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Two Step Chain

Two Step Chain problems involve connecting two relationships to find the relationship between two persons who are not directly connected. For example, 'A is the father of B' and 'B is the brother of C' - you need to find the relationship between A and C. These problems test your ability to chain relationships logically.

10Worksheets
200+Practice Questions
IntermediateDifficulty
2-3 hoursHours to Master

What You'll Learn

Introduction & Overview Why This Matters How to Solve Pro Tips & Tricks
Shortcut Methods Common Mistakes Practice Worksheets Exam Importance

Introduction to Two Step Chain

Two Step Chain problems involve connecting two relationships to find the relationship between two persons who are not directly connected. For example, 'A is the father of B' and 'B is the brother of C' - you need to find the relationship between A and C. These problems test your ability to chain relationships logically.

Prerequisites

Simple direct relations Reverse relations Logical chaining Family tree visualization
Why This Matters: Two Step Chain problems are very common in blood relation sections. You can expect 2-3 questions in SSC CGL, 2-3 in Banking PO, and 2-3 in Railways RRB exams.

How to Solve Two Step Chain Problems

1

Step 1: Identify the two given relationships and the persons involved

2

Step 2: Look for a common person who appears in both relationships

3

Step 3: Use the common person as a bridge to connect the two end persons

4

Step 4: Write the relationship from the first person to the common person

5

Step 5: Write the relationship from the common person to the second person

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Step 6: Combine them to find the relationship between the two end persons

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Step 7: Consider gender information to determine the exact relationship

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Step 8: Answer with the relationship

Pro Strategy: Always identify the common person first. Write the chain from the starting person to the ending person through the common person. Combine the relationships step by step, keeping track of genders.

Example Problem

Example: A is the father of B. B is the brother of C. How is A related to C? Solution: Step 1: Relationships: A→B (father), B→C (brother) Step 2: Common person is B Step 3: A is father of B Step 4: B is brother of C → B and C are siblings Step 5: Since A is father of B, A is also father of C (same father) Step 6: Therefore, A is father of C Answer: Father Example 2: P is the mother of Q. R is the daughter of Q. How is P related to R? Solution: Step 1: Relationships: P→Q (mother), Q→R (parent of daughter) Step 2: P is mother of Q, Q is mother of R Step 3: Therefore, P is grandmother of R Answer: Grandmother

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Draw a small family tree to visualize the chain
  • Start from the first person and move to the last person through intermediates
  • Keep track of gender at each step
  • Use arrows: → for 'parent of', ↔ for 'sibling of'
  • Father of brother → father (if same parents)
  • Mother of sister → mother (if same parents)

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

Father's brother = Uncle
Mother's sister = Aunt
Brother's son = Nephew
Sister's daughter = Niece
Father's father = Grandfather
Mother's mother = Grandmother
Son's daughter = Granddaughter
Daughter's son = Grandson

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Losing track of gender during chaining
Assuming relationships that aren't stated (e.g., assuming same parents for siblings)
Forgetting to reverse relationships when needed
Missing that 'brother' implies male gender

Exam Importance

Two Step Chain is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

SSC CGL
2-3 questions
BANKING PO
2-3 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
2-3 questions

Ready to Master Two Step Chain?

Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes:

20 practice questions
Detailed solutions
Step-by-step explanations
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