TSA Problem Solving & Decision Making Flashcards

When solving a TSA 'necessary reinterpretation' question, you are required to:

Answer: Find a completely new way to frame or understand the information given

Necessary reinterpretation questions require recognizing that the stated information must be understood differently to solve the problem correctly.

Three meetings need to be held — A (1 hr), B (2 hrs), and C (1.5 hrs) — with no overlaps. What is the minimum total time required?

Answer: 4.5 hours

The minimum total time is 1 + 2 + 1.5 = 4.5 hours when the meetings are scheduled back-to-back.

A box contains 4 red balls and 6 blue balls. If one ball is drawn at random, what is the probability it is red?

Answer: 2/5

P(red) = 4 red balls ÷ 10 total balls = 4/10 = 2/5.

Which of the following best describes 'lateral thinking' as a problem-solving approach?

Answer: Using creative, indirect, and unexpected approaches to overcome problems

Lateral thinking, a concept by Edward de Bono, involves approaching problems from unexpected angles rather than following conventional logic.

In a logic grid puzzle typical of TSA problem solving, the primary tool used to eliminate options is:

Answer: Systematic use of given clues to rule out impossible combinations

Logic grid puzzles are solved by methodically applying each clue to eliminate impossible pairings until only valid combinations remain.

If a number is increased by 20% and then decreased by 20%, what happens to the original value?

Answer: It decreases by 4%

1.2 × 0.8 = 0.96, which is a net 4% decrease from the original value.