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Two-Step Chain

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

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 direct relationships to find a relationship between two persons who are not directly connected. For example, 'A is the father of B' and 'B is the brother of C' requires you to find how A is related to C. These problems test your ability to logically chain relationships.

Prerequisites

Simple direct relations Reverse relations Logical chaining ability Family tree visualization
Why This Matters: Two-Step Chain problems are very common. 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: Write down the two given relationships clearly.

2

Step 2: Identify the common person who appears in both relationships (the 'link').

3

Step 3: Determine the relationship from the first person to the common person.

4

Step 4: Determine the relationship from the common person to the second person.

5

Step 5: Combine the two relationships. For example, 'Father of brother' means the person is also a father (if the brother is from the same parents).

6

Step 6: Be mindful of genders. 'Brother of father' is an uncle.

7

Step 7: Express the final relationship.

Pro Strategy: Draw a small diagram: Write the chain as Person1 → Relation → Person2 → Relation → Person3. The middle person is the key. Combine the relationships step by step, keeping track of gender.

Example Problem

Example: A is the father of B. B is the brother of C. How is A related to C? Solution: Step 1: 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, meaning B and C are siblings. Step 5: Since A is father of B and B and C are siblings, A is also father of C. Answer: A is the father of C.

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Father's brother = Uncle.
  • Mother's sister = Aunt.
  • Brother's son = Nephew.
  • Sister's daughter = Niece.
  • Father's father = Grandfather.
  • Mother's mother = Grandmother.

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

Parent of sibling = Parent.
Sibling of parent = Aunt/Uncle.
Child of sibling = Nephew/Niece.
Sibling of child = Child (if same parents).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Losing track of the common person.
Assuming siblings always share both parents (they do, unless specified as half-siblings).
Forgetting to consider the gender of the linking person.
Confusing 'aunt/uncle' with 'grandparent'.

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
CAT
1-2 questions
INSURANCE
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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