A team of 4 members is to be formed from 3 Developers (X, Y, Z) and 4 Security Engineers (P, Q, R, S).
The following conditions must be satisfied:
X cannot be in the same team as P.
If Z is selected, Q must also be selected.
R and S cannot be selected together.
Which of the following teams can be formed?
Explanation
The correct option is (a) X, Z, Q, S.
Detailed Explanation:
The most efficient way to solve team formation puzzles is by using the process of elimination based on the given rules:
Rule 1: X and P cannot be together.
Looking at option (b) [X, Y, P, R], both X and P are present. This violates Rule 1, so option (b) is eliminated.
Looking at option (d) [X, Z, P, Q], both X and P are present. This violates Rule 1, so option (d) is eliminated.
Rule 2: If Z is selected, Q must be selected (Z→Q).
Let's check the remaining options. In option (a) [X, Z, Q, S], Z is selected and Q is also present. This satisfies Rule 2.
Rule 3: R and S cannot be selected together.
Looking at option (c) [Y, Z, R, S], both R and S are present. This violates Rule 3, so option (c) is eliminated.
Verification of the Correct Combination:
Let’s verify if option (a) [X, Z, Q, S] satisfies all the constraints:
Does it contain both X and P? No, only X is present. (Valid)
Since Z is chosen, is Q chosen? Yes, Q is present. (Valid)
Are R and S together? No, only S is present. (Valid)
Since all conditions are met perfectly, the group X, Z, Q, S can form a valid team.