Six people A, B, C, D, E, F are sitting in a circle. B is between A and C. D is opposite B. Who is sitting to the left of D?

Appeared in: SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-A)

Explanation

The statement 'D is opposite B' fixes their positions relative to each other, dividing the six seats into two groups of two.
The statement 'B is between A and C' means A and C must occupy the two seats adjacent to B.
This leaves the remaining two people, E and F, to occupy the remaining two seats, which are adjacent to D.
Therefore, the neighbors of D are E and F.
Assuming 'left' refers to the clockwise direction, one of the two possible valid arrangements places F to the immediate left of D.

Option A: A cannot be next to D because A must be a neighbor of B, as the problem states 'B is between A and C'.
Option B: C cannot be next to D because C must be a neighbor of B, according to the condition 'B is between A and C'.
Option C: E is one of the two neighbors of D. However, the problem statement is ambiguous as it does not provide enough information to definitively determine the positions of E and F relative to D.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning - Circular Seating Arrangement as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, which are not directly related to clinical nursing practice.
These skills are essential for critical thinking in various non-clinical aspects of professional life and are often included in competitive examinations to assess general intelligence.
What if? - If the stem changed one defining clue so that F no longer matched, reassess the option whose mechanism, classification, or indication now fits the revised presentation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the number of people and the shape of the arrangement (6 people, circle).
Use the most definite information first. 'D is opposite B' is a fixed relationship that divides the circle in half.
Next, use the relative position clues. 'B is between A and C' places A and C as immediate neighbors of B.
Identify the remaining people and the remaining empty positions. Here, E and F are left, and the seats next to D are empty.
Place the remaining people. You will find that E and F must be the neighbors of D.
Finally, answer the specific question, 'Who is to the left of D?'. Note any ambiguity. If the positions of the final people are not uniquely determined, review the options. In this case, both E and F are possible, but only one can be the answer. One valid configuration must be chosen to answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-A)

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