Understanding the Six Friends Circular Seating Puzzle

This question asks us to determine the seating arrangement of six friends (A, B, C, D, E, F) sitting in a circle and find out who is sitting opposite friend A based on the given clues.

In a circular arrangement with an even number of people facing the centre, two people sitting opposite each other will have an equal number of people between them on both sides.

For 6 people, if we number the positions 1 through 6 around the circle, the person opposite position 1 is at position 4. The person opposite position 2 is at position 5, and the person opposite position 3 is at position 6.

Analyzing the Clues to Determine Seating Positions

Let's break down the information given and deduce the seating arrangement step by step:

1. "Six friends A, B, C, D, E and F are sitting in a circle facing the centre." - This tells us the basic setup.
2. "F is to the immediate left of A". If we imagine A sitting somewhere, F is in the seat directly to A's left.
3. "B is sitting opposite to F". We know F's position relative to A. Now we know B's position relative to F.
4. "E and D are sitting opposite each other". This gives us a pair occupying opposite seats.

Step-by-Step Deduction

Let's assume a position for A and work our way around the circle:

• Assume A is at a certain position.
• Since F is to the immediate left of A, we place F in the position immediately counter-clockwise to A.
• B is opposite to F. In a circle of 6, the seat opposite to F is the one with two people between F and B on each side.
• E and D are opposite each other. They must occupy the remaining two opposite seats.
• The last remaining person must be C, and they will occupy the last remaining seat.

Let's visualize this with positions 1 through 6:

• Let A be at Position 1.
• Immediate left of Position 1 (in a counter-clockwise direction) is Position 6. So, F is at Position 6.
• The position opposite to Position 6 in a 6-person circle is Position 3. So, B is at Position 3.
• The positions filled so far are 1 (A), 3 (B), and 6 (F).
• The remaining positions are 2, 4, and 5.
• E and D are opposite each other. Among the remaining positions (2, 4, 5), the only pair of opposite positions are 2 and 5. Positions 2 and 4 are adjacent, and 4 and 5 are adjacent. Therefore, E and D must occupy Positions 2 and 5 (either E at 2, D at 5 or D at 2, E at 5).
• The only position left is 4. The only friend left is C. So, C must be at Position 4.

Let's list the positions and friends:

Determining Who is Opposite A

We placed A at Position 1. In a circle of 6 people, the position opposite Position 1 is Position 4.

According to our deduction, friend C is sitting at Position 4.

Therefore, C is sitting opposite A.

Conclusion

By carefully placing each friend based on the given clues about their relative positions and who is sitting opposite whom, we determined the complete arrangement. The friend sitting opposite A is C.

Revision Table: Circular Seating Arrangement Key Points

Additional Information: Solving Seating Puzzles

Seating arrangement puzzles are common in logical reasoning tests. They require careful reading and visualization. Here are some tips:

• Always draw a diagram. A circle for circular arrangements, a line for linear arrangements.
• Start with the most concrete information, usually a direct placement or a relationship between two people that anchors the arrangement.
• Use symbols or abbreviations for names.
• Indicate directions (left/right) carefully, especially whether people are facing the center or away.
• For 'opposite', determine the number of positions between the two people.
• List out the deduced positions as you go.
• Re-read the clues after completing the arrangement to ensure all conditions are met.
• If stuck, try assuming one possible position for a person mentioned in multiple clues and see if it fits with others.

Practicing different types of seating puzzles will help you become more efficient at solving them during exams.