Classic Logic & Mini Logic
A person-to-place clue can connect with a place-to-item clue and create a match no single clue states.
Interactive lesson
Combining Clues
Connect facts that share the same person, place, or thing
Some clues seem incomplete when read alone. Look for the name or item they share. That connection can reveal a new fact that neither clue states directly.
Try it yourself
The School Science Fair
Elena, Marcus, and Tessa each presented a different project—a telescope, a robot, or a volcano—at the blue, green, or red table.
Find the shared link between clues, record the new fact, and use it in the next deduction.
1 The robot was displayed at the green table.
2 Marcus worked at the green table.
3 Elena worked at the red table.
4 The volcano was not displayed at the red table.
Who presented each project?
| Student | Telescope | Robot | Volcano |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elena | |||
| Marcus | |||
| Tessa |
Who worked at each table?
| Student | Blue | Green | Red |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elena | |||
| Marcus | |||
| Tessa |
× impossible ✓ match
Combination 1 of 3
Clues 1 and 2 both point to the green table. What new fact do they reveal?
Choose the conclusion that both highlighted clues support together.
The key takeaway
Use the shared link.
Clue 1 connected the robot to the green table. Clue 2 connected Marcus to that same table. The shared table joined those facts: Marcus presented the robot.
ElenaTelescope · Red table
MarcusRobot · Green table
TessaVolcano · Blue table
When two clues seem connected, ask:
- What person, place, or item appears in both facts?
- What new match or elimination follows when I join them?
- Can I carry that new fact into another clue?
Write down each certain deduction. A result from one pair of clues often becomes the missing link that unlocks the next pair.
Use the same thinking
Combining clues builds longer chains of reasoning
Sherlogic
Details from different witnesses may share a time, location, or object that connects their statements.
Futoshiki
Combine row, column, and inequality limits instead of treating each restriction separately.
Mastermind
Compare feedback from several guesses to discover which colors and positions the results share.