Diagram

[aileenann]

This is a relative ordering game (I know from the constraints - they only give relative information). I've attached my diagram. As you'll see, it's a relatively straightforward setup. This probably would have been one to save some time if you had your setup done quickly.

Let's take a look at # 10 for purposes of illustration. How many different seats could Z occupy? Well, Z has only one constraint - that it be before O. That means Z can't go last. Is there anywhere else that Z can't go? No - it doesn't have a definite relationship to any of the other elements. To see this, if you trace a path from Z to any other element, you'll see that you have to zig-zag to do it, an indication that Z could go before or after the element. Hence, even though it doesn't appear this way as I drew the diagram, Z could even go first.

Since there are 6 positions, and Z is excluded from only one of them, Z could go in 5 positions, which is answer choice (D).

I'd love to hear if you have questions or comments about this

[tsj215]

for some reason I can't open the diagram. is there any other way you could put it up?

[ilunay]

My diagram looks a bit different.. When dealing with relative ordering games: should I diagram the rules from top to bottom, or bottom to top, or scratch that read all the rules then start with the element that has the most going on? or am I over thinking things????

[tommywallach]

Hey Ilunay,

Our book explains this, but in short, you should diagram in order of connections. So you can start with the first rule, but from there, jump to the next rule that mentions a letter you've already put in your diagram.

Good luck!

-t