In a row, T is to the left of R and to the right of S. V is to the right of R and U is to the left of S. Which one is in the middle?

Appeared in: NORCET 8 Prelims-2025

Explanation

The statements describe the relative positions of five individuals (U, S, T, R, V) in a single row.
By combining the statements ('T' is between S and R; 'V' is to the right of R; 'U' is to the left of S), the final linear arrangement is determined to be: U - S - T - R - V.
In this sequence of five individuals, the third position is the exact middle, which is occupied by T.

Option B: R is in the fourth position in the final arrangement (U-S-T-R-V), which is to the right of the middle.
Option C: U is in the first position (far left) in the final arrangement. It is at the beginning of the row, not the middle.
Option D: S is in the second position in the final arrangement, which is to the left of the middle.

Visual 1: Diagram - A simple linear diagram showing the final arrangement of the five individuals (U-S-T-R-V) with an arrow pointing to 'T' labeled 'Middle'.

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.
While not a clinical question, it tests logical reasoning, a foundational skill for nurses to analyze information, prioritize tasks, and make sound clinical judgments.
This type of problem-solving helps in systematically evaluating patient symptoms and data to arrive at a correct assessment.
What if? If the question stated 'V is to the left of R', the sequence would change to U-S-T-V-R. The middle person would still be T, demonstrating the stability of the core sequence.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the question type: This is a logical reasoning puzzle involving linear arrangement.
Start with the most definitive statement to create a base sequence. 'T is to the left of R and to the right of S' directly gives you 'S-T-R'.
Incrementally add the other individuals to the sequence based on the remaining clues. Add 'V' to get 'S-T-R-V'.
Incorporate the final clue to complete the arrangement. Add 'U' to get 'U-S-T-R-V'.
Once the full sequence is established, identify the middle element by counting. In a sequence of five, the third element is the middle.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCET 8 Prelims-2025

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