Data sufficiency — How is P related to J? Statements: A. M is the brother of P and T is the sister of P. B. P's mother is married to J's husband, who has one son and two daughters. Identify which statements suffice to determine P's relation to J.
Correct Answer: B alone is sufficient
Introduction / Context:We are to fix the relationship of P to J using minimal information. As a data-sufficiency item, we focus on whether the statements force a unique relation without overbuilding the tree.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- A: M is P’s brother; T is P’s sister (sibling set info; no mention of J).
- B: P’s mother is married to J’s husband, who has one son and two daughters.
Concept / Approach:If “P’s mother is married to J’s husband” under standard monogamous interpretation, the only coherent reading is that J is P’s mother (J’s husband is P’s father, married to P’s mother). Thus P is the child of J.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) From B: J’s husband and P’s mother are a married pair, which identifies J as P’s mother.2) Therefore, P is related to J as child (gender of P not required).3) From A: Only sibling composition is known; no link to J, hence insufficient by itself.Verification / Alternative check:Any attempt to interpret B otherwise leads to polygamy or contradiction. The cleanest, standard reading is J = P’s mother.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- A alone: No J mentioned; cannot conclude.
- Either A or B: False, because A fails.
- Both not sufficient: False, B alone suffices.
- A and B together: Redundant; B already suffices.
Common Pitfalls:Overcomplicating the phrase “P’s mother is married to J’s husband”; the intended inference is straightforward in standard family-logic settings.
Final Answer:B alone is sufficient (P is J’s child).