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The process of elimination is a basic logical tool to solve real world problems. By subsequently removing options that may be deemed impossible, illogical, or can be easily ruled out due to some sort of explicit understanding relative to the entire set of options, the pool of remaining possibilities grows smaller. An ideal problem which could be solved by the process of elimination alone involves a finite set of options, one of which must be correct, in which all but one is easily identified as an incorrect solution. In educational testing, students are often encouraged to use process of elimination when faced with multiple-choice questions.
This problem solving method can be applied to help solve many problems in the real world.
An example of the use of the process of elimination when searching for faulty equipment:
- By replacing each component in turn with ones that are known to be good, the faulty part will be revealed. This procedure depends upon both a full inventory of system parts and a supply of substitutes.
This process is used during criminal investigations, both to solve cases and narrow down a list of suspects. Fictional detective Sherlock Holmes said, "How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" [1]
Another example of the process of elimination is during the popular boardgame Clue/Cluedo and Sudoku puzzles.
See also
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