LSAT 130 | Section 1 | Logical Reasoning: Q8

LR Question 8 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Working residents of Springfield live, on average, farther

QUESTION TYPE: Paradox – Exception

PARADOX: Working people in Springfield live further from work than do working people in Rochester. Yet, Springfield has only half as many bus routes.

ANALYSIS: On a question like this, I find it helpful to think of a few explanations in advance. Here’s what I come up with:

People in Springfield have more cars.

More people live in Rochester

It is easier to bike or take other means of transit such as trams or subways in Rochester

I find this process also opens your mind to other possibilities, so you can recognize other explanations even if you hadn’t predicted them.

___________

1. If this is true, then a small number of bus lines going to that factory could service most of Springfield.
2. If this is true, then people can just drive.
3. Railway lines are another way to get to work. If Springfield has more railways then it needs fewer buses.
4. If this is true, then a single route in Springfield can serve more people.
5. CORRECT. This makes the situation more confusing. If Springfield has more people, why does it have fewer routes?
   (If this had said Rochester has more people then it would be wrong. I had prephrased that version.)