Creating false marble is an art at which only those with a light hand

The logical error in the passage is a form of invalid inference known as an affirming the consequent fallacy. It incorrectly assumes that if someone is a great artist, they could excel at creating false marble, even though the passage itself acknowledges that Picasso did not have a light hand.

(A) The police have determined that the murderer left his fingerprints on the knife. Ira’s fingerprints do not match those on the knife, so we can eliminate him as a suspect.

The logical error here is not directly related to the passage's error. In this option, the error is assuming that the absence of matching fingerprints means Ira cannot be the murderer. This is a hasty generalization, as there could be reasons for Ira's fingerprints not matching even if he were the murderer (wearing gloves, for example).

(B) It is true that it is necessary to work hard in order to succeed. However, Smith was governor of the state, so it was possible for him to succeed without working hard.

This option contains a logical error similar to the passage's error. It incorrectly infers that because Smith succeeded, he could have done so without working hard, despite acknowledging the necessity of hard work for success.

(C) Whenever I eat nuts of any kind I break out in hives. After eating the pie I did not break out, so I know it could not have been real pecan pie.

The logical error here is a different type called affirming the consequent. The argument incorrectly concludes that the absence of an allergic reaction means the pie couldn't have been real pecan pie, even though other factors could explain the lack of reaction (e.g., the pie not containing pecans).

(D) If the inventory can be sold within the next few months, the business can be saved. However, since a sale cannot be concluded quickly, the business will go under.

The logical error here is not directly related to the passage's error. This is an argument based on a conditional statement, and it concludes that the business will go under because a sale cannot be concluded quickly. However, it overlooks potential alternative solutions or factors that could save the business in the long run.

(E) Only the brave deserve the spoils. Major Wilson has distinguished himself several times for bravery, so surely he deserves the spoils.

This option contains a logical error similar to the passage's error. It incorrectly infers that because Major Wilson is brave, he must deserve the spoils, even though the premise is based on a general statement that might not apply in every case.