UPSC Prelims 1998·GS1·polity-and-governance·political dynamics

A, B, C, D, E and F, not necessarily in that order are sitting on six chairs regularly placed around a round table. It is observed that A is between D and F, C is opposite D, and D and E are not on neighbouring chairs. Which one of the following pairs must be sitting on neighbouring chairs?

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  1. AA and B
  2. BC and ECorrect
  3. CB and F
  4. DA and C

Explanation

To solve this, we place the six people around the circular table based on the given conditions.

First, place D and F with A sitting between them. This establishes a sequence of D, A, F.

Second, place C opposite D. In a six-chair arrangement, being opposite means there are two chairs between the individuals. Counting two chairs away from D in either direction puts C opposite D. This places C next to F.

Third, we are told D and E are not on neighboring chairs. D is already next to A. The only other chair next to D is currently empty. Since E cannot sit there, E must sit in the only remaining chair that is not next to D. This position is between C and F.

Finally, the only person left is B. The only available chair for B is the one next to D.

The final clockwise or counter-clockwise arrangement is D, A, F, E, C, B.

Looking at the options, C and E are sitting on neighboring chairs in this arrangement. Therefore, option B is correct.

polity-and-governance: A, B, C, D, E and F, not necessarily in that order are sitting on six chairs regularly placed around a round table. It i

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