Question

If $\mathrm{H}$ 's session is scheduled as the next session after U's session, which one of the following could be true about H's session and U's session? (A) U's session is scheduled for Monday, and H's session is scheduled for Tuesday. (B) U's session is scheduled for Thursday, and H's session is scheduled for Friday. (C) They are both scheduled for Tuesday. (D) They are both scheduled for Thursday. (E) They are both scheduled for Friday.

Short answer

Both (A) and (B) are possible.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Problem

We need to determine which scenario among the given options could logically follow if H's session is scheduled right after U's session. This is essentially an ordering problem.

Analyzing Each Option

Let's examine each option to see if it fits the condition that H's session follows U's: - (A) U's session is Monday, H's session Tuesday - This works. - (B) U's session is Thursday, H's session Friday - This works. - (C) Both on Tuesday - Violates the order rule, they can't be consecutive. - (D) Both on Thursday - Violates the order rule, they can't be consecutive. - (E) Both on Friday - Violates the order rule, they can't be consecutive.

Determining the Possible Option

From the analysis, options (A) and (B) maintain the required consecutive order of U's session followed by H's session. Options (C), (D), and (E) do not maintain the order, as the sessions fall on the same day.

Key concepts

Sequencing Problems

Sequencing problems are a common type of question that you will encounter in logical reasoning, such as in the LSAT. They require you to determine the order or sequence of elements, events, or people based on given conditions or rules. In our exercise, we needed to find possible schedules for sessions given that H's session follows U's session. Sequencing problems check your ability to visualize and track an order systematically.

To tackle these problems:

• Start by understanding the main condition or rule provided.
• Decompose the problem into smaller parts by testing each possibility individually.
• Identify invalid possibilities by checking if they violate any given rules.
• Keep in mind that there may be multiple solutions or sequences that fit the rule.

In our solution, we examined different schedules to identify which ones allowed H's session to follow U's, making options (A) and (B) correct.

Logical Deduction

Logical deduction is the process of reasoning from one or more statements (premises) to reach a logically certain conclusion. In logical reasoning problems, deduction is key to eliminating possibilities that do not fit the constraints of the problem, as seen in our sequencing exercise.

In this LSAT exercise, our task was to deduce the order based on rules for session sequencing. We systematically eliminated options where U's session was not immediately before H's because they did not meet the order requirement. Deductive reasoning helps simplify the problem by only focusing on what is logically possible under the given conditions. This involves:

• Identifying the premises or conditions.
• Applying these conditions to each possible scenario.
• Ruling out scenarios that do not meet all conditions.
• Selecting the logical conclusions that fit the scenario.

Through this method, options (C), (D), and (E) were eliminated because they did not meet the consecutive order requirement.

Ordering Problems

Ordering problems require you to arrange elements in a specific sequence, just like the ordering of sessions in the LSAT example. This involves understanding and applying constraints that dictate the relative order of elements. These constraints become the rules by which you determine the correct order.

To solve ordering problems effectively, consider:

• Reading all the rules and understanding the relationships between elements.
• Identifying which constraints are most restrictive and focusing on them first.
• Constructing a tentative order and adjusting as you test different options.
• Being flexible, as sometimes potential solutions need adjustments to meet all constraints.

In the exercise, we found that U and H's sessions could be only sequenced on separate days to meet the rule, leading to valid options being Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday.

Problem-Solving Strategies

Problem-solving strategies are essential tools in logical reasoning challenges, allowing you to approach tasks methodically and efficiently. Having a structured approach can turn complex problems into manageable steps.

Some strategies to employ include:

• Clarifying the problem by breaking it down into simpler parts.
• Using process of elimination to discard clearly incorrect options.
• Utilizing sketching or diagramming to visualize the problem.
• Verifying your solution by cross-checking it against initial conditions.

In our situation, breaking the problem into smaller parts helped us assess each option. Elimination helped us disregard all choices where H's session did not come immediately after U's, while visualization ensured we adhered to all rules before concluding options (A) and (B) were correct. Problem-solving strategies not only ease the process but enhance accuracy as well.