Consider that : 1. A is taller than B. 2. C is taller than A. 3. D is taller than C. 4. E is the tallest of all. If they are made to sit in the above order of their height, who will occupy the mid position ?

(a) A
(b) B
(c) C ✓ UPSC's answer
(d) D

Why the answer is (c)

• From 1, A is taller than B.

• From 2, C is taller than A, so C > A > B.

• From 3, D is taller than C, so D > C > A > B.

• From 4, E is the tallest of all, so E > D > C > A > B.

• With five people, the mid position is the third tallest, which is C, so option (c) follows.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) A: A is fourth tallest in E > D > C > A > B, so A cannot occupy the third mid position.
(b) B: B is shortest in E > D > C > A > B, so B cannot occupy the third mid position.
(d) D: D is second tallest in E > D > C > A > B, so D cannot occupy the third mid position.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.