Row swap & total – Dilip is 10th from the left; Jagdish is 20th from the right. They swap places and Jagdish becomes 23rd from the right. How many students are in the row?
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A33
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B44
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C42
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D32
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: 32
Explanation
Introduction / Context:When a person’s position is known from one side after a swap, combine left and right ranks for that same final position to compute total N via N = L + R − 1.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Dilip (before swap): 10th from left.
- Jagdish (before swap): 20th from right.
- After swapping, Jagdish is at Dilip’s old seat and is 23rd from right.
Concept / Approach:After swap, Jagdish’s left rank equals Dilip’s original left rank (=10). Combine with his new right rank (=23).
Step-by-Step Solution:N = left + right − 1 = 10 + 23 − 1 = 32.
Verification / Alternative check:Check complements: In a row of 32, 10th from left corresponds to 23rd from right (since 32 − 10 + 1 = 23). Consistent.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:33/42/44 violate the complement formula for the observed final ranks.
Common Pitfalls:Using Jagdish’s original right rank (20) instead of his final right rank (23) in the formula.
Final Answer:32