Scheduling and ordering constraints: guide and free practice

Translate each clue

Before is a precedence rule and does not mean immediately before. Adjacent means consecutive positions. Exactly two tasks between A and B means their positions differ by three. Translate these relationships before trying a complete schedule.

Place the strongest constraints first

A fixed first or last position is stronger than a loose before rule. An immediate pair can be treated as one block. Once a slot is filled, update what remains rather than rereading every clue from the beginning.

Separate time from resources

Two tasks may overlap in clock time if they use independent resources and the question permits overlap. They cannot overlap if they require the same single room or operator. Use the relevant constraint rather than assuming that all tasks must be sequential.

Must versus could

A valid example proves that an arrangement could work. It does not prove that a person must occupy a position. To establish a necessary position, enumerate the remaining possibilities or show that every alternative violates a clue.

Verify the full schedule

Check each original clue against the final arrangement. For duration problems, ensure start times, end times and gaps use consistent units. The exercises here specify complete small systems so the solution can be checked without guessing unstated workplace preferences.

Your first practice session

Use only the stated constraints. Before does not mean immediately before. Tasks use one slot each unless durations or parallel resources are explicitly given.

Try 10 questions with explanations

Continue learning

• Deductive reasoning
• Rates and productivity
• Data sufficiency reasoning

About this practice

These are independently written teaching questions. A practice score helps you review your answers; it is not a validated hiring prediction or an official employer score.