October 2010 LSAT Section 1 Question 27

As it is presented in the passage, the approach to history taken by mainstream U.S. historians of the late nineteenth...

ginakd on May 28, 2020

Game 3 Question 2

I understand why (C) mushroom is the correct answer, but couldn't lentils be a possible answer as well? Because rule 2 shows that if Z is first, then L is before O and the contrapositive is O before L if Z is not first. So, in either scenario, from my understanding, it is not possible for L to be first.

Replies

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

Already have an account? log in

BenMingov on May 28, 2020

Hi Ginakd, thanks for the question.

I think I noticed the issue in your line of reasoning. What is wrong is that both of these scenarios are conditional. So it is not forced that either Z is first or O is before L. Rather, IF Z is first then L is before O, and IF O-L, then Z is not first.

But it is very possible that Z is not first and that O is not before L. Therefore these rules on their own do not prohibit L from being first. A sufficient/necessary rule needs to be have the sufficient condition triggered in order for it to be used.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

ginakd on May 28, 2020

That makes much more sense. Thank you!