LSAT Explanation PT 32, S4, Q14: Theoretically, analog systems are superior to

LSAT Question Stem

The statements above, if true, most strongly support which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage. The passage discusses the theoretical advantage of analog systems over digital systems due to their ability to produce infinitely detailed signals. However, it also mentions a practical disadvantage: when an analog signal is duplicated, tiny variations (errors) can occur and accumulate, eventually causing "noise" that obliterates the original information. The passage does not make any broad claims about the overall superiority of one system over the other.

Now let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Must Be True (MSS) question, which means we are looking for the answer choice that is most strongly supported by the information in the passage.

Let's evaluate each answer choice:

a) Many ideas that work well in theory do not work well in practice.

This answer is too broad and does not focus specifically on the analog and digital systems discussed in the passage. While the passage does mention a practical disadvantage for analog systems, it does not make a general claim about many ideas not working well in practice.

b) Analog representation of information is impractical because we do not need infinitely detailed information.

The passage does not discuss whether or not we need infinitely detailed information. It only mentions that analog systems can produce infinitely detailed signals, which is a theoretical advantage.

c) Digital systems are the best information systems because error cannot occur in the emission of digital signals.

The passage does not claim that digital systems are the best information systems or that errors cannot occur in digital signals. It only discusses the errors that can occur in analog systems when signals are duplicated.

d) Analog systems are inferior to digital systems for most practical purposes.

This answer choice is too broad. The passage only discusses the practical disadvantage of analog systems when signals are duplicated, not for most practical purposes.

e) Digital systems are preferable to analog systems when the signal must be reproduced many times.

This answer choice is correct because it addresses the specific practical disadvantage mentioned in the passage: the accumulation of errors in analog systems when signals are duplicated. It does not make any broad claims about the overall superiority of one system over the other, but rather points out a specific scenario (reproducing signals many times) where digital systems would be preferable due to their lack of error accumulation.

In conclusion, the correct answer is E, as it is the only answer choice that is most strongly supported by the information in the passage.