J, K, L, M and N are sitting on a bench. J is the immediate neighbour of K, M is the immediate neighbour of N, and J is not sitting with L who sits on the right end of the bench. J sits to the right of M and N. M sits to the right of N. In which position is J sitting?
Third from the left
Solving the Seating Arrangement Logic Puzzle
This question is a classic linear seating arrangement puzzle. We need to determine the exact position of each person on the bench based on the given clues and then identify J's position.
Let's list the constraints given:
- There are 5 people: J, K, L, M, and N.
- J is the immediate neighbour of K (implies J and K are side-by-side).
- M is the immediate neighbour of N (implies M and N are side-by-side).
- J is not sitting with L (implies J and L are not immediate neighbours).
- L sits on the right end of the bench.
- J sits to the right of M and N.
- M sits to the right of N (implies N is to the left of M).
Let's represent the 5 positions on the bench from left to right:
1 2 3 4 5
Using the constraints, we can deduce the arrangement:
- L sits on the right end. This means L is at position 5.
\_ \_ \_ \_ L - M sits to the right of N, and J sits to the right of M and N. This establishes the relative order N ... M ... J from left to right.
- Combining N ... M ... J with L at position 5, the sequence N, M, and J must occupy positions to the left of L. Since there are only 4 positions left (1, 2, 3, 4), and they must be in the order N, M, J, the most compact way to fit them consecutively and respect the relative order N...M...J is N-M-J.
- Let's try placing the N-M-J sequence directly to the left of L. This would look like N M J \_ L.
N M J \_ L - We have one person left, K. The empty spot is position 4. So, K must be at position 4.
N M J K L - Now let's check if this arrangement N-M-J-K-L satisfies all the initial conditions:
- J is the immediate neighbour of K: Yes, J is at position 3 and K at position 4.
- M is the immediate neighbour of N: Yes, M is at position 2 and N at position 1.
- J is not sitting with L: Yes, J is at position 3 and L at position 5. They are not adjacent.
- L sits on the right end: Yes, L is at position 5.
- J sits to the right of M and N: Yes, J is at position 3, M is at 2, N is at 1. 3 is to the right of 2 and 1.
- M sits to the right of N: Yes, M is at position 2, N is at position 1. 2 is to the right of 1.
All conditions are satisfied by the arrangement N-M-J-K-L.
The seating arrangement from left to right is:
| Position | Person |
|---|---|
| 1st from left | N |
| 2nd from left | M |
| 3rd from left | J |
| 4th from left | K |
| 5th from left (Right End) | L |
The question asks for the position of J.
Based on the arrangement N-M-J-K-L, J is at position 3 from the left.
Let's also check the position from the right. From the right, L is 1st, K is 2nd, J is 3rd. So J is also 3rd from the right.
Looking at the options provided, "Third from the left" is an option.
Revision Table for Seating Arrangements
| Constraint Type | Meaning | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Neighbour | Two people are next to each other. | Place them as a block (e.g., JK or KJ). |
| Sits to the Right/Left Of | Relative positioning, not necessarily immediate. | Establish the order (e.g., N...M means N is left of M). |
| Sits on the End | Person is at position 1 (left) or 5 (right). | Fix a person's position at one end. |
| Not Sitting With | Usually means not immediate neighbours. | Avoid placing them adjacent in the final arrangement. |
Additional Information on Logic Puzzles
Logic puzzles like this seating arrangement problem are common in aptitude tests. They require careful reading and step-by-step deduction. It's useful to list down all the conditions and use a visual representation (like drawing the bench positions) to help place people and check constraints. Start with the most fixed conditions (like someone sitting at an end) and then use the relative positioning and neighbour conditions to fill in the gaps.
When solving such puzzles, it's important to:
- Read all clues carefully before starting.
- Identify absolute positions first (like ends).
- Group individuals based on immediate neighbour clues.
- Use relative position clues (left/right of) to build sequences.
- Systematically eliminate possibilities if needed (though in this case, a single consistent arrangement was found).
- Verify the final arrangement against all original clues.
Important Questions from Linear Arrangement
Eight friends, A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, are sitting in two lines of four persons each. Both the lines are facing each other. A is facing D. E is to the immediate left of G. H is to the immediate right of B. C is facing G. F is facing H. B is to the immediate right of the person who is facing G. D is to the immediate left of F. Which four persons are sitting in the same line?
Nine employees, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R and S, are sitting in the office in a straight line, all facing the east. O is third to the right of M. K is third to the left of P. Q is between P and S. N is fourth to the right of M. P is to the immediate right of N. R is fourth to the left of O. Which of the following statements is NOT correct?
Eight north-facing restaurants named P, Q, R, S, T, U, V and W are located in a straight line. S is second to the left of T. W is third to the left of P. T is between P and V. S is third to the left of V. W is to the immediate right of U. R is third to the right of P. Who is sitting fourth to the right of S?
Anamika, Gopal, Nischal, Vanmayi, Shresta and Sripad are sitting in a straight line facing the north. Nischal is to the immediate left of Gopal. Shresta is between Anamika and Sripad. Sripad is at the second place from the right end. Four persons are sitting between Nischal and Vanmayi. If Gopal and Sripad interchange their positions, then who will be sitting between Vanmayi and Shresta?
A question is given, followed by two statements numbered (I) and (II). You have to decide whether the data provided in the statements is sufficient to answer the question. Read both the statements and select the appropriate answer.
Question: How many people are standing in the row where all people are facing north?
Statements:
(I) A is fourth from the left end; M is second to the right of A; and R is second from the left end.
(II) M is fourth from the right end; only two people Stand between M and B.
