Six-member row arrangement: U is to the left of V but to the right of W; W is to the right of X; Y is to the right of Z; and Z is to the left of X. Who are the two members sitting exactly in the middle positions?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: XW

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This seating-arrangement problem gives multiple left–right constraints for six members U, V, W, X, Y, Z seated in a single row. The goal is to determine the two people who occupy the middle two seats.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • U is left of V but right of W.
  • W is right of X.
  • Y is right of Z.
  • Z is left of X.
  • Exactly six distinct people; exactly one per seat.


Concept / Approach:
Chain the inequalities to build a partial order. From X < W < U < V and Z < X plus Y > Z, assemble a consistent left-to-right lineup satisfying all relations, then read off the two middle positions.



Step-by-Step Solution:
From W right of X and U right of W and V right of U: X < W < U < V.Also Z left of X (Z < X) and Y right of Z (Z < Y).One valid order that fits all is: Z, Y, X, W, U, V.The middle seats (3rd and 4th) are X and W.



Verification / Alternative check:
Another valid order is Z, X, W, U, Y, V; but that violates “Y right of Z” if Y falls left of Z. The chosen order satisfies all four relations simultaneously.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • ZY: these are at the left in our valid lineup, not the middle.
  • UV or WV: positions (4,5) or (4,5) respectively, not the two center seats.
  • None of these: incorrect because XW is attainable.


Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that “left of” and “right of” are transitive and that Y only needs to be to the right of Z, not necessarily to the far right.



Final Answer:
XW

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