Logical reasoning PrepTest 142 · Section 1 · Question 7

Incorrect. Both AC units are powerful enough to meet needs here (if the less powerful one is, then the more powerful one will meet those needs, too), but the recommendation is that the landlord should go with the less powerful unit, and this answer doesn't justify buying one over the other.

Incorrect. The items are equivalently expensive, so this answer choice doesn't apply.

Incorrect. If anything, the more powerful unit at the same cost would arguably be the best value.

Incorrect. There's no discussion of commission in the stimulus. Additionally, the two items are the same price which would normally suggest an equivalent commission.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Strengthen (Principle)

Stimulus Summary:
Situation: Landlord needs to replace an AC unit and had two options that were the same price—the more powerful Sno-Queen and the less powerful FreezAll
Recommendation: Buy the FreezAll
Reasoning: It was powerful enough to meet needs

Answer Anticipation:
Principal (Strengthen) questions connect the details from the premise to the judgment in the conclusion. This stimulus introduces a scenario, and then shifts to a shalesperson's recommendation—and that recommendation is what we're asked to justify.

The recommendation is between two AC units—both the same cost, one more powerful than the other. The salesperson somewhat unexpectedly recommends the less powerful unit. Why? It's good enough to meet the landlord's needs.

So the principle is something like: When picking between two appliances of equivalent cost, you should buy the one that's just powerful enough to meet your needs. (Or, alternatively, that you shouldn't buy an appliance that's more powerful than you need.)

Answer Explanation:
The FreezAll is the less powerful unit, but it's powerful enough to meet the landlord's needs. This answer justifies buying it over the more powerful Sno-Queen, so it's the correct answer.

Key Takeaway:
First, be sure you know what you're trying to justify in a Strengthen (Principle) question. Here, it specifically called out the advice of the salesperson. However, it just as easily could have asked you to justify purchasing the Sno-Queen over the salesperson's advice.