Linear Games Questions - - Question 10

If the only message Pasquale left is the fifth message, then which one of the following could be true?

davidamaya August 6, 2019

Why is B incorrect?

I cannot determine why B is incorrect. What rule(s) would T H F L P T break? We need clarification, please.

Replies
Create a free account to read and take part in forum discussions.

Already have an account? log in

davidamaya August 6, 2019

@Meharan

Irina August 6, 2019

@davidmaya,

Since it is a could be true question, four of the answer choices are MUST BE FALSE/ CANNOT BE TRUE and only one could be true.

Let's diagram this question - if the only message left by P is #5, which of the following could be true:

P
__ __ __ __ __ __
1 2 3 4 5 6

Per rule (1), we know that H cannot be #1, eliminate (A)

Let's consider (B) - T left exactly two messages.

There are two possible scenarios:

1. If F left any messages, then per rule (5), we know that any T must follow any P, thus it is impossible for T to leave more than one message and it has to be #6, and that is why the hypothetical order of T H F L P T violates rule (5) and CANNOT BE TRUE.

2. If F left no messages, then if T leaves exactly 2 and P exactly 1, all the remaining parties have to leave 1 message each - G, H & L but per rule (4), G -> F& P and that brings us back to scenario 1 above, which we already determined is impossible, thus we can eliminate this answer choice (B). We could eliminate this option even faster using the inference from our initial setup: if G left any messages, everyone leaves exactly one message.

Let's consider the rest of the answer choices:

Per rule (6), we know that P -> H & L, H>> L and since H cannot be #2, L cannot be #2 - eliminate (D).

Let's consider (E) - F left 3d and 4th messages:

H F F P L
__ __ __ __ __ __
1 2 3 4 5 6

Per rule (5), we know that F -> P & T, P > T, but we have no space to fit T because it must go to #6 and that is also the only spot that L could go in because L must come after H and H cannot be #1 per rule (1). Thus, (E) cannot be true.

Does that make sense?

Let me know if you have any further questions.