[i]determined [b]'by'[/b], 'through'[/b] and [b]'from'[/b]

[morningdew123]

Source: Gmat Prep, mba.com, Test II

The direction in which the Earth and the other solid planets - Mercury, Venus, and Mars - spins were determined from collisions with giant celestial bodies in the early history of the Solar System.

a. spins were determined from
b. spins were determined because of
c. spins was determined through
d. spin was determined by
e. spin was determined as a result of

What is the difference among determined 'by', determine 'through' and determine 'from'?

Thanks.

[RonPurewal]

first, note that idioms now have very little importance on the test.
see here:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -the-gmac/

--

given the above, this difference (which is idiomatic) is not very important, but here's a brief summary:

"X is determined by Y" means that Y causes X to be the way that it is.
e.g. some people think that your personality is determined by your genes.

"X is determined from Y" means that you can deduce X by looking at information Y.
e.g. some people think that your personality can be determined from your handwriting.

"X is determined through Y" means that Y is the process used in determining X.
e.g. the effect of most medicinal substances can only be determined through experimentation.

[morningdew123]

Thanks Ron.

[RonPurewal]

Thanks Ron.

sure