Logical ReasoningDifficulty: Easy

PT16 S3 Q3 Explanation

Bart: A mathematical problem that

A free, expert breakdown of this official LSAT Logical Reasoning question.

TopicsNecessary Assumption

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Stimulus

Bart: A mathematical problem that defied solution for hundreds of years has finally yielded to a supercomputer. The process by which the supercomputer derived the result is so complex, however, that Consequently, the result is unacceptable.

Anne: In scientific research, if the results of a test can be replicated in other tests, the results are acceptable even though the way they were derived might not be fully understood. Therefore, if a mathematical result derived by supercomputers following the same procedure, it is acceptable.

What this question is testing

Necessary Assumption

Your task

Find the assumption the argument requires in order for its conclusion to hold.

Common trap

Answers that would help the argument but aren't strictly required (sufficient, not necessary).

Winning move

Negate each choice — the right one breaks the argument when negated.

Reading along? Open the full official question in LawHub — we show a fragment here and keep the reasoning in our own words.

The question
3.

Bart’s argument requires which one of the

Answer choices

  1. Trap3% picked this

    The mathematical result in question is unacceptable because it was derived with the use

  2. Correct90% picked this

    For the mathematical result in question to be acceptable, there must be someone who can fully comprehend the process

    Why this is right

    Answer B is correct.

    Skill tested: Necessary Assumption · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

  3. Trap3% picked this

    To be acceptable, the mathematical result in question must be reproduced

  4. Trap2% picked this

    Making the mathematical result in question less complex would guarantee

  5. Trap2% picked this

    The supercomputer cannot derive an acceptable solution to the mathematical problem

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