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Indirect / Multi-Step Relationship

Introduction

In many blood relation problems, the relationship is not given directly but needs to be traced through one or more intermediate persons. These are called Indirect or Multi-Step Relationship questions.

This pattern is important because it trains you to connect information across generations and interpret multi-link relationships step-by-step - a skill widely tested in competitive exams.

Pattern: Indirect / Multi-Step Relationship

Pattern

Key concept: Build a relationship chain from the first person to the last by connecting each intermediate link carefully.

Always move person by person - never skip the middle link. Diagrammatic visualization (family tree) helps avoid confusion.

Step-by-Step Example

Question

A is the brother of B. B is the father of C. How is A related to C?
(A) Father (B) Uncle (C) Brother (D) Cousin

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify each relationship.

    A is brother of B → A and B are siblings.
    B is father of C → B is one generation older than C.

  2. Step 2: Connect the chain.

    If B is father of C and A is B’s brother, A becomes C’s uncle.

  3. Step 3: Verify generation levels.

    A and B are same generation; C is one below → confirms uncle-nephew relation.

  4. Final Answer:

    Uncle → Option B.

  5. Quick Check:

    B’s brother = C’s uncle ✅

Quick Variations

1. Two-link problems (like brother-father or sister-mother).

2. Three-link problems mixing genders and generations (e.g., A is mother of B, B is brother of C, C is father of D).

3. Often used in combination with coded or diagram puzzles in higher-level questions.

Trick to Always Use

  • Step 1 → Write each relation in simple words (e.g., A → brother of B → same generation).
  • Step 2 → Move forward link by link, tracing the family direction (up/down).
  • Step 3 → Check generation difference: same → siblings, one up → parent, one down → child.

Summary

Summary

  • Indirect relationships connect through one or more people - trace carefully without skipping links.
  • Use generation logic (same level = sibling, one up = parent, one down = child).
  • Convert words into a chain or diagram to simplify understanding.
  • Reverse-check your answer by reading the chain backward - it should still make logical sense.

Example to remember:
If A is brother of B and B is father of C, then A is uncle of C.

Practice

(1/5)
1. R is the sister of S. S is the father of T. How is R related to T?
easy
A. Aunt
B. Grandmother
C. Sister
D. Mother

Solution

  1. Step 1: Decode the given information.

    R is sister of S → they are siblings. S is father of T → S is one generation above T.

  2. Step 2: Link relationships.

    R → sister of T’s father → R is aunt of T.

  3. Step 3: Confirm gender and generation.

    R is female, one generation above T → aunt fits perfectly.

  4. Final Answer:

    Aunt → Option A.

  5. Quick Check:

    Father’s sister = aunt ✅
Hint: Sister of father = aunt.
Common Mistakes: Choosing grandmother instead of aunt.
2. P is the sister of Q. Q is the mother of R. How is P related to R?
easy
A. Aunt
B. Grandmother
C. Sister
D. Mother

Solution

  1. Step 1: Decode links.

    P is sister of Q → Q and P same generation. Q is mother of R → Q one generation above R.

  2. Step 2: Connect relationships.

    P → sister of R’s mother → P is maternal aunt of R.

  3. Step 3: Confirm gender and generation.

    P female; one generation above R → aunt fits.

  4. Final Answer:

    Aunt → Option A.

  5. Quick Check:

    Mother’s sister = aunt ✅
Hint: Sister of mother = maternal aunt.
Common Mistakes: Confusing with grandmother.
3. M is the son of N. N is the brother of O (O is female). How is O related to M?
easy
A. Father
B. Uncle
C. Aunt
D. Grandfather

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify given facts.

    M is son of N → N is parent of M; N is brother of O and O is stated to be female.

  2. Step 2: Trace relation.

    O is sibling of M’s parent and O is female → O is M’s aunt.

  3. Final Answer:

    Aunt → Option C.

  4. Quick Check:

    Parent's sister = aunt ✅
Hint: When sibling's gender is explicitly given, pick the correct aunt/uncle option.
Common Mistakes: Ignoring the explicit gender modifier in the stem.
4. A is the mother of B. B is the brother of C. How is A related to C?
medium
A. Mother
B. Grandmother
C. Aunt
D. Cannot be determined

Solution

  1. Step 1: Establish facts.

    A → mother of B; B → brother of C.

  2. Step 2: Connect relationships.

    B and C siblings → share the same mother A.

  3. Step 3: Infer relation.

    A is mother of both B and C.

  4. Final Answer:

    Mother → Option A.

  5. Quick Check:

    Mother of one sibling = mother of the other ✅
Hint: Mother of one sibling = mother of the other.
Common Mistakes: Choosing grandmother incorrectly.
5. X is the father of Y. Y is the father of Z. How is X related to Z?
medium
A. Father
B. Grandfather
C. Uncle
D. Son

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify generational links.

    X → father of Y; Y → father of Z.

  2. Step 2: Combine logic.

    X is father of Z’s father → grandfather.

  3. Step 3: Verify generation gap.

    Two levels up → grandfather confirmed.

  4. Final Answer:

    Grandfather → Option B.

  5. Quick Check:

    Father of father = grandfather ✅
Hint: Father of father/mother = grandfather.
Common Mistakes: Selecting father or uncle.

Mock Test

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