LSAT Preptest 70, Section IV, Logic Games, Question 4 Explanation

LG Game 1 Question 4 Explanation

For this question, ZW are a block. Let’s look at what other rules apply. We know that X is after ZW, and V is before ZW:

This is not an easy group of variables to place. In fact, ZW can only go third and fourth.

You may be thinking “how can you know that”? If so, I encourage you not to think. Instead, draw.

Make a diagram with ZW second and third. Doesn’t work: V has to go first, and there’s no space to put Y in 1-3.

LSAT PrepTest 70, Game 1, Question 4, Diagram 2

Make a diagram with ZW fourth and fifth. Doesn’t work, X has to go last, and there’s no space to put U in 4-6.

LSAT PrepTest 70, Game 1, Question 4, Diagram 3

I’m sure you can see why we can’t put ZQ in 1-2 or 5-6. It’s because V has to go before them, and X has to go after.

So with two diagrams, you can prove that this is the only possible setup:

LSAT PrepTest 70, Game 1, Question 4, Diagram 4

With practice, you can draw 2-3 test diagrams in about 15 seconds. If you find it slow going, it’s because you haven’t practiced, and because you don’t have the rules memorized. But you can learn to be faster.

I don’t “think” about most logic games. I just try stuff, and then I “see” what works and what doesn’t. Logic games are a very mechanical process. Usually the new rules for individual questions are quite restrictive.

Anyway, E is CORRECT. Z has to go in slot 3.

A and C are wrong because U and X are interchangeable in this scenario.

B and D are wrong because V and Y are interchangeable in this scenario. Either one could be first or second.

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