If Maya is scheduled for the second performance, which one of the following could be true?

Irina on July 29, 2019

@mbarnett,

Let's look at the setup for this linear game.

JKLMNOP each give exactly one performance:

__ __ __ __ __ __ __
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

(1) J performs immediately after K

KJ

__ __ __ __ __ __ __
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
~J ~K

(2) P performs some time after M

M...P

__ __ __ __ __ __ __
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
~J ~M
~P ~K

(3) L performs 3d only if N -5th

~N(5) -> ~L(3)
L(3) -> N(5)

(4) If P does not perform 2d, he performs 5th, i.e. P is either #2 or #5

P(2) v. P(5)

/P /P
__ __ __ __ __ __ __
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
~J ~K
~P ~M


Now, let's diagram the hypothetical in the question - what could be true if M is second?

M /K /J P /K /J
__ __ __ __ __ __ __
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
~J ~L ~M
~P ~K

Per rule (4), we know that P has to be #5 because he is not #2 (eliminates (D)).

Per rule (3) we can also conclude that L is not #3 (eliminates (C)).

Now we have to fit the block of KJ somewhere, the only possible options are K is #3 and J#4 or K is #6 and J is #7 (eliminates A & B)

The only option remaining is (E) and let's quickly make sure that O would not violate any of the rules:

/L /N
/N M /L O P K J
__ __ __ __ __ __ __
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
~J ~L ~M
~P ~K

This is a valid order and is the correct answer choice.

Does this help? Let me know if you have any other questions.