CA Foundation · Quantitative Aptitude · Seating Arrangements
In a seating arrangement puzzle, a student is told that in a row of 7 people facing north, M is at the exact middle position. Which of the following is the best first step in solving such a puzzle?
The best first step is to mark the definite information, such as M being in the middle position 4 of 7, on the diagram. Fixed clues cut down possibilities quickly, after which relative clues can be applied, instead of guessing or enumerating all arrangements.
- APlace the definite information, such as M in position 4, on the diagram before using the relative cluesCorrect
- BStart with the clue that has the most names and guess a position
- CIgnore fixed clues and test all 7! arrangements
- DPlace the relative clues first and fix M last
Explanation
The standard strategy is to enter definite (fixed) information first, such as M at position 4 of 7, and then apply relative clues. This narrows the possibilities. Guessing or listing every arrangement wastes time, and delaying fixed clues loses their pruning power.
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One question tells you little. A timed set on Seating Arrangements shows your real accuracy, how long you take and where you lose marks.
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