Question

Order the racers from first place to fifth place based on the clues.

Susan finished the race in second place.

The swimmers who placed first and fourth have names that start with the same letter.

Maria finished immediately after Janice.

Jennifer finished before Emily.

Answer 1

Jennifer - 1st

Susan - 2nd

Emily - 3rd

Janice - 4th

Maria - 5th

Explanation:

Susan is 2nd.

Places 1, 3, 4, and 5 are left.

Janice and Jennifer both start with J. None of the other swimmers start with the same first letter. One is 1st and one is 4th.

Since Maria finished immediately after Janice, and Janice must be 1st or 4th, Janice can't be first since 2nd place is already taken. This means that Janice is 4th and Maria is 5th.

Places 1 and 3 are left.

We know Jennifer is 1st or 4th and since 4th is taken, Jennifer is first.

Place 3 is left.

Emily must be 3rd since that is the only spot left.