LSAT Explanation PT 42, S4, Q11: Studies have shown that the more

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, contributes most to an explanation of why bridges fracture elsewhere than at high-stress points? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first break down the information in the passage. Studies show that bridges with more high-stress points are more likely to fracture eventually. However, the fractures do not develop at the high-stress points but elsewhere on the bridge. This creates a paradox, as we would expect fractures to develop at high-stress points. Our task is to find an explanation that resolves this paradox.

Think of it like this: imagine a chocolate bar with multiple weak points. We would expect the chocolate bar to break at those weak points, but instead, it breaks somewhere else. This is the paradox we need to explain.

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

a) This answer choice tells us that fractures do not develop at high-stress points in other structures, like ship hulls and airplane bodies. While this information is interesting, it doesn't explain why this phenomenon occurs in bridges.

b) This answer choice explains that bridges are reinforced at high-stress points, preventing fractures from developing there. However, the stress is transferred to other points on the bridge, causing fractures elsewhere. This resolves the paradox, as it explains why fractures develop elsewhere on the bridge even though there are high-stress points.

c) This answer choice talks about how the process of fracturing can cause high-stress points to develop in structures. However, it doesn't explain why bridges don't fracture at these high-stress points in the first place.

d) This answer choice discusses structures with no high-stress points and their probability of fracturing. However, our focus is on bridges with high-stress points, so this answer choice doesn't help us resolve the paradox.

e) This answer choice suggests that improper bridge construction can lead to high-stress points and an increased probability of fracturing. However, it doesn't explain why the fractures don't occur at the high-stress points themselves.

In conclusion, the best answer choice is (b), as it provides a clear explanation for the paradox by stating that bridges are reinforced at high-stress points, preventing fractures there, while stress is transferred to other points on the bridge where it causes fractures.