Which one of the following could be the order in which the clues are mentioned, from the first chapter through the se...

SamA on September 19, 2019

Hello @Lizkringer,

The setup of chapters in a book may make this problem seem complex, but it is a pretty standard linear game.

We want to start by diagramming seven spaces in a row, representing the chapters in the book. Make sure to diagram your rules off to the side as well.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Remember that T cannot be in the 1st chapter. Also, remember that T must be before W, with two spaces in between: T _ _ W. This is our most important rule, because it narrows our options down to three possibilities.

_ T _ _ W _ _
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

_ _ T _ _ W _
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

_ _ _ T _ _ W
1 2 3 4 5 6 7


These are the only places where T and W can be. Representing these three options in your diagram will make it much easier to move through the questions.

Start there and give it a try. Feel free to respond if you are still struggling.

Irina on September 19, 2019

@Lizkringer,

This is a linear game that requires us to determine the order of seven clues - R S T U W X Z over seven chapters.

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

The following rules apply:
(1) T cannot be mentioned in chapter 1.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
~T

(2) T must be mentioned before W, and there are exactly two chapters between them.

T__W

This allows us to infer that T cannot be mentioned in chapters 5,6, or 7 because we must have at least two clues +W after T, and since T cannot be in chapter 1 per rule (1), T must be mentioned in either chapter 2, 3, or 4. We can also infer that W must be mentioned in chapter 5, 6, or 7 as exactly two chapters must separate T and W.

__ __ __ __ __ __ __
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
/T /T /T /W /W /W

(3) S &Z cannot be mentioned in adjacent chapters.

This rule tells us we cannot have a SZ to ZS sequence.

(4) W and X cannot be mentioned in adjacent chapters.

This rule tells us we cannot have WX to XW sequence.

(5) U and X must be mentioned in adjacent chapters.

This rule tells us we must have UX or XU sequence.


The question asks us which of the following could be the order in which clues are mentioned.

(A) S T Z X U W R

Incorrect. There must be exactly two chapters between T & W per rule (2).

(B) T X U W S R Z

Incorrect. T cannot be #1 per rule (1).

(C) U S X T Z R W

Incorrect. U and X must be mentioned in adjacent chapters per rule (5).

(D) X U T Z R W S

Correct. This order complies with all the rules.

(E) Z R T U X W S

Incorrect. W and X cannot be next to each other per rule (4).

Let me know if this makes sense and if you have any other questions.

bb042745 on April 1, 2020

I understand the three scenarios involving the T/W restriction but a strategy/timing question on games like these, if I could. The bulk of the questions are could be true and involve conditional placements of another of the variables. Does that mean, and I couldn't find any other way around that, that you need to do trial and error placements of the answer choices to eliminate/isolate the correct answer choice. Am i missing some obvious pre-work or simple deductions that would speed up the process. It took me nearly 10/12 minutes to do this game, which seems like a lot for a game that shouldn't be that hard. Thank you.