Mixed
Multi-step chains and coded parent relations.
Mixed
Mixed Blood Relation Problems
What you'll learn
- Solve multi-step relation chains (A is B's …, B is C's …).
- Handle coded relations: A + B means A is father of B.
- Combine gender clues with relation steps.
- Draw a quick diagram for complex chains.
Key concepts
Level 1 — Chain method
A is B's father. B is C's mother. → A is C's grandfather (if A is male).
Level 2 — Work backwards
"How is X related to Y?" Start from X, follow each link to Y.
Level 3 — Coded relations (intro)
If # means brother of: P # Q → P is Q's brother.
Level 4 — Indian context puzzle
Anita says: "Raj is my father's brother's son." Raj is Anita's cousin. Father's brother = uncle; uncle's son = cousin.
NCERT anchor: CBSE Class 4 olympiad reasoning — multi-step coded relation chains
Worked example
A is B's sister. B is C's father. How is A related to C?
Step 1 — B is C's father → B is one generation above C.
Step 2 — A is B's sister → A same generation as B.
Step 3 — A is one generation above C → **aunt** (if A is female).
Answer: **Aunt**
P is Q's mother. Q is R's father. How is P related to R?
Step 1 — Q is R's father.
Step 2 — P is Q's mother → P is R's **grandmother**.
Answer: **Grandmother**
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Stopping at middle link | Not reaching final person | Follow the full chain to the end |
| Reversing direction | A to B vs B to A | Read how A is related to B carefully |
| Ignoring gender in aunt/uncle | Not specifying male/female link | Sister of parent → aunt; brother → uncle |
| Assuming all male links | Defaulting to he/him | Use given names/gender clues |
Quick check
- A is B's father. B is C's father. A is C's ___?
- X is Y's daughter. Y is Z's wife. X is Z's ___?
- Draw a chain with three links.
- Stretch: Create your own three-link puzzle about a family at an Indian wedding — swap with a friend.
Revision tip: For chains, draw boxes: each box = one person; arrows labelled with relation.
Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Mixed Blood Relation Problems.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- What you'll learn
- Key concepts
- Worked example
- Common mistakes
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