Seven boxes U, V, W, X, A, B and C are kept one over the other but not necessarily in the same order. Only two boxes are kept below X. Only one box is kept above A. Only one box is kept between A and U. V is kept immediately above B. C is kept at some place below W. How many boxes are kept between W and V?

Appeared in: DSSSB 13 August 2024

Explanation

The final arrangement of the boxes from top (position 7) to bottom (position 1) is: W, A, C, U, X, V, B.
Box W is at the top (position 7) and box V is at position 2.
The boxes located between W and V are A (position 6), C (position 5), U (position 4), and X (position 3).
Counting these boxes (A, C, U, X) gives a total of four boxes.

Option A: This is incorrect. The logical deduction shows four boxes (A, C, U, and X) are between W and V.
Option B: This is incorrect. There are four boxes between W and V, not three.
Option C: This is incorrect. The final arrangement places four boxes between W and V.

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 type of logical reasoning is a foundational skill for problem-solving in any field, including nursing.
In a clinical setting, a nurse must logically process multiple pieces of patient information (symptoms, lab results, history) to make sound decisions, similar to how clues are processed in this puzzle.
What if the clue was 'V is kept immediately BELOW B'? The 'BV' block would still occupy positions 2 and 1, but with B at position 2 and V at position 1. This would change the final count of boxes between W and V to five (A, C, U, X, B).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the type of question. This is a linear arrangement puzzle.
Draw out the number of positions as a vertical stack (e.g., 7 slots numbered 1 to 7).
Identify and place the boxes based on 'definite' clues first. For example, 'Only two boxes are kept below X' definitively places X at position 3.
Next, use the 'relative' clues to place the remaining boxes. For example, 'V is kept immediately above B' creates a block that you must fit into the remaining empty spaces.
Continue filling in the arrangement until all boxes are placed.
Finally, re-read the question ('How many boxes are kept between W and V?') and use your completed arrangement to find the answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB 13 August 2024

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