P is taller than Q, Q is shorter than R, and S is shorter than P. Who is the tallest?

Appeared in: NORCET 8 Prelims-2025

Explanation

The provided statements establish that P is taller than Q and S, and R is taller than Q.
However, no statement compares the height of P and R directly or indirectly.
Because the relationship between P and R is unknown, it is impossible to definitively identify the single tallest person among the group.
P could be the tallest (if P > R), or R could be the tallest (if R > P).

Option A: This is incorrect because while P is taller than Q and S, there is no information to compare P's height with R's height. R might be taller than P.
Option B: This is incorrect because the statements explicitly mention that both P and R are taller than Q.
Option C: This is incorrect because while R is taller than Q, there is no information to compare R's height with P's height. P might be taller than R.

Visual 1: Diagram - A diagram can illustrate the known height relationships. Arrows can point from the taller person to the shorter person (P→Q, P→S, R→Q). A dashed line with a question mark connecting P and R would visually represent that their relationship is unknown, clarifying why a definitive answer isn't possible.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning: Order and Ranking as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question assesses logical reasoning and the ability to identify incomplete information, a skill crucial for problem-solving in any field, including nursing.
In a clinical setting, a nurse must recognize when they have insufficient data to make a decision (e.g., missing lab values, incomplete patient history) and know that acting without complete information can be unsafe.
What if the question added 'R is shorter than P'? In that case, the order would be P > R > Q, and P would also be taller than S. P would definitively be the tallest.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the question type: This is a logical reasoning problem involving order and ranking.
Translate each statement into a symbolic relationship. Use '>' for 'taller than' and '<' for 'shorter than'.
Statement 1: P > Q
Statement 2: Q < R (or R > Q)
Statement 3: S < P (or P > S)
Synthesize the relationships: You know P > Q, P > S, and R > Q. Notice there is no link between P and R.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCET 8 Prelims-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.