Question 1
Given Conclusion:
No snake is a mammal
Which set of statements can definitely lead to this conclusion?
A. No mammal is a reptile; All snakes are reptiles
B. No birds are reptile; Some strange are reptiles
C. No snake is a mammal; All mammal are reptile
D. Insufficient information
Reverse Syllogism Analysis:
Working backwards from conclusion to verify which premises support it.
Given Conclusion: No snake is a mammal
Testing Option A: No mammal is a reptile; All snakes are reptiles
Applying syllogism rules:
Statement 1: No mammal is a reptile
Statement 2: All snakes are reptiles
Combining these gives: No snake is a mammal ✓
Why Other Options Fail:
B. Random statements: No logical connection to conclusion
C. Opposite relationships: Would give contradictory conclusion
D. Insufficient: We CAN determine with proper analysis
Answer: A. No mammal is a reptile; All snakes are reptiles
Working backwards from conclusion to verify which premises support it.
Given Conclusion: No snake is a mammal
Testing Option A: No mammal is a reptile; All snakes are reptiles
Applying syllogism rules:
Statement 1: No mammal is a reptile
Statement 2: All snakes are reptiles
Combining these gives: No snake is a mammal ✓
Why Other Options Fail:
B. Random statements: No logical connection to conclusion
C. Opposite relationships: Would give contradictory conclusion
D. Insufficient: We CAN determine with proper analysis
Answer: A. No mammal is a reptile; All snakes are reptiles