If 1986 is earlier than 1990, which statement is true?

• A. 1986 is later than 1990
• B. 1986 is earlier than 1990
• C. 1986 equals 1990
• D. 1986 is not comparable to 1990

Answer: (B)

Comparing years uses the same rule as comparing any numbers: the smaller value happens earlier in time. Between 1986 and 1990, the first two digits are the same, but the next digit differs: 8 in 1986 is smaller than 9 in 1990. That means 1986 occurs before 1990 on the timeline. So the true statement is that 1986 is earlier than 1990. The other options contradict the actual numeric order or assume an impossibility (equality or not comparable), which isn’t the case for two distinct years.