An easy question on logic puzzles for P2–P3, with a step-by-step solution, diagrams and the answer. The Hua Xia Cup's P4 qualifying round and finals have true-or-false statements and match-scoring questions. A favourite thinking workout, too.
The question
On sports day, Yan, Sze-ki and Lok ran the 60 m.
Yan wore bib 41, Sze-ki bib 36 and Lok bib 20.
They crossed the line one after another, no two together.
Afterwards, everyone remembered:
Yan was faster than Sze-ki.
Yan was slower than Lok.
What was the bib number of the runner who came second?
Show the hints (2)
💡Hint 1: Line the three up from fastest to slowest.
💡Hint 2: "A was slower than B" means "B was faster than A". Say both clues with "faster", then find who was faster than both others.
Worked solution
Have a go first, then read the solution step by step.
1.Both clues with "faster": Lok beat Yan, and Yan beat Sze-ki.
2.Yan is in both clues: slower than Lok but faster than Sze-ki, so in the middle. From fastest to slowest: Lok, Yan, Sze-ki.
3.Second was Yan, wearing bib 41.
⚠️Common mistake: thinking a smaller bib number means a faster runner. The bib has nothing to do with the place.
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