Five friends Ram, Sam, Pam, Ham and Jam are sitting in a row facing north. Ram sits exactly between Pam and Jam. No one sits to the left of Sam. Three people sit between Sam and Pam. Who sits to the immediate left of Jam?

Appeared in: MP NHM CHO-2024 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The puzzle involves determining the linear seating arrangement of five friends based on a set of relational clues.
The clue "No one sits to the left of Sam" fixes Sam's position at the extreme left (Position 1).
The clue "Three people sit between Sam and Pam" then fixes Pam's position at the extreme right (Position 5).
With Pam at Position 5, the clue "Ram sits exactly between Pam and Jam" places Jam at Position 3 and Ram at Position 4.
The only remaining person, Ham, must occupy the last empty seat, which is Position 2.
In the final arrangement (Sam, Ham, Jam, Ram, Pam), Ham is to the immediate left of Jam.

Option B: Sam is at the extreme left end of the row (Position 1) and has no one to his left.
Option C: Pam is at the extreme right end of the row (Position 5). Ram sits to her immediate left.
Option D: Ram is sitting to the immediate right of Jam (Position 4), not to the left.

Visual 1: Diagram - A simple diagram with five numbered slots representing the seats. The solution can be visualized by filling in the names one by one according to the clues, showing the final arrangement clearly.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning - Linear Seating Arrangement as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question is not related to a clinical nursing topic but tests logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
These skills are crucial for nurses in clinical practice for tasks like prioritizing patient care, troubleshooting equipment, and making sound judgments under pressure.
What if the clue was "Two people sit between Sam and Pam"? The arrangement would change significantly. Sam would be at Position 1, and Pam at Position 4. This would alter the positions of all other individuals.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the number of people and the type of arrangement (a single row).
Look for a definitive clue that fixes a person's position. Here, "No one sits to the left of Sam" is the anchor point, placing Sam at the far left.
Draw a visual representation, like five blank spaces, and place Sam in the first one.
Use the next clue relative to the fixed person. "Three people between Sam and Pam" allows you to place Pam.
Continue to add people to your diagram based on the remaining clues until all positions are filled.
Finally, re-read the question ("Who sits to the immediate left of Jam?") and find the answer from your completed diagram.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full MP NHM CHO-2024 (Shift-1)

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