Question 1
Six persons N, M, L, K, P and O sit around a circular table facing outward.
M sits second to the left of N. L sits opposite to M.
K sits immediately to the right of L. P sits opposite to N.
Who sits immediately to the left of M?
Solution Approach:
Step 1: Understanding facing outward
When facing outward (away from center):
- LEFT = CLOCKWISE direction
- RIGHT = ANTI-CLOCKWISE direction
- Opposite positions are still n/2 = 3 seats apart.
Step 2: Draw diagram (positions 1–6 clockwise)
Step 3: Apply conditions
- Fix N at position 1.
- M sits second to the LEFT of N: left(outward)=CW, so M is 2 CW from N.
pos[M] = 3
- L sits opposite M (pos 3): pos 6
- K sits immediately to the RIGHT of L (pos 6):
right(outward)=anti-CW → pos 5
- P sits opposite N (pos 1): pos 4
- Remaining O fills pos 2.
Final Arrangement (clockwise):
pos1:N → pos2:O → pos3:M → pos4:P → pos5:K → pos6:L
(All facing outward ↗)
Find immediate left of M (pos 3):
Left (outward) = clockwise → pos 4 = P
Verification:
✓ M second to left of N (CW direction)
✓ L opposite M
✓ K immediately right (anti-CW) of L
✓ P opposite N
Answer: P sits immediately to the left of M.
Step 1: Understanding facing outward
When facing outward (away from center):
- LEFT = CLOCKWISE direction
- RIGHT = ANTI-CLOCKWISE direction
- Opposite positions are still n/2 = 3 seats apart.
Step 2: Draw diagram (positions 1–6 clockwise)
Step 3: Apply conditions
- Fix N at position 1.
- M sits second to the LEFT of N: left(outward)=CW, so M is 2 CW from N.
pos[M] = 3
- L sits opposite M (pos 3): pos 6
- K sits immediately to the RIGHT of L (pos 6):
right(outward)=anti-CW → pos 5
- P sits opposite N (pos 1): pos 4
- Remaining O fills pos 2.
Final Arrangement (clockwise):
pos1:N → pos2:O → pos3:M → pos4:P → pos5:K → pos6:L
(All facing outward ↗)
Find immediate left of M (pos 3):
Left (outward) = clockwise → pos 4 = P
Verification:
✓ M second to left of N (CW direction)
✓ L opposite M
✓ K immediately right (anti-CW) of L
✓ P opposite N
Answer: P sits immediately to the left of M.