Six people A, P, R, X, S, Z sit in a row. S and Z occupy the two middle seats; A and P are at the two ends. R sits to the left of A. Who sits immediately to the right of P?

Introduction / Context:End seats and center seats are fixed; a single relative clue pins down the neighbor of P.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Seats 1–6 left to right.
• S and Z occupy seats 3 and 4 (order unknown).
• A and P occupy seats 1 and 6 (order unknown).
• R is to the left of A.

Concept / Approach:If A were at seat 1, “R to the left of A” would be impossible. Hence A must be seat 6 and P seat 1. Seats 3 and 4 are S and Z, leaving seats 2 and 5 for R and X.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:Placing R at seat 2 still satisfies “R left of A,” leaving X as P’s right neighbor; options include X but not R.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:A is at the opposite end; S and Z are constrained to middle seats.

Common Pitfalls:Trying A at the left end contradicts “R to the left of A.”

Final Answer:X