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Question

M, N, O and P are sitting around a round table? M does not want to sit next to P. N is to the right of P. Which statement of the below is false?

This question was previously asked in
RRB ALP 2018 CBT 2 Fitter Question Paper (21-Jan-2019) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is

O is to the right of P

Analyzing the Round Table Seating Puzzle

This question involves a seating arrangement puzzle where four people (M, N, O, and P) are sitting around a round table. We are given two conditions:

  • M does not want to sit next to P.
  • N is to the right of P.

We need to determine the arrangement based on these conditions and then identify which of the given statements is false.

Determining the Seating Arrangement

Let's deduce the seating arrangement step-by-step for a round table with four seats. When dealing with seating arrangements around a round table, relative positions (left, right, opposite) are key.

  1. Place P: Let's arbitrarily place P in one seat.
  2. Place N: The condition states that N is to the right of P. On a round table, 'right' implies the next seat in a consistent direction (e.g., clockwise if viewing from above, assuming people face the center). So, N is in the seat immediately to the right of P.
  3. Place M: The condition states that M does not sit next to P. The seats next to P are the one where N is sitting and the one immediately to P's left. Since N is already in one of the seats next to P, M cannot be in the seat to P's left. The only remaining seat available for M is the one opposite to P.
  4. Place O: The last person, O, must sit in the only remaining seat, which is the seat immediately to P's left (and opposite to N).

Based on this deduction, starting from P and moving to the right (clockwise), the arrangement is P, then N, then M, then O. Or, listing the people clockwise around the table: P, N, M, O.

Evaluating Each Statement

Now, let's examine each statement based on the determined arrangement (P, N, M, O clockwise).

Statement 1: O is to the right of P

In our arrangement (P, N, M, O clockwise), starting from P and moving right, the order is N, then M, then O. This means N is to the right of P, M is to the right of N and also to the right of P (two seats away), and O is to the right of M and also to the right of P (three seats away around the table, which is the same as being to the left). More directly, the person immediately to the right of P is N. The person immediately to the left of P is O. Therefore, O is to the left of P, not to the right of P.

Based on the arrangement P, N, M, O clockwise, O is to the left of P. This statement is false.

Statement 2: M is facing P

In our arrangement (P, N, M, O clockwise), P and M are positioned such that there are two people between them along both arcs of the circle (N-M one way, and O the other way). This means they are sitting directly opposite each other across the table. Sitting opposite means facing each other.

Based on the arrangement, M is opposite P, which means M is facing P. This statement is true.

Statement 3: M is to the right of N

In our arrangement (P, N, M, O clockwise), starting from N and moving right, the next person is M. This means M is immediately to the right of N.

Based on the arrangement, M is to the right of N. This statement is true.

Statement 4: O is facing N

In our arrangement (P, N, M, O clockwise), N is immediately to the right of P, and O is immediately to the left of P. With four people around a table, the person to the immediate right of someone is opposite the person to their immediate left. Since N is to P's right and O is to P's left, N and O are opposite each other.

Based on the arrangement, O is facing N. This statement is true.

Conclusion

We evaluated each statement based on the seating arrangement deduced from the given conditions (P, N, M, O clockwise). The analysis showed that statements 2, 3, and 4 are true, while statement 1 is false.

Therefore, the statement which is false is "O is to the right of P".

Seating Arrangement Analysis
Statement Analysis based on P, N, M, O (clockwise) Truth Value
O is to the right of P Starting from P and moving right, the order is P → N → M → O. O is to the left of P. False
M is facing P M is opposite P in the arrangement. True
M is to the right of N Starting from N and moving right, the next person is M. True
O is facing N O is to P's left, N is to P's right. These positions are opposite each other. True

Revision Table: Key Concepts in Seating Arrangements

Understanding terms like 'right', 'left', and 'facing' is crucial for solving seating arrangement puzzles, especially for round tables.

