/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 15 In a large residential building,... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

In a large residential building, there is a rule that no pets are allowed. A group of pet lovers tried to change that rule but failed. The rule-changing procedure outlined in the building's regulations states that only if a group of tenants can obtain the signatures of 10 percent of the tenants on a petition to change a rule will the proposed change be put to a majority vote of all the tenants in the building. It follows that the pet lovers were voted down on their proposal by the majority of the tenants. The argument depends on which one of the following assumptions? (A) The pet lovers succeeded in obtaining the signatures of 10 percent of the tenants on their petition. (B) The signatures of less than 10 percent of the tenants were obtained on the pet lovers' petition. (C) Ninety percent of the tenants are against changing the rule forbidding pets. (D) The support of 10 percent of the tenants for a rule change ensures that the rule change will be adopted. (E) The failure of the pet lovers to obtain the signatures of 10 percent of the tenants on their petition for a rule change ensures that the rule change will be voted down by a majority of the tenants.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The argument assumes they got 10% signatures but were voted down (A).

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Process

In the residential building, a change to the rules requires the support of at least 10% of the tenants. Once this threshold is met, the proposal is subject to a vote by all tenants.
02

Analyze the Conclusion

The conclusion of the argument is that the pet lovers' proposed rule change was voted down by the majority of the tenants.
03

Identify the Assumption

An assumption is an unspoken premise that links the conditions and the conclusion. For this argument, the assumption must explain why the majority of tenants did not approve the proposal.
04

Evaluate the Options

Examine each option to determine which assumption is necessary for the argument's conclusion: - (A) suggests the petition got required signatures, initiating a vote. - (B) implies not enough signatures were secured, so the proposal didn't advance. - (C) assumes the majority opposition to the rule change, not required by the scenario. - (D) falsely assumes any 10% support ensures rule adoption. - (E) assumes lack of 10% signatures means the proposal cannot proceed and be voted on.
05

Select the Necessary Assumption

The conclusion that the pet lovers were voted down implies that their proposal was not supported even after obtaining signatures, contradicting option (B). Thus, option (A) aligns with the conclusion, assuming the proposal was voted upon due to meeting threshold support.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Argument Analysis
Argument analysis is a crucial skill in logical reasoning, especially when tackling problems like those found in the LSAT. The process involves breaking down the argument into its core components: premises and conclusions. From there, the goal is to determine the line of reasoning that connects these elements. In the exercise, the premises include the rules about changing regulations and the failed attempt by the pet lovers to alter these rules. The conclusion, on the other hand, is the assumption that the majority voted down the proposal. By analyzing the argument, you can identify any gaps or additional information required to support the conclusion effectively. This approach lays the foundation for identifying key assumptions and understanding how arguments are constructed.
Assumptions in Reasoning
Assumptions play a pivotal role in reasoning as they represent implicit information that the argument takes for granted. In the given exercise, identifying the correct assumption is essential to bridge the premises and conclusion. An assumption often acts as a hidden premise that, when revealed, makes the argument valid. In this context, the assumption is that enough tenants signed the petition for the proposal to be considered. If this assumption fails, the argument collapses. It's important to note that assumptions are not always stated explicitly. However, recognizing them helps to solidify the logical structure of the argument and strengthens your analytical skills.
Logical Reasoning Strategies
Developing effective logical reasoning strategies is vital for dissecting and comprehending complex arguments. This entails a few steps:
  • Start by carefully reading and understanding the argument.
  • Identify the premises and the conclusion.
  • Spot any assumptions, as they are often unstated but necessary for the argument's validity.
  • Evaluate potential weaknesses or gaps in the argument by considering alternate scenarios.
  • Review all potential assumptions to find the one that most logically supports the conclusion.
By following these steps, you become adept at not only navigating through LSAT exercises but also enhancing your critical thinking skills in broader contexts. Logical reasoning strategies open the pathway to both explicit and implicit argument analysis.
LSAT Preparation
Proper LSAT preparation involves an understanding of logical reasoning questions, which make up a substantial part of the test. The LSAT evaluates your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments, as seen in the problem with the residential building and pet restrictions. Here are some tips to excel in this section:
  • Practice argument analysis regularly to enhance your understanding.
  • Familiarize yourself with common logical fallacies to avoid errors in reasoning.
  • Work on time management to answer questions efficiently.
  • Utilize practice tests to simulate real exam conditions.
  • Review each question deeply to understand the reasoning behind correct and incorrect answers.
With consistent preparation and a strategic approach, you'll improve your ability to understand and evaluate arguments effectively, increasing your confidence on test day.

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