#19 - Local, Could Be True

[Dave Killoran]

Complete Question Explanation
(The complete setup for this game can be found here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=7326)

The correct answer choice is (A)

The question stem indicates that X exports S and T, so from the second rule since X exports S then Y must also export S as well (and Z cannot export S):

D04_Game_#4_#19_diagram 1.png

Because S is now exported by two countries, we know that every other crop is exported just once. This means that Y cannot export R, as discussed in the analysis of rule #3:

D04_Game_#4_#19_diagram 2.png

Answer choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. It is proven by the following hypothetical:

D04_Game_#4_#19_diagram 3.png

Answer choice (B): This answer choice cannot be true, and is therefore incorrect. If Y exports R, then X and Z would have to export T. This results in a scenario where S is exported twice, T is exported twice, R is exported once, and then there is not sufficient space to export both O and W.

Answer choice (C): If Y exports T, then in this question both X and Y export S and T. In somewhat of a similar manner as answer choice (B), this results in a scenario where S is exported twice and T is exported twice, and then there is not sufficient space to export all three of O, R and W. Thus, this answer is incorrect.

Answer choice (D): This answer choice is incorrect for two reasons. First, if Z exports S, then both Y and Z would export S, a violation of the last rule. Second, if Z exports S, then X, Y, and Z each export S, a violation of the numerical possibilities within the game.

Answer choice (E): If Z exports T, then in this question X and Y both export S, and X and Z both export T. Similar to answer choices (C), this results in a scenario where S is exported twice and T is exported twice, and then there is not sufficient space to export all three of O, R and W. Thus, this answer is incorrect.

Note that every single wrong answer choice plays upon the limitations created by the Numerical Distribution.

[eober]

Hi,

My first question s about "if, but only if" rule. Do we represent it as:
Y(s) X(s)

Also, could you explain why we selected answer choice A in question 19?

Thank you!

[David Boyle]

Hi,

My first question s about "if, but only if" rule. Do we represent it as:
Y(s) X(s)

Also, could you explain why we selected answer choice A in question 19?

Thank you!

Hello,

Your representation of rule 1 seems reasonably correct.
As for question 19, there are 4 "can't be trues".
Answer B: if Y exports rice, then Z exports tea--and does not have room to cover the other 2 products, orange and wheat (not that anyone can cover both of those at once).
Answer C: if Y is exporting soybeans and tea, then Z must export either rice and oranges, or rice and wheat (but not wheat and oranges). So then at least one crop must not be covered by anybody, which is forbidden.
Answer D: since Y must export soybeans, then Z cannot do so.
Answer E: if Z exports tea, then there is not enough room to include rice and wheat and oranges somewhere.

To answer these questions, try going through all the answers methodically and seeing if any rules are violated, like I did above.

David