The four different positions of dice are given below: Which number is on the face opposite 6?

In a usual dice, the sum of the numbers on any two opposite faces is always 7. Thus, 1 is opposite 6, 2 is opposite 5 and 3 is opposite 4.

Consequently, when 4, 3, 1 and 5 are the numbers on the top faces, then 3, 4, 6 and 2 respectively are the numbers on the face touching the ground. The total of these numbers = 3 + 4 + 6 + 2 = 15.

Since the total number of dots on opposite faces is always 7, therefore, 1 dot appears opposite 6 dots, 2 dots appear opposite 5 dots and 3 dots appear opposite 4 dots.

From figures X and Y, we conclude that dot, circle, square and cross lie adjacent to the triangle. Therefore, the arrow must lie opposite the triangle. From figures X and Z, we conclude that dot, triangle, arrow and cross lie adjacent to the circle. Therefore, the square must lie opposite the circle. Thus, the arrow lies opposite the triangle, the square lies opposite the circle and consequently, the cross lies opposite the dot.

As analysed above, the cross lies opposite the dot.

Number 2 is common to the two positions of the dice. We assume the dice in fig. (ii) to be rotated so that 2 remains on the top face (i.e. face V as per activity 1) and the numbers 3 and 6 move to the faces hidden behind 5 and 1 respectively [in fig. (i)]. Then, clearly, 5 lies opposite 3 and 6 lies opposite 1. Hence, when 1 is at the top, then 6 will be at the bottom.

The number 6 is common to both the positions of the dice. We assume the dice in fig. (ii) to be rotated so that 6 remains on the FR-LH face (i. e. on face IV as per activity 1) and the numbers 1 and 3 move to the faces hidden behind 4 and 5 respectively [in fig. (i)]. Then, 5 lies on FR-RH face (i.e. face I), 4 lies on Top face {i.e. face V), 3 lies on RR-LH face (i.e. face III) and 1 lies on Bottom face (i.e. face VI). Thus, 3 lies opposite 5. Hence, when the top is 3, then the number at the bottom is 5.

From positions X and Y we conclude that 1, 5, 6 and 3 lie adjacent to 4. Therefore, 2 must lie opposite 4. From positions Y and Z we conclude that 4, 3, 2 and 5 lie adjacent to 6. Therefore, 1 must lie opposite 6. Thus, 2 lies opposite 4, 1 lies opposite 6 and consequently 5 lies opposite 3.

As analysed above, the number on the face opposite 5 is 3. In position X, since 5 lies on the top, therefore 3 must lie at the bottom face.

From figures (i), (iii) and (iv), we conclude that 2, 6, 1. and 5 appear adjacent to 3. Clearly, 4 will appear opposite 3.

From figures (i) and (ii), we conclude that 2, 3, 5 and 6 he adjacent to 1. Therefore, 4 lies opposite 1. Hence, when 4 is at the bottom, then1 must be on the top.

Number 3 is common to the two positions of the block. We assume the block in fig. (ii) to be rotated so that 3 appears at the same position as in fig. (i) i.e. on RHS face (i.e. on face II as per activity 1) and the numbers 5 and 2 move to the faces hidden behind the numbers 4 and 6 respectively [in fig. (i)]. Thus, the combined figure will have 3 on RHS face (i.e. face II), 4 on the Front face (i.e. face I), 6 on the Top face (i.e. face V), 5 on the Rear face (i.e. face III) and 2 on the Bottom face (i.e. face VI). Clearly, when 2 is at the bottom; then 6 is at the top.

From positions X and Y we conclude that 1, 5, 6 and 3 lie adjacent to 4. Therefore, 2 must lie opposite 4. From positions Y and Z we conclude that 4, 3, 2 and 5 lie adjacent to 6. Therefore, 1 must lie opposite 6. Thus, 2 lies opposite 4, 1 lies opposite 6 and consequently 5 lies opposite 3.

As analysed above, the number on the face opposite 4 is 2. In position Y, since 4 lies on the top, therefore 2 must lie at the bottom face.