Critical Reasoning

In Patton City, days are categorized as having heavy rainfall (more than two inches), moderate rainfall (more than one inch, but no more than two inches), light rainfall (at least a trace, but no more than one inch), or no rainfall. In 1990, there were fewer days with light rainfall than in 1910 and fewer with moderate rainfall, yet total rainfall for the year was 20 percent higher in 1990 than in 1910. If the statements above are true, then it is also possible that in Patton City
A. the number of days with heavy rainfall was lower in 1990 than in 1910
B. the number of days with some rainfall, but no more than two inches, was the same in 1990 as in 1910
C. the number of days with some rainfall, but no more than two inches, was higher in 1990 than in 1910
D. the total number of inches of rain that fell on days with moderate rainfall in 1990 was more than twice what it had been in 1910
E. the average amount of rainfall per month was lower in 1990 than in 1910

OA after some posts

I feel it should be D.

To supplement my point, We need to have more rainy days in 1990 than in 1910 or we need to have more rain per day.

Of all the options only D gives one of the above points.

Hence D. Though the question appears to be "quant" based(it is to some extent), but it can be solved through reasoning too!

I hope I am clear. Rich has done a good job though!

vinay1983 wrote:I feel it should be D

"yet total rainfall for the year was 20 percent higher in 1990 than in 1910"

This contradicts [D] since the denominator is unchanged from "12".

I answered this Question [A].

My Reasoning is as follows:


Heavy Rainfall(HR) = 2+ inches
Moderate Rainfall(MR)= 1-2 inches
Light Rainfall(LR) = 0-1 inches
No Rain(NR) = 0

1990 --> Comparatively Fewer (LR=4) & (MR=5)
1910 --> Comparatively Higher LR=6 & MR=7

[4,5,6,7 are assumed DAYS values]

YET, Total Rainfall in 1990 is higher ----- POINT OF CONSIDERATION.... "TOTAL RAINFALL" and not "TOTAL DAYS"

Total Rainfall DAYS(TRD) = HR(heavy rainfall) + MR + LR

TRD of 1990 > TR of 1910
4 + 5 + X > 6 + 7 + Y
So, X>Y..

Total Rainfall = inches * days....

Now, assume in 1990 total days of rainfall 5 with 5 inches of rain = Total Rainfall 25
and, assume in 1910 total days of rainfall 10 with 2 inches of rain = Total Rainfall 20

Hence, [A] holds!!!
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[D]cannot be correct ... since..

Using the above example only...

MR in 1990 --> Least = 5 * 1 = 5 .... Maximum = 5*2= 10 inches
MR in 1910 --> Least = 7 * 1 = 7 .... Maximum = 7*2= 14 inches

So, for any value for MR in 1990 and 1910.. we cannot have:: MR of 1990>2*MR of 1910.

hence, WRONG!.