does this make sense? Let us know if you have any more questions!
izyaton May 1, 2019
would there be a way to figure out if a variable can go in more than two positions without writing everything out?
Ravion May 1, 2019
@izyat, it's possible, but it requires a strong level of intuition. It really depends on the individual game. In general, it's probably best to write out the scenarios when you see them, as it will give you a clearer sense of what's going on in the game.
izyaton May 27, 2019
I'm a little bit confused because I am trying to figure out the missing premise questions, and it seems like there is no video with an explanation for it. The lecture seemed to cover logical reasoning questions themselves, but not the missing premises and variable questions. Am I missing a video?
Ravion June 9, 2019
@izyat, great question. Check out the "Quantifiers Video" in the Quantifiers lesson. This video contains explanations of missing premise questions and will help you to better familiarize yourself with the subject material.
Kaleighon July 7, 2020
I am confused by Ravi's explanation. One of the rules says that exactly two trips are taken to M, and that there is a trip to G BEFORE those two trips. Given this, how could "If J is 3rd, then G goes 2nd, which forces M into 1st and either 4th or 6th, and G into the slot that M does not occupy." be true?? This would mean that there is no G before M? I may have misunderstood the question.
Kaleighon July 7, 2020
I just realized that I misread the rule! I saw "before" instead of "between."
