Question 72

Logical Reasoning Puzzles Hard

A team must be selected from the ten portable players A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and J. Of these, A, C, E and J are forwards, B, G and H are point guards and D, F and I are defenders. The team must have at least one forward, one point guard and one defender. If the team includes J, it must also include F. The team must include E or B, but not both. If the includes G, it must also include F. The team must include exactly one among C, G and I. C and F cannot be members of the same team. D and H cannot be members of the same team. The team must include both A and D or neither of them. There is no restriction on the number of members in the team. What could be the maximum size of the team that includes G?

(A) 4
(B) 3
(C) 6
(D) More than 6
View Dynamic Solution & Explanation
Correct Solution: Option C

Step-by-step Solution:

Step-by-Step Team Selection

To find the maximum size of a team that includes G, we will start with G on the team and apply all the given rules to see who else must be included or excluded. Our goal is to add as many players as possible without violating any conditions.

1. Initial Deductions from Including G

We start with the team having player G: Team = {G, ...}

  • Rule 5 states: "The team must include exactly one among C, G and I."
    Since G is on the team, it logically follows that C and I must be excluded.
  • Rule 4 states: "If the includes G, it must also include F."
    Since G is on the team, F must also be on the team.

At this point, we have:
Team Members (IN): {G, F}
Excluded Members (OUT): {C, I}

2. Maximizing the Team Size

Now, we will make choices for the remaining players (A, B, D, E, H, J) with the goal of maximizing the team's size.

  • Rule 3 (E or B): "The team must include E or B, but not both."
    To maximize the team, we must add one of them. Let's choose to add E. This means B must be excluded.
    Current Team: {G, F, E, ...}
  • Rule 8 (A and D): "The team must include both A and D or neither of them."
    To maximize the team, we should try to add both A and D.
    Current Team: {G, F, E, A, D, ...}
  • Consequence of adding D (Rule 7): "D and H cannot be members of the same team."
    Since we have added D, it follows that H must be excluded.
  • Checking the last player, J: Can J be on the team?
    Rule 2 states: "If the team includes J, it must also include F." Our team already includes F, so this condition is satisfied. We can add J to the team.

3. Final Team Composition and Verification

By making choices that maximize the size, we have arrived at the following team:

Final Team = {G, F, E, A, D, J}

Let's verify this team against all rules:

  • Size: 6 members.
  • Minimum Roles: The team has Forwards (A, E, J), Point Guards (G), and Defenders (F, D). All minimums are met.
  • All 8 rules are satisfied by this composition.

Conclusion

The maximum possible size of the team that includes G is 6.