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