Seven boys A, B, C, D, E, F and G are standing in a straight line. The following information is given: (i) G stands somewhere between A and E. (ii) F and A have exactly one boy standing between them. (iii) E and C have exactly two boys standing between them. (iv) D is immediately to the right of F. (v) C and B have exactly three boys standing between them. Who is standing second from the left end of the line?

Introduction / Context:

This is a multi-condition linear arrangement puzzle involving seven boys. The problem provides several constraints about relative positions, such as “between”, “immediately to the right of” and “with a fixed number of boys between”. We must integrate all these conditions to find the unique valid arrangement and then identify who stands second from the left.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Boys: A, B, C, D, E, F and G.
• They stand in a straight line facing the same direction.
• (i) G stands between A and E (either A – G – E or E – G – A).
• (ii) Exactly one boy stands between F and A.
• (iii) Exactly two boys stand between E and C.
• (iv) D is immediately to the right of F.
• (v) Exactly three boys stand between C and B.

Concept / Approach:

We treat the line as seven positions from left to right. Each condition restricts possible positions. We often start with constraints involving exact numbers of people between, because they sharply limit positions. By trial, elimination and cross-checking, we arrive at a single arrangement that satisfies all statements.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Check each condition against B, E, G, A, C, F, D. G is between E and A, so condition (i) holds. There is exactly one boy (G) between F and A because A is in position 4 and F in position 6 with C in between, giving a gap of two, satisfying condition (ii). There are exactly two boys between E (position 2) and C (position 5), satisfying condition (iii). D is immediately right of F (positions 6 and 7), satisfying (iv). Finally, there are exactly three boys between C (position 5) and B (position 1), satisfying condition (v). All clues are satisfied.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

In the final arrangement, position 2 from the left is occupied by E, not by C, G or A.

Options A, C and G refer to boys in positions 4, 5 and 3 respectively, so none of them is second from the left.

Common Pitfalls:

Students often overlook at least one condition when trying arrangements, leading to partially correct but invalid orders. Another common issue is miscounting “number of boys between”, which counts only boys strictly in between, not the endpoints themselves. Writing position numbers and checking each condition explicitly helps maintain accuracy.

Final Answer:

The boy standing second from the left is E.