Five boys A, B, C, D and E are standing in a row. D is on the right of E. B is on the left of E but on the right of A. D is on the left of C, who is standing on the extreme right. Who is standing in the middle?

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-1st

Explanation

The question requires deducing the linear arrangement of five individuals from a set of relational clues.
Combining the statements 'D is on the right of E' and 'B is on the left of E but on the right of A' gives the sequence A, B, E, D.
The final clue, 'D is on the left of C, who is standing on the extreme right,' completes the arrangement as A, B, E, D, C.
In a sequence of five, the third position is the middle. Therefore, E is in the middle.

Option A: Based on the final arrangement (A, B, E, D, C), B is in the second position from the left.
Option B: The problem explicitly states that C is standing on the extreme right, which is the fifth position, not the middle.
Option C: In the final arrangement (A, B, E, D, C), D is in the fourth position from the left.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning - Linear Arrangement as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests logical and sequential reasoning, a foundational skill for problem-solving.
In nursing, logical reasoning is crucial for prioritizing tasks, interpreting patient data sequentially, and making sound clinical judgments under pressure.
What if the clue was 'B is on the left of E and on the right of A'? The outcome would be the same (A, B, E). The word 'but' is used for contrast but doesn't change the positional logic here.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify all the individuals (A, B, C, D, E) and the total number of positions (5).
Break down each statement into a small positional sequence. For example, 'D is on the right of E' becomes 'E, D'.
Look for a common individual between your sequences to link them together. Here, 'E' connects 'A, B, E' and 'E, D'.
Use absolute position clues (like 'C is on the extreme right') to anchor your arrangement.
Draw or visualize the final sequence (A, B, E, D, C).
Identify the middle position in the sequence of five (the 3rd person) to find the answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-1st

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.