Question

question 7 of 15
which sentence is the clearest example of deductive reasoning?

a. adults are 18 or older. ahmed is an adult. therefore, ahmed is 18 or older.

b. doctors are educated. anastasia is educated. therefore, anastasia is a doctor.

c. aubrey has won every game of spades. therefore, she will win the next game.

d. max keeps losing at tennis. therefore, max will win the next game of tennis.

Explanation:

Deductive reasoning starts with a general rule, applies it to a specific case, and draws a logically certain conclusion.

• Option A uses a general premise ("Adults are 18 or older"), applies it to a specific adult (Ahmed), and reaches a valid, certain conclusion.
• Option B commits a logical fallacy (affirming the consequent); being educated does not guarantee someone is a doctor.
• Options C and D use inductive reasoning, drawing future conclusions from past patterns, which are not logically certain.

Answer:

A. Adults are 18 or older. Ahmed is an adult. Therefore, Ahmed is 18 or older.