Read the following information to decide the option
i. A is richer than B
ii. C is richer than A
iii. D is richer than C
iv. E is the richer of all
If they sit in the order of richness who will have the central position?

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Ahmedabad-2015

Explanation

The problem requires establishing a linear order based on comparative statements.
Combining the statements 'D is richer than C', 'C is richer than A', and 'A is richer than B' gives the partial order: D > C > A > B.
The statement 'E is the richest of all' places E at the very beginning of the sequence.
The final order from richest to poorest is: E, D, C, A, B.
In a sequence of five individuals, the third position ( (5+1)/2 ) is the central or middle position.
The individual 'C' occupies the third position in the established order.

Option A: Individual A is in the fourth position when ranked from richest to poorest (E, D, C, A, B). This is not the central position.
Option B: Individual B is in the fifth and last position (the poorest). This is an extreme end, not the center.
Option D: Individual D is in the second position, just after the richest person, E. This is not the central position.

Visual 1: Flowchart - A simple flowchart or diagram showing the hierarchy of richness, starting with E at the top and ending with B at the bottom, with C clearly marked in the middle.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning: Ordering and Ranking as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests logical reasoning and the ability to sequence information, a foundational skill for problem-solving in any field, including nursing.
While not a clinical question, the process of synthesizing multiple data points (like patient symptoms, lab results, and history) to form a conclusion is analogous to this type of logical puzzle.
What if? - If statement (iv) said 'E is the poorest of all', the order would be D > C > A > B > E. In this case, 'A' would be in the central position.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read all the statements provided to understand the relationships between the individuals.
Use symbols (like > for 'richer than') to translate the word statements into a mathematical or logical format. For example, 'A is richer than B' becomes A > B.
Look for a common element to link the different statements together. Here, 'A' links the first two, and 'C' links the next two.
Combine the individual comparisons into a single, continuous sequence representing the full order.
Once the full order is established, count the total number of items (individuals) in the sequence.
Determine the central position. For an odd number of items (n), the middle position is (n+1)/2. Here, with 5 people, the center is the 3rd position.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Staff Nurse Ahmedabad-2015

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