UPSC Prelims 2010 · General Studies
Question 39: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability
Six persons M, N, O, P, Q and R are sitting in two rows, three in each. Q is not at the end of any row. P is second to the left of R. O is the neighbour of Q and is sitting diagonally opposite to P. N is the neighbour of R. On the basis of above information, who is facing N ?
AnswerThe answer is (b).
Q is in the middle of a row. P is two places to the left of R, so P and R are at the two ends of one row and the person between them sits in the middle of that row. That middle cannot be Q, since O, who is Q's neighbour, sits diagonally opposite P in the other row. So Q is the middle of the second row, with O at its right end, opposite P's row end. N, as R's neighbour, sits between P and R, and M takes the last seat. Row 1: P, N, R; row 2: M, Q, O. Facing N is Q.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) R is in N's own row, at the end.
- (b) Right: Q sits in the middle seat directly opposite N.
- (c) P is in N's own row, at the end.
- (d) M sits opposite P, not N.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2010, General Studies, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.