Symbol Coding — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

Copy the symbol key in a compact form before working with a long expression. Translate one relation at a time, retaining brackets, order and argument positions. If the code concerns arithmetic, apply the stated evaluation convention after decoding. Ordinary precedence applies unless the question supplies a different rule; do not mix the two methods halfway through.

For inequalities, build a chain only when the directions genuinely connect. Two numbers both larger than a third are not necessarily ordered against each other. Check strict and non-strict signs separately, because equality may remain possible in one chain but be excluded in another. A numerical counterexample can quickly disprove an unsupported conclusion.

For family relations, label the people and draw the relation named by each symbol. Record gender only where the code or statement establishes it. A parent need not be a father, and a sibling relation may not identify the sex of both people. Before choosing an answer, translate it back into words and confirm that it follows from the supplied facts without an extra relationship or arithmetic convention.