Understanding Shadow Directions in the Morning

In the morning, the sun rises in the East. Because the sun is in the East, the shadows of objects or people always fall towards the West.

Analyzing the Seating Arrangement and Shadow Position

The problem states that Chitrashi and Ayaan are sitting facing each other. This means if Chitrashi is facing one direction, Ayaan is facing the exact opposite direction.

The key piece of information is that the shadow of Ayaan falls to the left of Chitrashi.

• We know that in the morning, Ayaan's shadow falls towards the West.
• The problem tells us this West-falling shadow is located to the left of Chitrashi.

Determining Chitrashi's Facing Direction

We need to figure out which direction Chitrashi is facing such that 'West' is to her left.

Let's consider the possible directions Chitrashi could be facing and where her left would be:

Comparing this table with our finding that 'West' is to Chitrashi's left, we can see that Chitrashi must be facing North.

Finding Ayaan's Facing Direction

We know that Chitrashi and Ayaan are sitting facing each other.

• If Chitrashi is facing North,
• Then Ayaan, who is facing Chitrashi, must be facing the opposite direction.

The opposite direction of North is South.

Therefore, Ayaan is facing South.

Verifying the Solution

Let's quickly check if this makes sense:

• If Ayaan is facing South, in the morning (sun in the East), his shadow falls to his right (which is West).
• If Chitrashi is facing North, her left is West.
• Since they are facing each other, assume Ayaan is North of Chitrashi. Ayaan's shadow is West of him.
• This shadow (West) is indeed to the left (West) of Chitrashi who is facing North.

The directions align perfectly.

Conclusion: Ayaan's Facing Direction

Based on the morning shadow falling to the West and its position relative to Chitrashi, we determined Chitrashi faces North. Since Ayaan faces Chitrashi, Ayaan must be facing South.

Revision Table: Key Concepts

Additional Information on Shadow Problems

Understanding how the sun's position affects shadow direction is crucial for solving these types of problems. Here are some points to remember:

• Evening: Sun is in the West, so shadows fall towards the East.
• Noon: Sun is generally overhead (South in Northern Hemisphere), resulting in short or no shadows, or shadows directly beneath.
• Relative Position: Sometimes the problem gives shadow position relative to the person whose shadow it is (e.g., "Ayaan's shadow falls to his right"), and sometimes relative to another person (as in this question, "Ayaan's shadow falls to the left of Chitrashi"). Pay close attention to this detail.
• Facing Directions: Always visualize or quickly sketch the cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) and how left/right relate to each facing direction.