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