Between March 1 and January 12, 1984, which date is earlier?

• A. March 1
• B. January 12, 1984
• C. June 14
• D. January 1

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how to compare dates: you look at the year first, then the month, then the day. When a year isn’t stated for one date, you assume the same year as the other date being compared.

Here, you’re comparing March 1 (implicitly March 1, 1984) and January 12, 1984. Both are in 1984, and January comes before March, so January 12, 1984 is earlier than March 1, 1984. The other dates aren’t part of this particular comparison.