Seven friends, L, M, N, O, P, Q and R, sit in a straight line facing north.
L sits third to the right of R.
N is not at an extreme.
M sits second to the left of N.
P is to the immediate right of L.
Q is not adjacent to O.
R is not at the second position from the left end.
Who sits at the extreme right end?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Let the seven positions from left to right be numbered 1 to 7 facing north.
Step-by-step arrangement:
• 'L sits third to the right of R' and 'P is to the immediate right of L' gives the block: R _ _ L P.
• Since R is not at position 2, and R cannot be at position 4 or beyond (as P would exceed 7), R can only be at position 1 or 3:
• If R is at position 1: R(1), L(4), P(5). Remaining positions are 2, 3, 6, 7. 'M sits second to the left of N' (M _ N) cannot fit here. Thus, this case is eliminated.
• If R is at position 3: R(3), L(6), P(7). Remaining positions are 1, 2, 4, 5.
• To place 'M _ N' with N not at an extreme, M must be at position 2 and N at position 4.
• Positions 1 and 5 are occupied by Q and O (neither are adjacent, which satisfies the condition).
The final arrangement from left to right is:
(Q/O) – M – R – N – (O/Q) – L – P
Therefore, P sits at the extreme right end.