Understanding the Circular Seating Arrangement

This question requires us to determine the seating arrangement of eight persons (J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q) around a circular table, all facing the centre. We need to use the given clues to figure out everyone's position relative to each other and then find the person sitting at the third place to the right of P.

Analyzing the Clues

Let's break down each clue:

• Clue 1: N is between M and J. This means M, N, and J are sitting in consecutive positions, either in the order M-N-J or J-N-M.
• Clue 2: P is second to the left of K. In a circular arrangement facing the centre, "left" is anti-clockwise and "right" is clockwise. So, if we start at K and move two positions anti-clockwise, we find P. (K > person > P, anti-clockwise). This means P is second to the right of K (clockwise: P > person > K).
• Clue 3: O is between Q and P. Similar to Clue 1, this means Q, O, and P are sitting in consecutive positions, either Q-O-P or P-O-Q.
• Clue 4: L is second to right of O. If we start at O and move two positions clockwise, we find L. (O > person > L, clockwise).
• Clue 5: N is to the immediate left of J. This is a crucial clue. In a circular arrangement facing the centre, "immediate left" means the very next person in the anti-clockwise direction. If J is at a certain position, N is at the position immediately anti-clockwise to J. This clue also clarifies Clue 1. Since N is immediately left of J (anti-clockwise) and N is between M and J, the anti-clockwise sequence must be M > N > J. The clockwise sequence is J > person > person > M > N.

Deducing the Seating Arrangement

Let's use Clue 5 to establish a starting block. The anti-clockwise sequence is M-N-J. This means the clockwise sequence is J is followed by some people, eventually M, then N. Let's refine this. If J is at position 1, immediate left (anti-clockwise) is position 8, where N sits. N is between M and J, and N is at position 8, J at position 1. Moving anti-clockwise from J (position 1), we reach N (position 8). For N to be between M and J in the anti-clockwise order, M must be at position 7 (anti-clockwise from N). So, the anti-clockwise order is M (7), N (8), J (1).

In clockwise order, starting from J (1), the arrangement looks like: J (1), \_(2), \_(3), \_(4), \_(5), \_(6), M (7), N (8).

We need to place P, O, Q, L, K in positions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Let's combine Clue 3 (O between Q and P) and Clue 4 (L is 2nd right of O). This gives us a structure involving O, Q, P, and L. Either Q-O-P (adjacent) with L 2nd right of O, or P-O-Q (adjacent) with L 2nd right of O. The O- \_-L structure (clockwise) is always present.

Consider the empty slots (2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Let's try placing the O- \_-L sequence. If O is at position 2, L is at position 4. Slots: J O \_ L \_ \_ M N. O (at 2) is between Q and P. This means Q and P must be at positions 1 and 3. Position 1 is J, so this doesn't work.

If O is at position 3, L is at position 5. Slots: J \_ O \_ L \_ M N. O (at 3) is between Q and P. This means Q and P must be at positions 2 and 4. Both are empty. Let's check the possibilities:

• Possibility A: Q at 2, P at 4. Arrangement: J Q O P L \_ M N. The remaining person is K, who must be at position 6. Clockwise arrangement: J, Q, O, P, L, K, M, N. Let's verify all clues with this arrangement:
  • N is between M and J (anti-clockwise M-N-J): Yes, anti-clockwise from J is Q, O, P, L, K, M, N. N is between M and J. Correct.
  • P is second to the left of K (anti-clockwise K- \_-P): From K (pos 6), anti-clockwise is L (pos 5), P (pos 4). P is second left of K. Correct.
  • O is between Q and P: Yes, Q-O-P are adjacent. Correct.
  • L is second to right of O (clockwise O- \_-L): From O (pos 3), clockwise is P (pos 4), L (pos 5). L is second right of O. Correct.
  • N is to the immediate left of J (anti-clockwise J-N): From J (pos 1), immediate left is N (pos 8). Correct.

  This arrangement J-Q-O-P-L-K-M-N (clockwise) satisfies all clues.

• Possibility B: P at 2, Q at 4. Arrangement: J P O Q L \_ M N. K is at 6. Clockwise arrangement: J, P, O, Q, L, K, M, N. Let's check Clue 2: P is second to the left of K (anti-clockwise K- \_-P). From K (pos 6), anti-clockwise is L (pos 5), Q (pos 4). P is at pos 2. This arrangement does not satisfy the clue that P is second left of K.

So the correct clockwise arrangement is J, Q, O, P, L, K, M, N.

Answering the Question

The question asks who is sitting at the third place to the right of P. The arrangement clockwise from P is P > L > K > M.

Starting from P and moving right (clockwise):

1. First to the right of P is L.
2. Second to the right of P is K.
3. Third to the right of P is M.

Final Answer

The person sitting at the third place to the right of P is M.

Revision Table: Key Deductions

Additional Information: Solving Seating Arrangement Puzzles

Seating arrangement puzzles are common in logical reasoning sections of competitive exams. Here are some tips to solve them effectively:

• Draw a diagram: For circular or linear arrangements, drawing the setup helps visualize the positions.
• Note down clues: List all clues clearly. Identify fixed positions or relative positions.
• Identify definite information: Start with clues that give absolute positions or strong relative positions (like immediate left/right).
• Combine clues: Look for ways to link different clues together to form larger blocks of people.
• Consider possibilities: If a clue has multiple interpretations (like "between" allowing two orders), explore each possibility and see if it fits with other clues. Eliminate possibilities that contradict any clue.
• Use relative directions carefully: Remember that for people facing the centre in a circle, 'left' is anti-clockwise and 'right' is clockwise.
• Double-check the final arrangement: Once you have a potential arrangement, read through all the original clues one last time to ensure it satisfies every condition.
• Practice: Solving various types of seating arrangement puzzles helps build familiarity and speed.

Mastering seating arrangement puzzles is key for success in logical reasoning tests.