Question 1
Six persons M, L, K, P, O and N sit around a circular table facing outward.
L sits second to the left of M. K sits opposite to L.
P sits immediately to the right of K. O sits opposite to M.
Who sits immediately to the left of L?
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 M at position 1.
- L sits second to the LEFT of M: left(outward)=CW, so L is 2 CW from M.
pos[L] = 3
- K sits opposite L (pos 3): pos 6
- P sits immediately to the RIGHT of K (pos 6):
right(outward)=anti-CW → pos 5
- O sits opposite M (pos 1): pos 4
- Remaining N fills pos 2.
Final Arrangement (clockwise):
pos1:M → pos2:N → pos3:L → pos4:O → pos5:P → pos6:K
(All facing outward ↗)
Find immediate left of L (pos 3):
Left (outward) = clockwise → pos 4 = O
Verification:
✓ L second to left of M (CW direction)
✓ K opposite L
✓ P immediately right (anti-CW) of K
✓ O opposite M
Answer: O sits immediately to the left of L.
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 M at position 1.
- L sits second to the LEFT of M: left(outward)=CW, so L is 2 CW from M.
pos[L] = 3
- K sits opposite L (pos 3): pos 6
- P sits immediately to the RIGHT of K (pos 6):
right(outward)=anti-CW → pos 5
- O sits opposite M (pos 1): pos 4
- Remaining N fills pos 2.
Final Arrangement (clockwise):
pos1:M → pos2:N → pos3:L → pos4:O → pos5:P → pos6:K
(All facing outward ↗)
Find immediate left of L (pos 3):
Left (outward) = clockwise → pos 4 = O
Verification:
✓ L second to left of M (CW direction)
✓ K opposite L
✓ P immediately right (anti-CW) of K
✓ O opposite M
Answer: O sits immediately to the left of L.