Discussion

Answer: D

Correct answer: None is true

In this set the code reads: \(@\) is “not smaller than”, so \(\ge\); \(\#\) is “not greater than”, so \(\le\); \(\%\) is “neither greater nor equal”, so \(<\); \(*\) is “neither smaller nor greater”, so \(=\); and \(\$\) is “neither smaller nor equal”, so \(>\). Note that this is not the same code as the neighbouring sets use - check the direction before translating. The statements become \( V \ge M \), \( A > M \) and \( R \le V \).

Notice the shape of this: V and A are both anchored above M, and R hangs below V. Two elements known only to lie above the same third element are not ordered by that fact, and this is what defeats every conclusion.

I. \( R \# A \) asks whether \( R \le A \). R is tied only to V, and A is tied only to M, so no chain links them. Does not follow.

II. \( V @ A \) asks whether \( V \ge A \). Both stand above M with nothing between them: take \( M = 1 \) and either \( V = 5, A = 2 \) or \( V = 2, A = 5 \), and both satisfy the statements. Does not follow.

III. \( R \$ M \) asks whether \( R > M \). R sits at or below V, and V sits at or above M, so R could be anywhere. Does not follow.

None of the three is definite, so the answer is that none is true.