LSAT 105 | Section 2 | Logical Reasoning: Q3

LR Question 3 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Manager: Our new computer network, the purpose of which…

QUESTION TYPE: Necessary Assumption

CONCLUSION: The network should be installed during the day.

REASONING: A daytime installation will disrupt workers but save money.

ANALYSIS: A daytime installation will decrease productivity, temporarily. And that costs money. The argument ignores this and makes no attempt to consider the downsides of a daytime installation vs. a nighttime installation.

___________

1. If the value of the equipment doesn’t exceed the cost of installing at night, then we should definitely not install during the night. We’d lose money.
2. CORRECT. The business loses money by disrupting its workers. It also loses money by paying extra for nighttime installation. The argument assumes the latter costs more, but provides no evidence.
3. Time doesn’t matter, per se. It’s the cost in money or productivity that matters.
4. It doesn’t matter how long before the network is productive. We’re trying to figure out when to install it. What happens after doesn’t matter.
5. This would strengthen the argument, but it isn’t necessary. It could be the installation only takes one hour, but costs $5 million extra to install at night. That might make daytime installation very cheap even if productivity was wrecked during that one hour for 51% of employees.

Recap: The question begins with “Manager: Our new computer network, the purpose of which”. It is a Necessary Assumption question. Learn how to master LSAT Necessary questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning question types page.