Solving the Test Score Ranking Puzzle

This question asks us to determine the person who scored the fourth highest marks based on a series of clues about the relative scores of seven friends: P, Q, R, S, T, U, and V. All seven friends scored different marks.

Analyzing the Given Information

Let's break down the information provided:

• There are 7 friends with distinct scores.
• Scores between S and P: Exactly two people scored marks between S and P.
• P scored higher than S (P > S).
• R scored the highest marks.
• T scored more than Q (T > Q).
• U scored the second least marks.
• V scored the least marks.

Deducing the Score Ranking

We can represent the ranking from highest (1st) to lowest (7th):

1st > 2nd > 3rd > 4th > 5th > 6th > 7th

From the clues:

• R scored the highest marks, so R is 1st.
• V scored the least marks, so V is 7th.
• U scored the second least marks, so U is 6th.

Let's place these known friends in the ranking:

R (1st) > \_ (2nd) > \_ (3rd) > \_ (4th) > \_ (5th) > U (6th) > V (7th)

We are left with positions 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th to fill with the remaining friends: P, Q, S, and T.

The clue "Scores of only two people lies between the scores of S and P with score of P greater than S" means there are exactly two people between P and S in the ranking. This can be represented as P > \_ > \_ > S. This structure requires 4 consecutive positions for P, two people in between, and S.

Looking at the available positions (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th), the only way to fit a block of 4 consecutive positions starting with P and ending with S (with two in between) is if P occupies the 2nd position and S occupies the 5th position. Let's check if this works:

R (1st) > P (2nd) > \_ (3rd) > \_ (4th) > S (5th) > U (6th) > V (7th)

This arrangement places exactly two people (at 3rd and 4th positions) between P and S, and P is indeed higher than S. This works perfectly with the available slots.

The remaining friends are T and Q, and the remaining positions are 3rd and 4th. The clue "T scored more than Q" (T > Q) means T must be in the higher position (3rd) and Q must be in the lower position (4th) between these two remaining spots.

Placing T and Q in the remaining slots:

R (1st) > P (2nd) > T (3rd) > Q (4th) > S (5th) > U (6th) > V (7th)

Final Ranking

The complete ranking from highest to lowest is:

Identifying the Fourth Highest Scorer

Based on the final ranking, the person who scored the fourth highest marks is Q.

Revision Table: Key Information Review

Additional Information: Ranking and Ordering Concepts

Ranking questions are common in logical reasoning and aptitude tests. They require careful analysis of comparative statements to establish a definitive order or sequence. Here are some key concepts:

• Relative Positioning: Clues often describe positions relative to others (e.g., "more than", "less than", "between").
• Fixed Positions: Some clues might fix a person or item to a specific absolute position (e.g., "highest", "lowest", "first", "last").
• Constraints: Certain conditions limit possible arrangements (e.g., "exactly two people between X and Y"). These constraints are crucial for eliminating possibilities.
• Step-by-Step Deduction: Start with the most definitive clues (like highest or lowest) and gradually fill in the positions using relative clues and constraints.
• Elimination: As you place people or items, eliminate those positions and individuals from further consideration.

Solving these puzzles involves building a logical structure piece by piece until the full order is revealed. Always double-check the final arrangement against all the original clues.