Work-crew swaps – determine final positions A crew paints Mr. Field’s house: Michael (front), Ross (back alley), Jed (north side), Shawn (south side). Michael swaps with Jed; then Jed swaps with Shawn. Where is Shawn after both swaps?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: in front of the house

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This sequencing puzzle tracks personnel swaps around a house. You must follow two consecutive position exchanges to determine one worker’s final location.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Initial positions: Michael = front; Ross = back; Jed = north; Shawn = south.
  • Swap 1: Michael ↔ Jed.
  • Swap 2: Jed ↔ Shawn (using Jed’s new position from Swap 1).
  • No other changes occur.


Concept / Approach:
Apply the swaps strictly in order, updating positions after each. Keep a simple table or running list so that you do not revert Jed to his original position before the second swap.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Start: M(front), R(back), J(north), S(south).After Swap 1 (M ↔ J): M(north), J(front), R(back), S(south).After Swap 2 (J ↔ S): J(south), S(front), M(north), R(back).Therefore, Shawn ends up at the front of the house.


Verification / Alternative check:

Reverse the process mentally: If Shawn is at front at the end, then just before Swap 2 he must have been at south, and Jed at front—consistent with Swap 1’s aftermath.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

North/Back/South do not match the final tracked position for Shawn after both swaps.“Roof” is an irrelevant distractor not supported by the scenario.


Common Pitfalls:

Accidentally applying the second swap to Jed’s original location instead of his post–Swap 1 location.


Final Answer:
in front of the house

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