  • Right/Left: On a round table, right and left are relative to the person's perspective, usually assumed to be facing the center. Moving 'to the right' typically means moving clockwise around the table from that person's position. Moving 'to the left' means moving counter-clockwise.
  • Facing/Opposite: In a round table arrangement with an even number of seats, people directly across from each other are facing each other. With 4 people, if seats are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 clockwise, person in seat 1 is opposite person in seat 3, and person in seat 2 is opposite person in seat 4.
  • Adjacent/Next to: People sitting in immediately neighbouring seats are adjacent or next to each other.

Additional Information: Solving Logic Puzzles

Logic puzzles like seating arrangements require careful reading of conditions and systematic deduction. Here are some tips:

  • Draw a Diagram: For seating arrangements, drawing the table and seats helps visualize the positions.
  • Start with the Most Constrained Information: Begin with conditions that fix relative positions clearly (e.g., "N is to the right of P").
  • Use Negations Carefully: Conditions like "M does not sit next to P" eliminate possibilities and help narrow down options.
  • Check All Conditions: Once a possible arrangement is found, verify that it satisfies all the given conditions.
  • Evaluate Statements Systematically: Go through each statement and test its truth value against the determined arrangement.
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Similar Questions

  1. A,B, C, D, E, F and G are sitting around a circular table facing the Centre. D sits third to the left of F. G sits second to the left of D. G sits to the immediate right of E. B sits to the immediate left of A. What is the position of D with respect to B?

  2. A, B, C, D, E and F are sitting around a circular table facing the centre. E sits to the immediate right of D. A is an immediate neighbour of B and D. F sits second to the right of D. What is the position of C with respect to D?'

  3. A, B, C, D, E and F are sitting around a circular table facing the centre. A sits second to the left of B. E sits to an immediate left of A. C sits to the immediate right of F. What is the position of C with respect to D?

  4. A, B, C, D, E, F and G are sitting around a circular table facing the centre. Only two people sit between G and C when counted from the left of C. F sits third to the left of E. B sits to the immediate right of E. B sits second to the left of G. D is an immediate neighbour of F. How many people sit between A and C when counted from the right of C?
  5. A, B, C, D, E, F and G are sitting around a circular table facing the centre. G is sitting second to the left of E. B is sitting third to the right of A. C is the immediate neighbour of both E and B. D is sitting to the immediate left of G. How many people are sitting between E and F when counted from the right of E?
  6. H, P, R, A, S and M are sitting around a circular table facing the centre. R is sitting second to the right of P and to the immediate left of H. S is sitting second to the left of M and to the immediate right of A. Who is sitting to the immediate left of P?
  7. A, B, C, D, E, F and G are sitting around a circular table, facing the centre.
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  10. Consider the given question and decide which of the following statements is sufficient to answer the question.

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Important Questions from Circular Arrangement

  1. Eight students A, B, C, D, E, F, G and Hsit around a circular table, equidistant from each other, facing the centre of the table, not necessarily in the same order. Band Dsit neither adjacent to Cnor opposite to C. Asits in between Eand D, and Fsits in between Band H. Which one of the following is definitely correct?

  2. Six persons A, B, C, D, E and Fare sitting equidistant from each other around a circular table (facing the centre of the table).

    Consider the Question and two Statements given below :

    Question : Who is sitting on the immediate left of A?

    Statement-1 : Bis sitting opposite to Cand Dis sitting  opposite to E.

    Statement-2 : Fis sitting on the immediate left of B.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the Question and the Statements?

  3. Seven persons P, Q, R, S, T, U and V are sitting around a circular table facing the center (not necessarily in the same order). T sits third to the right of R. V sits third to the right of Q. One person sits between P and T. P is not the neighbor of S. U sits third to the left of P. Who sits second to the left of S?

  4. Akash, Binita, Chandan, Daksh, Ekta & Fatima are standing in a circle. Binita is between Daksh & Chandan. Akash is between Ekta & Chandan. Fatima is to the right of Daksh. Who is between Akash & Fatima?

  5. Six friends A, B, C, D, E and F are sitting around a round table in such a way that A is between E and F, E is opposite to D, and C is not on either side of E. The person opposite to D is

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