#2234

[KimL106]

"Earth is denser than either Venus or Mars, and Mars is denser than Saturn." Answer is Earth is denser than Saturn. Does this mean that if something is bigger than either a or b does that mean it is bigger than both? (Confused because I thought "either" meant "or" or "and"- couldn't Earth be denser than only Venus, something we have no info about in relation to Saturn?) Thanks!

[Laura Damone]

This is such a tricky one! When you are making a compound relative claim using "either," such as saying one thing is bigger than either of two other things, you're actually saying that it is bigger that both.

Say I said "Janelle is taller than either of her brothers." You'd know in real life that I meant she's taller than both.

Or if I told you "You'll score better on the LSAT than either of your cousins," you'll know that I mean you'll best them both.

Hope this helps!