LSAT 90, Logic Game 3, Question 16, LSATHacks

This question tells us that T is the repeating variable that appears in both semesters. There are five variables and only six slots. Meaning only only variable goes twice: in this case, T. So everyone other than T can only go once.

Think about which variables are most restricted. Each group needs either V or M. And now we know they each can only go once. So, V and M must be in opposite groups. We can make two scenarios: one where M is in the Fall and V is in the Spring, and vice versa.

The only remaining rules is:

• Rule 1: If H is in Fall, M must be. If M isn’t in Fall, H can’t be.

What about rule 2? It’s now redundant. T is in both groups, so “V —> T” has no meaning: T already is anywhere V can go.

Scenario 1: M in Fall, V in Spring

So let’s make the diagrams, remembering there’s just one rule. Let’s put M in Fall first, and V in Spring:

This doesn’t trigger the one rule, so H or O can be in either group.

Scenario 2: M in Spring, V in Fall

For the second diagram, V is in Fall, and M is in Spring:

In this case, the rule does apply: M isn’t in Fall, so H can’t be. Therefore, H goes in Spring and O goes in Fall:

Now that we have all the possibilities, we can go through the answers and find the one that’s possible. B is CORRECT. In the first scenario, both M and O are in Fall.

C and E are both wrong for the same reason: rule 3. T has gone twice, so there’s only space for other variables to go once. And each group needs one of either M or V. So, M and V can’t be in the same group!

A is wrong because it puts too many people in Fall: the answer already has T, H and V in Fall. But if H is in Fall, M must be as well. That’s four people! (This answer is also wrong because it would place both M and V in the same group, leaving none of them to go in Spring).

As for D, the problem becomes clear if you draw the full groups. This question places T, M and O in Spring. We have to place all variables at least once, so V and H need to go in Fall:

F: T, V, H

S: T, M, O

This violates rule 1: if H is in Fall, M needs to be too.

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