Eight persons — A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H are sitting around a circular table facing toward the center, but not necessarily in the same order. Also, each of them is holding number cards from 2 to 9 (one card per person). The numbers on their cards are distinct. Consecutive numbered card holders are not sitting adjacent to each other. B is sitting second to the left of the person holding the card numbered 7. The person holding the card numbered 3 is sitting second to the right of E, who holds an even-numbered card greater than 4. C holds a card whose number is a prime number, but C is not sitting adjacent to either B or the person holding the card numbered 9. The person holding the card numbered 9 is sitting immediately to the right of A, who holds a card number divisible by both 2 and 4. The difference between the numbers on the cards hold by D and the person sitting opposite D is 3. The person holding the card numbered 2 sits third to the left of the person holding the card numbered 6. The sum of the numbers on the cards hold by G and the person sitting to G's immediate right is 11. The person holding the card numbered 4 is sitting opposite the person holding the card numbered 8. If the sum of the card numbers held by A and H is 7, then what will be the difference between the card numbers held by C and the one who is sitting second to the left of E?

### Concept & Logic Conditional questions introduce a temporary new rule that resolves previous ambiguities. Here, the "If..." clause allows us to finally fix the specific positions of the remaining undetermined variables ($F$ and $H$) before executing a final arithmetic step. ### Step-by-Step Solution 1. **Resolve the $F/H$ ambiguity:** * The base arrangement dictates that $A$ holds the card numbered **4**. * The conditional clue states: $A + H = 7$. * Substituting $A$'s value: $4 + H = 7 \Rightarrow H = 3$. * From our initial derivation, the cards 2 and 3 were distributed between $F$ and $H$ at Positions 3 and 7. Since $H = 3$, $H$ must be seated at the position holding 3 (Position 7). * Consequently, $F$ is seated at the position holding 2 (Position 3). 2. **Identify $C$'s card number:** * Based on the main puzzle derivation, $C$ sits at Position 4 and holds the card numbered **5**. 3. **Locate the person second to the left of $E$:** * $E$ is seated at Position 5 (holding 8). * Facing the center, "Left" is clockwise. * Moving clockwise from Position 5: The first left is Position 4, and the second left is **Position 3**. * We established in Step 1 that Position 3 is occupied by $F$, who holds the card numbered **2**. 4. **Calculate the final difference:** * The difference between $C$'s card and $F$'s card (2nd left of $E$). * Difference = $|5 - 2| = 3$. ### Exam Strategy & Shortcut Focus precisely on what the question is asking. You don't necessarily need the whole circle for the final step. Once you realize $E$ is at 5 and its 2nd left is 3, you only need the card value at Position 3 (which is 2) and $C$'s card value (which is 5). The identity of $H$ resolving to 3 just confirms that Pos 3 is indeed 2. ### Common Pitfall Forgetting the direction rule for circular arrangements (Left = Clockwise, Right = Anti-clockwise). If you mistakenly went anti-clockwise from $E$, you would land on Position 7 (card 3), leading to a difference of $5-3 = 2$, which is an incorrect trap option. ### Final Answer Therefore, the correct answer is **3**.